What to See in Paris: La Belle et la Bête

A “tale as old as time…”, The Beauty and the Beast was actually written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont and published in 1756. This beloved fairy tale relates the story of Belle, a smart and beautiful dreamer who sacrifices her freedom to save her Father, who’s been taken prisoner by the terrifying, titular Beast. Following Disney’s Oscar-nominated animated film of 1991, a musical theatre version made its Broadway debut in 1994 and ran there for 13 years.

The run of La Belle et la Bête, a French adaptation of that production at the intimate Théâtre Mogador in the 9th arrondissement, has been extended until July 27. Boasting beautiful sets, dazzling costumes, some 35 artists on the stage and a 12-strong orchestra, the show’s highlights include the C’est La Fête (Be Our Guest) tableau and the romantic waltz to the title song.

Crystal-clear soprano Manon Taris (Belle), the charismatic Alexis Loizon (Gaston) and the comic Dan Menasche (Lumière) are this production’s standout performances, while the timeless tunes of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice you’ll never tire of hearing. ThéâTre Mogador

Until July 27. Shows Tuesday to Saturday at 8 pm. Weekend matinees at 3 pm. Tel: +33 (0)1 53 33 45 30. Tickets €25-€99

From France Today magazine