Disney's Beauty And The Beast Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical

Production History of Beauty and the Beast.

From Houston to Broadway Glory.

The journey began in November 1993. The musical premiered at the Music Hall at Fair Park in Houston, Texas. It was more than just a preview — it was a litmus test. Audiences responded with standing ovations. Critics marveled at its transformation of a beloved animated classic into a living, breathing spectacle. Then, on April 18, 1994, *Beauty and the Beast* landed on Broadway at the Palace Theatre. What followed was historic.

Historic Broadway Run.

The show became one of the longest-running Broadway musicals in history.

• Total performances: 5,461 regular shows
• Previews: 46
• Broadway closure: July 29, 2007

Its final years were spent at the Lunt–Fontanne Theatre. Disney made the tough call to close it in 2007 to make way for *The Little Mermaid*. The company feared splitting its audience between two princess-driven productions. And while Belle technically wasn’t royalty at the start, by the end she became Disney royalty.

Creative Brilliance Behind the Curtain.

Directed by Robert Jess Roth and choreographed by Matt West, the show dazzled with groundbreaking design. Doug Besterman\Danny Troob adapted the film score. Live orchestra merged with Alan Menken's compositions like thunder with a heartbeat. Pyrotechnics? Constant. The production had a full-time designer on staff just for special effects. This was no simple fairytale.

Original Broadway Cast Highlights.

• Belle: Susan Egan
• Beast: Terrence Mann
• Gaston: Burke Moses
• Lumière: Gary Beach
• Mrs. Potts: Beth Fowler

These names etched themselves into Broadway legend.

West End Reception.

The West End debut happened in 1997 at the Dominion Theatre. London saw its own constellation of talent.

• Beast: Alasdair Harvey
• Belle: Julie-Alanah Brighten
• Gaston: John Barrowman
• Lumière: Derek Griffiths

The run ended in 1999, but not without acclaim. It earned one Olivier Award and two more nominations.

Touring the Kingdom.

The U.S. national tour began in 1995. It didn’t stop until 1999. Then came a second tour (1999–2003), and even a third (2001–2003). Three tours. Overlapping. The show never left American roads for nearly a decade.

• Tour 1: 1995–1999
• Tour 2: 1999–2003
• Tour 3: 2001–2003

No other Broadway musical toured the U.S. like this.

Famous Songs from Beauty and the Beast.

Musical Highlights That Became Cultural Icons.

Alan Menken's melodies paired with Howard Ashman's and Tim Rice’s lyrics created instant classics. These songs didn’t just move the story forward — they stirred the soul. Each piece was tailored with emotional resonance, theatrical flair, and memorable phrasing.

• "Belle" – The bold opening number. It defines the town and the girl who doesn't fit in.
• "Gaston" – A comic anthem to narcissism. “No one's slick as Gaston…” has become legendary.
• "Be Our Guest" – A show-stopping invitation that explodes with rhythm and spectacle.
• "Something There" – A tender, vulnerable moment. The turning point of Belle and Beast’s relationship.
• "Beauty and the Beast" – The title track, sung by Mrs. Potts, glows with timeless grace.
• "If I Can't Love Her" – Added for the stage. A haunting solo for the Beast, aching with regret and longing.

Lyrics That Endure.

These lines etched into musical history. "Little town, it's a quiet village. Every day like the one before..." – The start of “Belle,” where normalcy is both comfort and prison. "No one's slick as Gaston / No one's quick as Gaston..." – Comic genius. Villainy wrapped in charm. "Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme..." – The line that defines the entire show. "And for the first time... I let my heart decide." – From “If I Can't Love Her,” the Beast’s moment of shattered pride.