The Tale As Old As Time Has Ended

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Disney's first forray in to legitmate theatre, Beauty and the Beast has closed after thirteen years.  While I enjoyed the show, its true value is starting Disney's theatrical buisness, which continues.  As Beauty and the Beast closes, The Little Mermaid begins its out-of-town tryout in Denver before it moves to New York in November.  Here are a few fun facts about the show:

  • Over 120 wigs are worn onstage every night.
  • 248 pieces of hair are used onstage each night — including wigs, moustaches, and bangs.
  • The average number of wig changes for an ensemble member is eight.
  • It took 20 pounds of human hair and over 400 man-hours to create the first Beast.
  • The Beast's tail alone has seven yards of human hair.
  • There are fifty pounds of hairpins ready to go backstage at all times.
  • The Beast needs three people to help him into makeup, prosthetics, hair and wardrobe. Originally this process took over three hours before each performance; it now takes only one hour. To help achieve his animal-like appearance, he wears special latex gloves and has special rubber toes glued to the outside of his boots.
  • Belle's ball gown weighs over forty pounds.
  • Madame de la Grande Bouche's costume weighs approximately 25 pounds, the majority of which is supported by a weightlifting belt so the actress carries most of the weight in her legs.
  • Over the last 13 years, over 70,000 quick changes have been performed in the wings with a total of well over half a million costume changes.
  • During "Be Our Guest," 36,000 top hats have been used.
  • The Beast has roared over 37,000 times.

    • Congrats to the casts and crews that have been a part of this institution over the past thirteen years.   Thanks for letting us be your guests.

    Speaking of Disney Theatricals, here is an interesting article on how they handled the success of High School Musical.  

    Quick Takes:

    Parks and Resorts: At 7am EDT on August 6th, Walt Disney World will start accepting reservations for the specially ticketed events that are a part of Epcot's Food and Wine Festival.  I have never participated in any of these events.  Does anyone have any recommendations?

    Media Networks: On a very special episode of Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Maddie will audition for the role of Sharpay Evans in her school's production of High School Musical.  The irony is that Ashely Tisdale, who portrays Maddie, originated the role of Sharpay in the Disney Channel Original Movie.  That is the kind of wit you only get from the Disney Channel.  The lean, mean, synergy machine leaves its mark on the show as well.  Mark Indelicato from ABC's Ugly Betty guest stars in the episode.

    Consumer Products: On Wednesday, 75 little girls will parade down Fifth Avenue to the World of Disney store to promote the release of Gail Carson Levine's "Fairy Haven and the Quest for the Wand" book.  This is just another step in establishing the Disney Fairies franchise which will be anchored by the Tinker Bell Movie being release on DVD next fall.  While this franchise has not yet become a blockbuster.  It has already generated over $800 million, which is impressive considering the limited promotion the franchisse is getting.