It’s a tale as old as time, reimagined with breathtaking new sets, costume designs, and state-of-the-art technology. “Be Our Guest” at Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as it makes its only stop in Asia, right here at Sands Theatre Singapore, and get ready to watch this timeless romance brought to life on stage with great spectacle, grandeur and a touch of nostalgia.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Musical
The plot of Disney’s classic Beauty and the Beast is well-known to all – Belle meets Beast, Beast falls in love with Belle, Belle eventually falls in love with Beast, the curse is broken and they all live happily ever after. It’s a heartwarming tale of the transformative power of love, and of the true value of inner beauty vs. outward appearance.
The musical version stays true to the original movie, while utilising the stage to the max – think grand numbers with dazzling dancing and singing, spectacularly bold sets and costumes, and the use of technology and special effects to amp up the theatrics. The musical feels like the grown-up version of the movie – more nuanced, more character development, and more clever dialogue that would fly over the heads of most kids.
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A highlight of the musical is the spectacularly over-the-top, cabaret-style performance of the fun fan-favourite, “Be Our Guest”. This song was absolutely made for the stage, and includes a tap finale that you just cannot help but move your feet along with.
The choreography and coordination were impeccable, and was such a treat for all the senses. This show-stopping number was absolutely lit (literally – the stage dazzled brilliantly with hundreds of lights, while Lumiere was fully in his element, singing and shining and illuminating the whole scene!)
Stellar performance by a talented cast
It’s indeed no wonder that her name means “beauty” – Belle (played by Shubshri Kandiah) is beautiful inside and out, smart, sassy, kind and courageous, and with a beautiful singing voice to boot. With two new solos not found in the movie version, Belle gets a louder voice as she gets to express more of her inner longings, reflections and aspirations.
We liked how this new stage version of Beauty and the Beast, updated for the 21st century, portrays Belle as a stronger and more empowered independent young lady. Musical-Belle has ditched her apron and donned a pair of spectacles – much more than just a random wardrobe change, this reinforces the view that women are not just made to be housekeepers, but to be readers and thinkers too.
The Beast (Brendan Xavier) is, of course, an integral part of the cast, and we were curious to see how the stage version would be brought to life in its full beastly monstrosity. We were not disappointed – hairy, horned and horrible (at least at the start), Beast certainly lived up to his name.
The longer duration of the musical allowed for more character development, and this was seen most in Beast’s character. The audience is given glimpses of his inner turmoil and struggle, and there are more scenes portraying his transformation and growth. In particular, his solo number, “If I Can’t Love Her”, is one of the most poignant and moving scenes of the musical.
The villainous Gaston was very well-portrayed – all that muscle-flexing, tankard-clinking and all-around bluster and bravado was depicted in full glory by actor Jackson Head. He somehow manages to embody boorishness and crassness while also oozing with charisma and masculine charm. His theme song, “Gaston”, was another fun number with a carnival atmosphere, complete with flying arrows, egotistical boasting and just a tiny bit of expectorating. Fun fact: during this number, the cast members clink their mugs over 821 times!
An obvious challenge of going from screen to stage is – how to portray the servants-turned-household-objects realistically? The musical certainly delivers, we were charmed by how much each character resembles their animated selves while at the same time adding their own unique flair.
More fun facts: Lumiere’s flames are real, while Mrs Potts has two spouts – one that smokes and one that doesn’t. Keep a lookout to see how quickly you can spot Madame in the first scene she appears in – her headdress blends in so well into the backdrop that she truly looks like a piece of furniture!
We held our breaths in bated expectancy as Mrs Potts (Jayde Westaby) sang her most iconic number, “Beauty and the Beast”, and we were not disappointed. This cherished titular song was performed with such heart and emotion, and added to the romance and longing of the scene. And the scene right at the end when Chip turns back into a little boy? Get those tissues ready, there was nary a dry eye in the audience.
Stunning sets, costumes and creative use of technology
We were absolutely blown away by the sets in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Musical. Belle’s village and home, Gaston’s tavern and Beast’s castle were all brought to life with great realism and creativity. In particular, the first glimpse of Beast’s castle is equal parts majestic and eerie, complete with moving stairways and chandeliers and creepy, dim lighting.
We also liked how the backdrop in the outdoor scenes is dynamic, not static, adjusting to portray the shifts in mood, such as how the clouds and sky colour change, and how the moon waxes and wanes, eventually culminating in a full moon in the pivotal scenes.
The level of detail in the costumes is seriously something else. Both of Belle’s dresses shimmer and sparkle delightfully – fun fact: each petal on Belle’s yellow ballgown has around 300-600 crystals, pearls and beads. And did you know: there are a total of 119 wigs used in the show?!
We love how each costume for the castle servants was thoughtfully designed to bring out the objects they represent – think lots of feathers for Babette the feather duster and a shimmery full bodysuit for Lumiere the candlestick.
We were thoroughly impressed by how the wolf scenes were portrayed through the creative use of technology. Keep a lookout for how the snarling wolves are brought to life with such artistry, somehow managing to evoke a sense of terror and fear even though no actual wolves were involved (obviously).
How does the Beast transform from a prince to a Beast, and then back into a prince? How about the old woman/enchantress right at the start of the story? Keep your eyes peeled, blink and you’ll miss it because it all happens seemingly magically, in the twinkling of an eye!
Take your older kids, leave the preschoolers at home
While viewers must be at least 4 years old and producers recommend the production for ages 6+, we felt that the musical is more suitable for children at least 8 years old, or possibly even older if your child is on the more sensitive side. Without giving too much away, certain scenes like the wolf scenes and the mob scene are pretty intense and scary (more so than in the movie), and there is some weaponised violence towards the end and a depiction of death that might be disturbing to the younger crowd.
As can be expected, the Beast has a deafeningly loud booming voice that younger children might cower at. The production also includes the use of strobe lighting, fog and haze effects, which can be a bit intense for the little ones.
Of course, junior princesses will be ecstatic to live out their princess dreams – it’s the perfect opportunity to doll up in their favourite princess outfits, while getting to see a real life Disney princess in the flesh.
Catch Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Musical today
With its grandeur, energy and romance, Beauty and the Beast Musical is truly a spectacular production with lots of heart. Expect to be dazzled, thrilled and charmed by the talented cast and the wow factor of the sets, props and costumes. For those who grew up watching and loving the Disney movie, the iconic scenes and songs will probably move you to tears, while newer fans will no less be enchanted by the magic and artistry of this musical.
But don’t take my word for it – you absolutely have to see it with your own eyes to experience the magic, wonder and pizzazz! Get your tickets now and get ready for a thrillingly breathtaking experience.
Note: There are plenty of gorgeous backdrops to get that perfect shot for the gram, so make sure you arrive early enough to snap away!
Where: Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue
When: Now till 25 Jan 2026. Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 8pm; Wednesdays & Saturdays, 2 and 8pm; Sundays 1 and 6.30 pm
Tickets: $70-$340
Duration: 145 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission
