If you grew up loving Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, seeing this story come to life on stage feels a little bit like stepping back into a favorite childhood memory. We had the chance to see Disney’s 30th Anniversary production of Beauty and the Beast at ASU Gammage in Tempe. And it was such a fun experience to share with my daughter, niece and my sister!
This production is part of the national touring Broadway show, bringing the magic of the beloved Disney classic to theaters across the country. The ASU Gammage run has now wrapped, but the show will continue traveling for audiences who want to experience the music, costumes, and story live on stage.
And if you’re wondering if this is a family-friendly show, the answer is a very enthusiastic yes! It’s the kind of production that works for Disney fans of all ages. Whether you’re introducing your kids to live theater for the first time or you’re someone who has loved Belle’s story for years, there’s something really special about watching this classic tale unfold right in front of you.
For those who may not know the story, Beauty and the Beast follows Belle, a young woman who dreams of a life beyond her small village, and the Beast, a prince trapped under a mysterious curse. When their paths cross, they discover that true beauty comes from looking beyond appearances and seeing what is truly in someone’s heart.
What I Loved About Beauty and the Beast at ASU Gammage
There are so many little details that made this production special, but what stood out most to me was how much care went into bringing a story that so many of us already love to life on stage. It felt familiar while still feeling fresh, and there were several moments where I found myself just sitting there thinking, “Wow, this is really beautiful.”
The Costumes Were Absolutely Magical
One of the first things that stood out to me was the costumes. They were fun, colorful, creative, and felt very true to the original Disney movie that so many of us know and love. From Belle’s iconic looks to the larger-than-life characters in the castle, the costumes helped bring the entire world of Beauty and the Beast to life. They had that perfect mix of nostalgia and Broadway magic.
The Performances Were Incredible
The performances were truly the heart of this show. I absolutely loved Belle. Her voice was pristine, and she brought such warmth and emotion to the character. She felt exactly like the Belle we all know, but with her own beautiful interpretation.
The Beast was another standout for me. While the character was fun to watch throughout the show, he truly came alive when he started singing. His voice was incredible, and I honestly could have listened to him sing all day. Those emotional moments were some of my favorites of the entire production.
I also have to mention Gaston and LeFou because they were hilarious. Their comedic timing was so good, and they brought so much energy and personality to their roles. Overall, the performances across the board were excellent and made the entire story feel alive.
The Set Design Was So Clever
One thing that impressed me most about this show was how they created it without needing elaborate sets for every scene. We really only saw the outside of the castle once, but I always knew when we were inside the castle.
The use of lighting, props, and moving set pieces was incredibly creative. They were able to transform the stage and give us a clear sense of where we were in the story. And, it wasn’t ever distracting. It reminded me that sometimes the most impressive stage design isn’t about having the biggest set. It’s about using what you have in a way that pulls the audience into the story.
The Music Was Even Better Live
One of my favorite parts of seeing a Broadway production is hearing a live orchestra. And Beauty and the Beast was no exception. There is just something special about experiencing the music performed live in a theater.
My favorite musical moments were The Beast’s ballad and a song Belle sang about her change of heart. (I believe this is one of the songs added for the stage production.) It was absolutely beautiful and felt like it was written specifically for her voice. Those quieter, emotional moments were some of the ones that stayed with me the most.
Be Our Guest Was Everything I Hoped It Would Be
Of course, I have to talk about “Be Our Guest” because it was such a highlight of the show. This scene was incredible, creative, colorful, and so much fun to watch!
The choreography was amazing, and I especially loved the tap dancing elements that were woven into the number. It was such a unique touch and brought so much energy to the stage. It was one of those moments where you could feel the entire audience light up! It captured all of the magic and fun that makes Beauty and the Beast such a beloved story.
My Favorite Moment
I think my favorite moment of the entire show actually came at the very end.
After the final scene, the entire cast came out for their bows, and the audience gave them a well-deserved standing ovation. I was surprised by how emotional I felt watching everyone come back onto the stage. There was just something really special about seeing all of the people who had worked so hard to create this experience together.
I think what got me was the reminder that every piece of art starts as an idea. Someone imagines a story, they write the music, create the costumes, and designs the sets. So many people come together to bring something to life. Seeing the cast take their final bow made the reality of that hit me in the best way. It was a beautiful reminder of how much creativity, talent, and hard work goes into creating something of this magnitude.
Of course, this show also gave me plenty of moments where I was laughing! There were so many funny moments throughout the production. Honestly, it was much funnier than I expected it to be. The humor made it even more enjoyable for families and kids. It was genuinely entertaining from beginning to end.
And the moment that will probably stick with me the most is when “Be Our Guest” begins. I don’t want to spoil anything about that scene because part of the magic is experiencing it for yourself. But, my daughter and I actually audibly gasped because it was so creative and unexpected. It was one of those theater moments where you just sit there thinking, “How did they do that?”. It’s exactly why seeing a production like this live is such a special experience.
A Couple of Small Things I Didn’t Love
Overall, I really enjoyed this production, so these are truly minor things. But I always appreciate when reviews share the full experience. So, I wanted to mention a couple of things that stood out to me.
The Beast’s Characterization Was a Little Different Than I Expected
One small thing I noticed was that The Beast’s personality felt a little different from the original movie. I really enjoyed the humor they added to his character, and there were definitely moments where he made me laugh. That said, there were a few times where he felt a little more aloof than I expected. I wasn’t always sure it matched the Beast I had grown up with.
That being said, I also understand why they made those choices. At the end of the day, The Beast is still a man who was transformed into a beast. Those little human moments helped remind us that there was still a person underneath the curse. In some ways, it helped humanize him even more. It was a little different from the character I am used to seeing, so that’s why it stood out.
The Intermission Was Just Too Short
The other thing I will probably never understand about live theater is why intermissions are sometimes so short! 😂
I completely understand that productions have schedules to keep and the show needs to continue. But, the intermission for this show felt very quick. We were able to grab snacks, which was great. However, we didn’t have time to make it through the bathroom line before it was time to head back in.
It wasn’t a major issue. It certainly didn’t take away from our experience. But, I do wish there was a more efficient way to handle intermissions. A little extra time would make the experience even better, especially for families with kids.
Is Beauty and the Beast at ASU Gammage Worth the Money?
My answer is a very easy yes. I absolutely think this show was worth the ticket price. If I had the chance to see it again, I would absolutely buy tickets.
In fact, the next time I go, I would probably spend a little more to get better seats. This time, I was honestly just grateful to be in the room because the show was completely sold out! Being able to experience a production like this live was special. Even from our seats, we had such a great view and enjoyed every minute of it.
Would I Buy Tickets Again?
Absolutely. Without hesitation.
The only thing I would change would be upgrading our seats. For a show like Beauty and the Beast, where the costumes, choreography, set design, and performances are such a huge part of the experience, I think premium seats would be worth it if your budget allows.
Is It Better for Kids or Adults?
Honestly? Both.
This is one of those rare shows that really works for everyone. Kids will love the familiar Disney story, colorful costumes, funny moments, and exciting scenes like “Be Our Guest,” while adults will appreciate the incredible performances, live orchestra, and the nostalgia of seeing a story they already love brought to life.
Watching my daughter and my niece experience the magic was one of my favorite parts, but I also found myself completely captivated as an adult.
Are Premium Seats Worth It?
I would say yes, especially if this is a special occasion or a show you’ve been looking forward to seeing.
While you can absolutely enjoy the production from different areas of the theater, being closer to the stage would allow you to take in even more of the details—the expressions of the performers, the costumes, and all of the little moments happening throughout the show.
Is It Worth Traveling For?
This is probably the only question where my answer is a little more specific. I don’t know if I would plan an entire trip solely around seeing Beauty and the Beast, but if I were visiting a city where it was playing and had the opportunity to go, I would not pass it up.
It’s a beautiful, family-friendly production that would make a really special addition to a weekend getaway, a family trip, or a fun night out.
Tips Before You Go to Beauty and the Beast at ASU Gammage
If you’re planning to see Beauty and the Beast at ASU Gammage (or honestly, any show there), my biggest recommendation is to give yourself plenty of time before the show starts.
The theater recommends arriving about an hour before showtime, and after going myself, I would absolutely agree. We didn’t arrive quite that early, and we definitely wished we had! Giving yourself that extra time makes the whole experience feel much more relaxed. It allows you to park, walk from the garage to the theater, get inside, use the restroom, and actually enjoy the experience before the curtain goes up.
I especially wish we had more time to look around the lobby and browse the merchandise table before the show. There’s something fun about soaking in all of those little details before you take your seat, and we felt a little rushed trying to fit everything in.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
Bring a clear bag. ASU Gammage has a clear bag policy, and we followed it, which made getting inside incredibly easy. We had zero issues going through security, and it honestly made the process feel effortless.
Plan to buy drinks inside if you want one. Outside beverages aren’t allowed inside the theater, but you can purchase drinks once you’re there. We grabbed waters before the show started, and it was nice to have them with us during the performance.
My biggest takeaway? Don’t rush this experience. Part of the fun of seeing a Broadway production is everything that surrounds the show like the excitement of walking into the theater, seeing the stage for the first time, and enjoying those little moments before the lights go down.
Final Thoughts: A Memory We’ll Treasure
At the end of the night, I left with a really full heart and so much gratitude that we even had the opportunity to experience this together.
Seeing Beauty and the Beast at ASU Gammage wasn’t just about watching a Broadway production—it was about creating a memory. It was my daughter and my niece’s first time seeing a show of this caliber, and getting to watch their reactions throughout the night was such a special part of the experience.
There is something so magical about introducing kids to live theater and seeing them experience the wonder of it for the first time. The lights, the music, the costumes, the performances—it all creates a moment that feels bigger than just a night out.
I truly think these are the kinds of memories that stick with us. Years from now, they may not remember every detail of the show, but I hope they remember how it felt to sit in that theater, surrounded by music and storytelling, experiencing something beautiful together.
Beauty and the Beast gave us more than just a fun night. It gave us a memory we’ll be talking about for years to come, and for that, I’m incredibly thankful.
Quick Review:
⭐ Overall Rating: ★★★★★
📍 Location: The ASU Gammage in Tempe
🕒 Running Time: 2 hrs and 45 mins
💰 Ticket Price: $68
Best For: Families, Couples, & Disney Lovers
Would I See It Again? Absolutely!
Thanks for reading!
Jess xo
