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Credit: DisneyA beloved character was recently removed from the Beauty and the Beast (1991) inspired show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage opened on the same day that Beauty and the Beast hit movie theaters: November 22, 1991. The theatrical production has operated for decades, preceding its Broadway counterpart and entertaining Disney Princess fans with a shortened version of the film.
Beauty and the Beast Music Banned
As it turns out, Disney’s Hollywood Studios may be among the few places Beauty and the Beast fans can hear their favorite Alan Menken and Howard Ashman tunes live. In May, Gaston voice actor Richard White revealed that stars of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film aren’t allowed to perform its songs without permission from the Mouse.
When a fan asked White to sing a few lines from “Gaston” during a panel at comic convention C2E2, he initially dodged the question. Moments later, White explained that he isn’t allowed to perform Beauty and the Beast music outside of an “official context,” especially not in that “setting.”
It’s unclear if Paige O’Hara (Princess Belle), Robby Benson (Beast), or other Beauty and the Beast stars are beholden to the same performing rules.
Chip Takes a Tumble
Walt Disney World Resort might be The Most Magical Place on Earth, but it’s not immune from the perils of live theater. Humans make mistakes, especially in bulky character costumes!
This week, a Disney cast member playing Chip fell over in the costume and couldn’t get back up.
In a video posted on TikTok by @rabbitholepursuits, Chip rolled around briefly before technicians rushed on stage to help him up.
@rabbitholepursuits Chip fell down the Beauty and the Beadt Stage Show in Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World (WDW). Dont worry Chip was helped up and after a short break the show continued. #showmustgoon #disney #disneyfan #disneyblogger
It would’ve been impossible for Chip to stand up on his own without removing his costume, potentially scarring hundreds of guests in the process. Instead, they paused the show to protect the magic and help the stranded cast member.
“Don’t worry…After a short break, the show continued,” the Disney Park guest wrote.
Has a show stopped mid-performance during your Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort visit? Share your memories with Inside the Magic in the comments.