Disney's Beauty and the Beast Coming to The National Theatre

The magic of Disney's beloved classic is returning to the stage when Disney's Beauty and the Beast opens at The National Theatre for a limited engagement from March 18 through April 5, 2026. Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 14 at noon, but you can access tickets now using the pre-sale code "YAS952" to secure the best seats for this enchanting production. This spectacular show promises to bring the timeless tale of Belle and the Beast to life with stunning visuals, unforgettable music, and theatrical magic that audiences will treasure.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast at The National Theatre in DC

Disney's Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
This touring production marks the first major national tour in three decades and features the work of members of the original Tony Award-winning artistic team. The production delivers an extraordinary theatrical experience with elaborate staging, breathtaking costume design, and dazzling choreography that brings new life to this tale as old as time.

At the heart of the production is Alan Menken's beloved score, featuring classic songs from the 1991 animated film along with additional numbers created for the stage musical. The iconic "Be Our Guest" number has emerged as a standout spectacular, featuring multiple dance styles including tap dancing, chorus line formations, and even synchronized swimming-inspired choreography captured by overhead camera. The number is so impressive that it consistently receives standing ovations mid-show, with audiences marveling at the elaborate costume changes, stunning lighting effects, and the remarkable energy of the ensemble.

The choreography throughout the production creates memorable moments both grand and intimate. "Human Again" features an innovative dream ballet sequence where white-clad dancers serve as the human forms of the enchanted servants, performing graceful pirouettes, lifts, and waltz steps that beautifully illustrate the characters' hopes of breaking free from their curse.

The costume design is nothing short of magnificent, with glittering, meticulously detailed outfits that sparkle under the lights. Belle's iconic yellow ballgown has been reimagined as haute couture, while the enchanted household objects feature whimsical touches including a teapot costume with Eiffel Tower embellishments and a feather duster outfit with a cascading mermaid silhouette. Even the smallest details shine, like Belle wearing oversized reading glasses in several scenes as a nod to her love of books.

The production's scenic design faithfully recreates beloved locations from the film, from Belle's provincial French village to the Beast's imposing Gothic castle, with the pivotal West Wing brought to stunning life on stage. Projections and lighting seamlessly blend with physical set pieces to create an immersive fairytale atmosphere, while theatrical illusions add genuine magic throughout the show. The most talked-about illusion features Chip, the young teacup, whose transparent cart creates the convincing effect of a floating head while completely concealing the performer's body.

The production showcases the full emotional range of the story, from the raucous energy of "Gaston" with its tavern revelry and tankard-clanking choreography, to the tender romance that develops between Belle and the Beast. Belle emerges as a strong-willed, intelligent protagonist who makes her own choices about love, while the Beast reveals surprising vulnerability and humanity beneath his fearsome exterior. Their chemistry anchors the production, making their love story genuinely moving.

The enchanted household staff provides both comic relief and heart, with standout performances bringing warmth and personality to Lumiere the candelabra, Mrs. Potts the teapot, Cogsworth the clock, Babette the feather duster, and the adorable young Chip. Their physical comedy and expressive performances create genuine character depth despite their transformed states. The production also adds a meaningful touch with a vocal cameo from the late Angela Lansbury, who voiced Mrs. Potts in the original film, creating a bittersweet sense of the baton being passed to new generations of performers.

With a runtime of two and a half hours including intermission, Disney's Beauty and the Beast delivers a theatrical experience that appeals to audiences of all ages. Whether you're a long-time fan of the classic story or experiencing it for the first time, this production offers spectacular entertainment with its combination of gorgeous music, show-stopping choreography, breathtaking costumes, and genuine theatrical magic that will leave audiences asking "how did they do that?"

Don't miss your chance to experience this enchanting limited engagement at The National Theatre. Remember, tickets go on sale November 14, but you can get your tickets now with pre-sale code "YAS952".

To see a list of all Broadway Shows coming to DC, visit our Broadway Shows In DC page.