Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical opened on Broadway at the Palace Theatre.
The stage musical began Broadway performances in 1994 after the success of Disney's animated film. The Palace Theatre, a historic Broadway venue in Manhattan, hosted the production during its original New York run. The show adapted the film's characters and songs while adding stage material, including new songs by Alan Menken and Tim Rice.
Susan Egan originated the role of Belle on Broadway, and Terrence Mann played the Beast. The production became one of the earliest major Disney stage adaptations and helped establish a continuing Broadway relationship for Disney Theatrical Productions.
The Palace Theatre is easy to confuse with other Broadway houses because Disney later used venues such as the New Amsterdam Theatre for other productions. The original Beauty and the Beast engagement, however, began at the Palace.