In anticipation of the Mandarin-language production of Beauty and the Beast set to hit the Walt Disney Grande Theatre this summer, Alan Menken visited Shanghai Disney Resort. During the press event, the cast for the show were introduced, with the highlight being a performance of the title song by Menken and Xu Meng, who will play Mrs. Potts.
“This is my first visit to China, and I am thrilled to be here to support the newest Mandarin production of the musical recreated from the original Broadway show, and to meet the gifted local cast and crew,” said Menken. “There are some special new elements for this exciting production, which, combined with the talented local performers, will make it a truly one-of-a-kind entertainment experience for the Chinese audience.”
Menken spent time on-stage discussing his passion for music—which has led to his enshrinement as a Disney Legend—and his journey with Beauty and the Beast over the past 26 years. Some of the show’s cast, made up of talent from across China, also joined Menken to discuss the new show.
Bringing the stage version of Beauty and the Beast to Shanghai follows last year’s live-action film, that brought in over $85 million in China. The Walt Disney Grande Theatre also had success with a Mandarin production of The Lion King, which helped open Shanghai Disney Resort in 2016.