Beauty And The Beast
Tampa

Disney's Beauty and the Beast — A Timeless Musical Treasure Reimagined

When Disney's Beauty and the Beast premiered on Broadway at the Palace Theatre on April 18, 1994, it became the first theatrical production in Disney history to grace the Great White Way. The musical ran for an extraordinary 5,461 performances over thirteen years before closing in 2007, making it one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. Based on the Academy Award-nominated 1991 animated film, the stage adaptation expanded the story with several new songs composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Tim Rice, including "Home," "If I Can't Love Her," and the comedic ensemble number "Human Again." These additions deepened the emotional arc of both Belle and the Beast while giving the supporting cast of enchanted household objects even more room to shine. The original production earned nine Tony Award nominations and won for Best Costume Design, and its worldwide stagings have been seen by over 35 million people in more than twenty countries.

The 30th Anniversary touring production represents a significant artistic milestone for Disney Theatrical Productions, which has not mounted a major North American tour of this title in more than a quarter century. Rather than simply dusting off the old staging, the creative team has reimagined the production from the ground up. Director and choreographer Matt West has crafted new movement vocabulary that blends classical ballet with contemporary theatrical dance, while scenic designer Stanley A. Meyer has created an entirely new physical production featuring state-of-the-art projections, automated scenery, and lighting design by Natasha Katz that transforms each scene with cinematic beauty. Tony Award-winning costume designer Ann Hould-Ward, who won her Tony for the original 1994 production, has returned to create over 150 costumes that honor the iconic silhouettes fans remember while introducing new details and fabrics that catch the light in breathtaking ways.

The story follows Belle, a bright and independent young woman in a provincial French village, who stumbles upon an enchanted castle and its mysterious master — a prince cursed to live as a Beast until he can learn to love and earn love in return. Along the way, audiences meet a delightful cast of enchanted servants including the suave candelabra Lumiere, the punctual clock Cogsworth, the nurturing teapot Mrs. Potts, and her adventurous son Chip. At its heart, Beauty and the Beast is a story about looking beyond appearances and finding the courage to open your heart, themes that resonate just as powerfully today as they did when the animated film first premiered in 1991 and became the first animated feature ever nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Tampa's Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts provides an ideal home for this grand-scale production. Located along the Hillsborough Riverwalk in the heart of downtown Tampa, the Straz Center is the largest performing arts complex in the southeastern United States, and Carol Morsani Hall's 2,610-seat auditorium offers the kind of expansive stage and sophisticated technical infrastructure that a Disney production of this caliber demands. The venue's convenient location puts it within easy reach of Tampa's vibrant dining and entertainment districts, and ample parking is available in the adjacent garage. Beauty and the Beast plays fourteen performances from May 4 through May 16, 2027, with both evening and matinee showtimes available throughout the run, giving Tampa Bay families plenty of flexibility to plan their enchanted evening.

How to Buy Beauty and the Beast Tampa Tickets

Where can I buy Beauty and the Beast Tampa tickets?

Tickets for the Tampa engagement may be available through the Straz Center box office and authorized primary sellers such as Ticketmaster. You can also check the official Beauty and the Beast tour website for links to primary ticket outlets. Verified resale tickets are available on BigStub, a trusted third-party marketplace with no hidden fees and a buyer guarantee backed by over twenty years of service.

When does Beauty and the Beast play in Tampa?

The 30th Anniversary touring production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast is scheduled for fourteen performances at Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center from May 4 through May 16, 2027. The run includes both evening performances and weekend matinees, so families can choose the showtime that works best for their schedule. Doors typically open thirty to sixty minutes before curtain, and the show runs approximately two hours and thirty minutes including intermission.

What should I know about Carol Morsani Hall before attending?

Carol Morsani Hall is the flagship theater within the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, located at 1010 N. Macinnes Place in downtown Tampa along the Hillsborough Riverwalk. The hall seats 2,610 across orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony levels, with excellent sightlines from nearly every seat. Covered parking is available in the adjacent Pam Iorio Garage, and the surrounding Riverwalk area offers a variety of restaurants and waterfront spots for pre-show dining. The Straz Center is ADA accessible with assisted listening devices and wheelchair-accessible seating available upon request.

Are resale tickets for Beauty and the Beast legitimate?

Yes, purchasing through a reputable resale marketplace like BigStub ensures your tickets are verified and backed by a buyer guarantee. BigStub works only with vetted sellers and has maintained the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry for over two decades. Every order includes transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and a dedicated customer service team is available to assist with any questions before, during, or after your purchase.

Can I resell my Beauty and the Beast tickets if I cannot attend?

If your plans change after purchasing tickets, resale marketplaces offer options for listing your seats. Many fans use platforms like BigStub to find buyers for performances they can no longer attend. Be sure to review the specific resale policies of the platform you used for your original purchase, and list your tickets well in advance of the performance date to maximize your chances of finding a buyer.

Beauty and the Beast Tampa — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 30th Anniversary production of Beauty and the Beast?

The 30th Anniversary production is a brand-new touring version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast created to celebrate the musical's three decades of theatrical history. It is the first Disney-produced North American tour of this title in over twenty-five years, featuring reimagined staging, updated orchestrations, new scenic and costume designs, and direction and choreography by Matt West.

Who stars in the Beauty and the Beast tour?

The touring cast features Kyra Belle Johnson as Belle and Fergie L. Philippe as the Beast, with Stephen Mark Lukas as Gaston, Danny Gardner as Lumiere, Kathy Voytko as Mrs. Potts, Javier Ignacio as Cogsworth, Harry Francis as Le Fou, and Kevin Ligon as Maurice. Cast members are subject to change at the discretion of the producers.

How long is a Beauty and the Beast performance?

The show runs approximately two hours and thirty minutes, including one intermission. Doors typically open thirty to sixty minutes before the scheduled curtain time.

Is Beauty and the Beast appropriate for children?

Absolutely. Disney's Beauty and the Beast is a family-friendly production suitable for audiences of all ages. The show's themes of kindness, courage, and inner beauty resonate with children and adults alike, and the spectacular costumes, enchanting music, and magical stage effects make it an ideal introduction to live theater for young audiences.

What songs are performed in Beauty and the Beast?

The musical features beloved songs from the animated film including "Belle," "Be Our Guest," "Something There," and the iconic title ballad "Beauty and the Beast," all composed by Alan Menken with original film lyrics by Howard Ashman. The stage version also includes additional songs written by Menken and Tim Rice, such as "Home," "If I Can't Love Her," and "A Change in Me."

Where is Carol Morsani Hall located?

Carol Morsani Hall is part of the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, located at 1010 N. Macinnes Place in downtown Tampa, Florida, along the scenic Hillsborough Riverwalk. The venue is easily accessible from Interstate 275 and is surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and waterfront attractions.

Is parking available at the Straz Center?

Yes, the Straz Center offers covered parking in the adjacent Pam Iorio Parking Garage, which is connected to the venue. Additional surface lots and street parking are also available nearby. Arriving thirty to forty-five minutes before showtime is recommended to allow time for parking and finding your seats.

What are the seating options at Carol Morsani Hall?

Carol Morsani Hall seats 2,610 patrons across three levels: orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony. Orchestra seats offer the closest views of the stage, while mezzanine seats provide an elevated perspective with excellent sightlines. The balcony offers a more affordable option with a full view of the production. Accessible seating and assisted listening devices are available upon request.

Can I buy Beauty and the Beast tickets as a gift?

Yes, theater tickets make wonderful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or any special occasion. When purchasing through BigStub, you can select specific seats and dates that work for the recipient, and tickets are delivered electronically for easy gifting.

What is BigStub's buyer guarantee?

BigStub's buyer guarantee ensures that every ticket purchased through the platform is verified, authentic, and delivered in time for the event. If there is ever an issue with your order, BigStub's dedicated customer service team will work to resolve it or provide a full refund. The company has maintained the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry for over twenty years.

Are there dining options near the Straz Center?

The Straz Center's downtown Tampa location along the Hillsborough Riverwalk puts dozens of restaurants within walking distance. Popular pre-show options include waterfront dining at Ulele, Armature Works, and other Riverwalk establishments. The Straz Center also has its own Maestro's restaurant on site for convenient pre-show meals and intermission refreshments.

How many performances of Beauty and the Beast are scheduled in Tampa?

The Tampa engagement includes fourteen scheduled performances at Carol Morsani Hall from May 4 through May 16, 2027. The run features a mix of evening shows and matinee performances on weekends, giving audiences multiple options to find a showtime that fits their schedule.