Instructions
You've likely seen at least one version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, but did you know the long-running Broadway stage musical and the 2017 live-action movie tell the story in different ways? Use this worksheet to explore the similarities and differences between these two magical productions. Think about the characters, the songs, and the story as you answer the questions below.
Part 1: Character Comparison
How are the main characters portrayed differently on stage versus on screen? In the table below, describe one or two key differences for each character.
| Character | Broadway Stage Musical | 2017 Live-Action Movie |
|---|---|---|
| Belle | ||
| The Beast | ||
| LeFou |
Part 2: A Tale of Two Soundtracks
Both versions are musicals, but they don't have the exact same song list! Answer the following questions about their iconic music.
- The Broadway show had several songs that were not included in the 2017 movie. Name one of these stage-exclusive songs.
- The 2017 movie introduced new songs to the story. Name one of the new songs written for the movie.
- Critical Thinking: In the movie, the Beast sings the powerful song "Evermore" after he lets Belle go. What does this song tell us about his character development and his feelings for Belle?
Part 3: Story Spotlight
Let's look at the plot. While the main story is the same, many small details and backstories were changed.
- In the live-action movie, we learn more about what happened to Belle's mother. What do we find out?
- The reason for the curse is slightly different in each version. In the movie, why were the Beast's servants also cursed?
- Which version of the story did you find more powerful or convincing? Explain your choice using at least one specific example (e.g., a character's motivation, a specific scene, or a song).
Part 4: You're the Director!
Now it's your turn to take a seat in the director's chair.
- If you were to create a brand-new adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, what is one element (a character, a song, a plot point) from either the Broadway show OR the movie that you would absolutely keep? Why?
- What is one new thing you would add or a change you would make to the story to make it your own? Explain your idea.
Answer Key
Part 1: Character Comparison
(Note: Answers may vary, but should be similar to the examples below.)
| Character | Broadway Stage Musical | 2017 Live-Action Movie |
|---|---|---|
| Belle | Her love of books is her main defining trait. She is kind and sees the good in the Beast. She sings the song "Home" to express her loneliness. | She is an inventor, not just a reader. She is more actively defiant (e.g., tries to escape immediately). Her backstory with her mother is explored. |
| The Beast | His big solo is "If I Can't Love Her," showing his despair. He is portrayed as more aggressive and monstrous at the beginning. | He is shown to be very well-read and witty. His new song "Evermore" shows his capacity for selfless love. We learn his father was cruel. |
| LeFou | He is purely a comedic sidekick, clumsy and foolish, who exists to praise Gaston. | He is shown to have a conscience and struggles with Gaston's increasing villainy. He ultimately switches sides to help the villagers. |
Part 2: A Tale of Two Soundtracks
- Acceptable answers include: "Home," "If I Can't Love Her," "Me," "Human Again," or "Maison des Lunes."
- Acceptable answers include: "Evermore," "Days in the Sun," or "How Does a Moment Last Forever."
- The song shows that the Beast has truly learned to love. He is singing about how he will love Belle forever, even though letting her go causes him immense pain. It proves his love is selfless and that he has broken his own selfish curse emotionally, even before the spell is physically broken.
Part 3: Story Spotlight
- We find out that Belle's mother died from the plague in Paris. Maurice had to flee with the infant Belle to protect her.
- The servants were cursed because when the Enchantress came to the castle, they stood by and did nothing to stop the young prince from being cruel and turning her away.
- Answers will vary. A good answer will state a preference and justify it with clear evidence. For example: "I found the movie more powerful because learning about Belle's and the Beast's parents made them feel like more complete characters." OR "I found the Broadway show more powerful because the songs like 'Home' and 'If I Can't Love Her' made the characters' feelings very clear and dramatic."
Part 4: You're the Director!
Answers will vary. The goal is creative thinking. A good answer will name a specific element and give a logical reason for keeping it or a creative reason for changing it.
- Example for keeping an element: "I would definitely keep the song 'Evermore' from the movie because it gives the Beast a much-needed moment to show he has changed before the finale."
- Example for a new element: "I would add a scene where we see Belle teaching some of the village children to read, which would make the town's fear of her being 'different' even more dramatic."