Beauty and the Beast is one of the Disney classics that works just as well — maybe better — onstage. Unlike the abstract Lion King, Beauty’s stage transformation sticks pretty close to the movie’s narrative. The Beck Center’s production of the award-winning musical makes a perfect holiday treat for families. The colorful costumes, lavish sets, and zippy score are so fab, it’s easy to forget that the play’s protagonist is a kidnapping monster who enslaves talking dishware. And the “Be Our Guest” centerpiece stands as one of modern theater’s truly great numbers.
Fri., Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 30, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 31, 3 p.m.

This article appears in Dec 27, 2006 – Jan 2, 2007.