Toni Braxton as Belle in "Beauty and the Beast (1998-1999)" Broadway



Toni Braxton made her Broadway debut as Belle in Beauty and the Beast beginning September 9, 1998, when she replaced Kim Huber. During her run in the show Alan Menken wrote a new song for the musical called “A Change in Me,” which was specially written for Braxton and has been used in the musical ever since. Her role in Beauty and the Beast marked the first (and only) time a black woman commanded the leading role of Belle on Broadway. It also marked the first time a black woman would star in a Disney musical on Broadway. [SOURCE (2)]


Toni's Musical Number )

Rumors of Upcoming Disney on Broadway Productions




The Hunchback of Notre Dame
In 2008, Stephen Schwartzsaid, “I think we’re starting up Hunchback of Notre Dame, hopefully, next year (2009). Rumor has reached my ear that it’s happening.” Thomas Schumacher, head of Disney Theatrical, discussed current and future stage productions in an article published by the Columbus Dispatch on September 21, 2008. In the article, a US-version of Hunchback is listed among others as being in development, “Disney’s first original foreign-language production, which ran from 1999 to 2002 in Berlin, is being revamped for its U.S. premiere.” In a recent interview, Alan Menken confirmed an American revival coming soon to New York. No casting has been announced.


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Photshoot for "The Lion King" Broadway Production

Photoshoot featuring cast of the Broadway production of Disney’s The Lion King.



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