Chinese version of 'Beauty and the Beast’ musical coming to Shanghai

A scene of the Broadway musical "Beauty and the Beast" [Photo: CGTN via Braodway]

The Shanghai Disney Resort on Friday announced that the award-winning Broadway hit "Beauty and the Beast" is set to come to The Walt Disney Grand Theater in Shanghai next year.

Unlike previous productions, the upcoming attraction will be entirely conducted in Chinese. The show is expected to replace the "Lion King," which is running at the theater until October 8th this year.

Disney says auditions will be held across China starting this month for the new show, adding that the auditions will aim to demonstrate the best performances by Chinese actors and actresses, as well as help cultivate talent for the country.

"Beauty and the Beast" is one of Disney's longest-running and highest-grossing musicals, having been made produced in around 40 countries and regions across the world. Since its debut in 1994, an estimated 35 million people worldwide have had the chance to see it. .

The classic story is about a fantasy love romance between a kind and brave girl named Belle and a prince who is cursed into a beast. The original tale was written in the 18th century. However, its popularity has shown no signs of fading.

The cover for the "Beauty and Beast" soundtrack [Photo: movie.mtime.com]

A live-action film version of the story hit theaters earlier this year, starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. With nearly 1.3 billion US dollars at the global box office, the film has become one of the highest grossing of 2017.