BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Act one

Prologue

Many years ago, before the events of our story unfolded…

The Prince lives in his Palace. He dreams of finding a lifelong love and invites the local youth, including many beautiful young ladies, to visit him. Thus, a cunning Enchantress appears in his home, deeply in love with the Prince. She attempts to enchant him and, through magic and sorcery, compel him to love her in return. However, the Prince rejects the Sorceress and rejects her affection. Visibly unsettled, she makes a second attempt to win his heart. Once again, the Prince avoids her advances. Enraged, the Enchantress performs a dark magical ritual, transforming the young man into a terrifying Beast, his servants into mythical creatures, and placing a dreadful curse upon the castle.

Scene 1. Town Square – Carnival Ball.

The townspeople merrily enjoy themselves at the carnival fair. A frenzy of costumes and masks, music, jokes and vivid emotions fills the square, while traders sell exotic goods from distant lands.

Monsieur Maurice arrives at the ball with his three daughters. The two elder sisters – Capricette and Prétentesse – are arrogant and spoiled young ladies, while the youngest, Belle, possesses remarkable beauty and a kind heart. Monsieur Maurice is immensely proud of his youngest daughter and gladly presents her to everyone gathered in the square.

Monsieur Maurice is preparing for a long journey and wishes to please his daughters with gifts before he departs. The elder sisters, trying to outdo one another, demand the most expensive presents from their father. Belle assures him that she desires no gifts at all and asks for only one thing: for him to return home safe and sound. Monsieur Maurice is saddened, for the time has come to leave Belle and set off on his distant travels. “Surely, there must be something you would like more than anything else?” her father asks once again. “Then bring me a bright enchanted rose from your journey,” the Beauty replies.

The centre of attention at the festivities is claimed by the local handsome strongman – the arrogant Gaston, who looks in disdain upon the young ladies, each eager to win his favour. Capricette and Prétentesse perform dances of their own in an attempt to attract his attention, yet Gaston notices only Belle. He introduces himself to the girl and confesses that he has fallen in love with her at first sight. However, he is not the hero of her dreams. In her imagination she sees someone entirely different. Thus, she rejects Gaston’s advances. Offended, Gaston leaves her alone.

Monsieur Maurice sets off on his journey. He travels through many lands, settles numerous matters, and passes through rain and heat, storms and foul weather. Yet he still fails to find the rose his youngest daughter Belle desired so dearly. At last, he begins his return home. Suddenly, however, Maurice loses his way and finds himself in a dense forest. There he encounters strange mythical creatures never seen before, appearing as if from nowhere and leading him straight to the gates of a magnificent Palace rising at the edge of the woods.

Scene 2. Dense Forest, with the Palace at its Heart.

The mythical creatures open the gates, and Maurice sees before him a vast illuminated hall and a lavishly laid table upon which exquisite dishes and fine wines magically appear. Around him dance the palace courtiers – Mrs Potts with her entourage of teacups and spoons – graciously inviting him to a splendid supper. The Count delights in the feast, and soon drowsiness overtakes him. Cushions, pouffes and blankets sing him a lullaby. The Count falls asleep, and the inhabitants of the Palace retire to their chambers.

Meanwhile, the worried Belle sets out in search of her father. First, she hurries to the town square, where she once again encounters Gaston, who again declares his love for her. Yet Belle remains indifferent to his feelings.

Suddenly, four mythical creatures appear before Belle and offer to lead her to her father. Gaston secretly follows the girl.

Scene 3. The Palace Chamber.

The Count awakens refreshed and well rested. From the garden comes the enchanting song of birds. Monsieur Maurice decides to breathe in the fresh air, steps out of the Palace and, upon the threshold, sees a great green bush adorned with a single red rose. The Count realises at once that this is the very flower Belle had longed for. He plucks the radiant bloom and gazes upon it with pride.

At that very moment, morning turns into dark night. Thunder and lightning tear across the sky, and a dreadful Beast appears before Maurice. Furious, the Beast condemns the stranger’s ingratitude – this is how he has repaid the Palace’s hospitality: by daring to pluck his beloved enchanted rose.

Monsieur Maurice begs for mercy, but the Beast remains unmoved. Suddenly, accompanied by the mythical creatures, Belle appears. She pleads with the Beast to release her father and keep her in the Palace instead. The Beast, struck by the girl’s beauty and the sincerity of her heart, frees Maurice in exchange for Belle remain in the Palace.

Act two

Scene 1. The Beast’s Palace.

A magnificent ceremonial ball is under way. The courtiers are dancing: here is the dignified Cogsworth, the proud Lumière with his candlesticks entourage, and the kind Mrs Potts with her entourage of little teacups and spoons. Cogsworth, secretly in love with Mrs Potts, does everything he can to win her attention. Yet she is captivated by the arrogant and conceited Lumière.
Belle appears, longing for her home and expressing her sorrow in a delicate and graceful dance. Suddenly, the Beast emerges. Ashamed of his own hideous appearance, he hides himself from Belle, but the girl senses his presence with her heart and begs him to allow her to return home briefly to see her family.

The Beast agrees, but asks her to return exactly one day later. He gives the young girl a chest filled with gifts and commands his attendants to escort Belle home. The Beauty promises to return on time and sets off on her journey.

Accompanied by the mythical creatures, Belle makes her way home.

Scene 2. Monsieur Maurice’s House.

Belle is greeted with surprise and joy by her father and sisters. She tells them of her adventures and generously showers them with gifts. Yet only her father is truly delighted by her return. Having received their presents, the jealous sisters devise a cunning plan. They decide to make Belle forget her promise and prevent her from returning to the Beast’s Palace on time, repeatedly turning the hands of the clock backwards. The day passes in an instant. Late in the evening, as the Beauty sits before a mirror brushing her hair, her reflection suddenly disappears, and she sees the Beast. He lies in the middle of the forest, almost entirely covered with fallen leaves. Without her, the Beast is dying. Belle realises that she has fallen in love with him, for beneath his fearsome appearance he possesses a sincere and noble heart and a pure soul. Without hesitation, she sets off at once, longing for the moment they will meet again.

Scene 3. The Garden beside the Palace.

The Beast breathes his last sigh and groans in agony. Unrequited love is killing him. At that very moment, Gaston appears before him. Raising his rifle above the exhausted and helpless Beast, he prepares to destroy him once and for all. Suddenly, Belle appears. She unhesitatingly stops Gaston and declares her love for the Beast, and gives him a heartfelt kiss. The instant the Beauty speaks words of love, a miracle occurs. Everything around them is filled with radiant light, and Belle realises that she is embracing a head crowned with fair curls. Instead of the Beast stands a handsome young man, for the Beast has transformed into a Prince.

The evil Enchantress’s curse is broken! At that very moment, the Prince’s attendants and courtiers are also freed from the spell and return to their true forms. Everyone rejoices, smiles, congratulates Belle and the Prince, and celebrates the triumph of goodness and love over evil and betrayal.

Act one

Prologue

Many years ago, before the events of our story unfolded…

The Prince lives in his Palace. He dreams of finding a lifelong love and invites the local youth, including many beautiful young ladies, to visit him. Thus, a cunning Enchantress appears in his home, deeply in love with the Prince. She attempts to enchant him and, through magic and sorcery, compel him to love her in return. However, the Prince rejects the Sorceress and rejects her affection. Visibly unsettled, she makes a second attempt to win his heart. Once again, the Prince avoids her advances. Enraged, the Enchantress performs a dark magical ritual, transforming the young man into a terrifying Beast, his servants into mythical creatures, and placing a dreadful curse upon the castle.

Scene 1. Town Square – Carnival Ball.

The townspeople merrily enjoy themselves at the carnival fair. A frenzy of costumes and masks, music, jokes and vivid emotions fills the square, while traders sell exotic goods from distant lands.

Monsieur Maurice arrives at the ball with his three daughters. The two elder sisters – Capricette and Prétentesse – are arrogant and spoiled young ladies, while the youngest, Belle, possesses remarkable beauty and a kind heart. Monsieur Maurice is immensely proud of his youngest daughter and gladly presents her to everyone gathered in the square.

Monsieur Maurice is preparing for a long journey and wishes to please his daughters with gifts before he departs. The elder sisters, trying to outdo one another, demand the most expensive presents from their father. Belle assures him that she desires no gifts at all and asks for only one thing: for him to return home safe and sound. Monsieur Maurice is saddened, for the time has come to leave Belle and set off on his distant travels. “Surely, there must be something you would like more than anything else?” her father asks once again. “Then bring me a bright enchanted rose from your journey,” the Beauty replies.

The centre of attention at the festivities is claimed by the local handsome strongman – the arrogant Gaston, who looks in disdain upon the young ladies, each eager to win his favour. Capricette and Prétentesse perform dances of their own in an attempt to attract his attention, yet Gaston notices only Belle. He introduces himself to the girl and confesses that he has fallen in love with her at first sight. However, he is not the hero of her dreams. In her imagination she sees someone entirely different. Thus, she rejects Gaston’s advances. Offended, Gaston leaves her alone.

Monsieur Maurice sets off on his journey. He travels through many lands, settles numerous matters, and passes through rain and heat, storms and foul weather. Yet he still fails to find the rose his youngest daughter Belle desired so dearly. At last, he begins his return home. Suddenly, however, Maurice loses his way and finds himself in a dense forest. There he encounters strange mythical creatures never seen before, appearing as if from nowhere and leading him straight to the gates of a magnificent Palace rising at the edge of the woods.

Scene 2. Dense Forest, with the Palace at its Heart.

The mythical creatures open the gates, and Maurice sees before him a vast illuminated hall and a lavishly laid table upon which exquisite dishes and fine wines magically appear. Around him dance the palace courtiers – Mrs Potts with her entourage of teacups and spoons – graciously inviting him to a splendid supper. The Count delights in the feast, and soon drowsiness overtakes him. Cushions, pouffes and blankets sing him a lullaby. The Count falls asleep, and the inhabitants of the Palace retire to their chambers.

Meanwhile, the worried Belle sets out in search of her father. First, she hurries to the town square, where she once again encounters Gaston, who again declares his love for her. Yet Belle remains indifferent to his feelings.

Suddenly, four mythical creatures appear before Belle and offer to lead her to her father. Gaston secretly follows the girl.

Scene 3. The Palace Chamber.

The Count awakens refreshed and well rested. From the garden comes the enchanting song of birds. Monsieur Maurice decides to breathe in the fresh air, steps out of the Palace and, upon the threshold, sees a great green bush adorned with a single red rose. The Count realises at once that this is the very flower Belle had longed for. He plucks the radiant bloom and gazes upon it with pride.

At that very moment, morning turns into dark night. Thunder and lightning tear across the sky, and a dreadful Beast appears before Maurice. Furious, the Beast condemns the stranger’s ingratitude – this is how he has repaid the Palace’s hospitality: by daring to pluck his beloved enchanted rose.

Monsieur Maurice begs for mercy, but the Beast remains unmoved. Suddenly, accompanied by the mythical creatures, Belle appears. She pleads with the Beast to release her father and keep her in the Palace instead. The Beast, struck by the girl’s beauty and the sincerity of her heart, frees Maurice in exchange for Belle remain in the Palace.

Act two

Scene 1. The Beast’s Palace.

A magnificent ceremonial ball is under way. The courtiers are dancing: here is the dignified Cogsworth, the proud Lumière with his candlesticks entourage, and the kind Mrs Potts with her entourage of little teacups and spoons. Cogsworth, secretly in love with Mrs Potts, does everything he can to win her attention. Yet she is captivated by the arrogant and conceited Lumière.
Belle appears, longing for her home and expressing her sorrow in a delicate and graceful dance. Suddenly, the Beast emerges. Ashamed of his own hideous appearance, he hides himself from Belle, but the girl senses his presence with her heart and begs him to allow her to return home briefly to see her family.

The Beast agrees, but asks her to return exactly one day later. He gives the young girl a chest filled with gifts and commands his attendants to escort Belle home. The Beauty promises to return on time and sets off on her journey.

Accompanied by the mythical creatures, Belle makes her way home.

Scene 2. Monsieur Maurice’s House.

Belle is greeted with surprise and joy by her father and sisters. She tells them of her adventures and generously showers them with gifts. Yet only her father is truly delighted by her return. Having received their presents, the jealous sisters devise a cunning plan. They decide to make Belle forget her promise and prevent her from returning to the Beast’s Palace on time, repeatedly turning the hands of the clock backwards. The day passes in an instant. Late in the evening, as the Beauty sits before a mirror brushing her hair, her reflection suddenly disappears, and she sees the Beast. He lies in the middle of the forest, almost entirely covered with fallen leaves. Without her, the Beast is dying. Belle realises that she has fallen in love with him, for beneath his fearsome appearance he possesses a sincere and noble heart and a pure soul. Without hesitation, she sets off at once, longing for the moment they will meet again.

Scene 3. The Garden beside the Palace.

The Beast breathes his last sigh and groans in agony. Unrequited love is killing him. At that very moment, Gaston appears before him. Raising his rifle above the exhausted and helpless Beast, he prepares to destroy him once and for all. Suddenly, Belle appears. She unhesitatingly stops Gaston and declares her love for the Beast, and gives him a heartfelt kiss. The instant the Beauty speaks words of love, a miracle occurs. Everything around them is filled with radiant light, and Belle realises that she is embracing a head crowned with fair curls. Instead of the Beast stands a handsome young man, for the Beast has transformed into a Prince.

The evil Enchantress’s curse is broken! At that very moment, the Prince’s attendants and courtiers are also freed from the spell and return to their true forms. Everyone rejoices, smiles, congratulates Belle and the Prince, and celebrates the triumph of goodness and love over evil and betrayal.

Act one

Prologue

Many years ago, before the events of our story unfolded…

The Prince lives in his Palace. He dreams of finding a lifelong love and invites the local youth, including many beautiful young ladies, to visit him. Thus, a cunning Enchantress appears in his home, deeply in love with the Prince. She attempts to enchant him and, through magic and sorcery, compel him to love her in return. However, the Prince rejects the Sorceress and rejects her affection. Visibly unsettled, she makes a second attempt to win his heart. Once again, the Prince avoids her advances. Enraged, the Enchantress performs a dark magical ritual, transforming the young man into a terrifying Beast, his servants into mythical creatures, and placing a dreadful curse upon the castle.

Scene 1. Town Square – Carnival Ball.

The townspeople merrily enjoy themselves at the carnival fair. A frenzy of costumes and masks, music, jokes and vivid emotions fills the square, while traders sell exotic goods from distant lands.

Monsieur Maurice arrives at the ball with his three daughters. The two elder sisters – Capricette and Prétentesse – are arrogant and spoiled young ladies, while the youngest, Belle, possesses remarkable beauty and a kind heart. Monsieur Maurice is immensely proud of his youngest daughter and gladly presents her to everyone gathered in the square.

Monsieur Maurice is preparing for a long journey and wishes to please his daughters with gifts before he departs. The elder sisters, trying to outdo one another, demand the most expensive presents from their father. Belle assures him that she desires no gifts at all and asks for only one thing: for him to return home safe and sound. Monsieur Maurice is saddened, for the time has come to leave Belle and set off on his distant travels. “Surely, there must be something you would like more than anything else?” her father asks once again. “Then bring me a bright enchanted rose from your journey,” the Beauty replies.

The centre of attention at the festivities is claimed by the local handsome strongman – the arrogant Gaston, who looks in disdain upon the young ladies, each eager to win his favour. Capricette and Prétentesse perform dances of their own in an attempt to attract his attention, yet Gaston notices only Belle. He introduces himself to the girl and confesses that he has fallen in love with her at first sight. However, he is not the hero of her dreams. In her imagination she sees someone entirely different. Thus, she rejects Gaston’s advances. Offended, Gaston leaves her alone.

Monsieur Maurice sets off on his journey. He travels through many lands, settles numerous matters, and passes through rain and heat, storms and foul weather. Yet he still fails to find the rose his youngest daughter Belle desired so dearly. At last, he begins his return home. Suddenly, however, Maurice loses his way and finds himself in a dense forest. There he encounters strange mythical creatures never seen before, appearing as if from nowhere and leading him straight to the gates of a magnificent Palace rising at the edge of the woods.

Scene 2. Dense Forest, with the Palace at its Heart.

The mythical creatures open the gates, and Maurice sees before him a vast illuminated hall and a lavishly laid table upon which exquisite dishes and fine wines magically appear. Around him dance the palace courtiers – Mrs Potts with her entourage of teacups and spoons – graciously inviting him to a splendid supper. The Count delights in the feast, and soon drowsiness overtakes him. Cushions, pouffes and blankets sing him a lullaby. The Count falls asleep, and the inhabitants of the Palace retire to their chambers.

Meanwhile, the worried Belle sets out in search of her father. First, she hurries to the town square, where she once again encounters Gaston, who again declares his love for her. Yet Belle remains indifferent to his feelings.

Suddenly, four mythical creatures appear before Belle and offer to lead her to her father. Gaston secretly follows the girl.

Scene 3. The Palace Chamber.

The Count awakens refreshed and well rested. From the garden comes the enchanting song of birds. Monsieur Maurice decides to breathe in the fresh air, steps out of the Palace and, upon the threshold, sees a great green bush adorned with a single red rose. The Count realises at once that this is the very flower Belle had longed for. He plucks the radiant bloom and gazes upon it with pride.

At that very moment, morning turns into dark night. Thunder and lightning tear across the sky, and a dreadful Beast appears before Maurice. Furious, the Beast condemns the stranger’s ingratitude – this is how he has repaid the Palace’s hospitality: by daring to pluck his beloved enchanted rose.

Monsieur Maurice begs for mercy, but the Beast remains unmoved. Suddenly, accompanied by the mythical creatures, Belle appears. She pleads with the Beast to release her father and keep her in the Palace instead. The Beast, struck by the girl’s beauty and the sincerity of her heart, frees Maurice in exchange for Belle remain in the Palace.

Act two

Scene 1. The Beast’s Palace.

A magnificent ceremonial ball is under way. The courtiers are dancing: here is the dignified Cogsworth, the proud Lumière with his candlesticks entourage, and the kind Mrs Potts with her entourage of little teacups and spoons. Cogsworth, secretly in love with Mrs Potts, does everything he can to win her attention. Yet she is captivated by the arrogant and conceited Lumière.
Belle appears, longing for her home and expressing her sorrow in a delicate and graceful dance. Suddenly, the Beast emerges. Ashamed of his own hideous appearance, he hides himself from Belle, but the girl senses his presence with her heart and begs him to allow her to return home briefly to see her family.

The Beast agrees, but asks her to return exactly one day later. He gives the young girl a chest filled with gifts and commands his attendants to escort Belle home. The Beauty promises to return on time and sets off on her journey.

Accompanied by the mythical creatures, Belle makes her way home.

Scene 2. Monsieur Maurice’s House.

Belle is greeted with surprise and joy by her father and sisters. She tells them of her adventures and generously showers them with gifts. Yet only her father is truly delighted by her return. Having received their presents, the jealous sisters devise a cunning plan. They decide to make Belle forget her promise and prevent her from returning to the Beast’s Palace on time, repeatedly turning the hands of the clock backwards. The day passes in an instant. Late in the evening, as the Beauty sits before a mirror brushing her hair, her reflection suddenly disappears, and she sees the Beast. He lies in the middle of the forest, almost entirely covered with fallen leaves. Without her, the Beast is dying. Belle realises that she has fallen in love with him, for beneath his fearsome appearance he possesses a sincere and noble heart and a pure soul. Without hesitation, she sets off at once, longing for the moment they will meet again.

Scene 3. The Garden beside the Palace.

The Beast breathes his last sigh and groans in agony. Unrequited love is killing him. At that very moment, Gaston appears before him. Raising his rifle above the exhausted and helpless Beast, he prepares to destroy him once and for all. Suddenly, Belle appears. She unhesitatingly stops Gaston and declares her love for the Beast, and gives him a heartfelt kiss. The instant the Beauty speaks words of love, a miracle occurs. Everything around them is filled with radiant light, and Belle realises that she is embracing a head crowned with fair curls. Instead of the Beast stands a handsome young man, for the Beast has transformed into a Prince.

The evil Enchantress’s curse is broken! At that very moment, the Prince’s attendants and courtiers are also freed from the spell and return to their true forms. Everyone rejoices, smiles, congratulates Belle and the Prince, and celebrates the triumph of goodness and love over evil and betrayal.

Act one

Prologue

Many years ago, before the events of our story unfolded…

The Prince lives in his Palace. He dreams of finding a lifelong love and invites the local youth, including many beautiful young ladies, to visit him. Thus, a cunning Enchantress appears in his home, deeply in love with the Prince. She attempts to enchant him and, through magic and sorcery, compel him to love her in return. However, the Prince rejects the Sorceress and rejects her affection. Visibly unsettled, she makes a second attempt to win his heart. Once again, the Prince avoids her advances. Enraged, the Enchantress performs a dark magical ritual, transforming the young man into a terrifying Beast, his servants into mythical creatures, and placing a dreadful curse upon the castle.

Scene 1. Town Square – Carnival Ball.

The townspeople merrily enjoy themselves at the carnival fair. A frenzy of costumes and masks, music, jokes and vivid emotions fills the square, while traders sell exotic goods from distant lands.

Monsieur Maurice arrives at the ball with his three daughters. The two elder sisters – Capricette and Prétentesse – are arrogant and spoiled young ladies, while the youngest, Belle, possesses remarkable beauty and a kind heart. Monsieur Maurice is immensely proud of his youngest daughter and gladly presents her to everyone gathered in the square.

Monsieur Maurice is preparing for a long journey and wishes to please his daughters with gifts before he departs. The elder sisters, trying to outdo one another, demand the most expensive presents from their father. Belle assures him that she desires no gifts at all and asks for only one thing: for him to return home safe and sound. Monsieur Maurice is saddened, for the time has come to leave Belle and set off on his distant travels. “Surely, there must be something you would like more than anything else?” her father asks once again. “Then bring me a bright enchanted rose from your journey,” the Beauty replies.

The centre of attention at the festivities is claimed by the local handsome strongman – the arrogant Gaston, who looks in disdain upon the young ladies, each eager to win his favour. Capricette and Prétentesse perform dances of their own in an attempt to attract his attention, yet Gaston notices only Belle. He introduces himself to the girl and confesses that he has fallen in love with her at first sight. However, he is not the hero of her dreams. In her imagination she sees someone entirely different. Thus, she rejects Gaston’s advances. Offended, Gaston leaves her alone.

Monsieur Maurice sets off on his journey. He travels through many lands, settles numerous matters, and passes through rain and heat, storms and foul weather. Yet he still fails to find the rose his youngest daughter Belle desired so dearly. At last, he begins his return home. Suddenly, however, Maurice loses his way and finds himself in a dense forest. There he encounters strange mythical creatures never seen before, appearing as if from nowhere and leading him straight to the gates of a magnificent Palace rising at the edge of the woods.

Scene 2. Dense Forest, with the Palace at its Heart.

The mythical creatures open the gates, and Maurice sees before him a vast illuminated hall and a lavishly laid table upon which exquisite dishes and fine wines magically appear. Around him dance the palace courtiers – Mrs Potts with her entourage of teacups and spoons – graciously inviting him to a splendid supper. The Count delights in the feast, and soon drowsiness overtakes him. Cushions, pouffes and blankets sing him a lullaby. The Count falls asleep, and the inhabitants of the Palace retire to their chambers.

Meanwhile, the worried Belle sets out in search of her father. First, she hurries to the town square, where she once again encounters Gaston, who again declares his love for her. Yet Belle remains indifferent to his feelings.

Suddenly, four mythical creatures appear before Belle and offer to lead her to her father. Gaston secretly follows the girl.

Scene 3. The Palace Chamber.

The Count awakens refreshed and well rested. From the garden comes the enchanting song of birds. Monsieur Maurice decides to breathe in the fresh air, steps out of the Palace and, upon the threshold, sees a great green bush adorned with a single red rose. The Count realises at once that this is the very flower Belle had longed for. He plucks the radiant bloom and gazes upon it with pride.

At that very moment, morning turns into dark night. Thunder and lightning tear across the sky, and a dreadful Beast appears before Maurice. Furious, the Beast condemns the stranger’s ingratitude – this is how he has repaid the Palace’s hospitality: by daring to pluck his beloved enchanted rose.

Monsieur Maurice begs for mercy, but the Beast remains unmoved. Suddenly, accompanied by the mythical creatures, Belle appears. She pleads with the Beast to release her father and keep her in the Palace instead. The Beast, struck by the girl’s beauty and the sincerity of her heart, frees Maurice in exchange for Belle remain in the Palace.

Act two

Scene 1. The Beast’s Palace.

A magnificent ceremonial ball is under way. The courtiers are dancing: here is the dignified Cogsworth, the proud Lumière with his candlesticks entourage, and the kind Mrs Potts with her entourage of little teacups and spoons. Cogsworth, secretly in love with Mrs Potts, does everything he can to win her attention. Yet she is captivated by the arrogant and conceited Lumière.
Belle appears, longing for her home and expressing her sorrow in a delicate and graceful dance. Suddenly, the Beast emerges. Ashamed of his own hideous appearance, he hides himself from Belle, but the girl senses his presence with her heart and begs him to allow her to return home briefly to see her family.

The Beast agrees, but asks her to return exactly one day later. He gives the young girl a chest filled with gifts and commands his attendants to escort Belle home. The Beauty promises to return on time and sets off on her journey.

Accompanied by the mythical creatures, Belle makes her way home.

Scene 2. Monsieur Maurice’s House.

Belle is greeted with surprise and joy by her father and sisters. She tells them of her adventures and generously showers them with gifts. Yet only her father is truly delighted by her return. Having received their presents, the jealous sisters devise a cunning plan. They decide to make Belle forget her promise and prevent her from returning to the Beast’s Palace on time, repeatedly turning the hands of the clock backwards. The day passes in an instant. Late in the evening, as the Beauty sits before a mirror brushing her hair, her reflection suddenly disappears, and she sees the Beast. He lies in the middle of the forest, almost entirely covered with fallen leaves. Without her, the Beast is dying. Belle realises that she has fallen in love with him, for beneath his fearsome appearance he possesses a sincere and noble heart and a pure soul. Without hesitation, she sets off at once, longing for the moment they will meet again.

Scene 3. The Garden beside the Palace.

The Beast breathes his last sigh and groans in agony. Unrequited love is killing him. At that very moment, Gaston appears before him. Raising his rifle above the exhausted and helpless Beast, he prepares to destroy him once and for all. Suddenly, Belle appears. She unhesitatingly stops Gaston and declares her love for the Beast, and gives him a heartfelt kiss. The instant the Beauty speaks words of love, a miracle occurs. Everything around them is filled with radiant light, and Belle realises that she is embracing a head crowned with fair curls. Instead of the Beast stands a handsome young man, for the Beast has transformed into a Prince.

The evil Enchantress’s curse is broken! At that very moment, the Prince’s attendants and courtiers are also freed from the spell and return to their true forms. Everyone rejoices, smiles, congratulates Belle and the Prince, and celebrates the triumph of goodness and love over evil and betrayal.