Broadway comes to India, first look shines with Indian embroidery

The first look of the Broadway show in India based on timeless classic "Beauty and the Beast" has been released and costume designer Gavin Miguel says the outfits blend the fantasy story with traces of India in them.

Being brought to India by Disney India, the live stage musical will first set its foot in Mumbai later this month, and then travel to Delhi.

The first look gives a glimpse of how the lead characters -- Belle and Beast, who can be seen sitting along a balcony with stars shimmering behind them with only love and admiration around it.

Miguel asserts that he has incorporated some Indian style in the costumes.

"The transformation from Beast to prince at the ballroom was a very exciting scene for me personally. The prince's look is regal and miles apart from that of the beast.

"While we kept the tailcoat like seen in Broadway for the Prince, we incorporated a lot of Indian hand embroidery and crystals to it, to make it stand out. We incorporated red roses in the embroidery to keep in sync with the story line," Miguel said in a statement.

Talking about Belle's costume, Miguel said: "Having done couture gowns all my career, this surely was an awesome experience. I had to be careful so as to keep the international sentiment of Belle's yellow iconic dress and yet give it a touch of my imagination.

"From the drawing board to the final gown, we had lots of trials on the right shades and materials of yellow to be mixed to give it a light airy look. I am very satisfied with the final look of the yellow gown."

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this classic musical love story will be presented to Indian audiences on the same scale as the mega productions seen on New York's Broadway and in London's West End.

Over 100 of the musical theatre performers will bring the story alive on stage, with the musical developed locally in India, while retaining the original script and music of the Broadway show.

In Mumbai, it will be performed at Dome@NSCI, SVP Stadium, while in Delhi it will be held at Thyagaraj Sports Complex.

The Mumbai show will be held on selective days starting from October 23, and in Delhi from December 18.

Meher Mistry, who plays Belle, is in love with her dress. She says she feels like a princess every time she slips into the gown.

"I get to put on Belle's yellow dress I feel like a princess. It's such a fun moment for me. The Beast and Belle get to play dress up and dance under a full moon. Best date ever," Meher said.

Edwin Joseph, who plays Beast, notes that "first look image presents us with the moment when Belle finally begins to see traces of the Beast's true self and he makes an effort to be a real gentleman."

"In his Prince costume, it becomes clear that there is a loving human being beneath the surface," Edwin said.

The show is being directed by Vikranth Pawar and Terence Lewis is choreographing it.