Hairspray's Tansley Is New Belle in Broadway Beauty

By Andrew Gans
August 19, 2004

Brooke Tansley will join the Broadway company of Beauty and the Beast next month.

A spokesperson for the Disney musical confirmed that Tansley will begin her stint as Belle Sept. 14. Tansley will replace Christy Carlson Romano, who currently plays the role in the long-running musical.

Brooke Tansley made her Broadway debut in Hairspray. Her regional credits include roles in Smokey Joe's Cafe, At Wit's End, Peter Pan, In Service and The Nutcracker.

Featuring a score by Alan Menken, Tim Rice and the late Howard Ashman, Beauty and the Beast boasts a book by the author of the original screenplay, Linda Woolverton; the musical was directed by Robert Jess Roth. Beauty opened at the Palace Theatre April 18, 1994, and now plays the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. It is currently the seventh longest-running musical in Broadway history.

Tickets may be purchased at the theatre's box office (205 W. 46th Street) or by calling (212) 307-4747. For more information, visit Walt Disney Theatricals on-line at www.disneyonbroadway.com.