Romano, who made her Broadway debut as Mary Phagan in Lincoln Center's Parade, will join the Broadway company Feb. 17. Romano replaces Megan McGinnis, who will play her final performance Feb. 15.

Jeff McCarthy, who is currently starring in the final weeks of Urinetown, will return to the role of the Beast for eight weeks, Feb. 17-April 11. Steve Blanchard, who is currently playing the role, will return April 13. And, Cabaret's Alma Cuervo will replace Cass Morgan as Mrs. Potts, also on Feb. 17.

The company also currently features Chris Hoch as Gaston, David de Vries as Lumiere, Jeff Brooks as Cogsworth, Jamie Ross as Maurice, Pam Klinger as Babette, Marguerite Willbanks as Madame de la Grande Bouche and Aldrin Gonzalez as Lefou. Henry Hodges and Alex Rutherford alternate the role of Chip.

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.