Disney Theatricals' touring edition of Beauty and the Beast has broken a box office record again. The first day (June 2) sales at Dallas' Music Hall reached $328,999, breaking the previous record for single-day sales set in 1992 by The Phantom of the Opera.

Dallas Summer Musicals managing director Michael Jenkins said he was "thrilled" at the count when Beauty's boxoffice opened at 10 AM. More than 200 ticket buyers were in line.

The musical is scheduled to play Dallas Sept. 4-Oct. 12.

Disney has been running two heavily advertised and promoted public service campaigns in Dallas. Both play off the leading character Belle's love for books. In conjunction with the Dallas Morning News and Young Country radio (105.3-FM), the first campaign offers kids who read five or more books the chance to win Beauty tickets, t-shirts, and posters by listing the books on an entry coupon. The same sponsors are currently conducting "Bring A Book for Belle" to collect and distribute books to local community centers.

The touring production (on the road since November 15, 1995), is now in San Diego (through July 13) and is set to play Denver July 19-Aug. 31), previously set sales records in Los Angeles, St. Louis, and Seattle. *

In other B&B tour news: Casting has been announced for Denver. Kim Huber, a member of the original Broadway company; Fred Inkley, who played Jean Valjean on Broadway in Les Miserables; and Tony Lawson, whose credits include the Broadway and national tour of Les Miz will be Belle, the Beast, and Gaston, respectively.

The musical broke Broadway's all-time single-day sales record when it opened at New York's Palace Theatre in 1994.