Since its general conception as a fairytale in the 1700s, Beauty and the Beast has had so many adaptations that it's neatly reflective of Disney's "Tale as Old as Time," a song from its animated version of the story.
Complete with lively additions (including dancing cutlery and home furnishings), the Broadway musical - coming to Charlotte for a six-day run at Belk Theater - tells the familiar story of beautiful Belle and the ill-tempered, yet soft-hearted Beast who risks remaining a hideous creature if his inner beauty doesn't capture someone's heart. The Broadway version is an over-the-top production (c'mon, what'd you expect when Disney and Broadway meshed?) with plenty of special effects, costumes and theatrics. $20 and up. June 29, 8 p.m.; June 30, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; July 1, 1:30 & 7 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalarts.org.