Beauty and the Beast
Cast List Beauty and the Beast
Merchant Charles Henry Ben Charlotte Henrietta
Belle Beast
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Cast List (continued) Beauty and the Beast
Fairy Messenger
Bob Waverly John Waverly Sir Egocentric Lord Baskalot Judge Book
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Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast Cast List
(continued)
Narrator 1 Narrator 2 Narrator 3 Narrator 4 Narrator 5 Narrator 6
1
Beauty and the Beast
Merchant
Charles
Henry
Ben
4
Beauty and the Beast
Belle
Beast
Fairy
Messenger
5
Beauty and the Beast
Charlotte
Henrietta
Bob Waverly
John Waverly
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Beauty and the Beast
Narrator 1
Narrator 2
Narrator 3
Narrator 4
7
Beauty and the Beast
Narrator 5
Narrator 6
Sir Egocentric
Lord Baskalot
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Beauty and the Beast
Scene One: A Rich Merchant and his Family Setting: A rich merchant’s home in a town long ago.
Today, women can do all sorts of things. They can become scientists and video-game designers. They can become doctors and architects, chefs and mechanics.
Narrator 1: Narrator 2: Narrator 3: Narrator 4: Narrator 5: Narrator 6: Narrator 1:
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Beauty and the Beast
Narrator 2: Narrator 3: Narrator 4: Narrator 5: Narrator 6: Narrator 1: Narrator 2:
They can fight in the army and solve mysteries as detectives. They can become airline pilots,
teach children, work as nurses and become astronauts. Yes, today women can become anything they set their minds to. But long, long ago, things were rather different. Many centuries ago, most women could only become a wife and a mother. No other choices were open to them. So it was very important for them to find a good husband. This story is set in that time. There was once a very rich merchant
Narrator 3:
Narrator 4: Narrator 5: Narrator 6: Narrator 1: Narrator 2: Narrator 3: Narrator 4:
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Beauty and the Beast
Narrator 5: Narrator 6: Charles: Henry: Ben: Charles and Henry:
who had six children. Three sons: Charles, the eldest, Henry, the second eldest, and Ben, the cutest--- and the littlest! And three daughters: Charlotte, the eldest, Henrietta, the second eldest, and Belle, the youngest--- and the most beautiful!
Narrator 1: Charlotte: Henrietta: Belle: Narrator 1: Charlotte and Henrietta: Narrator 2: Merchant: Charlotte and Henrietta: Merchant: Charlotte and Henrietta:
(angry) Hey! Well, it’s true. All my daughters are beautiful. Thanks, Dad! But Belle is by far the most beautiful. (angry and sarcastic) Thanks, Dad!
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Beauty and the Beast
And she has the best personality. What?! It’s true. But don’t worry, Charlotte and Henrietta. After all, you’re both beautiful. Just, you know, not as beautiful as Belle. Plus, you’re rich. We’re all rich. Wealth plus beauty is a winning combination! True! You’ll have your pick of husbands. Who wouldn’t want to marry a rich and beautiful young woman? I’m going to marry an Earl. I’m going to marry a Duke. That won’t be easy. We may be rich, but our father is just a merchant. Most nobles look down on tradesmen like our father…
Narrator 3: Charlotte and Henrietta: Charles, Henry and Ben: Narrator 4: Narrator 5: Narrator 6: Charles: Henry: Ben: Charlotte and Henrietta: Merchant:
Charlotte: Henrietta: Ben:
Henry:
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Beauty and the Beast
no matter how rich they might be. But we’re rich… and beautiful so we’ll both marry noblemen… you’ll see! I’m sure you both will marry very well. (happy) Thanks, Dad! Just not as well as Belle. (angry) What?! For she is the most beautiful of the three. Yeah, I think we heard you the first time. Sheesh! And also, she’s, well, nicer . Dad, I’m just going out to bring food to the poor. Charlotte, Henrietta, do you want to come? Of course not! Who cares about the poor ?
Charles: Charlotte: Henrietta: Charlotte: Henrietta: Merchant: Charlotte and Henrietta: Merchant: Charlotte and Henrietta:
Merchant: Charlotte: Henrietta: Merchant: Belle:
Charlotte and Henrietta: Henrietta:
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Beauty and the Beast
When you’re rich, you’re supposed to give to the poor. Says who? Common sense and decency. See? Belle is nicer than you two. Charles, Henry, Ben---do you want to help me bring food to the poor? Nope! You’re always giving food to the poor, Belle. And they never give you anything in return! That’s because they’re poor .
Belle:
Charlotte: Belle: Charles: Belle:
Charles, Henry and Ben: Ben: Henry: Belle:
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Scene 2: Merchants Are Not Welcome! Setting: Later that day, in the rich merchant’s home.
Oh, look! A messenger is coming. I don’t always love my job, but today is different. Today I have some really good news. What is it? You know, being a messenger is harder than it looks. Sometimes you have to bring people bad news and then people get angry at you even though you’re just the messenger. But today , I’m delivering good news. Tell us! I am here to invite your daughters to a ball held by the rich merchant, Mr. Potter. What an honor! To be invited to the ball of one of the richest men in town! That’s the news? You may as well have saved yourself the trip. But it’s the biggest ball in town! Surely you want to go, girls? No way, Jose!
Ben: Messenger:
All: Messenger:
All: Messenger:
Charlotte:
Messenger: Merchant: Henrietta:
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Beauty and the Beast
We don’t go to parties thrown by merchants ! But I’m your father and I’m a merchant. We’re moving up in the world. We’re going to marry noblemen ! We’re not even going to consider marrying a tradesman. No matter how rich he might be. Forgive me, but isn’t your own father a merchant? Just because our dad is a lowly merchant—— (offended) Thanks!
Charlotte: Merchant: Henrietta: Charlotte: Henrietta: Charlotte: Messenger: Henrietta: Merchant: Charlotte:
It doesn’t mean we have to marry a merchant. We’re better than that!
Henrietta:
(to the messenger) Let it be known across the land that we require no invitations from other merchant families. We will entertain only noblemen. Get it? Got it? Good!
Charlotte:
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Messenger:
Does that go for you too, Belle? After all, if you go to the ball, you are sure to be the belle of the ball. Get it? The belle of the ball? Because your name is, ahem, Belle? Hilarious! You are kind to think of me. I’m just too young for all of that. And now I really must be off to bring this food to the poor. Beauty, kindness and good manners. A winning combination. Pity the other members of the family don’t have it. I bid you adieu.
Charlotte and Henrietta: Belle:
Messenger:
(Messenger leaves.)
Charles:
Hey, isn’t that the Waverly brothers coming this way? They are from the richest family in the country! And I’m told they’re really nice as well!
Henry:
Ben:
(The Waverly brothers enter and bow before the Merchant.)
John Waverly:
(to the merchant) Dear sir, I am John Waverly, the eldest son of —-
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Merchant:
James Waverly. Yes, I know him well. He is the richest man in the kingdom and an honorable one,too. I have come to seek the hand of your eldest daughter, Charlotte. I find her to be beautiful and I would endeavor to bring her the utmost happiness. What say you, Charlotte? The richest man in the kingdom wants your hand in marriage. Are you a Duke? No. Are you an Earl? No, I am not a nobleman. I am the son of a merchant. A very wealthy merchant. A merchant?! Yuck! I will never marry a merchant, no matter how rich he is. Now leave my sight! How rude! (to the merchant) I am hoping that your younger daughter Henrietta may have a better opinion of merchants for I very much hope that she will become my bride.
John Waverly:
Merchant:
Charlotte: John Waverly: Charlotte: John Waverly:
Bob Waverly: Charlotte:
John Waverly: Bob Waverly:
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Beauty and the Beast
Merchant: Bob Waverly:
You may ask her yourself. Henrietta, though I am but a merchant’s son, I come to ask for your fair hand in matrimony. If you will be my bride, I will endeavor all my days to—— Get lost! What? If my sister won’t marry a merchant, what makes you think I will? I’m marrying a nobleman, just like my sister. Don’t bother coming back, y’all.
Henrietta: Bob Waverly: Henrietta:
John Waverly and Bob Waverly:
Don’t worry. We won’t!
(The Waverly brothers leave.)
Merchant:
Charlotte, Henrietta! Wasn’t that a bit harsh? We know our worth. And we’re worth the best. And that means we’re going to marry nobility . I am going to be Lady Henrietta.
Charlotte: Henrietta: Charlotte:
Henrietta:
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Beauty and the Beast
And I am going to be Lady Charlotte. And that’s just the way it’s going to be. …because we’re beautiful …and we’re rich …and that means we can marry anyone we want. …and we want noblemen !
Charlotte: Henrietta: Charlotte: Henrietta: Charlotte:
Henrietta:
Scene 3: An Unfortunate Turn of Events Setting: Later that day, in the rich merchant’s home. (The messenger enters.)
Messenger: Charles: Messenger: Henry: Messenger:
I hate to be the bearer of bad news. What’s happened? This would be a good time to remember the old adage “Don’t kill the messenger.” Tell us! The adage means that just because someone is delivering bad news, you’re not supposed to blame the person who gives you the bad news.
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How bad are we talking here? Really bad. What’s happened? Tell us! (to the Merchant) You know how you have a massive fortune? Yes. You know how you have so much money, like an incredibly huge amount of money? Yes? Well, I’m afraid that that’s not true any more. What?! Do you mean I’ve lost a bit of my money? More than a bit. Don’t panic. Father has a vast fortune. Even if he loses a large fraction of it, we will still be immensely wealthy. And we can still marry noblemen!
Ben: Messenger: Merchant: All: Messenger: Merchant: Messenger: Merchant: Messenger: All: Merchant: Messenger: Charles:
Charlotte and Henrietta:
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Did our father lose a quarter of his fortune?
Ben:
He lost more than a quarter of his fortune. Don’t panic, everyone! Even if he’s lost more than a quarter of his fortune, we will still be rich. Messenger, did he lose a third of his fortune?
Messenger: Henry:
He lost more than a third of his fortune. Ouch!
Messenger: All:
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Charles:
Ok, ok, That’s going to hurt. But we’re still rich, guys. We’re still rich! So what are you telling us, Messenger? Did he lose half his fortune?
He lost more than half his fortune.
Messenger:
(They all double over in pain.)
Did he lose three-quarters of his fortune? That would mean that he’d lost nearly all of it, but he would still have one quarter of his fortune left.
Ben:
He lost more than three-quarters of his fortune.
Messenger:
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(They all wince.)
Did he lose eight-ninths of his fortune? That would mean he has one-ninth left.
Charlotte:
I’m afraid he lost more than eight-ninths of his fortune. What about nine-tenths of his fortune?
Messenger:
Henrietta:
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More. What about 99% of his fortune--- Enough! Dear Messenger, did our father lose all his fortune? Good guess! Yes , he lost all his fortune. All his fortune is gone. Every last penny. Imagine your fortune is a pie. Then imagine that that pie was gone. That is what happened to your fortune. You have no more pie. Or fortune. Or pie. Do I have anything left at all? The only thing you have left is a small country-house at a great distance from town. Then, my dear children, we must go there. What?! How are we going to get to all the fancy parties if we live all the way out in the country? And how are we going to go clothes shopping if we live hundreds of miles from the shops?
Messenger: Henry: Belle:
Messenger:
Merchant: Messenger:
Merchant: All Sons and Charlotte and Henrietta: Ben:
Charlotte:
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Merchant:
I’m afraid your days of parties and shopping are over, children. Over ?!!! From now on, we will all have to work for our living. Work ???!!! Look! It’s John Waverly, the rich merchant. Perhaps he’s returning to ask for your hand in marriage again, Charlotte. Thank God! I didn’t want to marry him when we were rich, but I’ll definitely marry him now ! Not if I marry him first ! (sing song) Hi John! (to the Merchant) I am so sorry to hear of your bad news, sir. It is kind of you to say so. I have come to ask for the hand of your youngest daughter, Belle. What?!
All Sons and Charlotte and Henrietta: Merchant:
All except Belle: Henry:
Charlotte:
Henrietta: Charlotte and Henrietta: John:
Merchant: John:
All:
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Beauty and the Beast
John:
She is so young and so kind and so beautiful that I dared not ask for her hand before, but given the change in your situation, I wonder if she might marry a lowly tradesman like me. You have my blessing, but it is up to Belle. Belle, will you marry me? I will whisk you away from this terrible situation and give you a life of luxury. It is a kind offer, but I cannot leave my father in his hour of need. I must go with him and help him in our small house in the countryside. He is getting older and he is not used to being poor. I cannot leave him now. Spoken like a true daughter. I, on the other hand, would love to leave my Dad and marry you. I am no good at being poor and I hate work. You wanted to marry me five minutes ago so let’s just erase the part where I called you a lowly tradesman and get married! No, thank you. You rejected me and now I reject you. I wish you good-day. Wait! I’m sure you’d love to marry me, right?
Merchant: John:
Belle:
John: Charlotte:
John:
Henrietta:
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John:
No, thank you. You treated my brother heartlessly. You and your sister deserve one another. (to the Merchant) I bid you adieu. Take care of Belle, good sir, as she is committed to taking good care of you.
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Scene 4: The Rich Merchant Is Now Poor Setting: Several weeks later, deep in the countryside.
Narrator 1:
When the family moved to the cottage in the country, the merchant and his three sons applied themselves to farming the land. And every day, Belle rose at four in the morning to clean the house and make breakfast for the family.
Narrator 2:
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Narrator 3:
In the beginning, she found it very difficult, for she had not been used to work as a servant. But in less than two months, she was cooking and cleaning like a pro. After her work each day, Belle read, played on the harpsichord and sang while she spun wool. And what did her two sisters do? Nothing! That’s what! We get up at ten and do nothing but lounge all day long wishing TV was invented so we could watch it, feeling sorry for the loss of our amazing clothes and the great parties we used to go to. Meanwhile, just look at our youngest sister. She seems perfectly happy living in
Narrator 4:
Narrator 5: Charlotte and
Henrietta: Charlotte: Henrietta: Charlotte:
Henrietta:
Charlotte: Henrietta: Charlotte:
poverty in the countryside! It’s like she loves to be poor!
Henrietta:
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Belle:
That is not true. I grieve the loss of our fortune, but crying about it will not make things better. I must try to make myself happy with the way things are now. (sarcastically) Oh Belle! You’re so good- hearted. Can I be just like you? Honestly, you’re such a goody-two-shoes. You make me sick! The family had lived about a year in poverty, when a messenger arrived. Me, again! (stops to look around) Wow! This place is a dump . What news do you have for us now , Messenger? Please make it good news for a change. It can hardly be bad news —-we have nothing left to lose! It is good news. (to the Merchant) My dear sir, a vessel has landed with a good deal of your property from overseas. It is in port and you are to fetch it and do what you like with your goods. It won’t make you rich , but it will give you a little extra money.
Charlotte:
Henrietta:
Narrator 6:
Messenger:
Ben:
Henry: Charles:
Messenger:
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Charlotte: Henrietta: Charlotte: Henrietta and
(running in) Did you say—— (running in) money???? Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Shopping! We’re gonna shop till we drop! And then Daddy’s going to get us a house in town… and we’re going to go to all the parties…
Charlotte: Henrietta: Charlotte: Henrietta: Charlotte: Henrietta: Merchant:
Right, Daddy? Right, Daddy?
I will do my very best, girls, I can promise you that. Just give me a list of the things you would like and I will buy as many of them as I can.
(The sisters give their father a long list of what they want while the brothers help their father into his traveling coat.)
Belle:
But Father—shouldn’t you be careful? It won’t be that much money and we have no money at all right now. It would be wise to save this new money.
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Henrietta: Charlotte: Merchant:
That’s enough, Belle! Yeah, be quiet , Belle! And now you , Belle, what do you want from town? Nothing, Father. I mean it. Save your money. She’s such a goody two-shoes! Come, Belle, think of something I can bring for you. (thinking) I guess... if you could pick me a rose, that would be lovely. There are none around here and it would be nice to have one. That is easily done, Belle. One rose! Coming up!
Belle:
Henrietta: Merchant:
Belle:
Merchant:
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Scene 5:
A Fool’s Errand
Setting:
A port near the town where the merchant once lived.
Narrator 1:
The good man went on his journey, but when he came to the port, his debtors seized his merchandise. This may be your property, sir, but your daughters Henrietta and Charlotte bought so many dresses and jewelry that you have large, unpaid bills. As a result, the merchandise shall be sold and the proceeds given to the shops as payment. After all this trouble and travel, I shall return home as poor as before! And so it was that with heavy heart, the merchant began the long journey home to his shabby little house deep in the country. After several days’ journey… he was within thirty miles of home... when he got terribly lost while riding through a forest.
Judge:
Merchant:
Narrator 2:
Narrator 3: Narrator 4: Narrator 5: Narrator 6:
(Wolves howl.)
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Narrator 1:
It rained and snowed, and the wind was so high, that it threw him twice off his horse. And with night coming on, he began to fear he would die of cold and hunger, or else be devoured by the wolves, whom he heard howling all around him...
Narrator 2:
(Wolves howl.)
Narrator 3: Narrator 4: Narrator 5: Narrator 6: Narrator 1:
when, all of a sudden, looking through the trees,
he saw a light in the distance! And going on a little farther, he perceived it came from a palace illuminated from top to bottom. The merchant hastened to the palace and was greatly surprised that there were no guards outside it. His horse followed him, and seeing a large stable open, went in, and finding both hay and oats, the poor beast, who was almost famished, fell to eating very heartily. The merchant entered a large hall, where he found a good fire, and a table plentifully set out, with one covered plate.
Narrator 2:
Narrator 3:
Narrator 4:
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Merchant:
I am soaked from the rain and the snow. I will draw near to the fire to dry myself. I hope the master of the house, or his servants, will excuse the liberty I take. I suppose it will not be long before some of them appear.
Narrator 4: Narrator 5: Narrator 6:
But considerable time passed, and when at last it struck eleven, and still nobody came...
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the merchant was so hungry that he could not stop himself! This chicken looks good enough to eat so that’s what I’m going to do! The merchant ate it in two mouthfuls, Delicious! After this, he drank a few glasses of wine and growing more courageous, he went out of the hall and crossed through several grand apartments with magnificent furniture, until he came into a chamber, which had an exceedingly good bed in it and as he was exhausted, and it was past midnight, he concluded it was best to shut the door and go to bed. It was ten the next morning when the merchant awoke. He was astonished to find a suit of clothes in the room. This palace must belong to some kind fairy, who has seen and pitied my distress. He looked through a window, but instead of snow, he saw the most delightful arbours, interwoven with the most beautiful flowers that ever lived.
Narrator 1:
Merchant:
Narrator 2: Merchant: Narrator 3:
Narrator 4:
Narrator 5:
Merchant:
Narrator 6:
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Narrator 1:
Then, he returned to the Great Hall where he found some hot chocolate on a little table. Thank you, good Fairy, for providing me a sumptuous breakfast. I am extremely obliged to you for all your favors. The good man drank his hot chocolate, and then went to look for his horse. As he passed through the arbour of roses, he said, Roses! I remember dear Belle wanted a rose! So he picked a rose from a branch. Immediately, he heard a great noise! And saw a frightful beast running towards him. Yikes! I have saved your life by receiving you into my castle, and this is how you repay me? By stealing one of my roses, which I value beyond anything in the universe?! Sorry! You shall die for this crime!
Merchant:
Narrator 2:
Merchant:
Narrator 3: Narrator 4: Narrator 5:
Merchant: Beast:
Merchant: Beast:
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Merchant:
Please forgive me! I was just picking a rose for one of my daughters. You have daughters? Yes, three of them, each one more beautiful than the next. I see... I will forgive you, on one condition. Name it! You must send me one of your daughters. But she must come willingly , and die in your stead. That’s the only way I’ll let you out of here alive. And if I leave and never send you one of my daughters? Then, I will come for you . Gulp. Will you do it or will you die now? (to the Beast) I will do it. (aside) No, I won’t do it. I’d never ask one of my daughters to die for me——but at least this way I can get back to my children and say goodbye to them before the Beast kills me. (to the Beast) Ok, well, I’ll be off, then, sir.
Beast: Merchant: Beast: Merchant: Beast:
Merchant:
Beast: Merchant: Beast: Merchant:
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Beast:
You shall not depart empty–handed. Go back to the room where you lay, and you will see a great empty chest. Fill it with whatever you like and I will send it to your home. (to the audience) I wish this guy would pick a lane. One minute he gives me lots of food and shelter. The next minute he wants to kill me. And the minute after that, he’s sending me home with a treasure chest of goods! Who is this guy? Is he a villain or a hero? Oh well, at least I’ll return to my children with a small fortune. It will be something to leave behind when I return to the beast to die.
Merchant:
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Scene 6: Home with a Heavy Heart Setting: The shabby cottage where the merchant’s family lives.
Narrator 6:
When the merchant returned home, his children greeted him. What’d you get me? Do you have the earrings I asked for? Or the shoes? I am afraid I do not. I ran into a beast. A beast?! And things got very bad. Long story short: I only got a rose and I paid a heavy price for it. He handed Belle her rose. Here, Belle. Little do you know what that rose cost your unhappy father. What do you mean?
Charlotte: Henrietta: Charlotte: Merchant: All: Merchant:
Narrator 3: Merchant:
Belle:
(The Messenger enters.)
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Beauty and the Beast
Messenger:
Hi again! Back with another message. It’s from the beast. He just wants to double check that you are perfectly clear that unless one of your three girls goes back to his palace and gives up her life, then you will be killed. What?! And it’s all because your Dad picked one of the Beast’s roses. I’m afraid it’s true. I picked a rose for Belle from the Beast’s garden and now I have to pay the consequence: death at the hands of the Beast. And there wasn’t even a sign that said, “don’t touch my roses.” And if you don’t go back to the Beast’s palace, sir, one of your daughters has to die. My vote is for Charlotte to surrender her life for the greater good! Absolutely not! Why should I have to die for Belle’s mistake? It was Belle who wanted the stupid rose. “Just a simple rose, for me, Father.” You should have known it would get Dad killed!
All: Messenger:
Merchant:
Messenger:
Charlotte:
Henrietta:
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Beauty and the Beast
Charlotte:
That’s right. Belle chose the rose. It should be Belle who dies for it! No one is going to die for it, except me. I have a few weeks to spend with you all before I must go back and give up my life. If only Belle had been a normal girl and asked for jewelry and clothes! And make up! Then none of this would have ever happened. I can’t believe you, Belle! She’s so selfish! I created this problem so I will solve it. I will return to the Beast and our dear father shall stay here. No, sister, that shall not be! We will go find the monster and either kill him, or perish in the attempt.
Merchant:
Charlotte:
Henrietta: Charlotte: Henrietta: Charlotte: Belle:
Ben: Henry:
Charles:
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Beauty and the Beast
Merchant:
Do not do any such thing, my sons. The beast’s power is so great that you will not be able to kill him. Belle, I am charmed by your kind and generous offer, but I cannot yield to it. But Father--- No, Belle, I am old and have not long to live. If I die now, I can only lose a few years. I shall go and you shall live. Father, you shall not go to the palace. I am determined to die in your place. Will you really give up your life for me? Of course I will, Father. In that case, I must show you this chest full of gold. It is a gift from the beast. I had forgotten all about it, but tonight, to my great astonishment, I found it by my bedside. Oh, Father! This means that you are rich again! Yes, but do not tell the others. They will want to return to town and I am resolved that they should stay in the country.
Belle: Merchant:
Belle:
Merchant: Belle: Merchant:
Belle:
Merchant:
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Belle: Merchant:
But why shouldn’t they enjoy this wealth? How can they enjoy this wealth when it comes at so high a price? You must tell them, Father. I want them to be happy. No, I cannot tell your sisters. They will run back to town, spend it all on clothes and never return. Father, while you were away, two gentlemen came and courted Charlotte and Henrietta. They were mere tradesmen, but I don’t think that will bother Charlotte and Henrietta now . With these riches, they can have their dowry. They can marry and live happy lives. Why would we deny them their happiness? Do you mean that I should give this wealth to your sisters ? Yes—-and with it, your consent to their marriages. You are too good, Belle. They would not
Belle:
Merchant:
Belle:
Merchant:
Belle:
Merchant:
do the same for you. I love them, Father.
Belle:
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Narrator 4:
The next day, the old merchant gave Charlotte and Henrietta their fortune.
Charlotte and Henrietta: Henrietta: Charlotte: Merchant:
We’re rich! First, we’re going shopping! And then, we’re getting married!
Think of your poor sister Belle who has given up her life so that you can have this happiness. Uh-huh. Whatever! Our Uber has just arrived! Off to shop till we drop! (They run off stage.) And now it is time for me to go. Goodbye, brothers! God bless you, Belle!
Charlotte and Henrietta:
Belle:
Charles, Henry and Ben:
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Scene 7:
Belle Goes to the Palace
Setting:
Evening in the beast’s palace
Narrator 5:
That evening, Belle arrived on horseback at the palace. Belle entered the great hall, where she found a table splendidly set and two covered plates. Belle sat down and surveyed the fine meal prepared for her. (to herself) I suppose the beast wants me to enjoy a fine meal before my death. When she had supped, she heard a great noise and knew that the beast was coming. Belle was terrified, but she took courage as well as she could. Have you come willingly, Belle? Y—e—s. You are very brave. When will you put me to death? Tomorrow. Sweet dreams!
Narrator 6:
Narrator 1:
Belle:
Narrator 2:
Beast: Belle: Beast: Belle: Beast:
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Beauty and the Beast
Narrator 3:
That night Belle dreamed that a fine lady came and said to her, You gave up your own life to save your father’s. Such courage is rare. It will be rewarded. Belle awoke and sat down in the great hall. She wanted to cry, but she resolved to be calm for the little time she had left. Well, if I’m to die later today, I might as well walk about till then and view this fine castle. It is a delightful and pleasant place. She was extremely surprised at seeing a door, over which was written, “Belle’s Apartment.” She opened it and was dazzled by the magnificence that reigned throughout; but what chiefly caught her attention was a large library, a golden harpsichord and several music books. Well, these lovely things should help me pass the time. This consideration inspired her with fresh courage and opening the library, she took a book and read these words in letters of gold:
Fairy:
Narrator 4:
Belle:
Narrator 5:
Belle:
Narrator 6:
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Beauty and the Beast
Book:
Welcome, Belle, banish fear. You are queen and mistress here. Speak your wishes, speak your will. Swift obedience meets them still.
Belle:
The only thing I want is to see my father, and to know how he is doing. She had no sooner said this, when casting her eyes on a mirror, she saw her own home, where her father sat by the fireplace, looking sad. At noon, she found a magnificent feast and was entertained with an excellent concert of music.
Narrator 1:
Narrator 2:
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Beauty and the Beast
Scene 8:
Dinner Companions
Setting:
Evening in the Banquet Hall in the Beast’s Palace
Narrator 3:
That evening, as she was sitting down to supper, she heard the beast. Belle, may I join you? (trembling with fear) That is as you please. No. You alone are mistress here. If my presence is troublesome, I will immediately withdraw. You may stay. Tell me something. Am I ugly? I cannot tell a lie; you are indeed ugly. Ouch! But I believe you are very good-natured. So I am, but then, besides my ugliness, I have no sense. I know very well that I am a poor, silly, stupid creature.
Beast: Belle: Beast: Belle: Beast: Belle: Beast: Belle: Beast:
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Beauty and the Beast
Belle:
Fools never realize that they are silly. It’s only intelligent people who wonder if they are fools. So you are intelligent, sir, not foolish. Eat then, Belle, and endeavor to amuse yourself in your palace; for everything here is yours, and I should be very uneasy if you were not happy. You are very kind. Indeed, you are so kind that I notice your deformity less and less. My heart is good, but I look like a monster. There are people who look beautiful, but have an ugly, cruel heart.
Beast:
Belle:
Beast: Belle:
Charlotte and Henrietta: Belle: Charlotte and Henrietta: Belle:
Like us! Those are the true monsters.
Hey, thanks ! It’s better to be ugly on the outside and beautiful on the inside than ugly on the inside and beautiful on the outside . Tell that to Vogue magazine! And the entire fashion industry!
Charlotte: Henrietta:
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Beauty and the Beast
Beast:
I wish I was smart enough to give you a compliment. Instead, I’ll just say that I like you. I like you, Belle, a whole lot. I like you, too, Beast. Belle, will you be my wife? No thanks. Is it because I have threatened your life and the life of your father? I’m not going to lie. That doesn’t help. Because I could put off your execution indefinitely. Would that help? Would you marry me then? Even if you grant me my life, I will not marry you. I do not love you. Immediately, the poor monster began to sigh, and hissed so frightfully, that the whole palace echoed. (sadly) Then, farewell Belle. The beast left the room; and only turned back, now and then, to look at her as he went out.
Belle: Beast: Belle: Beast: Belle: Beast:
Belle:
Narrator 4:
Beast: Narrator 5:
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Beauty and the Beast
Belle:
Alas, ‘tis a thousand pities anything so good-natured should be so ugly. Belle spent three months in the palace. Every evening the beast paid her a visit, and talked to her during supper, very rationally, with plain good common sense, but never with what the world calls “wit” and Belle daily discovered some valuable qualities in the beast. After a while, I barely noticed his ugliness at all. In fact, I would often look forward to our time together. And I miss him when he is not here. Odd, isn’t it? OMG! Belle is falling in love with the beast! I thought he was going to kill her. What happened to that plan? There is just one thing that bothers me. Every night before I go to bed, the beast asks me to marry him. Every single night ! Finally, Belle worked up the courage to say to the beast.
Narrator 6: Narrator 1: Narrator 2: Narrator 3: Narrator 4:
Belle:
Henrietta:
Charlotte:
Belle:
Narrator 5:
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Beauty and the Beast
Belle:
Beast, I wish I could agree to marry you, but that will never happen. Never? Never ever? Never ever ever ever? I shall always esteem you as a friend . Can you be satisfied with this? What choice do I have? I know what I look like. I’ve seen my reflection in the mirror. I guess I should just thank my lucky stars that you stay here in this palace, that you keep me company. So you’ll stop asking me to marry you? On one condition. What is that? That you promise never to leave me. Belle blushed at these words; for she had seen in her mirror that her father grieved for the loss of her and she longed to see him again. I could promise that, but I miss my father, and I simply must go visit him. If I do not, I shall die from sadness.
Beast: Belle:
Beast:
Belle: Beast: Belle: Beast: Narrator 6:
Belle:
I would rather die myself than give you
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Beauty and the Beast
Beast:
the least unhappiness. You may go to your father. Remain with him as long as you like. Never mind the fact that I will simply die of missing you. No, I cannot be the cause of your death. I give you my promise to return in a week. That will allow me to comfort my father who is all alone. The mirror has shown me that my sisters are married, and rich! and my brothers have gone into the army. So let me stay just one week with my father to cheer him up a bit. Very well. You shall be there tomorrow morning, but please remember your promise. When you are ready to return, lay your ring on the table before you go to bed. I shall transport you. Farewell, Belle.
Belle:
Charlotte and Henrietta: Belle:
Beast:
Scene 9:
Back At Her Father’s Home
Setting:
The next morning at the shabby cottage
Narrator 1:
When Belle awoke the next morning, she found herself at her father’s poor cottage.
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Beauty and the Beast
Merchant:
My dear Belle! Is that really you? It is so good to see you. I’ve come to spend a week with you. What is this box, Father? I don’t know. It suddenly appeared this morning. Belle opened the box and found a large trunk full of gowns, covered with gold and diamonds. It is from the beast. These are gifts from him. Ah well, I have no need for such fine things. I will take the plainest garments and make a present of the others to my sisters. She had scarcely said so, when the trunk disappeared. Where did it go? I think the beast is insisting that you keep them yourself. If it would please the beast, then I will. Immediately, both gowns and the trunk came back again.
Belle:
Merchant:
Narrator 2:
Belle:
Narrator 3:
Belle: Merchant:
Belle: Narrator 4:
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Beauty and the Beast
Merchant:
While you get dressed, I will send word to your sisters that you are home. They will undoubtedly want to see you.
Charlotte and Henrietta: Belle: Narrator 5: Charlotte: Lord Baskalot:
(sarcastic) We can’t wait! And I can’t wait to meet their husbands. Later that day, the sisters arrived with their husbands. Meet my husband, Lord Baskalot. You must be thrilled to meet me, Belle. My good looks and noble ancestry probably overpower you. I understand you live with a beast. We hear that he’s the ugliest man on Earth. He is very kind. He is my friend. I am often asked to model, but I simply cannot find the time between polo- playing and surfing and mountain climbing. I am a man of action, a true sportsman, an Olympic athlete. And does my sister Charlotte take part in these activities? Who?
Charlotte: Belle: Lord Baskalot:
Belle:
Lord Baskalot:
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Beauty and the Beast
Charlotte, your wife ? Remember me? (as if he is having a hard time remembering) Oh, yes? Charlotte! Sorry--- what was the question? Does she like surfing and mountain climbing with you? I have no idea. It never occurs to you to bring me along. Who are you again? I am Charlotte, your wife! Belle, this is my husband, Sir Egocentric. Charmed , I’m sure. Hello. Quite a miserable life you have there, Belle? Eh? What do you mean?
Belle: Charlotte: Lord Baskalot:
Belle:
Lord Baskalot: Charlotte: Lord Baskalot: Charlotte: Henrietta: Sir Egocentric: Belle: Sir Egocentric:
Belle:
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Beauty and the Beast
Sir Egocentric:
Living in a palace with a beast who wants to kill you. You can hardly consider yourself a success story. Face it, Belle: you’re a victim. When I tell people at parties that I have a sister–in–law who ended up living with the ugliest person alive, they can’t believe how sad your story is. I think it’s funny in a way. The beast allows me to be here. In fact, he would allow me to leave the palace for good if I wanted to. That’s great, Belle. So that’s what you’ll do, right? Wrong. If I leave, he will die of loneliness. And I can’t let that happen. Who ever heard of someone dying from loneliness? (to Charlotte) Have you, whatever your name is? My name is Charlotte. I am your wife . And I am beginning to think that it is possible to die from loneliness. It must be awfully hard on you, Belle, seeing your sisters married to such charming chaps. And you ---forced to live with well, a beast !
Belle:
Merchant:
Belle:
Lord Baskalot:
Charlotte:
Sir Egocentric:
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Beauty and the Beast
Merchant:
And yet, Belle is the only one here who seems happy. Strange to say, Father, but I am happy. I am very happy with the beast. (to Henrietta) Ugh ! I can’t believe this. She’s with a beast, and she’s happy. We married well and we’re both miserable . How does she always get luckier than us? (to Charlotte) Sister, a thought just strikes my mind; Let us trick her into staying here longer than a week. Perhaps the silly monster will be so enraged at her for breaking her word, that he will devour her! (to Henrietta) Great idea! We’ll have to really pour on the niceness act to trick her into breaking her promise to the beast.
Belle:
Charlotte:
Henrietta:
Charlotte:
Sisters! Whatever is wrong? We’ve missed you, Belle! We’ve missed you so much! You have? (Henrietta and Charlotte begin to cry loudly.)
Belle: Henrietta: Charlotte: Belle:
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Beauty and the Beast
Henrietta:
We realize that we were never really sisters. Not in the true sense of the word. If only we could spend time together... we’d be able to truly get to know one another. You know, Belle---for most of our lives, Charlotte and I have been jealous of you. You have ? Yes, for you are so good and so beautiful. We resented you for it. It’s just now that we’re realizing how much we love you...how much we want to get to know you. (weeping) You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment! I’ve been so lonely! Always being the goody two shoes, never feeling like I fit in with you. Group hug! Bring it in for the real thing! (The sisters hug.)
Charlotte:
Henrietta:
Belle: Charlotte:
Henrietta:
Belle:
Charlotte: Henrietta:
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Beauty and the Beast
Narrator 6:
For the rest of the week, Charlotte and Henrietta were incredibly nice to Belle. They had so much fun together that Belle forgot all about the time. Before she knew what was happening, ten days had flown by. I was supposed to return to the beast three days ago! He doesn’t need you the way we do, Belle! The beast sounds really bossy. He dictates to you when you should return to his palace. I don’t know who he thinks he is! It’s not just that. I actually miss the beast. You miss the beast? Yes, I miss him terribly . You miss the beast terribly ? I …I...love...him. WHAT?!
Belle:
Charlotte: Henrietta:
Belle: Charlotte: Belle: Henrietta: Belle: Henrietta and Charlotte:
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Beauty and the Beast
Scene 10:
Belle Has A Nightmare
Setting:
The middle of the night in the shabby cottage
Narrator 1:
That night, Belle dreamed she was in the palace garden, and that she saw Beast lying on the grass. He was dying and, in a dying voice, reproached her for her ingratitude. How could you leave me, Belle? You promised to return! Belle started out of her sleep and burst into tears.
Narrator 2: Narrator 3:
Beast:
Narrator 4:
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Beauty and the Beast
Belle:
What have I done? My poor, beloved Beast! I must return to him. Having said this, Belle put her ring on the table.
Narrator 5:
Scene 11:
Belle Transports Back to the Beast’s Palace
Setting: The next morning in the beast’s palace.
Narrator 6:
When she awoke the next morning, she was overjoyed to find herself back in the beast’s palace... But the beast was nowhere to be found. Belle feared she had been the cause of his death. She ran crying and wringing her hands all about the palace.
Narrator 1: Narrator 2:
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Beauty and the Beast
Narrator 3:
After looking for him everywhere, she remembered her dream, The garden! In my dream, he was in the garden! Belle raced to the garden. And there she found the poor beast lying on the ground, unconscious, and appearing to be quite dead. No!!! Belle threw herself upon him. His heart! It’s still beating! She covered his face with kisses. Beast opened his eyes weakly. You forgot your promise, and I was so
Belle:
Narrator 4: Narrator 5:
Belle: Narrator 6: Belle: Narrator 1: Narrator 2: Beast:
upset that I began to die. Forgive me, dear Beast!
Belle: Beast:
Since I have the joy of seeing you once more, I will die happy. Goodbye, Belle. No, dear Beast, you must not die! Live! Live to be my husband!
Belle:
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Beauty and the Beast
Beast: Belle:
What?! From this moment, I give you my hand. I thought I felt only friendship for you, but now I realize that I cannot live without you. Are you saying what I think you’re saying? Yes! I love you! Belle had scarcely pronounced these words, when she saw the palace sparkle with light... and fireworks, a full orchestra burst into song. And the whole palace seemed to come alive as if by magic. Belle turned to the beast, for whom she once had trembled with fear; but how great was her surprise! The beast had transformed into a handsome prince. Who are you? And what has happened to Beast? I am Beast. Or rather the beast is me .
Beast: Belle: Narrator 3:
Narrator 4:
Narrator 5: Narrator 6: Narrator 1: Narrator 2:
Belle:
Beast:
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Beauty and the Beast
But...you’re handsome … A curse had been laid upon me many years ago. It turned me into a beast. And the only way that the curse could be undone is if someone loved me for me. All this time, the beast...was you ? I was trapped in the beast’s body for ten years. Only you , Belle, had the kindness to get to know me..to find out who I really was...and, at last, to come to love me. I had no idea! Do you still want to marry me? Even though I look like...this? I think I can get used to your new and improved appearance! Then, let’s marry right away. I have transported your family to the great hall. So Belle gave the charming prince her hand. They went into the castle, and Belle was overjoyed to find her father and her whole family there.
Belle: Beast:
Belle: Beast/Prince:
Belle: Beast/ Prince:
Belle:
Beast/Prince:
Narrator 2:
Narrator 3: Narrator 4:
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Beauty and the Beast
Charlotte: Henrietta: Fairy:
So much for our evil plan! Shush!
Belle, come and receive the reward of your goodness. You have preferred virtue over beauty, and deserve supreme happiness. You are going to be a great Queen. (to Henrietta and Charlotte) As for you, ladies, I know your hearts, and all the malice they contain. You shall become two statues. Forevermore, you shall stand before your sister’s palace gate, and behold her happiness. This is uncalled for! What did we do? You will not return to your former state until you recognize your faults. What faults?! We’re perfect! At this rate, I am very much afraid that you will always remain statues. What?! How come?
Charlotte: Henrietta: Fairy: Charlotte: Fairy: Charlotte: Henrietta:
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Beauty and the Beast
Fairy:
Pride, anger, gluttony, and idleness are sometimes conquered, but the conversion of a malicious and envious mind to a kind and generous one is a kind of miracle. It happens very rarely. Whatever! The fairy gave a stroke with her wand and the sisters became statues. Meanwhile, word had travelled to the nearby villages that their long lost prince had returned. His subjects received him with joy. The prince and Belle married and their happiness forevermore was complete. The End.
Narrator 5: Charlotte and Henrietta: Narrator 6:
Narrator 1:
Narrator 2: Narrator 3: Narrator 4: All:
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Beauty and the Beast
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