Despite the glowing review I gave Phantom of the opera, I have to say that this is truly the best musical I have ever seen. It's funny, dramatic, creative, and enthralling. The acting is excellent, the costumes and effects are amazing, and the songs are wonderfull.
All of the songs from the movie remain, and so do a whole host of new ones. Some of the best songs in the play, in fact, are the new ones. Included in those are "Me" (possibly the funniest song of all time, and my personal favorite) "Is this Home?" (Another excellent piece) "If I Can't Love Her" (Both a song and reprise, as well as a touching ending song with the same melody), and the added lines in "Gaston." Others include "Human Again" which has been included in the Beauty and the Beast special edition DVD, "Family" (or something like that, I don't remember the title. A song between Belle and her father.), and "Mason des Lunes" (I know I spelled that wrong).

I can't think of any nits in praticular.

In closing, I can't say enough good things about this musical. It really does have something for the whole family. it's thoughtful and hillarious at the same time.

Zarm,

I've never seen Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, but from hearing the original cast recording, it's also one of my favorite musicals (and I love musicals). I'm really glad to hear that you recommend it so highly and it gives me more impetus to see it for myself.

I'm glad you liked the song "Me" which I also like a lot. (And it's "Maison des Lunes.") My favorite song is "If I Can't Love Her," but I also enjoy "Home" and "Human Again." I had the opportunity to meet the original Belle, Susan Egan, and she was very kind--I wish I had been able to hear her sing a few songs from the show!

As for nits, have you ever heard the teapot reproduction nit?

Also, Phantom is my favorite musical of all time, and I think it's interesting that both it and BatB, which in some ways have essentially the same theme, are so popular and are such essentially moving pieces of musical theatre. I could go on for days about Phantom, but I'll spare you.