The original story of “Beauty and the Beast” was written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740. However, it is important to note that the most well-known and widely adapted version of the tale is an abridged and rewritten version by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, which was published in 1756. Beaumont’s version is the one that has had a lasting impact on popular culture and serves as the basis for many adaptations, including the famous Disney animated film released in 1991.
THE ENCHANTED ROSE
CHARACTERS:
NARRATOR
ALBERT – (FATHER)
MONNA
BELL
BEAUTY
BEAST
SCRIPT:
Welcome to the enchanting world of “Beauty and the Beast.” Tonight, we invite you to embark on a captivating journey filled with love, sacrifice, and the transformative power of inner beauty. Witness the tale of a young woman’s extraordinary courage as she ventures into the unknown, defying societal norms and discovering the true nature of love. Prepare to be captivated by a story that reminds us that beauty lies not in appearances but in the depths of the heart. Without further ado, let the enchantment of “Beauty and the Beast” unfold before your eyes!
NARRATOR: Once upon a time, there was a merchant named Albert, who had three daughters. The oldest daughter was named Monna, the middle daughter was named Bell, and the youngest daughter was named Beauty. One day, he thought.
ALBERT: My business is not going very well. I almost have no money. How are we going to survive? And the girls don’t even know that our situation is getting worse every day! I have no other choice but to do what Joseph said. I have to go on that business trip. It’s my only hope. Well, I have to tell the girls about my decision. I just hope they understand.
NARRATOR: The next day, he talked to his daughters about his trip.
ALBERT: I am leaving tomorrow.
MONNA: Will you bring me something?
ALBERT: What would you like?
MONNA: I have always wanted a brocade dress. I know I would look so beautiful in it!
ALBERT: I’ll bring it to you. What about you, Bell?
BELL: I want a genuine pearl necklace, please, Father!
ALBERT: Very well, and you, Beauty?
BEAUTY: I don’t want anything, father. I just don’t want you to leave. I will miss you.
ALBERT: Come on, Beauty, you know I have to go. We may lose everything we have.
BEAUTY: You know that I don’t care about money.
ALBERT: I know that, but it’s my responsibility to take care of you. I promised it to your mother before she died. Now tell me, what would you like me to bring you?
BEAUTY: Just bring me a rose.
ALBERT: A rose?
MONNA AND BELL: A rose?
BEAUTY: Yes, a simple rose. Just pick the most beautiful rose you see.
ALBERT: It will be a very special rose, just for you, my sweet daughter. It’s late, I’ll see you in the morning.
MONNA, BELL, AND BEAUTY: Good night, father.
NARRATOR: The next day, early in the morning, Albert was ready to leave. He and Beauty were outside their home loading the horse.
BEAUTY: I will miss you, Father.
ALBERT: I will miss you too, Beauty. Where are your sisters?
BEAUTY: They are still sleeping.
ALBERT: Mmm, well, I can’t wait for them to wake up.
BEAUTY: When do you think you’ll be back?
ALBERT: I am not sure, but I’ll return as soon as I finish my business.
BEAUTY: Goodbye, father, and be careful.
ALBERT: I will. Goodbye.
NARRATOR: Albert got on his horse and rode away. A few days later, he finished his business, so he set off for home. When he was riding through the woods, a sudden storm blew up.
ALBERT: Oh no! I have to find a safe place to stay, or the horse and I could die!
NARRATOR: Then he noticed a bright light shining in the middle of the forest.
ALBERT: I see a light! I have to go there!
NARRATOR: He rode his horse as fast as he could, and when he drew near, he saw that it was a castle.
ALBERT: I hope I’ll find shelter there for the night.
NARRATOR: When he reached the door, he saw it was open.
ALBERT: Hello? Is anyone there?
NARRATOR: Albert cautiously entered the castle and found himself in a grand entrance hall. The room was adorned with exquisite chandeliers and elegant furniture, but there was no sign of any inhabitants.
ALBERT: (calling out) Is anyone here? I seek shelter from the storm.
NARRATOR: As Albert explored further, he stumbled upon a magnificent dining hall set with a feast fit for a king.
ALBERT: This is incredible! It seems as if the castle is prepared for guests.
NARRATOR: Albert couldn’t resist the temptation and decided to enjoy a meal. Just as he finished eating, a deep voice echoed through the hall.
VOICE: Who dares to eat from my table without an invitation?
NARRATOR: Albert trembled in fear as he turned to face the source of the voice. There, standing before him, was a fearsome beast. The Beast had a rugged appearance, with sharp fangs and a wild mane. But despite its fearsome appearance, its eyes held a glimmer of sadness.
BEAST: (sternly) You have invaded my castle and feasted without permission. For this trespass, you shall pay with your life.
ALBERT: Please, forgive me. I was caught in a storm and sought shelter. I meant no harm.
BEAST: (curious) You seek shelter?
ALBERT: Yes, I am a merchant named Albert. I was on a business trip when the storm forced me to take refuge here. I never intended to intrude.
NARRATOR: The Beast regarded Albert with a mix of anger and curiosity.
BEAST: You claim to be a merchant. What brings you to these lands?
ALBERT: I was on a business trip to secure a livelihood for my daughters. Our circumstances have been difficult, and I sought opportunities elsewhere.
NARRATOR: The Beast’s eyes softened slightly as Albert spoke.
BEAST: Daughters, you say? How many?
ALBERT: I have three daughters, Monna, and Bell, and my youngest, Beauty. They are my heart and soul.
NARRATOR: The mention of his youngest daughter caught the Beast’s attention.
BEAST: Beauty? An intriguing name. And what did she desire from your journey?
ALBERT: A simple rose, the most beautiful one I could find. She asked for nothing more.
NARRATOR: A flicker of recognition passed through the Beast’s eyes.
BEAST: Very well, Albert. If you wish to spare your life, you must bring me that rose your daughter desires. But remember, you must return to this castle willingly, or your life will be forfeit.
ALBERT: I promise, I will bring you the rose as soon as I can. Thank you for your mercy.
NARRATOR: The Beast nodded, and Albert hastily bid his farewell, leaving the castle to make his way back home. He hoped that his daughters would understand the predicament he had found himself in.
NARRATOR: Meanwhile, back at home, Monna, Bell, and Beauty eagerly awaited their father’s return. Days turned into weeks, and their worry grew.
MONNA: It’s been so long since Father left. I fear something may have happened to him.
BELL: We must remain hopeful, Monna. Father is a strong and resourceful man.
BEAUTY: (softly) I miss him so much. I wish he would come back safely.
NARRATOR: Just as their despair reached its peak, a knock on the door startled them. Beauty hurriedly opened it to find her father standing there, exhausted but alive.
BEAUTY: Father! You’re back!
ALBERT: (smiling weakly) Yes, my dear. I have returned.
NARRATOR: The sisters embraced their father, relieved to see him safe and sound.
MONNA: Father, what happened? Why were you away for so long?
ALBERT: (taking a deep breath) I found shelter in a castle during a storm. But there was a Beast, and I made a promise to bring him a rose.
BELL: A Beast? What kind of promise did you make, Father?
ALBERT: I promised to return to the castle willingly, with the most beautiful rose I could find. Otherwise, my life would be forfeit.
NARRATOR: The sisters exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to proceed.
BEAUTY: Father, please tell me it’s not true. You don’t have to go back there.
ALBERT: I’m afraid I must, Beauty. I gave my word, and I must keep it. It’s the only way to ensure our safety.
NARRATOR: Beauty’s heart sank as she realized the gravity of the situation. She couldn’t bear the thought of her father risking his life for a mere rose.
BEAUTY: No, Father. I will go to your place.
MONNA: What? Are you out of your mind, Beauty? We can’t let you do that.
BEAUTY: I have made up my mind, sisters. I will face the Beast and fulfill Father’s promise. It’s the only way to protect him and our family.
NARRATOR: Monna and Bell looked at each other, understanding the determination in Beauty’s eyes. They knew that their sister’s love and sacrifice were unmatched.
BELL: Very well, Beauty. If this is your choice, we will support you.
MONNA: But promise us that you will stay safe and return to us.
BEAUTY: I promise, my dear sisters. I will do everything in my power to come back to you.
NARRATOR: And so, the story of “Beauty and the Beast” reaches its heartfelt conclusion. Through trials and tribulations, Beauty discovered that love transcends outward appearances and true beauty lies within. The Beast, once trapped in his bitterness, was touched by Beauty’s compassion and learned the transformative power of love. As they embraced each other, the enchantment surrounding the Beast and his castle dissolved, revealing a handsome prince beneath. The magic of their love brought joy and harmony to their lives and those around them. And as the final curtain falls, we are reminded that love has the power to break even the strongest of curses and ignite the light of happiness in even the darkest corners. May the tale of “Beauty and the Beast” continue to inspire us to see beyond appearances and cherish the beauty that lies within every one of us.
THE END
AUTHOR: JEANNE-MARIE LEPRINCE DE BEAUMONT
ADAPTED BY: K I D S I N C O
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