MUMBAI: Disney’s popular Broadway musical ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is set to be presented to Indian audiences for the very first time, starting this October. And to ensure the success of the musical, Disney India has roped in several eminent names, of which Lesle Lewis is one. The composer and songwriter is overseeing the musical aspects of the show, calling the experience “challenging”.

Speaking to Radioandmusic.com, the veteran musician focused on the difference between Broadway and other musical projects.

“The Disney culture is immense. There is a certain standard you need to adhere to. People watch these musicals and get mesmerised with the visuals and performance, but what they take back home is the music,” he said.

Lewis started work on the project in the early half of this year, gradually developing the music - background score and songs- suiting the musical’s theme and soul. He agreed that the process needed someone in charge with clarity of ideas and concept, a role fulfilled by Vikranth Pawar, Disney India’s Creative Head for Live Entertainment.

“Disney needs to have that authentic Disney sound. He (Pawar) lets me know what he wants, and this chemistry helps in a project as grand as this,” Lewis added.

More than a 100 local performers are set to feature in this production, which will retain its original script and music.

While Alan Menken, a renowned pianist and composer, created the original compositions for the musical, Lweis is confident of recreating the magic with local elements, without affecting the original theme. The versatile composer, who has experimented and succeeded in several genres, has always wanted to return to theatre, and could not have found a better opportunity than this to do so.

“I have embraced EDM, Pop, Rock and other genres and style. I was focusing on my independent projects lately, and when this opportunity came knocking on my door, I knew I had to take it. I believed from that very moment that I was the right man for it,” the singer added.

Lewis elaborated on how Broadway performances are effective as well as memorable. “Everyone knows what the storyline is and what to expect, yet it is brand new and I am very thrilled to be a part of it,” he said.

Disney India has decided to start its live entertainment business with ‘Beauty and the Beast’ as the storyline resonates with Indian mythological tales. With this, India becomes the 29th country to host the musical for its audiences, starting from October 23rd in Mumbai.

The musical will run in two cities – Mumbai and Delhi – on a uniquely designed stage at a scale that matches the international standards.