She is known as a virtuous beauty. But in Neuss, she is now strumming different chords. Belle wears overalls, raps, and her fear of the beast is limited. In his new version, Dirk Schirdewahn, director and deputy artistic director at the theater in Neuss, has playfully refreshed the old French folk tale and tailored it to the young audience. "I don't care about your money, you can forget about me!" she calls out to the slimy handsome guy Gaston, who unsuccessfully court her and therefore tries to blackmail her.

Her heroine is called Belle, but she knows: "True beauty comes from within." When the brave, compassionate, confident girl takes her father's place to face the punishment at the beast's enchanted castle, she does not hold back. "Less roaring, more smiling" she advises the grumpy monster, which even follows the advice. When they then discover mutual preferences for reading, traveling, and gummy bear cookie casserole, the ice is broken.

Less horror, more wit. This recipe works wonderfully on stage in Neuss. This is particularly thanks to the hilariously funny servant Michel with his French accent, ivy tie, and an impressive hairstyle that houses a mouse. With her squeaky voice, she constantly intervenes, and when things get romantic between Belle and the beast, she provides the soundtrack on a mini-Stradivari. For the happy ending, the sneaky Gaston gets the monster mask applied. The beast is free, and the dancing Belle raises her hands to a victory sign.