The new live action version of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ hits theaters on March 17 and so many Disney fans couldn’t be more excited. The gorgeous photos, the trailer teases and that Ariana Grande and John Legend rendition of ‘Tale As Old As Time’? C’mon! It’s all too much to handle.
Win tickets to see ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Enter to win tickets to see the cherished story of compassion and love at the Classic Cinemas theater of your choice.
While you and your family anxiously await opening day (it’s so, so close), here are some ways to pass the time.
Dress to impress
Belle’s stunning yellow ball gown is unforgettable. And now littles have the chance to own their own version of the iconic dress with Target’s new Beauty and the Beast collection. Target worked with the film’s costume designer, Jacqueline Durran, to help inspire the collection, which includes rose-printed skirts and dresses, blue hair ribbons, and tanks emblazoned with the words ‘Bold and Brave’. Be the cool parent and let them wear the new duds to the theater. They’ll turn heads. Prices range from $9.99 to $24.99.
Embrace your inner bookworm
As an unapologetic literary lover, Belle is rarely caught without “her nose stuck in a book.” While she seems to favor classic tales of adventure and romance, kids–little girls especially–may be more inspired by the heroine herself and want to read more stories about strong girls and women. Some of our favorites? “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans, the “Ladybug Girl” series by David Soman and Jacky Davis, “Matilda” by Roald Dahl, “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “The Diary of A Young Girl” by Anne Frank and “I Am Malala” by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai.
Pretend you’re French
‘Beauty and the Beast’ is set in the French countryside and it’s OK to admit your wanderlust calls when you think of rolling hills and charming villages. Chicago and France may be separated by an ocean, but there are plenty of opportunities around town to embrace French culture. Learn the language at Alliance Française de Chicago or Language Stars and indulge in sweet treats at Sugar Fixe or Vanille Patisserie. A stop at the Chicago French Market is also a must. Allons-y!
