The musical started off with the classic “Once Upon a Time,” opening before diving into the gripping plot that would eventually lead Belle to the home of the Beast.

For the most part, the musical followed closely with Disney’s 1991 animated film, and the actors displayed impressive vocal skills.

The special effects also kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Puppets served as the vicious forest wolves, fog machines enhanced the changing atmosphere. Confetti showered the audience several times.

Graduate student Chris Reece came to the show on Tuesday as a way to celebrate completing a tough exam.

“I’ve been wanting to see Beauty and the Beast for a while,” Reece said.

He said among the acts, his favorite was the “Be Our Guest” performance.

The colorful and musical scene featured dancing plates and silverware, an acrobatic welcome mat, large champagne bottles shooting out confetti and fog spewing off the stage and into the audience.

“They did really well with that (Be Our Guest) scene,” said graduate student Georgia Farrell.

Farrell said the movie was one of her childhood favorites growing up, so coming to the performance brought back old memories.

Erika Nelson, an MSU communications coordinator, also said “Beauty and the Beast” was her favorite childhood film. But after seeing the performance, she had one critique. In her opinion, the Beast wasn’t intimidating enough.

“I think that’s the beauty of the love story, that (Belle) broke though the intimidation but here, (Beast) was weak and at her feet,” Nelson said. “The Beast needed to be louder and scarier.”

However, she was pleased with the rest of the show’s dynamic.

The audience offered a cheers-filled standing ovation at the end of the show, thanking the actors for a stellar performance.

The musical will run every night through Sunday. Student tickets are on sale for $25 at whartoncenter.com.