Broadway Star Susan Egan Diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, Pulls Out of Disney Princess Concert Tour

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: The Walt Disney Company/getty

Susan Eganannounced Thursday that she has pulled out of theDisney Princess – The Concerttour after being diagnosed with Bell’s palsy.

The 52-year-old actress, who originated the role of Belle in the Broadway production ofBeauty and the Beastand voiced Megara in the Disney animated filmHercules, told social media followers that she willnot be performing with the concertseries this fall.

Alongside a photo of Belle from the 1991 animated Disney film, Egan shared that she was diagnosed with the condition — which causessudden weakness or paralysis in muscleson one side of the face and is, in most cases, temporary, per the Mayo Clinic — “this week.”

“I should make a full recovery, but likeJustin Bieber(good company!), who announceda similar condition, I’m unable to perform at this time,” she continued.

Egan earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance as Belle, the role she originated on Broadway. InDisney Princess – The Concert, she performs songs from the beloved Disney classic and also serves on the creative team.

“I will of course continue in my role as executive producer, alongside my amazing partners, working daily behind the scenes to bring you an absolutely incredible production!” her post read.

Benjamin Rauhala, co-creator and music director ofDisney Princess – The Concert, wishes Egan well as she recovers. He tells PEOPLE, “Susan is our fearless leader, and her hard work is in every aspect of this tour! We’re wishing her a speedy recovery, and we’re looking forward to making her proud across America this fall!”

Disney Concerts also shared the news of Egan’s diagnosis, calling her a “dear friend” and announcing that actressesAnneliese van der PolandSarah Uriarte Berrywill be joining the tour earlier than expected.

“Susan will be continuing her daily producing work behind the scenes to bring our guests an incredible production,” they wrote alongside a photo of Egan in a yellow ball gown reminiscent of the one Belle wears inBeauty and the Beast.

Van Der Pol, best known for playing Chelsea onThat’s So Raven, and Berry have also played Belle in the Broadway production ofBeauty and the Beast.

“Fun fact: Sarah was my college roommate and sings high Cs in her sleep – I kid you not!” Egan wrote in her announcement. “Sarah was the VERY FIRST Belle in the stage show at Disneyland (!) and was Broadway’s SECOND Belle. She and I actually performed the role at the same time: Sarah was on Broadway when I was in the Los Angeles company!”

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Formerly theBroadway Princess Party, which began as a cabaret show at Feinstein’s/54 Below in New York City in 2015, fall performances ofDisney Princess – The Concertwill begin Oct. 20 in Texas.

A rotating cast of princesses will perform on tour, which plays through Dec. 10.Christy Altomare, who starred in the Broadway adaptation ofAnastasia,will join the tour againafter replacing Laura Osnes last year. Syndee Winters (Nala in Broadway’sThe Lion King) and Isabelle McCalla (Jasmine in Broadway’sAladdin) also star. Accompanying them is Adam J. Levy (Waitress).

For more information and tickets,visitDisney Princess – The Concert’s official website.

source: people.com