It’s a tale as old as time—and it’s coming back to Nashville! Disney’s Beauty and the Beast national tour brings its reimagined magic to TPAC for an extended two-week run November 4–16, featuring dazzling choreography, stunning visuals, and a heartfelt message that still rings true: beauty is found within.
Before the enchanted candlesticks, clocks, and dinnerware invite Music City to be their guest, we caught up with two of the show’s talented cast members for a special abbreviated edition of our recurring interview feature, Rapid Fire Q&A.
First, Broadway veteran Kathy Voytko, who steps into the iconic role of Mrs. Potts, reflects on honoring the beloved musical’s legacy, the lessons of love and change, and the nightly magic of singing the show’s unforgettable title song.
Then, Nashville native Spencer Dean, who plays the deliciously sinister Monsieur D’Arque (and other colorful townsfolk), shares what it means to bring his hometown audience a story that helped inspire his love of theatre—plus why a little villainy can be so much fun.
——-
RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH BEAUTY AND THE BEAST NATIONAL TOUR CAST MEMBERS
RAPID FIRE WITH BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’s MRS. POTTS, KATHY VOYTKO
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Performing the title song, Beauty and the Beast, is a true Broadway musical legacy moment. What goes through your mind in that instant under the spotlight?
KATHY VOYTKO: Singing Beauty and the Beast is such a unique honor because it has become such a beloved moment in the animated film and such a recognizable song originated by the extraordinary Angela Lansbury. However, when I sing it in the show, I have to attempt to forget all of that, and just tell the story, sing the notes, and say the beautiful words as though it’s the first time every single night because for one person in the audience, it is the first time they are hearing it.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Angela Lansbury certainly set the gold standard as Mrs. Potts in the beloved animated classic—did you give any thought to honoring her while also making the role uniquely your own?
KATHY VOYTKO: As a lifelong Angela Lansbury fan I sure hope I am honoring her masterful blueprint of Mrs. Potts! Our director, Matt West, along with associate director Sam Scalamoni, music director David Andrews Rogers, and the entire Disney team guided us to shape our characters so they would be familiar to the audience, but still encouraged us to find our own unique take within the framework of the iconic characters. I’m extremely grateful that they trusted us and encouraged us to bring a little of ourselves into the mix.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: The show’s message of love and acceptance feels timeless—what part of Mrs. Potts’ wisdom resonates most with you personally?
KATHY VOYTKO: The biggest lesson that I had never really taken notice of in this story is one that I had discussed with our remarkable book writer, Linda Wolverton, who also wrote the original screenplay for the film. You can make a terrible choice/mistake in your life, and when you learn to make better, kinder choices, your entire world can change for the better. (And I even get to sing about it: “bittersweet and strange finding you can change learning you were wrong”).
JHPENTERTAINMENT: The current tour reunites some of the original Broadway creatives behind Beauty and the Beast, including director and choreographer Matt West, who you mentioned. Do you have a favorite aspect of the newly enhanced production?
KATHY VOYTKO: Geez, I don’t think we have enough space for me to tell you all the things I love in this production, but let me give you my top three:
I wildly love how we present Chip. The Disney magic for all the castle objects is very cool and tricky. And most folks ask about it at the Stage door.
The musical numbers Gaston and Be Our Guest are extended and honestly, I could watch them each for 10 more minutes because the company is outrageously talented and I find it thrilling every single night.
Kyra Belle Johnson and Fergie Philippe (Belle and Beast) have a wonderful rapport that tells the story in a fresh way that by the time they are connecting and truly seeing each other in Act Two, you are giggling and rooting for them with unexpected delight.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: With apologies to Cogsworth, when you’re offstage, what helps you “unwind the clock” after bringing the necessary warmth and heart to every performance?
KATHY VOYTKO: Performing 8 shows a week can be challenging to our bodies and our voices, but getting to witness towns across America enjoying Beauty and the Beast is such a unique privilege.
Many of us on tour try to do something decidedly local in every city. Sometimes it is going to a museum or renting a bike and going along a river trail or asking locals their opinion on their favorite little slice of life or favorite cuisine for the area.
But for me personally, sometimes it’s just a hot cup of tea or a glass of wine and The Great British Bake Off or a long FaceTime with my family to unwind the clock and refresh my heart.
RAPID FIRE WITH BEAUTY & THE BEAST’s MONSIEUR D’ARQUE & OTHERS, ENSEMBLE MEMBER, SPENCER DEAN
JHPENTERTAINMENT: As a Nashville native, what’s it like returning home to perform at TPAC with such a beloved Disney musical?
SPENCER DEAN: Beauty and the Beast was the first Broadway show I ever saw. Then, I played Lumiere at both Act Too Players & Franklin High School, so this show means A LOT to me. Bringing it to the TPAC stage (where I saw every national tour as a kid) is an emotional and full circle moment. I’m so lucky to be here with this gorgeous production! Getting to share this with so many loved ones is the greatest gift!!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Monsieur D’Arque might be small in stage time but big in impact—how do you make the most of every deliciously dark moment? SPENCER DEAN: The incredible custom coat I get to wear and crooked top hat (with detailing from the ORIGINAL Monsieur D’Arque costume) helps! Throw on some creepy contour and a grimace and I’ve got the audience both laughing and frightened.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Villainy can be fun—what’s the best part of playing someone audiences love to hate as well as the other roles you take on?
SPENCER DEAN: It’s such a bold contrast from my quirky village character and our dashing Be Our Guest glam. I appreciate what a range of characters I get to step into every night! Definitely keeps it fresh and fun!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: If an existing song from any genre were added to the score to serve as D’Arque villainous theme (à la Gaston), what would it be?
SPENCER DEAN: Creep by Radiohead. You’ll have to see the show to understand!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: This reimagined Beauty and the Beast tour brings new life to a classic—what do you hope audiences take with them after experiencing this updated production?
SPENCER DEAN: A brief escape from the scary world outside. A reminder to lead with kindness and love. Beauty TRULY is found within. Never judge a book by its cover & treat others the way you want to be treated.
——-
Whether you grew up with the animated film or first met Belle and the Beast on stage, this newly enhanced production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast promises an unforgettable theatrical experience filled with heart, humor, and timeless lessons about kindness and love.
Catch the national tour at Nashville’s TPAC, November 4–16. Tickets are available now at TPAC.org.
Following their Music City tour stop, Beauty and the Beast will continue its National Tour with multiple stops across the U.S. through September 2026, with more dates expected to be announced. CLICK HERE for full details or follow Beauty and the Beast on Insta.
As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment to find out who I’m chatting with for my next Rapid Fire Q&A, or for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music and movie offerings, visit JHPENTERTAINMENT.com or find us on Facebook, Insta and Twitter.