Tale as Old as Time

TPAC Brings us Disney's Beauty & the Beast the Musical

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is coming to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, this November, for a limited engagement. This marks the first North American tour of the beloved musical in over twenty-five years. Based on the 1991 animated film, Beauty and the Beast originally debuted on Broadway in 1994 and quickly became one of the longest-running and most successful shows in theater history. Featuring the unforgettable score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Menken and Tim Rice, the musical brings this timeless story to life with stunning sets, costumes, choreography, and talented actors.

Ahead of the show, we spoke with Kyra Belle Johnson and Fergie L. Philippe, who bring Belle and the Beast to the stage, about the challenges and joys of stepping into these iconic roles and what it means to share this classic story with new audiences.

Kyra Belle Johnson (Belle)

What is your favorite quality about Belle’s character?

My favorite thing about Belle is that she leads with kindness. There are so many moments where she could be rude or defensive, but she consistently chooses to do the right thing. She’s grounded in who she is—people may think she’s odd, but she never lets that change her. That self-assuredness, paired with compassion, is something we could all use more of.

How do you approach portraying her, and what do you focus on?

I always come back to something our assistant director once said: “She’s not mad, she’s just right.” Belle doesn’t lash out—she stands her ground with calm confidence. I try to stay away from making her reactive or harsh. The material itself is so strong—it’s really about getting out of the way and letting the words and music speak. I walk onstage and just focus on being present and truthful in the moment.

What’s been the biggest challenge in bringing Belle to life—and how

do you overcome it?

Honestly, it’s been physical. Belle is onstage a lot—running, dancing, singing, climbing stairs—and that takes real stamina. It took me about a month to build up the vocal and physical endurance. Offstage, it’s about finding balance and grounding, especially on tour. I’ve learned when to explore a new city and when to stay in and rest. Having my cat with me has been a huge comfort—she brings a little piece of home on the road.

What’s your pre-show ritual or warm-up routine?

Music is a must—I blast whatever I need to match or balance my energy that day, from James Taylor to Beyoncé. But my favorite part is a ritual with one of my castmates: before each show, we pull a word from his deck of angel cards—words like trust, imagination or acceptance. It gives me a focus for that performance and helps bring a new energy to every show.

What do you enjoy most about performing in Beauty and the Beast?

This show was one of the first musicals I ever did as a kid, so playing Belle now—on this scale, with Disney—is beyond a dream. The care and heart that’s gone into this production is unreal. Every day I remind myself to just show up with presence and gratitude. It really feels like a full-circle, princess-dream-come-true moment.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors?

Follow what you love. Let joy guide you, and study—watch shows, read plays, learn from interviews and documentaries. Research the careers of actors you admire. The more you know, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel walking into any room.

Fergie L. Philippe (Beast)

How do you prepare for and portray such complex character development?

I love this character—and as a huge Disney fan, it’s been such a joy to dig into the depth of the Beast. Beauty and the Beast comes from Disney’s Renaissance era, when storytelling took on a whole new level of emotional complexity. Thanks to creators like Howard Ashman, the Beast isn’t just a villain-turned-love-interest—he’s part of a story about mutual transformation. Belle and the Beast don’t just fall in love—they help each other grow. They begin in loneliness, unsure of themselves, and through their connection, they start to see themselves more clearly. For me, the focus is always on tapping into that emotional honesty—what does the Beast need today to move forward in his journey? That changes night to night depending on where we find each other on stage, and that openness keeps the performance alive.

How do you manage the physical demands of the role?

Physically, the role is intense—and I have to stay on top of it. I’ve developed a solid warm-up routine that I do before every show, especially since there are stairs to jump from, big entrances, and a lot of vocal demands. If I skip those stretches, the Beast might not make it back up! Early on, I leaned into his animalistic side, but the creative team helped me find a blend between his beastly nature and his humanity. Now it’s about maintaining a strong physical presence while letting his emotional vulnerability shine through. I’ve also adjusted my whole lifestyle—working out, eating well, and keeping my voice and body in shape—so I can give 100% every night.

What part of the Beast’s character resonates most with you?

What surprised me most was how funny he is—especially in his frustration. We’ve found a lot of humor in his confusion and outbursts, not in a slapstick way, but in a way that feels very human. He’s angry, yes—but underneath that is sadness, confusion, and a desire to do better. I think a lot of people, especially men, relate to that. And at his core, he’s trying—even when he’s failing. That vulnerability, that effort despite not having the answers, is what makes him relatable. And it’s what I connect to the most.

What’s your pre-show ritual or warm-up routine?

Music is always part of it—what I listen to depends on how I’m feeling. Some days it’s classical or jazz to center myself, other days it’s punk to get my energy up. But my favorite rituals happen during the show. I have small traditions with crew and cast—stretching with a carpenter, a chest bump with a castmate, little phrases with my dresser. These moments help separate me from the character backstage, reminding me that while the work is serious, we’re also here to play and create. That perspective keeps me grounded and energized through eight shows a week.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors?

Read, watch, and listen to everything. Luck is just preparation meeting opportunity—so be ready. That means knowing your craft, but also being curious about the world: history, philosophy, politics. The fuller you are as a person, the more you bring to your performance. Broader knowledge deepens your art.

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Beauty and the Beast show runs from November 4th to 16th, with performances Tuesday through Sunday. Purchase your tickets at tpac.org. For additional information on the show, visit beautyandthebeastthemusical.com.