Karen Rich

Kyra Belle Johnson was born to play Belle — and not just because of her middle name. She strikes the perfect balance between brainy and brave. Opposite her, Fergie L. Philippe gives the Beast real emotional heft. He’s gruff, funny and surprisingly tender. Despite their combined talent, both take a backseat to the immortal Angela Lansbury, whose recorded voice opens the show with the iconic prologue. But really, if you have to play second fiddle to a dead woman, you could do worse than the OG Mrs. Potts.