Fergie L. Philippe first saw the stage musical "Beauty and the Beast" as a college freshman, while Kyra Belle Johnson became familiar with it much earlier—playing a sugar cube in her middle school production. Now, they have been cast as the lead roles in the first North American tour of Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast" in over 25 years, set to launch this summer. Philippe will play the Beast, and Johnson will portray Belle, the young woman who transforms the cursed prince through the power of love. Both actors are thrilled to perform for young audiences experiencing live theater for the first time and for parents reminiscing about their own "Beauty and the Beast" memories. "Disney stories are embedded in our DNA. They’re part of the American experience. One of the most exciting aspects of this show will be the multi-generational connection it creates," says Philippe. Tour Details and Production The tour kicks off in Schenectady, New York, in J...