Kathy Voytko. Image courtesy of The National Theatre.
“Be Our Guest BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years. This beautiful and timeless story, filled with love and romance that audiences know and love, is brought to life like never before, with stunning new sets and beautiful costumes. The Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Reuniting to create this new production are members of the original Tony Award®-winning artistic team, including composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, librettist Linda Woolverton, with direction and choreography by Matt West, set design by Stanley A. Meyer, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward and lighting design by Natasha Katz. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a beloved musical that will fill your heart with the joy and magic of Disney. “
Kathy Voytko (Mrs. Potts) – Broadway: The Music Man, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Play, Tuck Everlasting, Next to Normal, The Pirate Queen, The Frogs, Nine, Oklahoma! Trips: Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Gentleman’s Guide…Thank you Disney, the amazing company of BATB, TRC & CGF! For my loved ones: John, Alena, & Evelyn.
When I was a junior in high school, my parents took me to Pittsburgh to see the national tour of “Les Misérables.” At one point during Act 2 as I was wiping the tears from my face I leaned over to my mother and said, “I think I want to do that!” And my mother wiped the tears from her face and leaned towards me and whispered, “Be there!”
You’ve been one busy lady, working on Broadway, theater, television/film, playing with symphonies, and touring. Do you have a favorite/favourite?
I like to say that I had a choice, but my dream was always to be a working actor. I like to act. I like to sing. I like to tell someone else’s story with words, or with song, or with dance. In a stressful world, I think it’s important to have art that takes us out of our heads a little bit. So, I hope to continue to sing in symphonies, work on stage, and be lucky enough to work on camera, too.
What sets this show apart from your other tour experiences and will you have a program for the entire tour? What are the challenges of balancing family life with a partner who is “in business” again?
I think the thing that really sticks with me is when I travel around my country Beauty and the Beast it’s an amazing fan base. I don’t just mean the Disney fan base; I mean our program seems to appeal to so many people. Some people I meet have never seen a theater production before, and some people have seen every iteration of this show over the years, but almost everyone leaves the theater very happy. It’s an embarrassment of riches because our players are fantastic, our team is amazing, the orchestra sounds fantastic and everyone gives 100% every day and I think it shows. So, I think the biggest thing that sets this show apart from my other touring experiences is the honest response to the joy of our audience.
The hardest part of my job is being away from my husband, our children, our dogs and our home. I do my best to fly home as often as possible, but I still miss things and that can be very painful. Traveling to North America in Beauty and the Beast it’s an honor and a privilege, being away for family life moments is the hardest part of the rest.
What is new about this production of “Beauty and the Beast” compared to previous productions? What are the fun parts and challenges of playing Mrs. Potts in such a popular and unique musical?
I’m a big fan of Angela Lansbury, so I miss being Mrs. Potts. At first, I was overwhelmed and scared, but Matt West, our director and choreographer, Linda Wolverton, our writer, Sam Scalamoni, our director, David Andrews Rogers, our musical director, and the entire creative team were very encouraging during our rehearsal process. They made it very clear that they wanted my version of Mrs. Potts while still respecting the character we all know and love. So, with their encouragement, I was able to lean on my mom’s side and make my own Mrs. Potts, and I’ve had an absolute ball ever since!
Do you have unfulfilled dreams and/or specific career goals for the future?
Well, if we’re talking about Disney roles, I’d love to be Mrs. Gothel (“Tangled”). I’ve been dying to be a villain! Other than that, I’m always hoping for fun and creative challenges, a stable job, more time with my family, and a new exciting role I don’t know.
The National Tour of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” continues through April 5, 2026, at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC For more information and to purchase tickets, For more information and to purchase tickets: in person at the Box Office Monday-Friday, 12-6 pm (Extended hours during weekdays: Tuesday-Sunday, 12-7pm), or leave online.
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