Spotlight: Spencer Dean — From Franklin to the Beast’s Castle

By Sarah E. Saysoukha | Photo courtesy Spencer Dean

When the national tour of “Beauty and the Beast” arrives in Nashville this November, it’ll be something of a homecoming for ensemble member Spencer Dean. A Franklin native and proud member of the LGBTQ community, Spencer has been traveling the country with the beloved Disney musical. Known for his vibrant stage presence and infectious energy, Spencer brings heart and authenticity to every performance — and to every audience he meets. Ahead of the Nashville run, Connect caught up with him to talk about life on tour, coming home to Tennessee, and what it means to share a story about love, transformation, and being true to who you are.

You’ve just celebrated your 100th show with the “Beauty and the Beast” tour. What has this milestone meant to you, and how has the production evolved since opening night?

The first show I ever saw was “Beauty and the Beast” back in 2006, so this really feels full circle—nearly 20 years later. We actually have the same director, choreographer, lighting designer, special effects team, and costume designer. All of these incredible people came together to revamp the show 30 years later.

Growing up in Tennessee, the first lead role I ever had was Lumière in “Beauty and the Beast.” I did it at The Factory in Franklin when I was 15, and then again my junior year at Franklin High School. So not only was it the first show I ever saw, it was also the first lead role I ever played.

Over the last few months, I think we’ve really found the honesty in the storytelling and the nuance in all the relationships on stage—whether between the villagers or the enchanted characters. The show has truly found its heart.

You’re originally from Franklin, Tennessee. What does it mean to you to bring this show home, performing for friends, family, and your local community?

It’s very emotional. I remember the day we got the tour schedule — I saw that most stops were one-week residencies, so getting a solid two weeks in Nashville felt like a huge gift. And my birthday is November 1st, so opening the show there just a few days after my birthday is really special.

To be in Nashville around my birthday, with my family and all my friends who saw me in “Beauty and the Beast” in high school, it just feels cosmic. I grew up doing theater with Act Too Players in Franklin under Sandra Morton, who’s a huge reason I’m working at this level now. She gave me my first lead role and really encouraged me as a character actor.

Now, in this show, I’m dancing in the ensemble, understudying Cogsworth and Maurice — it’s a track that calls on all of my skills. Knowing she’ll be in the audience means a lot. 

How did growing up in Franklin shape your love for theater or influence your path to becoming a performer?

It’s hard to make friends and find your people, and theater really helped me do that. I grew up performing at Towne Centre in Brentwood, Pull-Tight Players in Franklin, and I was on the Youth Actors Guild there. I was named one of “Nashville’s Most Promising Young Actors” at the First Night Awards my sophomore year. I’d drive to downtown Nashville to perform with Circle Players, Keeton Theatre, and Street Theatre Company. Between 10th and 12th grade, I got to do so many shows across those companies.

As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, how has being part of this tour — and this story of love and acceptance — resonated with you personally?

Disney has always been a vehicle for celebrating quirks, authenticity, and diversity. In this show, we’re creating a village filled with individuals — a bookseller, a bartender, the village lasses, the washwoman — everyone has their own personality. While there are moments of synchronicity, there’s also space for individuality.

I’ve truly felt like my uniqueness is celebrated and encouraged here. And honestly, every single one of us — gay, straight, or otherwise — was probably that theater-loving kid growing up who got bullied, but came alive at rehearsal after school. Now, we get to tell a story about being outsiders and how love and acceptance bring people together. That’s a really powerful thing

Know Before You Go

What: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”
Where: TPAC’s Jackson Hall
When: November 4 – 16, 2025
How: Buy tickets here.
Important: As an advisory to adults who might bring young people, Disney on Broadway recommends its productions for ages 6 and up. All guests entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a paid ticket.