‘Beauty and the Beast’ Actress Wants Audience to Leave with a Smile

Cameron Monroe Thomas – Cameron Monroe Thomas portrays Babette in the National Tour of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” Photo provided by Broadway in Chicago.
Cameron Monroe Thomas – Cameron Monroe Thomas portrays Babette in the National Tour of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” Photo provided by Broadway in Chicago.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ Actress Wants Audience to Leave with a Smile

By Tia Carol Jones

Cameron Monroe Thomas knew she wanted to be on stage as a theatre actress when she saw a production of “The Lion King” in the West End in seventh grade while on a family vacation in London. She wanted to be in “The Lion King” and play the role of Nala.

Starting at age 3, she was in ballet and tap dance classes. Then, she began taking all forms of dance, including modern, jazz, contemporary and West African. After seeing that West End performance of “The Lion King,” she started doing musicals and attended the performing arts high school, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where she majored in musical theatre. She also majored in musical theatre at Texas State University.

Thomas portrays Babette in the Broadway in Chicago production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” The production will be at the Cadillac Palace Theatre from July 9th to Aug. 2nd. The Jacksonville, Fla. native described Babette as a sassy, fiery, sexy, ball of light, who brings sunshine and light to every room she is in, and who has the biggest heart.

Thomas’ first professional production was “Beauty and the Beast” at The Muny in St. Louis and other productions she has been a part of include “Sister Act” and “Beautiful.” Being a part of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” is Thomas’ National Tour debut.

“It’s just so special to me how this show has really had an affect on my career,” she said.

Thomas, who graduated from Texas State University in May, said that she is very blessed that this production is her entrance into the industry after being in school. She said it is exciting, but she also is a little nervous, which she called “nervcited” all because she cares so much. She said she is also grateful, and the cast has been sweet, kind and welcoming to her. She said it is the best experience she could have ever asked for with it being her first National Tour experience.

“I’m so excited and so ready to take this beautiful show across the country with these people that I’ve already grown to love so much. It feels amazing and I’m still pinching myself, honestly,” she said.

Thomas said it is a special feeling being able to bring the story to life. In order to get her French accent, she worked privately with a professor at Texas State University who taught dialects. Throughout the audition process, she was in school where she was singing and dancing every day, so she was honing the skills needed for performing the role. In the rehearsal process, she has been building up her stamina to go through the singing and dancing that “Beauty and the Beast” is known for.

Thomas said her favorite musical number in the production is “Be Our Guest.” She said she loves it because it is when she gets to dance the most and the ensemble is really great in it. She said it is a spectacle of a number, and it puts a smile on her face.

Thomas said the themes of the musical include not judging a book by its cover, how true love and friendship can overcome anything and acceptance. She said the theme of acceptance and accepting people for who they really are is a theme that really resonates with her. She said that theme is shown by the castle staff, between Lumiere and Cogsworth, and between Belle and Mrs. Potts, and how they rely on each other to get through.

Thomas said she hopes people who come to see the production leave with the biggest smile on their face and feel light and excited after seeing it. She wants them to have fun and really enjoy the costumes, sets and lights, musical numbers and comedy. She also wants them to be invested in the story. She said what makes the show so special is that it is for everyone and everyone can relate to it and can enjoy it.

Thomas added that as a Black woman from the South, it is special for her to play the role of Babette. She said she has never seen a person of color play the role.

“I think it’s so special to me because it is so important for younger girls to see themselves on stage and know that it is possible for them and to know that your background or race doesn’t hold you back, you can do all the roles and do everything you put your mind to,” she said.

For tickets to “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” visit www.broadwayinchicago.com.

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