Touring Together: Danny Gardner and Emily Larger on Parenting and Performing in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

July 4, 2026 - 03:32

Disney's Beauty and the Beast continues to captivate audiences nationwide with its dazzling production, unforgettable score, and beloved characters. As the national tour arrives in San Diego from July 7 through July 12, 2026, theatergoers can look forward not only to the timeless tale as old as time but also to the talented performers who bring these iconic characters to life eight times a week.

For Danny Gardner and Emily Larger, the tour is more than a job. It is a family affair. The couple, who met years ago in the theater world, now share the stage as Lumiere and Mrs. Potts while also navigating the demands of parenting their young daughter on the road. Balancing rehearsals, nightly performances, and a toddler's schedule requires constant communication and a lot of coffee.

Gardner says the key is treating the tour like a team sport. When one of them has a matinee or a late rehearsal, the other steps in for bedtime duty. Larger adds that their daughter has grown up backstage, learning to wave at the enchanted objects and humming "Be Our Guest" before she could talk. The couple admits that some days are exhausting, but they find joy in watching their child experience the magic of live theater from the wings.

For audiences in San Diego, the production promises the same splendor that has made Beauty and the Beast a classic for decades. The score, the costumes, and the choreography all aim to transport viewers into the enchanted castle. But for Gardner and Larger, the real story happens offstage, where they are learning to be both parents and performers, one show at a time.