Disney’s Beauty and The Beast || Nick Cox

The Fame Reporter interviewed charismatic theatre performer from Boston, Nick Cox, he is currently starring as the ultimate left-hand man, Le Fou in the new smash-hit Australian Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Musical, now playing at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre before it tours to Melbourne this June.

We sat down with Nick and talked about playing Le Fou in his professional theatre debut in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, what led him Down Under to perform with the Australian cast, learning from established Broadway artists and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Nick, can you share with us what inspired you to pursue a career in musical theatre?
Thank you so much for having me! I didn’t know this was a thing you could pursue until I did my first full musical production as a freshman in high school back in the United States. I remember the rush and that amazing electricity in the air.

I forget who first asked me if this was what I wanted to do, but upon realising this was something I could do, I had tunnel vision for it. The sky is blue, the grass is green, I’m going to be an actor.

You’ve had an impressive career in the U.S. including performances at Radio City Music Hall and Off Broadway. What are some standout moments or highlights for you?
I really am so grateful for the time I spent at Radio City. It was my first professional show in New York City and I had the privilege of getting to share the stage with amazing Broadway actors and the Rockettes.

The Rockettes were everything I could have imagined them being; strong, hardworking, talented and abundantly kind. The standard they set and the work ethic of the company was truly something to behold.

The moment that stands out for me was when I got to ride the upstage elevator on the stage at Radio City during a tech rehearsal. The Rockettes did their famous kick line downstage while myself and the cast were slowly lifted into the air. We went to the very top of the lift and they called a stop as we teched the show.

In that moment I was aware of how lucky I was and took a mental screenshot of that moment.

What was your experience like touring with Saturday Night Fever the Musical for Broadway at Sea on the Royal Caribbean?
That show changed my life for the better in so many ways, and is ultimately how I ended up living in Australia, as it’s where I met my beautiful wife Kathleen! We were both hired as singers, and I couldn’t possibly mention anything about that time without first retelling that little fun fact.

The show was a lot of fun! Little did I know that just because we were at sea, it did not mean we were exempt from re-blocking the show due to injury or illness. So, a lot of the time we were on the ship rehearsing changes to the show, because it was the only time the theatre was empty.

I did get to see parts of Central and South America, which I had never been to before and couldn’t believe I had the opportunity to do so.

I got a kick out of FaceTiming my folks back home while there was a blizzard in Boston and I was in sunny Cozumel. They still talk about that!

Could you share any differences you’ve noticed between the theatre scenes in the U.S. and Australia?
Absolutely! The biggest difference I’ve noticed is the number of shows and the number of people auditioning. In New York and across the United States, there are countless auditions and shows. You might think, “Amazing! I have a great shot of getting work!”, forgetting that there are thousands and thousands of people constantly moving to the city to pursue the same dream.

Here in Australia, there are fewer shows to audition for and there seems to be less people, which again you could think “Great! I have a good chance of getting a job!” BUT, everyone has been keeping their eyes peeled for these auditions and are ready to go.

Both countries are incredibly competitive performing industries, but for opposite reasons.

Congratulations on your Australian musical theatre debut in Beauty and the Beast! What drew you to the role of Le Fou?
Thank you so much! I am so grateful to be here and to be playing Le Fou in this incredible production of Beauty and the Beast. I was in disbelief for months after my agent gave me the good news!

I always loved Le Fou in the animated film. Sometimes you see an audition brief and you just have an immediate reaction knowing that a certain character is the one you are going to go for. Le Fou was that for me.

I felt most connected to Le Fou and thought of all the amazing characters in this show (which there are many!) I could present something different to the audition panel.

How do you approach portraying a fun-loving character like Le Fou, and what challenges or excitements does this role bring?
I actually based my Le Fou performance off of my Cavoodle, Radagast (Hobbit reference). My dog has an absolute heart of gold and he is very smart. But it does take him a little longer to realise what is going on and catch up with the rest of the gang. He will hold a stare just those few extra seconds longer while he figures something out, and then will spring into action! That is literally Le Fou.

Le Fou is the friend that everyone wishes they had, as he will support you with the utmost dedication and loyalty. He just moves at a slightly different pace.

There is of course the physical challenge. It is a sprint nearly every moment Le Fou is on-stage in Act One leading into the massive “Gaston” number. I have to be very diligent about my exercise and nutrition to ensure I have enough energy, and that my ligaments and tendons can handle the load.

Before our entrance in the Village scene, I will put the finishing touches on my physical warm up, usually lots of hopping around.

I look at Gaston (played by the incredible Jackson Head), and say “You’re the best”. That brings me straight into the world of Beauty and the Beast.

Can you share any advice for aspiring musical theatre performers based on your success?
Firstly, keep practicing. You’re never done learning and growing. Secondly, don’t forget to have a hobby not related to musical theatre whatsoever and lastly, your self worth is not defined by whether or not you are “working”.

Don’t believe what you see on social media and that the key to happiness is to be in a show. Don’t fall into the trap of comparison (easier said than done).

I lied, here’s another piece of advice – it’s okay to take a break from the business! Life can get crazy and that is okay. We’re all doing our best and you can always return to auditioning when the time is right for you and last one; practice kindness to yourself and others.

You’ve performed with notable Broadway artists like Ryan Scott Oliver and Lindsay Mendez. How have these collaborations influenced your artistic development?
I learned a lot of different aspects about the business from Ryan Scott Oliver. For instance, what might be going on behind the table, how certain things you do can come across and how to present yourself.

Lindsay Mendez, on the other hand, was really all about the text and storytelling.

Both Broadway performers really complemented the other’s skillset and I’m grateful for the time. They also gave me the chance to sing at 54 Below twice – I will forever be thankful for the opportunity.

Are there any dream collaborations or projects you would love to pursue in the future?
Oh, so many! For musical theatre I would love to play Marty McFly in Back to the Future, Orpheus in Hadestown, and I’d love to go back to doing some ‘legit’ musical theatre singing. Would also love the opportunity to perform in Les Miserables again!

Screen acting and exploring that medium of storytelling is a huge priority and goal. I would very much like to switch to a more sinister type of character, or a character with more self-serving intentions. A complete deviation from Le Fou.

Honestly though, I would be so thrilled to just keep working.

From Marius in Les Misérables to Le Fou in Beauty and the Beast, how do you approach adapting to diverse roles, and what do you find most rewarding in portraying different characters?
You can live a thousand lives through the eyes of different characters. I’ve always been fascinated by people and personalities. When I knew I wanted to act for a living, I knew I wanted to play as many types of characters as possible and it motivates me to keep training and expanding my skillset.

Acting can be a rollercoaster when you push yourself out of your comfort zone – and I love the ride.

What is your favourite aspect of working with this stellar Australian cast on this magical production?
They are all such amazing talents and wonderful humans. I count myself so lucky to be in their company. Everyone brings something truly unique to the stage, from each ensemble member to the principals.

Our crew is exceptional. We are so lucky to have the most talented, hard-working and down to earth crew. It’s an honour to work with them on this production of Beauty and the Beast.

What can Brisbane audiences expect when coming to see Beauty and the Beast live on stage in comparison to the animated film?
It’s everything you could want from a Disney production. Audiences will see all of their favourite characters, hear all their favourite songs, and get those wonderful nostalgic feelings the beloved story of Beauty and the Beast brings.

The stage production of Beauty and the Beast has also had some exciting updates, that of course I won’t spoil!

If you loved the animated film, I am so confident you will love this show. We are having the best time sharing the magic of Beauty and the Beast with Brisbane.

Fame Reporter Word Play

Beauty and the Beast
Transformation

Brisbane
Beautiful (and sweaty!).

Go-to Karaoke song
‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ by The Foundations

Favourite ride or attraction at Disneyland/World
I ashamedly haven’t been… BUT, if I had to guess, hands down it would be Savi’s Workshop. I would build my custom Jedi lightsaber. Would have to put some serious thought into the kyber crystal though and figure out if I want to be a Vaapad user or a Grey Jedi… I’ve just revealed a lot about myself.

Bucket list
I’d love to see the Aurora Borealis.

Place you want to travel to
Definitely the Mediterranean.

Favourite song in Beauty and the Beast
‘Gaston’!

Le Fou
Means well.

Dream co-star to work with
I’d love to work with Cillian Murphy and Bryan Cranston.

New York
Smelly.

Disney Heroine
Besides Belle?! I love Jane from Tarzan.

Advice for your 18-year-old self
Trust your instincts. If you’re getting a feeling in your gut… listen to it.

Royal Caribbean
I’m a pirate.

Go-to dance move
The ‘Robot’.

Disney Villain
Ursula from The Little Mermaid or Scar from The Lion King.

Favourite dance number in Beauty and the Beast
Has to be the Tango in ‘Be Our Guest’.