From watching it as a child, to performing on stage, Jones heart is filled with happiness

“There is something about growing up quoting the movie and seeing those characters live on stage that fills my heart with happiness” Nathan Jones, cast as the role of Maurice in “Beauty and the Beast,” said.

Jones grew up watching Disney’s cartoon version of the performance with his siblings.

“We loved Disney movies and still quote lines from the original movie ‘Beauty and the Beast’,” Jenny said. “I had to channel my memories when he had me run lines with him to remember how the characters acted.”

Being a part of such a well known musical through the Ellen Eccles Theatre, Jones said, is a childhood joy for the cast members and himself.

“I love the moments I have had with my castmates during rehearsals, together we come up with ways to tell the story that is greater than any of us were doing on our own,” Jones said. “It really is a great group effort to get this show on stage.”

Jones said he wanted to be a part of the magic of telling this story. Although playing this role is more stressful than his usual role of dancing ensemble.

“Nathan puts his whole heart into his roles,” Jenny, Nathan’s sister, said. “He has had a wide range of roles and I often hear of  him supporting and helping others.”

The first time he sang by himself in front of others was in 2015, when he auditioned for Four Seasons Theatre Company’s production of “A Christmas Carol”.

Since then, Jones has been hooked on the learning and rehearsal process of being involved in musical productions.

“It is a bit more demanding emotionally then roles I have played before, but less physically demanding than the ensemble dancing roles I have had,” Jones said.

Originally going out for the role as Lefou because he thought it would be fun, Jones was open to any role. He got a call back for both Maurice and Lefou.

“I was surprised they were interested in him as Maurice just because of his age, but I was very excited to see that his personality came across enough in auditions to know he would do a great job,” Jenny said.

Jones being cats for this role came as a shock to multiple people.

“To be honest, I was a bit shocked when they offered me the role of Maurice, as the role was not on my radar when I originally auditioned,” Jones said. “I am glad they did! I have learned a lot playing Maurice.”

Jones said the director, Lindsey Kelstrom, has been very supportive and encouraging of him playing the role of Maurice. She has helped guide him into the role of a loving father, odd eccentric inventor and learning the balance of portraying Maurice on stage.

Jenny is very excited to see her brother act like a crazy inventor. “He has a way of bringing life to a character and I am excited to see how he portrays Maurice. He spent hours the other day perfecting his old man look,” she said.

Jones’ family has always been supportive of his theater hobby. His sister, Jenny, helped him learn to love the arts. Jenny said you can often find Jones dancing with his niece in the kitchen and showing her new dance moves.

“If you ask my nieces and nephews, they would probably say that I am a bit odd and a bit eccentric like Maurice,” Jones said. “Yes, I would rather tinker with an invention then make buddies with the local tavern folk, meaning going out and socializing.”

Doing shows is a huge time commitment, and it works out for Jones to work during the day and to have rehearsals in the evenings.

“I am very grateful that I do have this opportunity to be involved in the show as Maurice,” Jones said. “I really enjoy the learning process and developing my talents to become more inviting to the audience so that we can all enjoy the show together.”

Jones has had roles with lines before, but for this show and his part, it’s unique due to the dialogue and relationships on stage. He has also had to learn how to engage with his scene partners. He is so proud of his stage daughter, Maya Borrowman, who plays Belle.

Jones will research a role to try out different ways of approaching a character. Jenny says he keeps trying to improve and is always wanting feedback on how he can become a stronger performer.

Photo by Bailey Rigby