subscribe: Posts | Comments

Rachel Drake

0 comments

Rachel Drake is LeFou in Beauty and the Beast. The character presents Drake with a number of comedic opportunities, in that LeFou is the snide male sycophantic sidekick of the story’s physically and verbally abusive antagonist, Gaston. In spite of the abuse inflicted on him, LeFou (which is French for fool) admires and is steadfastly loyal to Gaston, playing a central role in Gaston’s plot to blackmail Belle into marrying him by having her father declared insane.

Rachel’s prior stage credits include Maria in The Sound of Music and the Sad Bride “Dancestor” in The Addams Family Musical, which was Rachel’s first production since high school “if you don’t count the daily shows I put on in my living room with my four kiddos.” While at Fort Myers’ Evangelical Christian School, Rachel appeared as Chava in Fiddler on the Roof, Leisl in The Sound of Music, Cinderella in Cinderella and Billie in Babes in Arms.

Drake, whose family is rooted in music, was introduced to Fort Myers Theatre a little over a year ago when her girls saw a production and wanted to give it a try themselves. Since then, they have been in many productions, and theater has become a huge part of Rachel’s life once more.

Off the stage, Rachel and husband, Chris, have four children, ranging from ages 2 to 8. Rachel is also a birth doula, lactation counselor and substitute teacher. She was a Pre-K special needs and Kindergarten teacher prior to working from home.

April 30, 2022; revised May 1, 2023.

Comments are closed.