You’re sitting there, toddler glued to the screen, and suddenly a new face pops up during a "Songs for Littles" marathon. He’s charismatic. He’s got that professional "theater" sparkle in his eyes. He’s singing about soap or a Christmas tree.
If you’re a parent who also happens to be a Disney nerd, your brain probably did a double-take. "Wait... is that Jafar from Broadway teaching my kid how to use the bathroom?"
Yes. Yes, it is.
Dennis Stowe is the man behind the mystery, and his connection to the Ms Rachel universe is actually a pretty heartwarming example of how the tight-knit Broadway community basically runs the world of educational YouTube. Honestly, once you realize how many of Ms Rachel's friends are Tony-level performers, you’ll never look at a puppet segment the same way again.
The Broadway Connection: It’s All About Who You Know
So, how does a guy who spends his nights plotting to take over Agrabah end up in a pink-hued YouTube studio? It isn't random.
📖 Related: Why American Beauty by the Grateful Dead is Still the Gold Standard of Americana
Ms Rachel (Rachel Griffin-Accurso) isn't just a teacher; she’s married to Aron Accurso. Aron is a massive deal in the theater world. He’s the Associate Music Director and Associate Conductor for Aladdin on Broadway.
Dennis Stowe and Aron Accurso have been coworkers and friends for years. In an interview with New York Live, Dennis basically admitted he’d do anything Aron asked because Aron has been such a "champion" of his career. When Aron and Rachel needed professional, high-energy talent for their burgeoning YouTube empire, they didn't go to a casting agency. They just looked at their coworkers.
Dennis Stowe famously appeared as "Mr. Dennis" in the iconic potty training episodes and the Christmas specials. He wasn't just a "fill-in." He brought a level of vocal precision and screen presence that most "influencer" parents just can't replicate.
Who Is Dennis Stowe, Anyway?
Before he was helping your two-year-old understand the concept of "wipe," Dennis was—and still is—a Broadway powerhouse.
👉 See also: Why October London Make Me Wanna Is the Soul Revival We Actually Needed
He didn't just stumble into the spotlight. He's an original Broadway cast member of Aladdin. He spent years as the standby for both Jafar and the Sultan before officially taking over the role of Jafar in early 2022. Imagine the range: going from the deepest, most menacing "I will have the lamp!" voice at the New Amsterdam Theatre to the gentle, encouraging tone of a Ms Rachel guest star.
His resume is actually kind of exhausting to look at:
- Shrek the Musical (he played Papa Bear and Thelonius)
- Annie
- The Lion King
- Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
- The Wedding Singer
- Wonderful Town
He’s also a longtime member of the Broadway Inspirational Voices, which explains why his pitch is always perfect, even when he's singing about a holiday tree.
The "Aladdin" to YouTube Pipeline
Dennis isn't the only one. If you feel like the Ms Rachel cast is suspiciously talented, it’s because they are. Most of them are literally just the cast of Aladdin or other major shows taking a break between rehearsals.
✨ Don't miss: How to Watch The Wolf and the Lion Without Getting Lost in the Wild
- Keisha Gilles: You’ve seen her singing "Walking at the Zoo." She’s also a veteran of Aladdin and The Book of Mormon.
- Angelo Soriano: Another Aladdin alum who brings those high-energy dance moves to the screen.
- Natalie Kaye Clater: She’s been in Hamilton.
It’s a win-win situation. The actors get a fun side gig during the day, and our kids get exposed to some of the best vocalists in the country. It also explains why the production quality of the music is so much higher than the "Baby Shark" clones that flood the platform. These are real arrangements by real composers.
Why Dennis Stowe Matters to the Show’s Success
There was a bit of a "Who is that?" moment on Reddit and TikTok when Dennis first appeared. Parents are used to seeing the core group—Rachel, Aron, and Jules Hoffman.
Adding someone like Dennis Stowe brought a different energy. He represents the "Mr. Rogers" style of male role model—calm, talented, and kind. For a show that focuses heavily on speech development and modeling behavior, having a professional actor who knows how to enunciate and engage with a camera is vital.
Some parents were jokingly "starstruck" to see a Broadway lead doing a potty song. But honestly, it’s that lack of ego that makes the Ms Rachel team so likable. They’re professional performers who genuinely care about early childhood education.
What to Watch Next
If your kid has already watched the Christmas and Potty Training episodes fifty times, here is how you can actually support the "Mr. Dennis" era of the show:
- Check out the Broadway credits: If you’re in New York, go see Dennis Stowe in Aladdin. It is a trip to see him as a villain after seeing him be so sweet on YouTube.
- Support the Guest Stars: Follow Dennis on platforms like Cameo, where he often mentions his "Mr. Dennis" persona alongside his Broadway roles.
- Listen for the Arrangements: Pay attention to the background vocals. Often, you’ll hear the Broadway Inspirational Voices or other theater pros filling out the sound.
The next time you see Mr. Dennis pop up on your TV, just remember you’re watching one of the best in the business. He isn't just "the guy from the video"—he’s a Broadway legend who just happens to be really good at helping your kid learn their milestones.