BroadwayTheatreBlog.com | Beauty & The Beast

LIGHT MY FIRE!!

July 01, 2008 By: Pia Haas Category: Beauty & The Beast, Interviews, News, Press No Comments →

Rick Hilsabeck (Lumiere in Beauty & the Beast) shed some light on a few things!

I grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago). I was always around music (singing mostly). My mother has a beautiful soprano voice and also taught voice. She definitely could have had an opera career, but instead, happily chose to raise a family. I have two older brothers. My Dad was a wonderful man. He was a high school social studies teacher for many years in at Hinsdale Central H.S. He loved music as well. He played the trombone and loved all sorts of music. He and my mom have had the greatest influence on me. They will always remain my greatest heroes. They always encouraged me to follow my heart and my dreams. And that was to be on the stage. I always loved singing from an early age and was convinced by a good pal in H.S. to get into the choral program there. And that is where I discovered my calling I guess. The school was known for its high quality musicals and it was there I performed in my first full length shows. Also, my H.S. choral/voice teacher was a big influence. She first taught me the meaning and value of good discipline and healthy, correct singing. I was also a gymnast when I was young, which eventually led to my love of dance. (I spent eleven years in Chicago‘s acclaimed Hubbard Street Dance Company.) (more…)

Another rave!

June 23, 2008 By: Pia Haas Category: Beauty & The Beast, News, Press No Comments →

"Since I had watched this movie over and over as a little girl, as soon as the actors started to sing, all the words flooded back into my head."

"Rena Strober pulled off Belle’s spunky demeanor perfectly, and can really belt out a song. Belle has always been one of my favorite Disney princesses; she isn’t your typical “damsel in distress”, she was willing to give up her freedom for her father, and didn’t sit around waiting for her prince –"

"This was an amazing performance, with terrific actors & actresses, beautiful sets, designs and effects. I would certainly go back when I have the chance – I would even love to see Beauty & the Beast again! If you ever have a chance you should go to the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford. They will amaze you!"

By Amanda Leigh Morey, Grade 11, Lakeland High School, Shrub Oak, New York

Madame (de La Grande Bouche) is that you?

June 18, 2008 By: Pia Haas Category: Beauty & The Beast, Interviews, News, Press No Comments →

Marguerite Willbanks, who captivates our audiences as the "Overstuffed Armoire" in Beauty & The Beast, said:

I grew up in Parkville, Maryland which is right outside of Baltimore. I am the middle of three girls. My parents were both teachers and performed in community theatre. I spent lots of time in the theatre growing up-first tagging along to rehearsals with my parents and then performing. For 11 years my entire family spent every summer performing at a local summer theatre. My version of summer camp! After graduating high school I went to college for a couple of years and then headed to New York where I attended AMDA.

I would have to say my parents have always been my greatest influence and mentors. They showed me from a very early age how much work, discipline, and fun it is to be a part of the theatre world. Although they never worked as "professionals" I consider many of their performances the best I’ve ever seen on a stage.

I watched the "Wonderful World of Disney" every Sunday night as a child. I think my favorite Disney film as a kid was "Bambi". I have performed this role before with the Broadway company of "Beauty". It was a wonderful advantage to work with the original creators of the show and see what their intentions were for the role. Of course as time has passed I’ve spiced it up a little. That’s the fun of playing a role more than once-it’s great fun to find new parts to the characters personality.
I rarely think about the animated film in regards to the show. I think the book and music for the stage production stand on their own- separately from the film. One of the wonderful things about the film is that it’s brought so many people to see the stage production. The costumes are definitely helpful in creating this character. As soon as I put the "wardrobe" on I have to move in a totally different way and I immediately feel connected to "Madame".
My nieces and nephews have seen the show and love it! They can’t believe it’s their Aunt Maggie under all that furniture! When I’m not performing I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog. We love to travel- if we ever win the lottery we will be off to see the world!!

GASTON GABS!

June 06, 2008 By: Pia Haas Category: Beauty & The Beast, Interviews, News, Press No Comments →

Jonathan Burgard chatted with me about his role and more!

Growing up was sort of a difficult task. My father starting his basic training in the Air Force in 1971, He didn’t retire until he reached final rank of a recruiter, Chief Master Sergeant in 2001, so from my birth, relocation was inevitable. By the time I was 18, I had lived in roughly around 25 cities, but the main locations were Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Syracuse, and Wilmington, NC. (more…)

Mrs Potts Spills all!

May 20, 2008 By: Pia Haas Category: Beauty & The Beast, Interviews, News, Press No Comments →

Stacia Fernandez is bubbling over with excitement as she appears nightly in Beauty & The Beast!

I was born in Columbia Missouri, lived in Monmouth, Illinois until I was 9 and then spent the rest of my growing up years in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m the 4th of 4 girls and we had a blast together! (more…)