Monday, June 13, 2011

Q&A with Logan Denninghoff (Gaston)

Hello again everyone! In the last few weeks, you’ve met Dane who plays Beast, and Emily who plays Belle. This week, we’re proud to introduce our Gaston: Logan Denninghoff. Logan was kind enough to sit down with us and chat about his life and how he became a part of the show.

Beauty Blogger: Thanks so much Logan, for taking the time to chat today. First things first: Where did you grow up?

Logan: I grew up in Bothell, WA, a suburb of Seattle, but finished high school and college in Florida. I definitely consider myself to be from both places!

Beauty Blogger: Wow! Both coasts huh? Sounds like a couple of great places to live. When did you know that you wanted to do musical theater?

Logan: I was in my first show when I was 10 years old. I played Kurt in The Sound of Music. Literally from that point on I was hooked and knew I wanted to do theatre forever.

Beauty Blogger: I’m sure you’ve auditioned for many roles, and I’m sure you have many stories. But why don’t you tell me about your audition for Beauty and the Beast?

Logan: My audition process began at the FSU senior showcase in NYC. It was May of 2010, and I received a callback for Beast at that time. I sent them videos later on in the summer and then didn't hear anything until December when I was asked to come out and read/sing for Beast and Gaston. I was super excited to audition! It was awesome working with Sam (our Associate Director) and Matt (our Choreographer), and I had a lot of fun reading/singing for both roles!

Beauty Blogger: There are so many people who show up to audition for the show. Which makes it even more exciting to find out that you had been cast. Who is the first person you called when you found out that you were offered the role of “Gaston”?

Logan: The first person I called was my dad, then my Grandma Nita, then my Grandma D. They were all super excited and proud. I am very blessed to have such a supportive family.

Beauty Blogger: Having a supportive family at home makes touring much easier. What part of the touring experience are you most excited about?

Logan: I'm most excited to help bring such a truly magical show to audiences all over, but especially the smaller towns and venues that have never had a production of this size or quality. I love helping people forget the troubles in their lives through theatre and think it’s very meaningful and important in the world today.

Beauty Blogger: That’s nice to hear. Of course, before you could hit the road and share the show with the audiences, you had to learn the show. What was that process like?

Logan: Well, when I first started rehearsals I would have said that the song “Gaston” was my favorite part of the show, but now after being in the show for a little while, I am really enjoying playing the mob scene/song. It is so rich and interesting. But, my overall favorite moment is the build to the last chorus in “A Change in Me”. It is orchestrated and performed so well by both our instrumentalists and Emily (Belle).

Beauty Blogger: That’s great! The song “Gaston” is a huge favorite among audiences. Is there anything else you’d like to say before we say goodbye?

Logan: I am just so thankful and excited to be a part of such a wonderful cast and overall production. I can honestly say I enjoy every performance!

Beauty Blogger: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat.

Logan and the rest of the cast of NETworks Presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast would love to see you at the show. Be sure to check out www.beautyandthebeastontour.com for the tour schedule so you can come see the entire cast live!