On the Road with Reese Sebastian Diaz

Young actor Reese Sebastian Diaz, who plays the role of “Chip” at certain performances in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, has also filled out a blog Q&A while on the road!

What city are you currently in?
Dallas, Texas

What are you most looking forward to in this city?
I’m excited to see my family here and go to Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor

What tour stop has been your favorite so far and why?
Scranton, Pennsylvania because it is the closest we came to my hometown. I had lots of fun seeing my friends and family. We even had a big party in between 2 shows on Saturday.

Which upcoming tour city are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
San Francisco, California. I’ve never been there and I have family there too! We’re also renting a house with some cast members and I think that will be fun. Robyn (Silly Girl) is taking me to the Jelly Belly Factory and we are also doing a cabaret in San Francisco.

What music are you currently listening to?
LES MISERABLES! I have 3 different versions and I listen to all of them all the time!

Name one item you can’t live without while on the road.
My computer! I like to go on Facebook and Club Penguin! I also can’t live without my iPOD touch…. Oh, and my mom!

What do you like to do when you’re traveling between tour stops?
Every time we fly, I watch “Golden Girls” with Michael from our Merchandise department. He has all the seasons on DVD! When we ride the bus, I sleep a lot and watch movies. I like the bus, it’s like a big sleepover with a bunch of friends! We all have blankets, pillows, and snacks!

What is your favorite song/scene in Beauty and the Beast?
My favorite song is “Gaston”! It’s really fun to watch because of the choreography of the clinking mugs. “Be Our Guest” is my favorite song that I am in because it’s a lot of fun and has a lot of energy. There are streamers and lots of cool surprises.

Any memorable tour moments (on or offstage) you can share?
In Baton Rouge, I ate alligator at a restaurant and I liked it! Once on stage I tripped and fell. I was really embarrassed but the cast was really nice to me about it and told me all of their stories from when they’ve fallen or messed up their lines so it made me feel better.

Name one reason why people should see Beauty and the Beast.
It’s just a really cool story. Kids like it, adults like it. There are a lot of good songs and dances. Plus it has a happy ending!

Click here to read Reese’s blog!

Click here to read Reese’s bio on www.beautyandthebeastontour.com.

On the Road with Jeremiah Frank Burch III

Young actor Jeremiah Frank Burch III, who plays the role of “Chip” at certain performances in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, has filled out a blog Q&A while on the road!

What city are you currently in?
Dallas, Texas

What are you most looking forward to in this city?
The Aquarium and “Which Wich” the best sandwiches ever

What tour stop has been your favorite so far and why?
I enjoyed Daytona Beach because we could watch the sunrise over the ocean!

Which upcoming tour city are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
San Francisco ~ getting some fresh clam chowder, seeing my family and the Golden Gate Bridge

What music are you currently listening to?
I love show tunes, right now I am playing “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”

What are six things you couldn’t live without on tour?
iPod Touch, Computer - all my electronics, really!
My Friends on tour
My Razor Scooter
My Cash
My Sleep
My Mom!

What do you like to do when you’re traveling between tour stops?
Play my DS and IPod

Jeremiah as the Cowardly Lion

What made you decide to do theatre?
I enjoy theater because it’s live! The audience is real and new every night! I always enjoy all music.  Musical theater is positive and makes me feel good inside. I like having a live orchestra -- anything can happen. To me, that’s exciting.


What can you offer, share and discuss with kids across the nation who are considering musical theatre as a career choice?

For any kid considering theater, if you don’t get the part you have to KEEP TRYING! God will provide another/better part for you. Start small and try out for every school play and talent show you can find. If there’s not one in your town, start one! Do what you love for as long as you can. Work for free until the money comes. If you truly love what you do, the money will come. You have to be committed to YOUR DREAM!


What teacher had the most impact on your success? Why?

The Teachers that influenced me the most were:



1. Alexis Grausz worked in an after school program in Manhattan called “Broadway Bound.” She taught us things we needed to know about theater, such as terms (stage right/stage left), lighting and sets. She also cast me as JoJo in Seussical.  From there I got the confidence and skills to perform in small New York productions.
 


2. Nathan Warner was the music director at Geneva School and helped me develop my musical skills.


What is your favorite song/scene in Beauty and the Beast?
My favorite song is “Gaston” and my favorite part is the transformation, when I change into a little boy again!

Any memorable tour moments (on or offstage) you can share?
Seeing all the great local Zoo’s and getting to meet kids at the Children’s Hospital

Name one reason why people should see Beauty and the Beast.
Because I am in it! lol seriously though, it is “the BEST Disney Musical”…., there is something for everyone, romance, adventure, timeless songs, dancing and the most beautiful costumes you have ever seen!

Click here to read Jeremiah’s bio on www.beautyandthebeastontour.com.

Swing, Swing, Swing, Swing! Tony Howell is Male Swing!

For my blog, I thought I would introduce readers to what I do! Often when I tell people I'm the Male Swing on Beauty and the Beast, they say "I don't remember that character in the castle!" :)



Essentially, as Swing I am an on-call actor. If someone can't do the show (due to illness, injury, or conflict), I fulfill their performance, or track. My job is to cover the eight tracks of the male ensemble. I was also hired to understudy Lefou. In an emergency situation, I also cover the eight female ensemble tracks in the town scenes! 



Swinging requires a person to be very organized and detail oriented. There are different vocal parts, blocking, choreography, acting intentions, and set changes for each track. This also includes costume changes, prop shifts, entrances and exits.



While it took a while to obtain and memorize all the information, many performances I am exempt from the show. Therefore, I also am an Assistant Company Manager. I find gyms for our company to stay in great shape, prizes for an internal rewards program, and recently started organizing company blogs and dance classes!

I really enjoy my job because every day is different! Doing the same thing everyday in a long run has its advantages and disadvantages. However, Swinging Beauty and the Beast has taught me things about myself and theatre that I would not have garnered if I didn’t get to observe and do so much!

Hanging out at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE.

A typical day backstage: playing Bananagrams!!!

Visit Tony’s official website at www.tony-howell.com.
Click here to read Tony’s bio on www.beautyandthebeastontour.com.