Q&A with Terry Halvorson

Name:
Terry Halvorson

Role in Beauty and the Beast:
Musician; Reed 2 (Oboe/English Horn)

What city are you currently in?
Fayetteville, AR

What are you most looking forward to in this city?
The Walton Art Center is a great venue, plus the city has some great bike trails, coffee shops and restaurants.

What tour stop has been your favorite so far and why?
I actually enjoyed our weekend in Grand Rapids, MI because I got to hang out with some good friends of mine and because it's a really nice area.

Which upcoming tour city are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
Well, duh! Honolulu! :) I have never been to Hawaii and it will be my 50th state to perform in!

What music are you currently listening to?
I’m currently listening to the soundtrack to Crazy For You because I will be playing it for five weeks this summer--and because it's Gershwin!

Name one item you can’t live without while on the road:
My iPhone (again, duh!) :)

What do you like to do when you’re traveling between tour stops?
If it's a bus trip, I generally sleep the morning away and watch the bus movie after lunch. If it's a plane day, I like to read a book and watch TV shows that I download on my ever-present iPhone.

What is your favorite song/scene in Beauty and the Beast?
My favorite is probably Beauty and the Beast for three reasons:
1) I have a nice oboe solo leading into it :)
2) It features Mrs. Potts--and I am a sucker for a beautiful contralto voice!
3) It's just a beautiful scene.

Any memorable tour moments (on or offstage) you can share?
One of my favorite moments actually happened at the very first orchestra rehearsal in Providence. As we started playing through the book, I realized that THIS orchestra is a truly incredible group of musicians and that it is going to be an *AMAZING* 17 months making music with them! When we had the cast join us--the magic really happened! :)

Name one reason why people should see Beauty and the Beast:
Well, I don't really have only one reason, but a combination. First, it's Disney and everyone knows that Disney knows how to tell a great story! Add to that the incredibly talented cast, orchestra and crew who give 200% every show, and there you have it! :)

What is your musical experience?
I have been a touring musician for 4 1/2 years; Will Rogers' Follies, 2 tours of The Producers, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast. For all of my tours previous to this, I played combinations of clarinet, flute, saxes, oboe and English horn--usually 5-6 instruments. Playing only oboe and English horn for this show is a nice thing, but also presents its own challenges.

What kind of training have you had?
I studied the various woodwind instruments (oboe, clarinets, flutes, saxes and recorders) in school as well as privately and I have been to master classes for most of these instruments (as well as others).

What can you offer, share and discuss with students across the nation who are considering music as a career choice?
Wow, this one is tough... Music can be a difficult career choice as it requires 4-5 years of college along with hours and hours of daily practice. Teaching jobs are getting harder and harder to find (but not impossible). Getting a job as a performer is even more difficult, as there are steadily less and less jobs--yet there are still a lot of talented musicians getting college degrees. To get a performing job, it is good to network with as many other musicians as possible, starting in high school and college and continuing through every gig you play. No matter how small the gigs may be, getting more work is as much who you know as how well you play.

What teacher had the most impact on your career choices and success?
My first high school orchestra director, Mrs. Rita Wilcox, had a huge influence on me. I was playing cello at the time and the high school nearest me did not have an orchestra. Mrs. Wilcox petitioned the school board and got me an inter-district transfer to the high school she taught at across town and drove me to school for my first three years of high school! I still visit Mrs. Wilcox every year when I visit my family around Christmas.

I am also tremendously grateful to my high school band director, Mr. Bud Behrens who pushed me on every instrument I played in his band. I made county honor band two years on oboe and one year on bassoon as well as state honor band my senior year on clarinet. He also encouraged us to form small ensembles for local competitions.

Video Blog by Jeremy M. Brewer

Jeremy M. Brewer (French Horn) has been touring for the last 10 years playing horn across the US, Canada, Japan and even India. Originally from Fort Walton Beach, FL, Jeremy graduated from Florida State University in 2000 with a degree in Music Education.

One of my favorite things to do while traveling with Beauty and the Beast is to grab my camera and take a lot of pictures and video of each city. It's always a great souvenir to have so I can look back in 20 years and remember all the great places I was lucky enough to visit. Instead of writing about all the places we've been so far, I thought I'd show you a few...

Q&A with Cliff Lyons

1. What are your roles in the show?
I play a few roles. I play the Bookseller, a Knife, a Salt & Pepper, and I am a member of the court in the show’s finale. I also understudy three roles in the show. I cover Cogsworth, Maurice, and Monsieur D’Arque. So even when I’m offstage, one ear is paying attention to what is happening on stage! It’s exciting stuff.

2. What are some of the Bookseller's favorite books?
Oh! The bookseller has quite a few favorites! He loves all kinds...especially spy novels. Still, nothing beats a good fairy tale! His favorite: Beauty and the Bookseller. (It’s not widely known...)

3. Can you tell us about your audition process for Beauty and the Beast?
My audition began in front of the casting director for the role of Cogsworth. He had me sing and read from a side. (A side is a small scene that you are given to read in an audition.) The casting director asked me to come back about a week later to read and sing in front of the Associate Director. I returned as requested and was told “Thank you.” Sometimes “thank you” means that they’re not interested, but they thank you for coming in. I left believing that I probably wouldn’t be cast in the show, but felt confident that I had done a nice job.

About a month later, I was at work serving tables. You can imagine my surprise when I received a call from the casting office. I wasn’t allowed to be on the phone at work; so naturally, I ran to the restroom and hid in the stall! Apparently the team had an ensemble track that they were casting at the last minute, and they decided I might be right for it. I agreed to a 10 a.m. appointment for the next morning. I was lucky--appointments are rare! However, I was supposed to open the restaurant the next morning at 8 a.m. I BEGGED people to take the shift, but no one was interested. Finally, I had to bribe with money. I paid another server $50.00 to take the shift.

I went to the studio the next morning to sing, read, and even move for the team. They asked me back for one more callback later that afternoon--to meet the Director Robert Roth. Later, I did it all again for Rob and then went home. The next day, I got the call that I was being offered the show!!!

Best $50.00 I ever spent.

4. What have you learned from your experience with Beauty and the Beast?
This is a tough question to answer. I’m still learning every day. Here are the top 3 things that I’ve learned...so far!

1: Be on time--no matter what. If you’re not, then you could throw an entire group of people off.
2: Patience! When you travel as a group, things rarely happen in your own time. (See answer #1)
3: Teavana at the end of the day will fix almost anything!

Cilff Lyons on Teavana? "They're Grrrrrreat!"

Click here to read Cliff’s bio.

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.

Silly Girls Shout Out – Beauty and the Beast National Tour.

Check out the newest behind the scenes video clip “Silly Girls Shout Out” from the Beauty and the Beast National Tour.
Click here to view the video.