TICKETS GOING FAST: Beauty and the Beast: Two talented actors battle for Belle's love in CYMC production

From Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls to the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Felix LeBlanc has evolved as a performer since signing up for CYMC’s musical theatre program three years ago.

After two days of auditions in Comox, director Roger Carr chose the 16-year-old Victoria resident to play the leading role of the Beast. It was a part he did not expect to land when he arrived for the three-week program.

“I thought I’d try for the Gaston role,” says LeBlanc during a break from a Monday night rehearsal at the Sid Williams Theatre. The show opened last night, and continues tonight. There are two shows this Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee. “I had not looked at the Beast’s role …  I hadn’t even looked at the Beast’s songs before I got here.”

Jordan Heath, a four-year CYMC veteran, did want the Gaston role and landed it following his audition in front of Carr, musical director Kris Epps and producer Ashley Foot.

“As much as I wished I’d prepared more for the auditions, I came in wanting the Gaston role,” says Heath, a 16-year-old from Duncan. “I got a copy of the music and just worked on my Gaston songs the week before I got here.”

Heath’s first role in a CYMC production was Jesus Christ Superstar four years ago, when he landed the role of an apostle.

“I like the hard work associated with the program,” says Heath when queried about the short time required to put on a production like Beauty and the Beast after only two days of auditions. “The pace of life here is not like it is back at home. This gives you a taste of the real world when it comes to theatre and acting. I like that because it can prepare you for something I’d like to do after high school.”

LeBlanc concurred with Heath’s assessment of the work process that goes into learning dialogue, songs, blocking and other aspects of a production that is performed in less than three weeks. Community theatre or a high school production, noted LeBlanc, gives a performer two or more months of rehearsal.

Playing opposite Josiah George, who plays the role of Lefou, is an easy process for Heath. The two are involved in a lot of Duncan theatre, so are familiar with each other on stage when playing characters.

For LeBlanc, playing opposite Comox’s Kate Eldridge who landed the Belle character, has been a treat. He’s also familiar with her because of past CYMC collaborations.

“I like my role because the Beast is a deeper character,” says LeBlanc. “I’ve done a lot of comedic roles, so I think I can do a lot with him.”

LeBlanc has made the character his own, refraining from watching any Beauty and the Beast videos or listening to the Broadway musical on CD.

“I don’t want to cheat people with my performance. They get a picture of what the Beast is in their mind, from seeing the video. For me, this is about acting, not copying, so it’s me on stage.”

While he will wear props on his face to give the Beast a specific look, it comes down to LeBlanc’s own voice and the physicality of his actions that will bring his character to life for the Sid’s audience.

Another key to putting on a good show, agreed Heath and LeBlanc, was the new directorial team brought in by CYMC. “This year’s cast has bonded more than in past years,” says Heath.

arts@comoxvalleyrecord.com