Duncan's Josiah George relishes his chance to play Lefou role

The audition process for some can be a trying experience.

But for third-year CYMC veteran Josiah George he arrived in Comox looking to land the role of Lefou, a character who follows Gaston around in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. He was also hoping his fellow Duncan acting cohert Jordan Heath, 16, would be right for the Gaston character in the eyes of the directorial team put together by producer Ashley Foot.

Director Roger Carr and musical director Kris Epps must have seen something in the duo following two days of auditions — both were given the roles they wanted.

“You know it’s not a given you’ll get the role you want,” says George. “It was a talented group this year that the directorial team had to cast this production, but I’m glad Jordan and I are working together. We have a natural chemistry as we’ve done a lot of theatre back in Duncan together.”

George also liked this year’s audition process and subsequent rehearsals because of the new blood brought in by CYMC for this summer’s musical theatre program.

“We were more relaxed in auditions than past years,” he says. “It helps because you’re less nervous. At the end, you felt like you were dead. It was exhausting at the end. Now I come to rehearsals more energetic.”

Comfortable performing in front of large audiences, 17-year-old George says his strength is doing dramatic roles. So, the Lefou character is a slight departure.

“I’m used to putting more feeling into roles I’ve done, but with Lefou it’s just a fun part.”

Seeing Heath and George in action —  Lefou has a few bruises, including a darkened elbow, from his falls working opposite Gaston — you can see they are paired nicely with what they bring to the roles.