From Rebecca B.:
"Hi!! I just finished working on a local youth production of BatB, and I was just wondering... while working on our show,
everyone had this huge sense of comraderie backstage, even with lowly production assistants like me. ;) Does the same
thing happen on Broadway, and, if so, what are your favorite memories with the cast of Beauty and the Beast?"
Peter Responds:
"Yes, it is the same in "B&B" on B'way. We have a great group of individuals working on the show right now,
and my favorite moment is taking our curtain call every night when we grab each other's hands, look each other in the eye,
and smile knowing we just had a ball together doing a B'way show."
From KayC:
"Peter, you are my idol! I want to become an actor on Broadway and you really inspired me. I get teased a
lot because of my wanting to act so my question is, do you get made fun of because you are Lumiere?"
Peter Responds:
"We in the theatre are a rare and special breed. Most "civilians" don't get what terrific imagination, strong
dedication, and passionate belief it takes to pursue our dreams. The hard part is that sometimes that gets manifested
in mockery and we must take a moment and go gently in the other direction. The GREAT thing is, if we believe enough,
train ourselves rigorously, and stay the course no matter what - we are some of those very few souls who actually get to live
their dreams and succeed. Good luck to you."
From Elisa:
I thought you were really great tonight when I saw you in Beauty and the Beast; my favorite character! I've got two questions.
When did you first take interest in acting? How did it feel to be on stage at first as Lumiere? Thanks!!
Peter Responds:
"1) I started acting at 9 years old, playing "CB" in "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown".
2) First time as Lumiere: a mix of complete nerves and realizing I was realizing a lifelong dream."
From Brian:
"I am currently playing Lumiere in my high school's production of Beauty
and the Beast. I was wondering if you had
any tips to help me develop the
character? I am finding it hard to fall into the character until i have properly
indentified
his motives and personality. Thank you."
Peter Responds:
"Remember that "Lumiere" means "light" in French, and therefore, he is the LIGHT of the castle. An enthusiast,
a pep coach, a showman, a leader - he is charasmatic, confident, and absolutely passionate about getting the spell broken.
He NEVER gives up until the Beast lets Belle go, and then even when the castle is under attack, Lumiere is the one that runs
to get everyone together. He is tireless in his quest to be "Human Again" - to flirt, to dance, to chase Babette up
and down the stairs with real hands and without clumsy shoes. He WILL get this spell broken and THAT is his whole purpose.
Hope this helps."
From Dave Rosencrans:
"Hey Peter, I was wondering what I should do to get an audition on Broadway, I am 17, and have done 21 productions,
what Agencies, or agents could you forward me to?"
Peter Responds:
"Come to New York and audition. Agents only take on clients once they've seen them in a show. Also look in
Backstage and Playbill.com to check for NY auditions."
From Alexandra:
"How do you hold up your hands during B&B for so long with the candles on? You must get
tired! How do you get through it?"
Peter Responds:
"Push-ups. Lots & lots of push-ups."
From Trudi:
"Answer only if you can. A performer from a regional production of
B&B shared that notes their cast was given stated: "if anyone left the castle, they would die." Were you guys
ever told this gruesome thought?"
Peter Responds:
"We were told that if anyone left the castle the spell could never be broken."
From Jess:
"For new actors coming into the show, in this case B&B, I'm curious to know how rehearsal and learning the show is
set up for them. Meaning do the principle performers get involved with the rehearsal or do understudies go on
in their place to help the "newbie" learn anything they have to? How does that process happen?"
Peter Responds:
"New actors rehearse by themselves in a rehearsal studio with the Assoc. Director and the Dance Captain, basically learning
their way through their show with imaginary sets, and actors around them. Then eight days later they get to do it on
the set at the Lunt with the understudies, and the very next day they get their "put-in": an exciting and humiliating
experience. Exciting because they're in their costume for the first time and humiliating because no one else is in costume...like
going to a costume party that turns out to be a "come-as-you-are". Then they have the weekend off and finally, shot
out of a cannon, they get their opening night on Tuesday. And they're in!"
From Becca:
"From an actor's point of view, what are your feelings about people waiting at the stage door to meet you? Is it
ever a bother or does everyone really enjoy it?"
Peter Responds:
"Always happy to complete someone's experience of the show by signing autographs.
Sometimes I have to run for personal or family reasons, but mostly I stop and enjoy it."
From Patricia:
"I have a random question; it's about the musical "Lily". I was wondering what attracted you to this story
in particular (Wharton's "House of Mirth")."
Peter Responds:
"The
House of Mirth" was immediately theatrical to me the moment I began to read it: turn of the nineteenth century, melodrama,
and Lily Bart's need for independence all seemed highly elevated and musical to me. So I just started writing.
From Simon:
"Which aspects or characteristics of Lumiere do you most relate to and/or enjoy?"
Peter Responds:
"'Lumiere Likenesses' - his optimism, his charisma, his flirtatiousness, and his rascal quality."
From Buddy:
"As an actor, what advice would you give when picking a song to sing for an audition? I am trying out for a local
show and everyone tells me not to sing a song directly from the musical you are auditioning for. Is doing so a good
idea or a bad one?"
Peter Responds:
"The song depends on the show and the director. Some directors like to hear stuff from the show, others do not.
Try to research that prior to auditioning. As far as a general song, it should be well-suited to both your voice and
personality (even moreso than the show for which you're auditioning because you want to show the best of YOURSELF, not what
you could be like in the show). Hope this helps."
From Jessica:
"Did the powers in charge ever share why the different servants became what they are as objects? Meaning why did
Lumi become a candelabra, Cogsworth a clock, etc? Or did they leave it up to your interpretations? Would love
to know what they may have said, or what all of you personally think about why each of your characters became what object
they were."
Peter Responds:
"Object/character relationship. No one ever gave me specifics but going off the original movie and my own homework
I think it has to do with 1) the person's job in the castle and 2) their personal character/personality. I believe Lumiere
probably did light the candles at dinner and in the hallway being the maitre d'hotel, but also he's optimistic, a wit, a flirt,
and always always hopeful. You can take the analogy further with the other characters."
From Kate Vinyard:
"I saw that your credits include Into the Woods. My high school recently
did that show and I was on production staff due to the show having a small cast. I was wondering what part you had in
Into the Woods."
Peter Responds:
"I played the Baker."
From Jonathan:
"Will you still be playing Lumiere in February 2006?"
Peter Responds:
"My inital contract is up at the end of July, and we'll talk about renewing my contract in
June. Till then, anything is possible."
Update: As of July 2005, Peter is contracted to continue playing Lumiere until May 2006.
From Denise:
"Peter, how do you keep your voice going for 8 shows a week without it sounding 'dry'?"
Peter Responds:
"Lots of water, constantly, I mean,
constantly. I must go through two big bottles of water per show, that's how much I'm talking about. Also, Riccola
throat drops...best in the business."
From: Nadia
"I've been wondering for a bit if they told the actors how Lumiere and Babette came to be servants at the
castle. Were they born into it, hired, or..? Thanks very much for anything to share!"
Peter Responds:
"Babette and Lumiere, I like to think
they were each brought to the castle by a traveling nobleman from France, as gifts to the Prince's family. We definitely
arrived separately, so we met (and caught on fire) here at the Castle. This is my own personal story, nothing that was
given to me by the front office."
From: Trudi
"I was at the chat, and I was fascinated to hear that the prince's mother died when he was young and the
king died of a broken heart. Is there any other background information on the prince or the servants that's not directly stated
in the play?"
Peter Responds:
"Since the King and Queen both died early in his life, we the servants raised
the Prince and not being parents, we spoiled him, thereby contributing to his selfish demeanor and therefore are spelled upon
as well."
From: Trudi
"As an actor, what would be your "dream role" to play?"
Peter
Responds:
"My "dream" role is in two parts:
1)"Lumiere" pretty much is a dream role, and one I've wanted to play
ever since I saw the original, so this is definitely a dream come true.
2)As far as other roles, my "dream" role isn't written yet. Meaning, I'm always looking to work on
something new, rather than another revival. So I keep my ear to the ground for the next interesting thing, and
hope there's something right for me.
2a) Ultimately, I miss directing quite a bit, and really look forward to when I can be directing full-time
and creating new stuff...that's my dream role really.
2b?) Of course, husband to Andrea Burns, and father to Hudson
Flynn aren't too shabby of roles either."
From: Megan
"What is it like hearing people cheer for you when you take your bows, or when you exit through the stage
door?"
Peter responds:
"Great question. Answer: it's a thrill in two ways. One is obvious, just the rush of applause
after performing as best as I can, is a real acknowledgment. The second way is that it means the audience got it - got the
story, got my part in it, that they were moved, entranced, entertained...something happened that we were all a part of, and
their applause is acknowledgment that it occurred. There's nothing better than that."
From: Kelsey Ann
"Is it true you got your start performing magic tricks?"
Peter responds:
"Yes, it's true. I'd do a couple of really swell tricks for my kid sister who always saw through them
and laughed wholeheartedly at my demise. It's a wonder I pursued performing at all."
From: Kelsey
"What is your birthday horoscope sign?"
Peter responds:
"I'm a Virgo"
From: Rebecca
"Okay, I'm asking this because I'll be impressed if this never happens (and it's sometimes funny =)) But
... did you ever mess up on stage? Physically or verbally?"
Peter responds:
"Oh sure, a couple of times. But if it's not noticeable, is it really a "mess up"...?"
