DID YOU KNOW?: Over the years, we've experienced many Broadway shows that have featured some key highlighted special effects. Many walk out so happy at the end asking one particular question…. HOW DO THEY DO THAT? What we know is that its Broadway magic!!
One of those highlighted shows with a talked about illusion is the spectacular Finale from Disney's inaugural debut smash hit Beauty and the Beast…. where (SPOILER ALERT) the Enchanted Spell is broken and "The Beast" is transformed back into "The Prince".
To breakdown how it all worked out is former Broadway "Beast" himself Chuck Wagner. Earlier this Fall, he launched a MUSICAL THEATRE MASTER CLASS MONDAYS series. In this video, Wagner (also known for being an original cast member of Into The Woods) shares some of his "Beast" nostalgic memorabilia before using a toy figure to demonstrate how The Transformation effect worked.
Chuck Wagner's journey with BEAUTY AND THE BEAST began in the original Broadway cast in 1994 at the Palace Theatre. He initially served as the Standby for "The Beast" (going on various times for Tony nominee Terrence Mann). He also understudied Burke Moses as "Gaston". A year later in 1995, Wagner went on to originate the role of "The Beast" in the sit-down Toronto company for 2 years before returning to the Broadway production playing the role fulltime for a year. He played the Hairy Monster Prince for over 1,200 performances.
How amazing is that?!!!
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