Few musical theater roles are more coveted by young baritones than the Beast in the Disney hit “Beauty and the Beast.” No matter that Belle, the object of his affection, cannot see initially what lies beneath his hideous face, his inner self wins her over. Dane Agostinis, star of the Disney hit coming to National Theatre for a two-week run, described the routine he goes through before each performance.
“When Emily Behny, who plays Belle, and I were flown out from New York to join the cast in L.A., I spent an hour and a half in the makeup chair,” he said. “After paying careful attention, I pretty soon decided I could handle the task myself. The process involves putting on basic makeup, prosthetics on my face, a wig and my costume. Now, I have it down to less than 45 minutes.”
