BWW Interviews: Tim Rogan, a DC Area Native, as Gaston, in DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Wolf Trap

The national tour of NETWorks's presentation of DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is coming to Wolf Trap's Filene Center for five performances Friday night, June 6th through Sunday night, June 8th. In anticipation of this event, BroadwayWorld.com spoke to Montgomery County native Tim Rogan by email, who received his Bachelor of Music degree at Catholic University in 2011. Tim, who plays Gaston, the villain of the story, told us how he got his start and gave us his impressions about touring in a leading role.

BW: I understand you grew up in the DC area. Where did you grow up? Were you involved in any theatre education programs in the area or local theatre productions?

TR: I grew up in Potomac, MD, where I went to St. Andrews Episcopal School. Most of my theatre experience started there doing the school shows every year. My first real musical was OLIVER in the seventh grade.

BW: What got you interested in pursuing theater?

TR: I started singing in choirs growing up, which got me interested in the music from musicals. I would love listening to soundtracks on cassettes tapes, particularly on long car rides.

BW: What's your dream role?

TR: My favorite show growing up was [THE] PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and the Phantom would probably be my dream role.

BW: What are the most rewarding and challenging parts of being a cast member in a national tour, particularly in a leading role?

TR: The most rewarding aspects of being in a national tour would be traveling to new cities across the US and meeting people who are moved by the beauty of the show. We constantly meet people who talk about growing up with this story and how much it means to them. The most challenging part would be the endurance of the road.

BW: What do you like most about playing Gaston?

TR: The best part about playing Gaston is that he has no middle ground. Everything he does, he does to the extreme. When he is happy, he is the life of the party. When he is angry, get out of his way.

BW: Any interesting stories to tell about performing this character on the road?

TR: The most interesting stories have been talking to the original Director, Rob Roth, about the past people who have played Gaston (Burke Moses, Hugh Jackman, etc.) and what it was like casting them 20 years ago, and getting to play ... such an iconic villain.

BW: Do you have any advice for aspiring young musical theatre performers?

TR: Never stop training. As actors you need to master many different skills, and you never know what might give you the advantage. It is also important to have a game plan. Set out clear short and long term objectives, and ask yourself, "will what I am doing help me achieve my goals?"

Tickets for NETwork's presentation of DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST are available at the Wolf Trap box office, through the Web site (www.wolftrap.org), or by calling Tickets.com at 1-877-WOLFTRAP (877-965-3872) from 10 am to 9 pm Eastern time.

For another story about the upcoming production of DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Wolf Trap, including a conversation with production stage manager Kelsey Tippins, see www.broadwayworld.com/washington-dc/article/BWW-Previews-NETWorks-DISNEYS-BEAUTY-AND-THE-BEAST-to-Play-Wolf-Trap-for-Five-Performances-66-68-20140603-page2#.U5C-VvldWSo

Photo Credit: Amy Boyle