Actor enjoys filling Gaston’s big shoes

Since he started playing Gaston in the touring production of “Beauty and the Beast,” Christiaan Smith-Kotlarek has only found one person who didn’t know the character.

“Gaston is really a dream role,” he said. “What’s really fun about him is that he’s part of the American psyche.”

He’s the most attractive, the strongest and probably the wealthiest guy in town.

“He’s certainly a caricature of himself … he’s never been told no in his life,” Smith-Kotlarek said. “He’s kind of got it all, except a wife.”

It’s a real treat to play Gaston on stage, he said. “It’s fun to step into some shoes that are oversized like that.”

The production, which has been on the road since September, is led by the same creative team – director Rob Roth and choreographer Matt West – that originally brought “Beauty and the Beast” to Broadway. It features the same dialogue and songs as the Disney animated movie, plus a few songs written for the stage production.

“Gaston’s music is not extremely melodic, so it forces you to tell the story more so than focus on creating a beautiful line vocally,” Smith-Kotlarek said. “It matches his personality. His music is right in line with who he is. It tromps along, and it’s big and boisterous.”

Performing the part of Gaston has been a learning experience for Smith-Kotlarek. The 29-year-old Wisconsin native has a varied musical background, with many of his recent credits being in opera. This is his first Broadway-style tour.

Before shows, he doesn’t just warm up his voice; he warms up his whole body.

“I hit my highest note while I’m flying through the air,” he said.

Smith-Kotlarek said it’s no problem living up to the Oscar-winning film, because all of the elements are pretty much there. In Gaston’s tavern scene, for instance, “while it may not be exactly what the movie does, it does create a very big spectacle that’s awe inspiring.”

Another thing about playing Gaston: “Occasionally, people will boo for me when I bow, and that means I’ve done a good job.”

Kimberly Lusk

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday

Where: INB Performing Arts Center, 334 Spokane Falls Blvd.

Tickets: $32.50-$72.50, availalbe through TicketsWest outlets and at www.ticketswest.com.