Since I was 17 years old, Kitsap Forest Theater has had my heart. My first show was Shrek, where I played Teen Fiona. I have played many other wide variety of roles under the trees since then, including Ariel (The Little Mermaid) and Peter Pan (Peter Pan). Most recently, I was seen as Amy in Little Women, The Musical, which was one of my favorite roles I’ve done with an extremely special cast. Every role has been challenging and demanding in its own way, but none more so than LeFou in Beauty and the Beast.
Throughout this entire process, I have told family members, friends, and cast members that this role allows me to do every single thing that I do best. While I started as a singer first, I am truly a dancer and mover who loves physical comedy, trying new things, and the art of “committing to the bit”. Playing LeFou allows me to do all of those things. In addition, playing a Wolf and a Plate fills my dancer cup in the best way. The combination of roles that I get to play in this show allow me to do what I love and what I’m good at and, I hope, makes for an entertaining show.
LeFou has also challenged my actor brain in a significant way. Taking a classically male role and making it female has been challenging, but very rewarding. I worked with our wonderful music directors, Mark and Nancy, to find ways to help the song fit in my vocal range. I worked with our director and choreographer to make my movement more feminine, but not overpowering. I also worked to create a unique dynamic with Leif, who plays Gaston, which is altered when LeFou is played as a woman. In addition, I have been challenged by the energy that it takes to play LeFou. I am an extremely energetic person, and even more so when I’m on stage. However, as a Drama teacher myself, I also am exerting a lot of energy all day at work. This role has taught me a lot of about self-care and being able to understand when and where to conserve energy so that I have more energy to place toward a different area.
Finally, the ultimate blessing has been getting to do this role with Leif by my side as Gaston! Leif and I have been great friends for more than five years. We went to college together and have done a number of shows together. There is just nothing quite like being silly on stage with one of your best friends.
This theater is truly a special place and will have my heart forever. It has brought me some of my closest friends, taught me a lot about what I’m capable of, and given me some of my most favorite memories. I feel lucky to have spent so many years both watching and performing in shows here. There is nothing quite like the Kitsap Forest Theatre, and I hope you’ll come join us this summer!
Tickets available: https://www.foresttheater.com/tickets
Anna Vizzare (LeFou), May 2022