MAY 15, 1998 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 17
EVENINGS OUT
Every night, they turn a handsome man into a Beast
by Kaizaad Kotwal
Cleveland-Two men stand in front of a mirror working frantically yet efficiently to transform a relatively normal looking, attractive man into something quite scary. Their tools are latex, wigs and padded costumes. Welcome to the world of the Beastkeepers--an integral part of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
The man underneath the Beast costume is Fred Inkley, a Broadway star recently seen as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables.
The two gay men responsible his nightly metamorphosis are Gene Lauze, who is Inkley's dresser, and Mark Adam Rampmeyer, Inkley's hair stylist. Tiffany Hicks helps with makeup and prosthetics.
Besides both of them being gay, the two Beastkeepers have quite a lot in common. Both hail from the East Coast; Lauze from New Hampshire and Rampmeyer from Delaware. Both are previous performers who eventually found themselves working behind the scenes, and they have both had extensive experience on Broadway before joining the Beast touring company.
Lauze's previous work includes the musicals Tommy, Secret Garden, Gypsy, Crazyfor You and Meet Me in St. Louis. Rampmeyer's most recent work on Broadway included Phantom of the Opera and Sunset Boulevard with Glenn Close, whom he affectionately described as "very much one of the commoners—she would hate being alone and would come and hang out with us."
Hanging out together is a daily joy (or chore, depending on the day) for Inkley, Lauze, Rampmeyer, and Hicks. They have built up a healthy camaraderie as a result of months of traveling together, which was somewhat maniacally manifested on the day of our interview.
While observing the process of getting Inkley ready to take the stage as the Beast, I witnessed a lot of playful bantering between the four of them, plenty of love and affection, and more inside jokes than hairs on the Beast's well-sculpted chest!
Inkley, Lauze and Rampmeyer expressed their joy about being able to work with each other, but are quick to say that it's not always hunky-dory.
"Sometimes we do get on each other's nerves," Lauze said.
"And if the room is not large enough we
BEAUTY BEAST
KAIZAAD KOTWAL
Gene Lauze gives actor Fred Inkley a beastly upper lip as Mark Rampmeyer puts a finishing touch on his fur.
literally trip over each other," Rampmeyer added.
The Beastkeepers along with Hicks are able to get the Beast stage-ready in less than an hour. They've worked on perfecting their routine and have got it down.
Another routine that they seemed to have nailed down fairly well is making up stories to confuse well-meaning reporters and interview-
ers.
To relieve the tedium of doing so many interviews while on tour, Rampmeyer and Lauze have often made up stories and waited to see which ones make it to print.
Bored during an interview in Washington, D.C., the two pranksters told the reporter that "Gene's grandma was in the show." They have also managed to convince many an unsuspecting reporter that Rampmeyer avidly tends orchids while on tour and is a huge Streisand collector.
They are serious, though, when they talk about their work and future ventures. Lauze says that he "likes to work on shows that children can come to." He said he also prefers shows that are “not loud, rock musicals," which is why he was happy to leave the tour of Tommy when he was offered work on Beauty and the Beast.
Rampmeyer says that he "loves to do regional and stock theater work" and that "big shows like this afford me the funds to do smaller stuff."
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For both Rampmeyer and Lauze, working under the Disney banner was a large part of the attraction. While Disney is known for its gayfriendly benefits programs in its film and television division, the theater division does not offer the same equality to its gay employees.
Lauze and Rampmeyer both say they have never had to compromise about being out or not. "It has never been an issue, unless I wanted to make it one," Lauze said. “It may be different for stars being openly out," he added, "but even that is changing now."
Like many Broadway touring professionals, Lauze and Rampmeyer acknowledge that having a relationship is difficult. Gene Lauze met his current partner, Seth, while touring through Phoenix. Seth and Gene get to spend time together, especially during the summer, since Seth is a teacher.
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When asked whether he has a partner, Rampmeyer responds "No," and then without missing a beat, adds "Not tonight!"
In addition to the Beastkeepers' amazing work, the show itself is truly something to behold. The only Disney film to garner a Best Picture Oscar nomination, Beauty and the Beast has been very successfully transferred to the live stage, much to the chagrin of many
naysayers.
While the film broke ground with its use of three-dimensional computer animation, the stage version dazzles audiences with eye-popping make-up, costumes, sets, props and special effects that never cease to amaze during the 21⁄2 spectacle.
Inkley plays the Beast with soulful tenderness and brazen bravado. The entire cast is equally talented and standout performances are also given by Patrick Page as Lumiere and Dan Sklar as Lefou.
The set is mesmerizing and often, a mere scene change or spectacular effect will bring about spontaneous applause from the audience. The set is literally capable of stepping forward and taking its own curtain call, and it certainly deserves one.
Beauty and Beast will remain at the Palace Theater at Playhouse Square through Sunday, May 17. Show times are 8 pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 pm on Saturday, and I pm and 6:30 pm on Sunday. Ticket prices range from $25 to $55. For tickets call Advantix at 216-241-6000 or 800-766-6048.
This Disney extravaganza then travels to Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center for an extended run from May 21 to June 28. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 8 pm, and Sundays at I and 6:30 pm. Ticket prices range from $20 to $65.00. Preview performance tickets (for May 21 and 22) are $15 to $60; call 513-241-7469 or any Ticket Master location.
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