Blonde Belle??

xxstar2be07xx · Blonde Belle??

Hey everyone! So I just found out that this will be my senior musical this year at my high school. I'm happy because I saw this musical last year in an off-broadway show and I loved it! I really want to be Belle, no question about it. Ever since freshman year my goal has been to get the lead role senior year in the musical. I have worked toward this goal by taking voice lessons, acting classes (at school) and performing at outside theaters. We have had a lot of talent in the past few years at my school, so things haven't exactly gone my way until I auditioned for an outside play (Pocahontas) at a local community theatre and got the lead role for my age group, which I am currently rehearsing for. I feel this role has given me a lot of stage experience, so I now feel fully ready to audition for Belle.
I am a soprano, and Belle's songs are perfect for my range (I'm already practicing haha). I feel I could act her character well too. And at my school, almost always a senior gets the lead in the musical (I actually can never remember anyone else getting it.) Basically, I feel Belle is a good role for me, and I think I have a high chance of getting it, since I have the most vocal training and outside theater experience of anyone in my grade. But the only problem? I have blonde hair and blue eyes, and I've never seen Belle as anyone but a brunette. Has anyone else? While I know wigs are always a great option (I'm wearing one now for Pocahontas), along with hair dye, I feel that my initial image may be against me getting the role. I had to die my hair to be an Asian nurse in The King and I last year, and well, it didn't look too great on me haha! Also, I'm 5'7" and I always imagine Belle to be a little bit shorter. Do you think this also could affect my chances? Also, is dancing ability a must? I have taken 8 years of dance but haven't danced since I was 12 (I'm 17 now, will be 18 at time of auditions). So, my dancing skills aren't exactly the best, but I would definately work hard to learn if cast.
While I know auditions won't be until January (yes, I like to prepare early lol), I just was curious because getting this role means sooo much to me. I would accept another part, but honestly do not want to be chorus...
I appreciate any feedback you may have! Very Happy

broadwaybabe1364

it sounds like your perfect to play her!!!! I don't think appearance really matters because I played Jack's Mother in Into The Woods and I was younger then Jack and shorter and looked nothing like a mother!
I also saw Beauty and the Beast last year but I saw it on Broadway and it rocked!!! I hope its my senior musical!!!!! and btw....GOOD LUCK!!!!

Starsweeper

Hello!

You sound like have a really good shot at this role. I just finished playing Belle and while I actually really look the part (5'4", brown hair, brown eyes), a lot of the roles I've played even for prestigious theatres, I haven't looked the part and got it anyway. In fact I often play roles that traditionally go to blondes, for instance I was a brunette Philia in A funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. So don't worry, your director probably isn't that shortsighted and they can always wig you. About dance, Belle actually does very little dance, just a kickline in Be our Guest, and of course the waltz, both of which do not require intense dance skills. I have no dance experience at all and I was able to handle it. So if I can do it, anyone can. One thing you said is that you are a soprano, do realize that Belle is really a mezzo soprano? So you need to be able to pull off some depth and richness to your voice. Some of her songs, especially A Change in Me go quite low, so be aware of that. Anyway I wish you the best of luck and I hope you get the part, Belle is definitely a dream role.

Luc

It depends on who will be watching the show. Of course, there will probably be children in the audience who have all seen the movie, so they might not believe their parents when they say "Oh, look, there's Belle!" so it's hard to say.
The other thing is reviews. If you are the kind of person who take reviews to heart, you will probably hear lots of "the movie Belle was better" or "there was something that this one was lacking) [b/c of the color of your hair]. I could be wrong about the reviews though. It will most likely be mentioned.

As for the dancing, as said above, Belle only does the kickline and the waltz. Our Belle didn't even do the kickline, so you're fine for dancing!

Anyways, break a leg and tell all of the little people at MdN about the turnout....next year!!

ConverseSneaker

I actutally don't see why Belle can't be blonde.....But, there shouldn't be any reason why you can't play Belle! I've heard of a broadway actress who played her, but wore a wig to hide her blonde hair.

IwantheGoldenTicket

you sound really prepared. It's good to prepare early, even though the judges or whomever casts the show may not know exactly how much, it will deff. show up in your audition.

I also don't see why you could be a blonde Belle. It might be quite nice for a change, instead of the traditional brunette. If all else fails, they would give you a wig or hair dye. But i think be ambitious and embrace being blonde at the audition. Who knows, they might like it. Break a leg, and let us know how you do!

wicked_diva

Our Belle was blonde. They'll probably wig you, or ask you to die your hair for the show, but it shouldn't hinder your audition.

Luc

Same here. She dyed it for the show....twice, I think.

MademoiselleMusicals

Remember there is always the wig option if you don't want to dye the hair! Wow lucky you, I would give anything to play Belle, but us England lot haven't the rights to put on B&TB Mad

Good luck and update us! Applause

Luc

I think that Ashley Brown used a wig when she was Belle...I can't quite remember though. She either wore a wig or had really weird-looking hair.

Beagle On Stage

Your director knows your talents, and also that you're willing to dye your hair, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. My Belle did have brown hair, but it was very light. There was talk in the beginning of possibly dying it a few shades darker, but it was eventually dismissed as not being that big of a deal. As for your height, I've actually always thought Belle would be a little on the tall side. Actually, in my production, the role was THIS CLOSE to going to a 5'8" tall actress. It sounds like you've got a really good chance, so don't worry too much about the physical aspects - it sounds like all you'd need is a wig and everything would be taken care of. Cool

Brigantine

I agree with everyone else so far. Don't worry about your hair for the audition. ACT the part and sing like Belle and I think directors are good at imagining how people can look in a part. Maybe a little subliminal hints wouldn't hurt either- do your hair like you might for Act 1 Belle (pulled back in full or half-up ponytail) and maybe wear a blue shirt. Wink

hee hee

But- unlike some other comments, due to the precidence of the movie, I would say that for performances, your hair should be dark. Dyeing would probably look better than a wig, but have it done professionally, even if it's temporary. (promotion/magazine pictures of Emmy Rossum around the time of the POTO movie would be a good color example)

Our Belle was a short, blonde, tan cheerleader type (which I never understood the director's choice on that one) but she 'dyed' her hair for the show. Only about two shades darker to a dark blonde/very light brown. I thought it just looked weird.

(Edit- I tried to post a picture from the show but it changed into some promotional thing for the website it was on... weird...)
www.cecbatb.myphotoalbum.com

hopefully this works- found a cute picture of Emmy Rossum- sorry, I really like her hair. Wink

Edit: nope didn't work either. www.celebritypro.com/emmy_rossum/main.htm

Chevstriss

every Belle on Bwy has been wigged. You have to change wigs into the ballgown scene, and going from "real" hair to a gigantic pompadour wig is too much for the audience to buy into.

not too mention difficult for the dressers.

Beagle On Stage

I believe it. I think I read somewhere that cast members in the Broadway production have on average about 3 wig changes.

MademoiselleMusicals

^ I have heard that too! Very Happy

xxstar2be07xx

Hey everyone! Sorry I'm writing back so late, but I just wanted to say thanks for all the feedback! I'd be willing to wear a wig if necessary and dye my hair if I absolutely had to lol. But since auditions aren't till January I don't think I'm gonna stress out about it much yet and just see what happens and start preparing more later. Anyway, thanks again, because now you make me feel more confident that hair color doesn't matter! Very Happy

rytoast25

BREAK A LEG!!!!! Very Happy

broadway_bound

yeah i dont think Belle can be blonde b/c speaking as a brunnette child i loved Belle when i was little b/c she was one of the only princesses that had brown hair, but using a wig sounds good and i have been in shows where the actors actually die there hair ( my friend died hers blonde once and i have died mine red for the role of Cherry in The Outsiders) you sound perfect for the role though good luck!

_____________________

Current roles- The Music Man (Zaneeta Shinn) & Parade (Mary Phagen)

musicals only
Previous roles- The Jungle Book (Baby Monkey)
The Beauty and the Beast (feather duster)
The Wizard of Oz (Lacreecia the Witch)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Princess Starlight)
Peter Pan (Liza)
R&H's Cinderella (Rose the citizen)
The Secret Garden (chours)
The Sound of Music (Elsa Shrader)
Mamma Mia (Rosie)
Wicked (chours)

Cake_in_Song

I think a blonde Belle would be perfectly fine, especially if the girl playing Belle was better than all her brunette competitors. I know some people like to stick with strict interpertations of a character's appearence, but I get annoyed with those type of people. Just the other day, a friend of mine was talking about who could play Sandy if our theatre group does Grease, and she started listing people based on appearence (namely, the blonde hair and pretty face). Boy, did I ever lash out at her! I've seen ITW's Rapunzel played to a T by a Japanese girl, and in our recent production of Fiddler, our Tzietel was Peruvian, despite her parents and sisters being white, and our Fyedka, traditionally the blonde-hair and blue-eyes Russian, was black! Don't consider yourself out of the race just because of your hair colour; if your director is idiotic enough to eliminate you based on something so trivial, he doesn't deserve to have you in his musical.

demeter_cat2010

I wouldn't worry about your height...my cousin and I are very close and she is Belle at DisneyWorld...she is pretty tall...definitely taller than 5'7''..so I wouldn't worry about that!! GOOD LUCK!

Very Happy

elizabeth..

snowhite880

Most of my friends are 5'6 and 5'7-its really not that tall, even when i'm 5'2. You should be good at the role, it sounds like your made for it. anyway, I have always pictured Belle as a taller person...i'm not sure why, but I have. Good luck at your audition!

AllThatJazzHands

You know...I thought of something. If you keep your hair blonde, then the silly girls and townsfolk could all have brunette wigs (if they don't already have brown hair). That way you will stand out more since the design of the show is supposed to make her a little more obvious than the ensemble.

Just a thought. Hope that made sense. And break a leg!

MademoiselleMusicals

^^^ that is a good idea - I understand what you mean Very Happy

Imagine_belle

The actress who's playing Belle in the play I've seen is blonde and has a blonde wig when she's playing Belle... *national production*

lttlmissxx

Surely your hair colour wont matter for a school production! I mean in proffesional theatre it would probs halter your chances more as the casting directors would have plenty to choose from. As you are auditioning for a school play your drama teachers will only have a limited amount of students to chose from and will go for the most talented person rather than the student who looks right! Its not like they are going to have to use a Belle to promote the show etc just a person who can carry it off.

By the sounds of it you have a really good chance as you said ,you have the most training determination and are well suited to the part. In my opinion those things are all much more important for a school play! Goodluck!

xxstar2be07xx	Blonde Belle?? Hey everyone! So I just found out that this will be my senior musical this year at my high school. I'm happy because I saw this musical last year in an off-broadway show and I loved it! I really want to be Belle, no question about it. Ever since freshman year my goal has been to get the lead role senior year in the musical. I have worked toward this goal by taking voice lessons, acting classes (at school) and performing at outside theaters. We have had a lot of talent in the past few years at my school, so things haven't exactly gone my way until I auditioned for an outside play (Pocahontas) at a local community theatre and got the lead role for my age group, which I am currently rehearsing for. I feel this role has given me a lot of stage experience, so I now feel fully ready to audition for Belle. I am a soprano, and Belle's songs are perfect for my range (I'm already practicing haha). I feel I could act her character well too. And at my school, almost always a senior gets the lead in the musical (I actually can never remember anyone else getting it.) Basically, I feel Belle is a good role for me, and I think I have a high chance of getting it, since I have the most vocal training and outside theater experience of anyone in my grade. But the only problem? I have blonde hair and blue eyes, and I've never seen Belle as anyone but a brunette. Has anyone else? While I know wigs are always a great option (I'm wearing one now for Pocahontas), along with hair dye, I feel that my initial image may be against me getting the role. I had to die my hair to be an Asian nurse in The King and I last year, and well, it didn't look too great on me haha! Also, I'm 5'7" and I always imagine Belle to be a little bit shorter. Do you think this also could affect my chances? Also, is dancing ability a must? I have taken 8 years of dance but haven't danced since I was 12 (I'm 17 now, will be 18 at time of auditions). So, my dancing skills aren't exactly the best, but I would definately work hard to learn if cast. While I know auditions won't be until January (yes, I like to prepare early lol), I just was curious because getting this role means sooo much to me. I would accept another part, but honestly do not want to be chorus... I appreciate any feedback you may have!
broadwaybabe1364	it sounds like your perfect to play her!!!! I don't think appearance really matters because I played Jack's Mother in Into The Woods and I was younger then Jack and shorter and looked nothing like a mother! I also saw Beauty and the Beast last year but I saw it on Broadway and it rocked!!! I hope its my senior musical!!!!! and btw....GOOD LUCK!!!!
Starsweeper	Hello! You sound like have a really good shot at this role. I just finished playing Belle and while I actually really look the part (5'4", brown hair, brown eyes), a lot of the roles I've played even for prestigious theatres, I haven't looked the part and got it anyway. In fact I often play roles that traditionally go to blondes, for instance I was a brunette Philia in A funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. So don't worry, your director probably isn't that shortsighted and they can always wig you. About dance, Belle actually does very little dance, just a kickline in Be our Guest, and of course the waltz, both of which do not require intense dance skills. I have no dance experience at all and I was able to handle it. So if I can do it, anyone can. One thing you said is that you are a soprano, do realize that Belle is really a mezzo soprano? So you need to be able to pull off some depth and richness to your voice. Some of her songs, especially A Change in Me go quite low, so be aware of that. Anyway I wish you the best of luck and I hope you get the part, Belle is definitely a dream role.
Luc	It depends on who will be watching the show. Of course, there will probably be children in the audience who have all seen the movie, so they might not believe their parents when they say "Oh, look, there's Belle!" so it's hard to say. The other thing is reviews. If you are the kind of person who take reviews to heart, you will probably hear lots of "the movie Belle was better" or "there was something that this one was lacking) [b/c of the color of your hair]. I could be wrong about the reviews though. It will most likely be mentioned. As for the dancing, as said above, Belle only does the kickline and the waltz. Our Belle didn't even do the kickline, so you're fine for dancing! Anyways, break a leg and tell all of the little people at MdN about the turnout....next year!!
ConverseSneaker	I actutally don't see why Belle can't be blonde.....But, there shouldn't be any reason why you can't play Belle! I've heard of a broadway actress who played her, but wore a wig to hide her blonde hair.
IwantheGoldenTicket	you sound really prepared. It's good to prepare early, even though the judges or whomever casts the show may not know exactly how much, it will deff. show up in your audition. I also don't see why you could be a blonde Belle. It might be quite nice for a change, instead of the traditional brunette. If all else fails, they would give you a wig or hair dye. But i think be ambitious and embrace being blonde at the audition. Who knows, they might like it. Break a leg, and let us know how you do!
wicked_diva	Our Belle was blonde. They'll probably wig you, or ask you to die your hair for the show, but it shouldn't hinder your audition.
Luc	Same here. She dyed it for the show....twice, I think.
MademoiselleMusicals	Remember there is always the wig option if you don't want to dye the hair! Wow lucky you, I would give anything to play Belle, but us England lot haven't the rights to put on B&TB Good luck and update us!
Luc	I think that Ashley Brown used a wig when she was Belle...I can't quite remember though. She either wore a wig or had really weird-looking hair.
Beagle On Stage	Your director knows your talents, and also that you're willing to dye your hair, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. My Belle did have brown hair, but it was very light. There was talk in the beginning of possibly dying it a few shades darker, but it was eventually dismissed as not being that big of a deal. As for your height, I've actually always thought Belle would be a little on the tall side. Actually, in my production, the role was THIS CLOSE to going to a 5'8" tall actress. It sounds like you've got a really good chance, so don't worry too much about the physical aspects - it sounds like all you'd need is a wig and everything would be taken care of.
Brigantine	I agree with everyone else so far. Don't worry about your hair for the audition. ACT the part and sing like Belle and I think directors are good at imagining how people can look in a part. Maybe a little subliminal hints wouldn't hurt either- do your hair like you might for Act 1 Belle (pulled back in full or half-up ponytail) and maybe wear a blue shirt. hee hee But- unlike some other comments, due to the precidence of the movie, I would say that for performances, your hair should be dark. Dyeing would probably look better than a wig, but have it done professionally, even if it's temporary. (promotion/magazine pictures of Emmy Rossum around the time of the POTO movie would be a good color example) Our Belle was a short, blonde, tan cheerleader type (which I never understood the director's choice on that one) but she 'dyed' her hair for the show. Only about two shades darker to a dark blonde/very light brown. I thought it just looked weird. (Edit- I tried to post a picture from the show but it changed into some promotional thing for the website it was on... weird...) www.cecbatb.myphotoalbum.com hopefully this works- found a cute picture of Emmy Rossum- sorry, I really like her hair. Edit: nope didn't work either. www.celebritypro.com/emmy_rossum/main.htm
Chevstriss	every Belle on Bwy has been wigged. You have to change wigs into the ballgown scene, and going from "real" hair to a gigantic pompadour wig is too much for the audience to buy into. not too mention difficult for the dressers.
Beagle On Stage	I believe it. I think I read somewhere that cast members in the Broadway production have on average about 3 wig changes.
MademoiselleMusicals	^ I have heard that too!
xxstar2be07xx	Hey everyone! Sorry I'm writing back so late, but I just wanted to say thanks for all the feedback! I'd be willing to wear a wig if necessary and dye my hair if I absolutely had to lol. But since auditions aren't till January I don't think I'm gonna stress out about it much yet and just see what happens and start preparing more later. Anyway, thanks again, because now you make me feel more confident that hair color doesn't matter!
rytoast25	BREAK A LEG!!!!!
broadway_bound	yeah i dont think Belle can be blonde b/c speaking as a brunnette child i loved Belle when i was little b/c she was one of the only princesses that had brown hair, but using a wig sounds good and i have been in shows where the actors actually die there hair ( my friend died hers blonde once and i have died mine red for the role of Cherry in The Outsiders) you sound perfect for the role though good luck! _____________________ Current roles- The Music Man (Zaneeta Shinn) & Parade (Mary Phagen) musicals only Previous roles- The Jungle Book (Baby Monkey) The Beauty and the Beast (feather duster) The Wizard of Oz (Lacreecia the Witch) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Princess Starlight) Peter Pan (Liza) R&H's Cinderella (Rose the citizen) The Secret Garden (chours) The Sound of Music (Elsa Shrader) Mamma Mia (Rosie) Wicked (chours)
Cake_in_Song	I think a blonde Belle would be perfectly fine, especially if the girl playing Belle was better than all her brunette competitors. I know some people like to stick with strict interpertations of a character's appearence, but I get annoyed with those type of people. Just the other day, a friend of mine was talking about who could play Sandy if our theatre group does Grease, and she started listing people based on appearence (namely, the blonde hair and pretty face). Boy, did I ever lash out at her! I've seen ITW's Rapunzel played to a T by a Japanese girl, and in our recent production of Fiddler, our Tzietel was Peruvian, despite her parents and sisters being white, and our Fyedka, traditionally the blonde-hair and blue-eyes Russian, was black! Don't consider yourself out of the race just because of your hair colour; if your director is idiotic enough to eliminate you based on something so trivial, he doesn't deserve to have you in his musical.
demeter_cat2010	I wouldn't worry about your height...my cousin and I are very close and she is Belle at DisneyWorld...she is pretty tall...definitely taller than 5'7''..so I wouldn't worry about that!! GOOD LUCK! elizabeth..
snowhite880	Most of my friends are 5'6 and 5'7-its really not that tall, even when i'm 5'2. You should be good at the role, it sounds like your made for it. anyway, I have always pictured Belle as a taller person...i'm not sure why, but I have. Good luck at your audition!
AllThatJazzHands	You know...I thought of something. If you keep your hair blonde, then the silly girls and townsfolk could all have brunette wigs (if they don't already have brown hair). That way you will stand out more since the design of the show is supposed to make her a little more obvious than the ensemble. Just a thought. Hope that made sense. And break a leg!
MademoiselleMusicals	^^^ that is a good idea - I understand what you mean
Imagine_belle	The actress who's playing Belle in the play I've seen is blonde and has a blonde wig when she's playing Belle... national production
lttlmissxx	Surely your hair colour wont matter for a school production! I mean in proffesional theatre it would probs halter your chances more as the casting directors would have plenty to choose from. As you are auditioning for a school play your drama teachers will only have a limited amount of students to chose from and will go for the most talented person rather than the student who looks right! Its not like they are going to have to use a Belle to promote the show etc just a person who can carry it off. By the sounds of it you have a really good chance as you said ,you have the most training determination and are well suited to the part. In my opinion those things are all much more important for a school play! Goodluck!

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Blonde Belle??