[Mike18hhh]

Hello everyone! So I am doing BATB at a local community theater and I was cast as Cogsworth and Gaston Understudy. I do not know the show TOO well. Can anyone give me an idea on how much work I have to do? How large is the role of Cogsworth? I know he only has one small solo in "Human Again" so I am assuming the role itself is not TOO large!
Also any advice on my voice and walking for Cogsworth? I am going to working on some kind of waddle I think for Cogsworth but I am unsure about my voice. I have heard some people say they used a British accent for him but I really don't like that idea and I am not very good at British accents anyway! Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

[Luc]

So do you just need help with Cogsy?
PM PappyCat. She knows all.

It's a very big role, actually. Not much singing at all though. GREAT character role. Everything he does, he does with the Master in mind. Would the Master like this? What would he say? What would he do? That's what to think the whole time.

[Theatrical_Mezzo_Soprano]

It's not a big vocal part but he is a rather large character part. He's very strict and uptight though he has moments of (what he thinks is) humor and tends to laugh at his own jokes (and he usually laughs alone). He doesn't tolerate "goofing-off", if you will, and he does everything to keep the "Master happy" (more out of fear than anything else). As far as the accent goes, it doesn't have to be British (though I assume he is) it just as to be an "upper class" sounding accent if you understand what I mean.

[Set_Buildin_Dad]

Cogsworth and Lumiere basically carry the show during most of the scenes in the castle, so yes, it is a very important character role with a lot of lines. It is als a very fun role. I hope you are able to step in and play it one night.

[PappyCat]

While he might not have a lot of singing, Cogsy is in nearly all of the castle scenes and has quite a few lines. It's a big part, and an important part. A good Cogsy can steal the show.

[Nettik]

My friend played Cogsworth once in a youth production, and I'll say right now that it is a hilarious and fun part. Vocally, it's not all that large, but there's so much acting and character involved otherwise that it really is a great part.

I'd definitely suggest watching the original animated Disney movie, it's the same plot and has many of the same songs in it. It will give you an excellent idea of who Cogsworth really is. Also, listening to the Broadway soundtrack will give you an idea of the songs that were added for the musical version.

Break a leg!

[The Guard]

I was Cogsworth a few years ago. It's a pretty big part, with a lot more physicality than you might think. The suit itself is a pain in the ass. But it's a lot of fun. You and Lumiere form most of the truly good humor in the show, and it is your reactions to things Belle and the Beast do and say that make most of the "moments" work or fall flat.

For me, a British accent for the character is a must. Lumiere is French, Cogsworth is British, and it just works so well when they bounce off each other. I used a very high-pitched, almost nasal voice that I spoke from the back of my throat, a sort of take on Monty Python's more outlandish British characters. Watch the Disney movie for inspiration, but do not, I repeat, do not, try to emulate that voice exactly. It simply won't flow right in most versions of the stage show. I played Cogsworth like a "gay clock", wound tightly both in mannerims and speech. He was constantly "tightening up" and having to "unspring". I used a bit of a waddle in the walk, but it was a very quick waddle, literally side to side, and hell on the legs.

Don't be fooled by the small solo part he has in "Human Again", because your backup vocals are incredibly important in both Human Again and in the incredibly powerful finale. You basically have the melody most of the time, as I recall.

[wicked_boy]

Go for a posh British accent.

Act almost like an army sargeant dude.