By Brenda Hillegas

Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast‘ has been a constant in Danny Gardner’s life since childhood — he even wore out the animated film’s cassette soundtrack. Now, the Reading native is stepping into one of Disney’s most beloved roles, bringing Lumière to life as the musical hits the stage at the Academy of Music, marking Disney’s first North American touring production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in more than 25 years.

An Ithaca College–trained performer and longtime tap instructor, Gardner recently spoke with Metro about growing up with the film, taking on such an iconic character, and life on the road with his wife and son.

Growing up in Berks County and now performing ‘Beauty and the Beast’ nearby in Philadelphia, how does it feel to bring Disney magic so close to home?

It’s really an exciting opportunity! I grew up with ‘Beauty and the Beast’, wore out its cassette tape and remember seeing it in the movie theater with my family. So, to bring the iconic character of Lumiere and these beloved songs to my home state is a dream 30 years in the making. 

When did you know you wanted to be a stage performer? Was there a show or performer that inspired you?

The first time I performed was as an elementary school student in the Reading High School production of ‘Mame’. I got to wear a turban and say a comedic line. As soon as I got my first laugh from the audience, I was hooked. My older brother, Ryan Gardner, is also a performer and watching him really inspired me.  

This is Disney’s first North American tour of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in over 25 years. What immediately stood out to you about the production?

The new choreography. Matt West, who choreographed the original production on Broadway, has directed and choreographed this production with all new dances. This time, Lumiere tap dances. Being a tap dancer since I was six, this was immediately exciting to me. 

Most audience members will already know Lumiere. How do you honor what people love about the character while still making the role your own?

I am filling the shoes of some amazing performers — Jerry Orbach, Gary Beech, Gavin Lee — to name a few. I watched and listened to their performances before we started rehearsal. Once we were in rehearsal, I put their performances aside and I went back to the script and score and asked: How I could bring my own spirit to it? Having their guidance really helped me keep Lumiere the romantic, cheeky showman they imbued in him.

Are there any songs or scenes in the show that feel especially meaningful to you right now?

In the second act, the song ‘Human Again’ really strikes a chord with me (pun intended). Matt West’s choreography adds a beautiful layer of reflection while Howard Ashman’s lyrics bring the joyful yearning of feeling like yourself again. I think we all have a time when we “felt like ourselves” more, that we want to return to: a younger time, a healthier time, a more secure time and the combination of the choreography, music and lyrics in ‘Human Again’ bring that yearning to the surface each performance. 

You’re touring with your wife, Emily Larger, who’s also in the cast, and your son. Do you have any go-to family rituals or favorite ways to explore each city together?

Now that Jack is nine-months-old, we have been trying to find playgrounds that have infant sections. He loves swings and slides, so whenever we can find a good playground, it brings a little normalcy to our adventures. 

What makes ‘Beauty and the Beast’ an ideal first theater experience for kids in Philadelphia?

It’s a “tale as old as old as time” — or at least 1991 for most of us. So now three generations get to experience the story together. The combination of the well-known songs, the new dances, the beloved characters and the live spectacle that only Disney can provide is a perfect first show for any audience member.

Beauty and the Beast runs at the Academy of Music from Feb. 11 to 22. For more information, visit beautyandthebeastthemusical.com.