I toured with "Beauty" for a year and a half, with a couple different Gastons. It depended on how many kids were in the audience (always more boos during matinees), and who was playing the role, honestly! Some Gastons really reveled in getting "boos," so they happened more frequently. The curtain call was pretty specifically staged, though, and part of Gaston's curtain call was to hit a big bicep flex just before his bow, which would usually transition any "boos" into cheers, and it was a nice opportunity for them to transition from "Gaston" to "actor" - and accept the applause with grace.
But - to answer your question: "Boos" were not solicited, but they weren't uncommon. One of our Gastons may have gotten a note that he was a little TOO encouraging of the audience's despise ;) Truthfully - if the creative team wanted "boos," it would've been happening 8 times a week. This is Disney, after all, don't forget that every second of that show until the curtain comes down is staged thoughtfully and thoroughly. |
