Behind Lumiere's flaming, 7-pound 'handlesticks' in 'Beauty & the Beast' at the Hollywood Pantages

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Set us as preferred Danny Gardner is on fire, literally and figuratively.The actor lights up the stage eight shows a week as Lumiere, the servant-turned-candelabra in Disney’s touring production of “Beauty and the Beast,” currently at the Hollywood Pantages theatre through Sept.

6.A scene-stealing character that requires massive talent and stamina, the role also calls for the actor to handle live fire as his hands are strapped to a pair of heavy prop candlesticks.The effect is a sight to behold, but there’s an entire team at work behind the scenes and a good-natured actor who doesn’t mind flames, sweating and being unable to use his hands for the entire run time.

Making it work is a show unto itself.Entertainment & Arts We went backstage before curtain of the touring production of ‘Les Misérables’ at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.

Here’s a look a the well-orchestrated chaos.For the actor, it’s worth it.A self-described “song and dance man” who’s appeared on Broadway in “Dames at Sea” and “A Christmas Carol,” Gardner says Lumiere has been a “bucket list” role since seeing the animated movie as a kid.

And the first touring production of the show presented by Disney in 25 years has become a family affair.Gardner’s wife, Emily Larger, is in the ensemble and serves as assistant dance captain, as well as an understudy for Mrs.

Potts and Madame de l’Amour.The New Jersey-based couple have been traveling with their 1½-half-year-old son and dog, Maple, for more than a year.Even before Gardner shows up an hour before curtain, a backstage crew is hard at work crafting Lumiere’s signature flame effect.

The “handlesticks,” as they’re referred to, were created by special effects designer Jeremy Chernick.They reside primarily under the care of head prop master Andrew Crawford, who ...