On The Road: Zach Bencal
I am super exited about today's edition of On The Road because it features one of my talented Disney cousins, Zach Bencal! Zach is originally from New Hampshire and studied musical theater at the University of Hartford. He is currently on the road with the first national tour of Aladdin! Zach plays one of Aladdin's sidekicks, Babkak, and is one of the most hilarious guys I've ever met! I know I'm biased, but I highly recommend checking out Zach and the rest of the Argrabah crew when they pass through your city!
How long have you been a performer?
I did my first community theatre show when I was 7 years old but I had singing since I could talk. I come from a very musical family. Music was a massive part of my childhood. My dad plays piano and my grandmother, they always loved to show me off at parties etc. Big surprise, I was a ham.
What was the first show you ever saw that changed your life?
If we are talking Broadway, then the original production of Les Miz. I would say though that the production that changed my life was when I saw my cousin play the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz when I was about 6 years old. I was constantly singing but it wasn’t until then that I realized you could sing onstage! I honestly knew from that moment on that I simply had to be in the spotlight.
Who is the coolest celebrity you’ve ever met at work?
Paula Abdul! She was soooo little and cute and she touched my face. What a nugget! So genuine!
What has been your most memorable moment on tour so far?
I’ll never forget our first preview in Chicago for as long as I live. It was an invited dress rehearsal and the Chicago cast of Hamilton was there. Everyone was sooo supportive and the energy was ELECTRIC. It was terrifying and mind-blowingly cool all at once. One of the best days of my life.
Pictured with fellow sidekicks Jed Feder and Philippe Arroyo.
Do you have any special rituals or moments that happen backstage before or during the show each night?
The boys and I always do a “street rats on 3” at the start of a new city or whenever an understudy goes on. It brings us together. I also grab a prop coin I use halfway through act 1, at the top of the show because it’s engrained in my brain and if I don’t get it at the start of the show my whole life feels whack.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
How can I possibly pick one thing? The friendships, traveling, wearing these amazing costumes? I think if you’re making me pick I’ll say singing with that orchestra every night. Nothing thrills me personally more than hearing the swell of this 20 piece orchestra playing this stunning and fun score. There are so many cool musical styles in the show and it feels incredible to belt it out with them.
What is the most challenging part of being an actor on tour?
Missing your friends and family! I like being on the go and being busy but I do miss my “people.”
What is your favorite number to perform in your show?
High Adventure. For sure. I will say though, there’s a moment in BOAK (Babkak, Omar, Aladdin, Kassim) where Babkak, Omar, and Kassim come downstage center in a little pyramid and belt out the final chorus of the song. I am the point of that pyramid and it’s surreal every night. I’m DANCING (lol, singer here!) in front of 3 thousand people with great friends and a huge orchestra in a gorgeous costume in ALADDIN. I have a pinch me moment every day.
What is your favorite part about telling this story every night?
Not only is this show exhilarating to see how everyone responds to the show but especially the younger kids. We can see them LIT up in the audience and you can tell their lives are changing. The actual show itself is so crazy that you can tell it’s impacting these kids. I hope they take away how important it is to stay true to themselves and be loyal to who they are. When you’re true to you, good things will come. It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the things life throws at you but when you dig deep, treat others with respect and kindness, and be the best version of yourself there’s no doubt you’ll be rewarded.
What advice would you give to a young person who wants to pursue a career in the arts?
Don’t compare yourself to others. You can’t move forward if you’re too busy looking to the side. Work your butt off on the craft but also on being a good person. Be kind to everyone.
FUN FACTS:
What was the first Broadway show you ever saw?
Les Miz
What is your favorite Broadway show you've ever seen?
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
What is your favorite costume in Aladdin?
I should say the act 2 white sparkly because it’s STUNNING, but it’s very warm. I loveeee my green market place costume. It’s so vibrant and SO comfy. I mean those pants! Come on!
What is your favorite costume you've ever worn?
Probably this green market place costume because it was made for every inch of me!
What is your favorite fun fact about Aladdin?
That BOK (Babkak, Omar, Kassim) was created before Abu, then consolidated to make Abu, then revisited because Alan Menken wanted to stay true to Howard Ashman’s original concept. Also that “BOAK” was written before “One Jump” and the musical styling of BOAK inspired all of what an incredible number One Jump is.
Images by Samuel Greenhill
Cincinatti, Ohio
