JIM BROCHU’S CHARACTER MAN
Directed by Robert Bartley
Musical Direction by Carl Haan
Feb 28 - March 30 (extended thru April 6), 2014
Drama Desk Award winner Jim Brochu (Zero Hour) puts his stamp on an original musical valentine to the Great White Way. Character Man is a salute to the memorable character actors of Broadway, filled with hilarious theatre stories and touching personal recollections. Sprinkled with juicy backstage lore, the show spotlights the careers of Zero Mostel, Jack Gilford, Barney Martin and Brochu’s own mentor, two- time Tony Award winner David Burns. Character Man delivers the iconic songs of ground-breaking composers including Meredith Willson, John Kander and Fred Ebb, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick and Stephen Sondheim and celebrates the Golden Age of the American Musical.
A blend of cabaret, theater and scrapbook that produces a solidly satisfying evening. A genial polar bear, Mr. Brochu uses this “musical memoir” to tell his story, too — and smoothly applies his baritone to about a dozen songs from the musicals he mentions…walks down memory lane are rarely so entertaining.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Brochu is a terrific storyteller, and a fine singer, too. He mixes his funny, appealing reminiscences with some classic numbers for his own considerable gifts.
NEW YORKER
Heartfelt! He approaches his idols with polish and their luster shines through him.
TIME OUT NEW YORK
Rebecca Phillips: Scenic Designer | Mary Louise Geiger: Lighting Designer | Kim Krumm Sorenson: Costume Designer | Sean Hagerty: Sound Designer/Composer | Lucy Mackinnon: Projection Designer | Matt Foster: Technical Director/Production Manager | Brian D. Gold*: Production Stage Manager | Allie Wagner*: Assistant Production Stage Manager | Ken Larson: Set Construction | Julie Kilzer: Dialect Coach | Shane-Ann Younts: Dialect Coach | Steve White: Fight Choreographer
Graphic Design: Antoinette Mullins. Photos by Carol Rosegg.