Drama Desk and Helen Hayes Award winner Jim Brochu ("Zero Hour," "The Big Voice: God or Merman?") will debut his new solo show "Character Man" at the Triad Theatre on Monday, October 1st at 9pm.
"Character Man" is a salute to the great supporting players of Broadway, filled with hilarious backstage stories and touching personal recollections. Written by Brochu, the show spotlights the work of Jack Gilford, Jackie Gleason, Robert Preston, Zero Mostel, George S. Irving, Cyril Ritchard, Barney Martin and Brochu's own mentor, two-time Tony Award winner, David Burns.
With direction by Robert Bartley (creator/director of "Broadway Backwards" and the upcoming Off-Broadway production of "Bedbugs: The Musical.") "Character Man" features the songs of Kander and Ebb, Bock and Harnick, Bricusse and Newley, Meredith Willson, Stephen Sondheim, Bob Merrill and Stephen Schwartz among others. John Fischer is musical director.
Brochu, who will share photos and videos from his own collection during the evening said, "There would be no Broadway without these guys who supported the great stars and got the laughs without getting the girl. I began my own career as a character man at a time when I got to know these men and learn from them. David Burns was like a second father to me and I grew up backstage hanging out with him and Phil Silvers, Zero Mostel, Jack Gilford and Charles Nelson Reilly. I was blessed to know them. They were amazing, dear, funny men and I don't want them to ever be forgotten."
"Character Man" will have an Off-Broadway run next year after Brochu has wrapped up commitments to his "Zero Hour" tour. Jeramiah Peay and Steve Schalchlin are producing the Triad Theatre performance. Tickets are $20.00 (cover charge) plus a two-drink minimum and are available at Brown Paper Tickets (800-838-3006) or online at TriadNYC.com.
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