Urban Stages Founding Artistic Director Frances Hill and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man as part of its 30th Anniversary season. Jim Brochu''s new musical memoir just opened Off-Broadway at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street) Wednesday March 5th. This limited run, in previews now, will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. Character Man will have scenic & video design by Patrick Brennan, lighting design by Meghan Santelli and sound design by Sean Hagerty. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from opening night below!
Drama Desk Award winner Jim Brochu puts his stamp on an original musical valentine to the Great White Way.Character Man has a book by Brochu and the music and lyrics of Leslie Bricusse, Jerry Bock, Betty Comden, Stan Daniels, Fred Ebb, Adolph Green, Sheldon Harnick, Jerry Herman, John Kander, Bob Merrill, Anthony Newley,Stephen Schwartz, Stephen Sondheim, Jule Styne, and Meredith Willson, including the iconic songs of the Golden Age of the American Musical.
Character Man is a salute to the memorable character actors of Broadway, filled with hilarious theater stories and touching personal recollections. Sprinkled with juicy backstage lore, the show spotlights the careers of, among others, Zero Mostel, Jack Gilford, Jackie Gleason, George S. Irving, Barney Martin and Brochu''s own mentor, two-time Tony Award-winner David Burns. "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 some of the others. They were amazing, dear, funny men and I don''t want them to ever be forgotten," said Brochu.
Photo Credit: Linda Lenzi follow her on Twitter @LenziLinda
Jim Brochu and Carl Haan
Carl Haan, Jim Brochu and Robert Bartley
Carl Haan, Jim Brochu and Robert Bartley
Jim Brochu and Steve Schalchlin
Ed Barlow and Francis Hill
John McDaniel, Ken Fallin, Anita Gillette, Jim Brochu and Randie Levine Miller
Jim Brochu and Nassef Dewidar
Anita Gillette, Bill Zeffiro and Peter Napolitano
Daniel Whitman and Robert Bartley
Joan Copeland, Jim Brochu and Father Jeffrey L. Hamblin
KT Sullivan and Lewis J. Stadlen
Anita Gillette, Jim Brochu and Lewis J. Stadlen
Peter Napolitano, KT Sullivan and Charles Busch
Ruben Flores and Dulcina Eisen
Rick Sommers, Valerie Smaldone and Jim Brochu
Lewis Cullman, Jim Brochu and Louise Hirschfeld
Jim Brochu, Charles Busch and Robert Bartley
Steve Schalchlin, Jim Brochu, Robert Bartley and Daniel Whitman
Carl Haan, Jim Brochu, Jennifer Bassey and Steve Schalchlin
Carl Haan, Jim Brochu and Jennifer Bassey
Carl Haan, Jim Brochu, Robert Bartley and Francis Hill
Ruben Flores, Robin De Jesus, Carl Haan and Robert Bartley
Marilyn Michaels, Robert Bartley and Mark Wilk
Ruben Flores, Tony Sheldon and Robin De Jesus
Tony Sheldon, Jim Brochu and Robert Bartley
Jim Brochu and Brian Stokes Mitchell
Rocio Sanz, Ellis Nassour and Jimmy Sanz
Robin De Jesus, Jim Brochu, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Marilyn Michaels
Mark Wilk and Marilyn Michaels
Mark Wilk and Marilyn Michaels
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