THE BROADWAY LOCAL - Bryan Batt

 

  

From the soaring melodies of classic revivals to the hottest  dramas playing today - there is no experience like "Broadway."

And part of what makes Broadway so exciting is that it's  located right smack dab in the middle of New York City!

With "THE BROADWAY LOCAL", BroadwayWorld celebrates  the  creative theatre professionals who bring their talents to  the  city's Broadway stages and call the Big Apple home.

 This month's feature: stage and screen star Bryan Batt.  Batt, who most recently was seen on AMC's Emmy and Golden Globe-winning "Mad Men" as Salvatore Romano, released his memoir, "She Ain't Heavy, She's My Monther" (Random House) this month.  The book is now available wherever books are sold.  An ode to his mother, Gayle, "She Ain't Heavy, She's My Mother," tells the story of Batt's life growing up below the Mason-Dixon line. In the process, he "weaves a touching and hilarious story of the South, showbiz, and an unshakable bond between mother and son."

An actor, designer and civic activist, Batt's leading and principal roles include: 2005 revival of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, SUNSET BLVD, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, STARLIGHT EXPRESS, and CATS. Off Broadway: Forbidden Broadway(Drama Desk Nomination). Theatrically, Bryan is most proud of originating the role of DARIUS in both the N.Y. and L.A (Drama Logue Award) productions as well as the film adaptation of Paul Rudnick's ground breaking comedy JEFFREY.

Bryan and his partner of 20 years, Tom Cianfichi, are the nationally recognized creative forces behind HAZELNUT, a fine gift and home accessories shop in his home town of New Orleans. HAZELNUT has been featured in the NEW YORK TIMES, HOUSE BEAUTIFUL, IN STYLE, TRADITIONAL HOME, SOUTHERN ACCENTS and more.

Mr. Batt, a civic activist, champions many causes including Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS, Habitat For Humanity, Second Harvest Food Bank, the Human Rights Campaign (Equality Award), the SPCA, The Preservation Resource Center, The Point Foundation, N.O. AIDS Task Force (board member, Humanitas Award), and Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre (board member and interim Artistic Director).

Memory of your first time seeing a Broadway Show
My first show was Gilda Radner Live From The Winter Garden. She opened the show with "Let's Talk Dirty To the Animals." I though my gloved grandmother was going to drag me out of our box seats. That story is in the book!

Your Broadway debut: When, where and how
In Starlight Express, late 80's, on roller skates...oh the pain!

Favorite NYC Street and why you think it's special
Minetta Lane, It's definative 'village' and I have the fondest memories of doing my favorite play, "Jeffrey" there.

Favorite NYC restaurant
How can I narrow it down? I still adore La Grenouille and Elio's Restaurant

Pre-show and post-show meals
Joe Allen's, Angus McIndoe, and Five Napkin Hamburgers...

On the subway, what is your line and what other ways do you get around the city?           The 6 and the N and the R, crosstown bus...but I love to walk the city whenever possible

Best Broadway bargain and where can we find it?
Century 21 and Soiffer Haskin sample sales

Who do you think truly defines NYC?
Liza.

Favorite NYC Song
Autumn in New York...it truly is evocative.

Classic New York moment    
After 9/11...people had been very polite and unusually gracious for about a month...on day 32 while crossing the street, a cabbie cursed and shot the bird at me...we were back to normal!         

  Favorite classic NYC spot
  The campus quad

  NY Style: Who has it and why?
  Patricia Clarkson...just look at her

 

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Photo Credit: Jennifer Forchelli