Ten Questions with Bryan Batt

Bryan Batt, veteran of such Broadway shows as Beauty and the Beast, Seussical the Musical, and Saturday Night Fever has embarked on a new television project on the Style Network - "Guess Who's Coming to Decorate." Not to worry though, he'll be back to New York before you know it.

Why leave the world of Broadway for TV?

Well, I could never actually leave, so let's just say that I took a somewhat self-imposed short break. It's only been 9 months, and in that time I've already been back to New York City 16 times. I love all the different mediums of entertainment, including theatre, television and film.  I have been fortunate be working consistently on and Off-Broadway for over a decade, but when new project fell through and I was not cast in a few shows that I thought I would be, I decided to not sit and wait by the phone, and instead followed my 2nd love - interior design.

Tell us about Guess Who's Coming to Decorate…

It's somewhat of a reality design show. A mystery guest from the homeowner's past comes to help me re-do a room. We have 2 days and $2000, and the results at the reveal can lean either towards Oprah or Jerry Springer depending on who comes. So far all my episodes have gotten a great positive response from the homeowner, and I'm quite happy with that because I don't get to talk to them until the 1st day of shooting (which is after all of my work has already been done, fabrics, colors, furniture and accessories have been picked out and bought.)

One of my favorite episodes was when a biological daughter of a NASCAR racer who had only seen her dad once before came to decorate. We all cried like babies and they loved the room.

In addition to that, you've also opened up a store in your home town?

Along with my partner, Tom Cianfichi, I opened a high end gift, home accessory, and interior design shop in my home town of New Orleans called HAZELNUT. I named it after my grandmother whose name was Hazel and she was a nut...just kidding! Her maiden name was "Nuss" which is nut in German. It's really taken off and is a big hit in New Orleans, and soon everything will be available for purchase online as well at www.hazelnutneworleans.com. I've also designed a signature fabric, which is a "New Orleans Toile" that has scenes of the city and has also been a big seller.

Have you gotten feedback from Broadway buddies about the new show?

FORBIDEN BROADWAY co-star Christine Pedi called me just this week to say that she saw and loved it!

How often will new episodes be airing?

They will be repeating continuously on STYLE with 2 new episodes each month.

Are you traveling back and forth now between New Orleans and New York?

I'm inter-bi-coastal still because I'm coming up all the time to New York for work. A couple of weeks ago I filmed an episode as part of Dennis Learey's new series on FX "RescueMe."

Do you see the nature of the theater world as such that you'd encourage fellow-actors to pursue other career dreams in between auditioning?

As I said I have been truly lucky to have worked so continuously throughout my career because that rarely happens. When a door is temporarily shut in this business, and you see an open window – you better jump out of it. I believe that in everyone's life, diverse interests should be pursued to make an individual well-rounded. Because of this, I've discovered another exciting world in addition to the exciting world of the theatre. I am a firm believer in "and" instead of "or."

What sort of theater work are you looking for in between TV filming?

Oh, just a big splashy Broadway mega hit, or a great Off-Broadway play, that's all. Actually, I've done many readings, and presentations of a new play (with a big, wonderful star) that's supposed to open on Broadway in the spring, but I can't say anything or name names just yet.

You recently were interviewed as part of "Broadway: The Next Generation" which will be on the DVD of Broadway: The Golden Age (now playing in theaters throughout Manhattan). What was taking part in that project like?

It was strange, because my friend Nancy met the director, mentioned my name, and he said he would love to interview me. The next thing I knew, I was in a make-shift studio in his apartment, spilling my guts! As it turned out all the footage of me, Douglas Sills, Bebe Neuwirth, and other younger actors was cut and the focus was on "the Golden Age." I'm told though that we'll be part of both the DVD release, and a possible "part 2" to the film.

What are some of your best memories from your Broadway and Off-Broadway work thus far?

The first thing that comes to mind is hearing Carol Burnett's laughter during a performance of "Forbidden Broadway." Also, just being part of the play and film of Jeffrey is probably the most charmed and beautiful experience I've ever had in the theatre, but throughout my career I've been blessed to have so many great experiences. That's why I truly love the theatre and can't wait to be back on stage!

For more information on Guess Who's Coming to Decorate, visit http://www.stylenetwork.com/Shows/GuessWho/ and for more information on Bryan, visit http://www.bryanbatt.com/