It's the roaring twenties and wealthy ladies' man Jimmy Winter meets bootlegging tomboy Billie Bendix...and so the tale of NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT begins! The award-winning Broadway musical takes to the Theater at the Center stage this May, bringing Chicagoland audiences a run of classic music, slapstick comedy and dazzling story. Lead Actor Justin Brill took a little time to discuss life, theater and channeling this hilarious role during an exclusive Broadway World Q&A.
You're bringing a Tony nominated, critically acclaimed Broadway experience to the Midwest. There's going to be a lot of people who are seeing and hearing this show for the first time. What do you say to those newbies who might not know much about this musical?
This is such a fun and zany show with the perfect amount of romance! There are classic tunes that audiences will recognize-it's Gershwin music!-amazing dance numbers and lots of contemporary comedy. It's the perfect blend of that traditional Broadway experience with something modern and exciting. That in itself makes this show unique.
Audiences will definitely hear some familiar tunes! There are famous songs like "Someone To Watch Over Me" and " Lady Be Good". Can you pick a favorite?
For me it's "S'Wonderful". It's sweet, it has a great melody and a fun dance. Also, I have this memory of my grandmother singing it around the house when I was growing up. She only knew a couple of words and would just sort of hum the rest... I can't help but chuckle every time I hear it.
It's nostalgic. I think a lot of people are going to have moments like that. So, Nice Work premiered on Broadway in 2012, but it obviously has music that's quite a bit older. Why do you think George and Ira Gershwin's music continues to thrive in a modern show?
I think the music is structured so well. The Gershwins were craftsman at creating a memorable and catchy melody. They're from that 'Golden Age' of American songwriters--they wrote alongside people like Irving Berlin--and even now that type of music is interwoven with classic Americana.
These artists were creating music during the Depression Era and like today, people used it to escape. That's what people turned to. That was the popular thing and it was integrated into their culture. There's just something so musically perfect, playful and meaningful about the songs they created.
Let's talk about your character. Jimmy is kind of a charmer. He's an aristocratic playboy who falls in love with a pretty unlikely girl. What do you love most about playing this role? Can you relate to him in any way?
I don't get to play the romantic interest often. Usually I'm the funny sidekick or the guy who doesn't get the girl. What's great about Jimmy is that he has that romantic charm but he's really a big goofball. He's not your typical leading man. He hasn't quite gotten his life together yet.
As for how I relate? I'd like to think that I bring a good sense of fun to my friends and family and I like to make people smile. I think that Jimmy is like that too. I don't seek as much attention as he does, he totally wants to be the life of the party, but I'd like to think that we both bring light and joy to our friendships and relationships.
Imagine you could play any other character in the show for a night. Who would you pick?
Cookie! He has the best one-liners and exit lines. He gets to bookend all the jokes. He's the punchline character and that's always fun!
That's exactly what [co-star] Erica said during her interview! Let's go back to the beginning. How did you get into performing? What's the story?
Well my first role was playing Joe Hardy in
Damn Yankees as a sophomore in high school. I'm from Annapolis, Maryland and I grew up doing local shows and dance classes. I wasn't really a troublemaker (although you might get a different story from my family!) but I had lots of energy. My parents signed me up for a lot of things to keep me active. Eventually it was just a natural progression; I started to love singing and being on stage. After high school, I got into Carnegie Melon, which is one of the oldest drama programs in the country, and studied musical theater. I studied alongside some awesome prominent TV and Broadway talent. It was a cool time to be there. I learned a ton.
And it shows by your repertoire! You've toured as Boq in Wicked, you were in the original All Shook Up on Broadway. What's your favorite role you've played?
I was able to be part of the Broadway company of
RENT for about six months as a swing. It was around the time of the tenth anniversary and I had the chance to play Mark. There was something special about being in that show, about what it meant to the theater community and to all its fans, and celebrating
Jonathan Larson's life. It was a short run for me but it was so special. Looking back, that's a high point.
Looking forward, do you have a dream role?
It's funny. I lament about constantly being cast as a sidekick, but I'm fixated on the idea of playing Igor in
Young Frankenstein. I love that character's comedic energy. I really admire and look up to
Christopher Fitzgerald who played the original Igor (and the original Boq for that matter) because he has a similar style and such a creative, honest and energetic stage presence. Tackling my own portrayal of Igor someday would be something I'd love to do.
When you're not at the theater...any crazy hobbies?
I actually just started teaching yoga at a CorePower studio! I really dig yoga because it's helpful in so many ways, both personally and professionally. It helps me let go of my day and focus while I'm on the stage, it helps me become a better listener, it helps me enjoy the present moment. I try to practice a couple of times a week and I love sharing it with others.
Lastly, but certainly lot least: any projects on the horizon?
Actually I'll be playing Cosmo in Singin' In The Rain at the Fireside Theatre in Wisconsin! I've worked there before and I love it. I'll get to work with my wife, Shanna VanDerwerker, who is choreographing the show. So that's especially wonderful.
Watch Justin Brill and the 's wonderful, 's marvelous cast of NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, playing at the Theater at the Center from May 5 through June 5. Visit www.theatreatthecenter.com to learn more.
Photo Credit: Pat Kremer, Big Splash PR
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