Hold on to your funny bones, creator Gerard Alessandrini and his team of merry spoofers are back in
Forbidden Broadway Strikes Back! and Bryan Batt, a member of the hilarious cast answered your
questions from Playbill On-Line Guest Bulletin Board.
This installment of Forbidden Broadway pokes fun at such Broadway luminaries as Cameron Mackintosh,
Nathan Lane and Andrew Lloyd Webber; current hits like Rent and Sunset Boulevard; and favorite divas
like Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, Julie Andrews, Zoe Caldwell, Donna Murphy and Elaine Paige.
In Forbidden Broadway Strikes Back!, you'll find Bryan Batt playing various roles including Lou Diamond
Phillips in The King and I. Bryan was last seen in the original Broadway cast of Sunset Boulevard
playing various roles and occasionally Norma Desmond's Boy Toy "Joe Gillis." He originated the role
of Darius in Paul Rudnick's Jeffrey, both on stage in New York and Los Angeles (Dramalogue Award)
and on film, (now available on Orion Home Video).
Forbidden Broadway Strikes Back! is playing at the Triad Theatre (158 West 72nd Street). For ticket
information and reservations call (212) 799-4599.
Following is the transcript of Bryan's Q's and A's.
QUESTION ([email protected]): Hi Bryan! I saw you in SB in August 95 and you were a handsome Joe G. and
you can sing too! Actually I have a tape of your performance with Betty B. Am looking fwd to seeing
you in "Forbidden Broadway"!! and my question is: how does it feel to be all those characters in one
evening? I mean, the King of Siam, Joe G. etc. What do you do/experience in moving between all these
characters and also in sync with the other members of your 'forbidden quartet' ? Congrats again,
many more triumphs! Best, Soleil102
BRYAN BATT: Thanks for the compliment Soleil on "Sunset Boulevard." I would love a copy of Betty Buckley
and myself, as I don't have one. And you can send it to the Triad Theatre, 58 West 72nd Street, NYC.
To answer your question concerning "Forbidden Broadway," it's great fun but exhausting playing so
many characters in one show -- physically. Because when we are not on stage singing and dancing and
trying to be funny, we are back stage frantically changing wigs to make a big entrance. But it's
also vocally strenuous because we are not singing in our normal voices and we are manipulating our
instruments to make sounds that are not always so healthy and singing every note from the top of our
range to the bottom. The reviews have been great though and it's all worth it!
QUESTION ([email protected]) : The humor of "Forbidden Broadway" has always been its intelligence (at
least, to me). The parodies are always dead on, and the writing/performance is exquisite. My question is
threefold: How do you and the other members of the group decide which plays/songs/actors to re-
invent? Do you have a favorite "character" you play? And have you ever worried about pushing the limit
past good-natured ribbing into downright nastiness?
BRYAN BATT :
1. Gerard Alessandrini, the creator is the writer/director. He writes the parodies using his vast
theatrical writing and biting wit. We the cast interprets his skits and along with artistic director
Phil George make suggestions in some cases. We suggest ideas for songs and the next day at
rehearsal, Gerard has a parody written.
2. My favorite characters are the kid from "Big" and Jerry Lewis. I've always loved doing Jerry Lewis.
3. Yes I won't do anything that's mean spirited. Every character I play has his tongue firmly in his
cheek and it's done in fun. For example I am friends with Alan Campbell and I was worried about making
fun of him. He took the ribbing as it was meant -- in stride. In reality it's a form of compliment
and some performers don't believe they've made it until they've been parodies on "Forbidden
Broadway."
QUESTION ([email protected]): Hi Bryan, just wondering if you can give some tips to an actor/singer who
wants to get started in the business outside of doing community stuff. Thanks. - Jim Williams
BRYAN BATT: Jim, STUDY! STUDY! STUDY! Take classes from teachers that have respectable credits and
practices and are professional actors. Also only study with people you connect with and respect.
Remember that song for "Chorus Line. If you are near college age apply, or transfer to a league school.
They have the best programs for professional actors and the senior year you're guaranteed an
audition with N.Y agents. Here's just a partial list of schools: Carnigie Mellon, Conneticut
Conservatory, Yale, Julliard, NYU, Northwestern, North Carolina School of the Arts. I'm sure there are
many, many more that I'm not even mentioning. Also if you are from a nice size city try to do local
commercials, repertory and theatre work. Finish school and learn all you can. It's not easy, but if
you can't see yourself doing anything else, go for it. Much luck.
QUESTION ([email protected]): I have not been fortunate enough to see you on stage - but you stole every
scene in the film version of JEFFREY. Besides being extremely attractive, you convey the same
openness and 'charm' that Jimmy Stewart showed in his early works. A genuine talent is behind your good
looks. I look forward to seeing you on stage someday.... any interest in joining a touring company?
BRYAN BATT: Dear Dan, Thank you so much. I wish more casting directors felt the same way you do. Because
I am an actor first and foremost and enjoy playing different roles, I try not to follow other
people's attempts to typecast me, that's why I did "Sunset Boulevard" right after "Jeffrey" and I am so
happy to be doing "Forbidden Broadway Strikes Back!" right now because I get to play a virtual
smorgasbord of characters. It's quite refreshing to hear people say I didn't know you could sing so well
and be funny etc. What we as actors know and are capable of is not always understood and shared by
others. Thank you for you support. Yes...I would do a tour if the role was right. Thanks again.
QUESTION (Joseph Ponko offered to bankroll you, what would you want to do?:
1) movies
2) theater
3) television
Just wondering.--
Joe
BRYAN BATT: Joe, What a tough question!. First of all, money can't really buy you a career with the
exception of Tori spelling :) However if it were possible I would have to say I would look to do more
movies because I learned so much doing "Jeffrey." It was a completely different acting exercise. And
also I'd love to do TV, a very witty sitcom --"Fraiser," "Ellen." There are so many good ones,
although, there are a lot of bad ones. My first love is Broadway and theatre and how it works today is
investors will not invest in shows unless there's a marketable name attached to it. Very rarely does
a person get to play a great role on Broadway unless they have a big name. However there are
exceptions. In fact, I've written a treatment for a pilot -- like every actor on the planet -- and hope
to have it read by directors. But I'm grateful to be working in New York.
QUESTION ([email protected]): Bryan, You and Stephanie Pope (on leave from FORUM right now) are my
favorite Broadway Players! I have 2 questions!
1) What did you do from the time you left "SSB" in February until cast in
"Forbidden B'way?" Your talent was missed on the great white way!
2) Do you get much fan mail? Do you answer it yourself? Though not a
superstar yet..... your name is very recognizable from the roles you have
played!
I saw "Forbidden" on Sept. 11, You were all GREAT! If they do the revival of
Lil' Abner get yourself an audition.... YOUR PERFECT for the lead!
Thanks and Best of Luck in all Future Projects
Mike
BOSTON
BRYAN BATT: Dear Mike, Thank you! 1) I miss being on Broadway very much the past months because there's
nothing like it. I spent a few months in L.A. and came back to NY and did a very small role in an
independent film . I also did a reading based on the life of Rudolf Valintino and I think it has
potential. This summer I did a premiere of a new musical out of town, "Fool Rush In" and is supposed to
be workshopped in NY early this spring and now "Forbidden Broadway" and it's a blast.
2. Not that much. I got a lot of fan mail during "Jeffrey" and "Sunset." I try to answer the questions
myself, however, proposals and requests for partially clothes photos, I let slip by unanswered.
3. Funny you should mention that. Alec Specak said if there was a revival of Lil' Abner, I should play
him. And there is talk of revising the show . Some of my friends think I'm Lil' Abner. I take it as
a compliment.
QUESTION ([email protected]): Brian, Does it feel funny knowing when you act that you are making a
mockery out of somebody elses work? If so how do you deal with it? If I wrote to you would you write me
back? Good luck in "Forbidden Broadway." ROB
BRYAN BATT: Dear Rob, I don't look at it as mockery but rather just having a good laugh with the rest of
Broadway. So many cast directors, producers and stars have come to see the show. Laugh hysterically
and loved it. I believe to have a real sense of humor. You must be able first to laugh at yourself.
I laugh at myself constantly. In fact last Sunday Patti Lupone came to the show and loved it. And
actually when reviews came out for our show, she sent flower to Christine Pedi who portrays Patti in
the show, thanking her for the great notices. And yes I would write you back.
COMMENT ([email protected] ): Hi- Just wanted to say loved "Forbidden Broadway Strikes Back" and loved
you in it
BRYAN BATT: Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!
QUESTION ([email protected]): Dear Bryan, I've been a fan of "Forbidden Broadway" for years, but living in
CA I haven't had the opportunity to see the show live. Do you know if there are any plans to record
this installment? I can't wait to hear the Patti/Glenn/ALW parody! --Jen
BRYAN BATT: Hi Jen ,yes we are recording this version of "Forbidden Broadway" on November 20. It should
be available early next year . You'll love "Patti Class." Thanks for writing.
QUESTION: ([email protected]): I saw you play Joe Gillis in SUNSET and out of the three I've seen
(Campbell and Barrowman included) you were by far the best. Would you ever consider going back to the
show as Gillis?
BRYAN BATT: Dear Gary, Thank you for the lovely complement. Not to take anything away from the other
actors who are wonderful in the role, but I have heard that from other people and critics. Yes I would
consider going back to "Sunset" as Joe Gillis mainly because it's probably one of the best young
leading man roles ever written for the musical stage. And I enjoy playing it immensely. Take Care.
QUESTION([email protected]): This "Forbidden Broadway" is the best one yet. We've seen quite a few of
them. You and the rest of the cast were great, the material fabulous. Our sides truly ached from all
the laughing. We can't wait to see it again. Also saw you in "Jeffrey." That was a wonderful show
too and once again you were superb. Whatever happened to the movie? It lost in the transition. Any
thoughts about it? Break a leg!
BRYAN BATT: Dear Cyrano, Thank you for the compliment on "FB." You seem to agree with the critics for
they seem to agree as well . As for "Jeffrey," I played it at the WPA Theatre and at the Manetta
Lane then in Los Angeles in the West Wood Playhouse and finally in the movie. It's hard when
translating a play to screen, especially one as different and quirky and wonderful as "Jeffrey." It had
Such an important theme and people felt very passionately after seeing the play. What I like about
the movie was that Paul Rudnick, the author, wrote the screen play while Christopher Ashley, who
directed the stage version, directed the film. It wasn't muttled with other writers and studio red
tape, therefore, the original vision could be portrayed. People who saw the movie and had not seen the
play loved it just as much as people who saw the play. It's the same thing when great novels are
turned into film. You have a preconceived notions of what the characters are to be like. Personally, I
am proud of it and I loved making the play.
QUESTION ([email protected]): I loved your work in "Jeffrey" and also am a huge fan of "Forbidden
Broadway." I will be in NY in November and can't wait to see you perform. Was hoping you would be doing
Joe Gillis in "SB," but this should be even better. I am a SF resident transplanted from South
Georgia so I can identify with having a "drawl" in a cosmopolitan city. Your accent is quite charming
though. Any plans for a solo album or cabaret work? You certainly have the looks, charm, and voice.
I would pay.--
Best of Luck,
Gerry
BRYAN BATT: Hi Gerry, First of all I'm sorry you missed me as Joe Gillis but I hope you see "FB." Also,
I wasn't aware that I have a southern drawl . I try to get rid of that draw But when I 'm very
tired, or have a few martinis or spend time with family and friends from the south, it really comes
out.. Thanks for saying my accent is charming. You ought to hear my mother. Funny you should ask about
an album it's something that I would love to do! If someone out there is record producer or have
connection with producers, please contact me. Yes, I would love to record and I'm glad you would buy
it. Thank you for writing, all the best.
QUESTION ([email protected]): Bryan , I greatly admire your work. I understand you are from South
Louisiana. I'M from Mandeville. Keep up the good work. How did you break through regional theatre and on
to Broadway? --Love, J. Warden
BRYAN BATT: Hi JW, It's nice to know you grew up right across the crossways from me. I'm from New
Orleans and I have alot of friends in Mandeville. I did a great deal of community theatre and theatre in
the French quarters -- Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre and Nord Theatres. Also while in college, I
did commercials and every college production I could get into. Right after college I moved up to New
York, naive and green and tried to audition for everything. Meanwhile, I studied and did odd jobs.
My first Broadway show was a year and 1/2 later-- "Starlight Express" -- and I truly believe the
reason I was cast was because I refused to fall down at my call back :)
QUESTION ([email protected]): Dear Bryan, Saw the show in previews - loved it! When will the CD be
available?
BRYAN BATT: We are recording it November 20 and it should be in stores early next year.
QUESTION ([email protected]): Dear Mr. Batt, Thank you for taking the time to read my message. I just
moved here from Tennessee. I'm a composer who has written a couple of musicals and I'd love for you
to hear my work. Maybe I could meet you after your show some time in the next week or two and buy
you a cup of coffee or something like that. If this would be a possibility, let me know. I live in
Manhattan, so any time is good for me. I hope you have a great week!
Sincerely,
John Thomas Oaks
BRYAN BATT: Hi John. The next couple of weeks are just crazy and the show is so physically exhausting.
Send me a note at the theatre when you will be in the stopping by and I will talk to you after the
show. As of now I have no time.
QUESTION ([email protected]): Just a note- you really are an inspiration to me and your fans!! Thanks
for everything!!! --Matt C.
BRYAN BATT: Thanks a lot!
QUESTION ([email protected]): You were wonderful in the film "Jeffrey." How did you enjoy working with
Patrick Stewart?
BRYAN BATT: Dear Dusty: Working with Patrick Stewart, who I've remained friends with, was one of my
greatest experiences. He's a consummate actor and a very giving performer and also a gentlemen -- which
is very unique in our business. What's great about Patrick is that he loves what he's doing and he
doesn't take it for granted. He's very inspiring. Take care. --
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