Jim Brochu
Latest News on Jim Brochu
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Birth Place: New York City
Bio:
Jim Brochu is the only actor in America to have won the New York Drama Desk Award, the Washington, DC Helen Hayes Award, the Los Angeles Ovation Award, the South Florida Carbonell Award and the Palm Springs Desert Star Award, all for Best Actor in a Play.
On Broadway he has appeared ...
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Latest News on Jim Brochu
Stage Credits
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Jim Brochu and Steve Schalchlin
Jim Brochu
Jim Brochu, Steve Schalchlin, Kelli Robke and John Fischer
Jim Brochu
Rachel Kaufman, Michael Roberts, Jessica Hendy, Paul Schaffer, Darnell White, Debbie Gravitte, Kelli Rabke, Jim Brochu, Scott Coulter, Liz Callaway, Sally Mayes, Teri Ralston, David Lamarr, Anthony Murphy, Christine Andreas and Kurt Peterson
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Jim Brochu Biography
Jim Brochu is the only actor in America to have won the New York Drama Desk Award, the Washington, DC Helen Hayes Award, the Los Angeles Ovation Award, the South Florida Carbonell Award and the Palm Springs Desert Star Award, all for Best Actor in a Play.On Broadway he has appeared as Andrew McLaren in Brigadoon opposite Christine Ebersole and Len Cariou and as Mr. Brownlow in Oliver!
opposite Brian Stokes Mitchell’s Fagin. In Washington, DC he played Willy Clark opposite Theodore Bikel’s Al Lewis in Neil Simon’s The Sunshine Boy. Most recently, he starred in the major Off-Broadway revivals of The Man Who Came To Dinner as Sheridan Whiteside and as Sir in the Newley-Bricusse musical, The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of The Crowd.
Over the past few years, Jim has been leading a double life – both as himself and as the great Zero Mostel in his multi-award winning play, Zero Hour. Since its premiere in 2006 Jim has been touring the country with the show, garnering both unanimous critical raves and major theatrical honors.
Prior to taking on Zero, Jim was in New York City starring in his Off-Broadway hit, The Big Voice: God or Merman? which he also wrote. The New York Times called it: “Triumphant and side-splitting – a hilarious and utterly enthralling evening of musical theatre.”
In 2005, Jim was nominated again by the Los Angeles Ovation Awards as Best Actor in a Musical for “The Big Voice”, an honor he won from both the Palm Springs Desert Star Awards and the Valley Theatre League ADA Awards. “The Big Voice: God or Merman?” was also given the Ovation Award as Best Musical, presented to himself and composer-partner, Steve Schalchlin, by the legendary Jerry Herman.
Jim’s life was forever changed on June 20, 1959 – the day he saw his father’s friend in a show. Dad’s friend was Ethel Merman and the show was Gypsy. When people asked him what he wanted to be when he grew
up, he would respond instantly, “A priest!” When Miss Merman asked him that question on the stage of the Broadway Theatre he responded instantly, “An actor!”
A native of Brooklyn, Jim produced his first show two months later, a charity revue featuring the Bay Ridge neighborhood kids
named The Flagg Court Follies of 1959.
After four years at La Salle Military Academy where he was nicknamed Sergeant Bilko, he studied drama at Carnegie-Mellon University, where his classmate was Stephen Schwartz. He returned to New York, received his BA in English from St. Francis College (Brooklyn) and made his Broadway debut (on stage at Town Hall) as Christopher Sly in a very bad revival of “The Taming Of The Shrew.”
His off-Broadway credits include “Berkeley Square” with Christopher Reeve at the Manhattan Theatre Club, Robert Lowell’s “Endicott And The Red Cross” at the American Place Theatre at St. Clement’s, Ephraim Kishon’s “Unfair To Goliath” at the Cherry Lane, Marvin Gordon’s “To Be Or Not To Be…” at The Barbizon Plaza; “Skye” at Lincoln Center and Frank Loesser’s “Greenwillow” for the Equity Library Theatre.
While working as a young stage actor, he appeared in two legendary television commercials – first as a dancing raisin for Post Raisin Bran and then as the “Lemon from Outer Space” with Madge the Manicurist for Palmolive. His television work includes regular stints as Father James on “All My Children,” Judge Julius Weyburn on “The Young and The Restless,” Officer Jerry Chandler on the cult-classic “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and the befuddled bailiff on NBC’s “Sirota’s Court” with Michael Constantine. Although the part was small, he can also boast that he made his motion picture debut in “The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight” opposite another newcomer, Robert DeNiro.
His acting career has taken him to regional stages all over the United States and Canada, including the Washington Theatre Club in D.C., the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, The Invisible Theatre in Tucson, two seasons at the Goodspeed Opera House where he originated the role of Flint in “Something’s Afoot,” Theatre Building Chicago, Stages Repertory Theatre
in Houston, the Trinity Arts Center in Dallas and the DejaVu Theatre in Los Angeles - where he won the Backstage West Award as Best Actor for his performance as Marvin in Robert Patrick’s “T-Shirts.”
While playing Tevye at the Waldo Astoria Dinner Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri – he wrote his first play “Cookin’ With Gus” which was immediately published by Samuel French and has since been performed all over the United States and has been translated into several languages for productions all over the world. A huge hit in Quebec, Canada; it was recently taped in French by HBO.
One play led to another and soon Jim was writing full time. For the theatre, he has written the comedies “The Lucky O’Learys” with Kathleen Freeman, “Fat Chance” with Virginia Capers, “The Lady Of The House” with Rue McClanahan and the off-Broadway smash hit musical, “The Last Session”, which he also directed.
After “The Last Session’s” New York run (for which he received Drama League and Outer Critics Circle Nominations), the show was named
by the Los Angeles Times as one of the ten best plays of the 1998-1999 Los Angeles season, garnering him the Oscar Wilde Award and the GLAAD Media Award. Brochu won another Backstage West Award for his direction of the show, along with the Los Angeles Drama Critic’s Circle Award as
playwright.
In 1988 he got an offer he couldn’t refuse - a call from his idol, Lucille Ball, who had read his play “The Lucky O’Learys” and thought it would be perfect for herself and Audrey Meadows. By the time he finished writing the pilot for 20th Century Fox, Miss Ball was not up to doing the project and it never developed.
However, what did develop was a deep friendship between Ball and Brochu that resulted in them spending almost every afternoon together until she died in 1989. Jim chronicled Lucy’s life as she told it to him over the backgammon table in his book, “Lucy In The Afternoon,” published by William Morrow and named as an alternate selection by The Literary Guild Book Club.
Between theatrical assignments, he travels on the great cruise ships all over the world lecturing about Broadway, Hollywood and the stars with whom he has worked. He is an active member of the Dramatists Guild, the Screen Actors Guild, Actors Equity Association and remains, as the New York Times called him, a true “Man Of The Theatre.” His caricature hangs on the wall of the legendary Sardi’s Restaurant in New York next to his mentor Ethel Merman, a singular tribute to a forty year show business
career as an actor and playwright.
Jim Brochu Awards and Nominations
| Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Solo Performance | ||
| Jim Brochu, Character Man | ||
| Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Solo Performance | ||
| Jim Brochu, Character Man | ||
Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Solo Performance  |
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| Jim Brochu, Zero Hour | ||
| Helen Hayes Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production |
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| Jim BrochuZero Hour | ||
| Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Solo Performance | ||
| Jim Brochu, Zero Hour | ||
Jim Brochu News
Photos: See Liz Callaway, Tovah Feldshuh & More on the Red Carpet of the American Songbook Association Galaby Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 10, 2022
American Songbook Association recently hosted the Third Annual Gala to honor Stephen Schwartz on Monday, May 9 at 7:30 PM. Schwartz - the Oscar, Grammy and Tony-winning composer and lyricist of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell and more - received the 2022 ASA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Photos: American Songbook Association Celebrates Stephen Schwartz at Third Annual Galaby Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 10, 2022
American Songbook Association recently hosted the Third Annual Gala to honor Stephen Schwartz on Monday, May 9 at 7:30 PM. Schwartz - the Oscar, Grammy and Tony-winning composer and lyricist of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell and more - received the 2022 ASA Lifetime Achievement Award.
American Popular Song Society To Honor Lee Roy Reams In Star-studded Benefit Concert At Cutting Roomby Stephi Wild - May 9, 2022
The American Popular Song Society will honor Lee Roy Reams in a star-studded benefit concert celebrating the art and legacy of the American popular song, at The Cutting Room, 44 East 32nd Street, on Sunday June 12, at 5pm.
BWW Interview: Carolyn Montgomery of AMERICAN SONGBOOK ASSOCIATION 2022 GALA at Merkin Hall At Kaufman Music Centerby Michael Walters - May 5, 2022
The 2022 American Songbook Association Gala will honor Stephen Schwartz on Monday, May 9 -An interview with ASA co-founder Carolyn Montgomery
Reed Birney, Terence Archie, Nikki M. James & A.J. Shively to be Honored at Urban Stages' 38th Annual Benefitby Chloe Rabinowitz - May 5, 2022
This year’s honorees have all starred on the Urban Stages stage during their careers and include Tony Award winner Reed Birney will be presented with Urban Stages’ Luminary Award and Terence Archie, Nikki M. James, and AJ Shively will receive a mid-career award.
Photos: Robert W. Schneider partners with Sheet Music Man Michael Lavine & A Roster Of Broadway Veterans For 10 YEARS OF MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY At 54 Belowby Bobby Patrick - May 3, 2022
In one of the best group shows of all time, Michael Lavine and Robert W. Schneider turn 54 Below into a glamorous history lesson celebrating Broadway.
A 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & More to Take Place This Week at Feinstein's/54 Belowby Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2022
This week, FEINSTEIN’S/54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club & Private Event Destination, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.
Broadway Streaming Guide: May 2022 - Where to Watch GIRLS5EVA & More New Releases!by Michael Major - May 2, 2022
This May, Broadway fans will be treated to an exciting lineup of new albums, concerts, television shows, and movies to binge. From the new Spring Awakening: Those You've Known documentary on HBO to new additions to Feinstein's/54 Below's concert livestream slate, check out what's coming to streaming services this month!
Photos: Marilyn Maye: 94, Of Course There's More! at Feinstein's/54 Belowby Kevin Alvey - Apr 21, 2022
'Marilyn Maye: 94, Of Course There's More!' at Feinstein's/54 Below in NYC. Marilyn Maye celebrated her 94th birthday with a run of 10 shows in the NYC Nightclub. Featuring songs from the Great American Songbook and from the Broadway stage, Marilyn brought her special brand of energetic positivity to the Manhattan crowd and shows no signs of slowing down!
Ahrens & Flaherty, Joe Iconis & More Join Feinstein's/54 Below 10th Anniversary Celebrationby Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 12, 2022
From reviving the jewels of the canon to concerts celebrating Broadway’s theatres, Feinstein’s/54 Below audiences have taken countless trips down a magical memory lane. Now, to celebrate their tenth year in operation, Feinstein’s/54 Below will be celebrating these wonderful musical moments that appeared on their stage.
Jim Brochu Videos
by Stage Tube - Mar 17, 2017
Riverside Theatre, led by Producing Artistic Director/CEO Allen D. Cornell and Managing Director/COO Jon R. Moses, present the classic Broadway hit, Mame, which performs on the Stark Stage from March 7-26, 2017. Mame is sponsored by the O'Haire Fessler Group - Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Riverside Theatre's Patron Producers Group.
by BroadwayWorld TV - Mar 6, 2014
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's Richard Ridge was there for opening night and you can check out what the cast had to say below!
by Stage Tube - Oct 6, 2013
BORN FOR BROADWAY 2013, the fourth annual celebrity cabaret, featuring Broadway and TV stars donating their time and talent to raise money for paralysis-based organizations, took place at 54 Below last Monday, Sept. 30. Below, check out highlights from the concert, including performances from Annaleigh Ashford, John Tartaglia, and Betsy Wolfe!
by Stage Tube - Mar 26, 2013
BROADWAY BACKWARDS, the once-a-year celebration of the LGBT community, brought down the house last week while raising a record-setting $347,060 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. This year's total surpassed the previous record of $329,000, set last year. Below, watch Tituss Burgess' full performanace of 'And I'm Telling You' from Dreamgirls!
by BroadwayWorld TV - Mar 20, 2013
BROADWAY BACKWARDS, the once-a-year celebration of the LGBT community, brought down the house Monday while raising a record-setting $347,060 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. This year's total surpassed the previous record of $329,000, set last year. Check out highlights from the special event below!
by Stage Tube - Jan 30, 2013
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center announced today that the eighth annual edition of BROADWAY BACKWARDS will feature Academy Award winner and four-time Tony nominee Estelle Parsons (Nice Work If You Can Get It), two-time Tony Award winner Judy Kaye (Nice Work If You Can Get It) and two-time Emmy Award-winning comedian Bruce Vilanch.
by That's Kentertainment! - Mar 2, 2007
This week's 'That's Kentertainment!' brings you the casts of the new Christopher Durang/Peter Melnick musical ADRIFT IN MACAO plus a special sneak preview of next week's interview with THE BIG VOICE: GOD OR MERMAN writers/stars Jim Brochu and Steve Schalchlin!
