Entitled Character Man, the performance is scheduled for Oct. 1 at 9 PM. Robert Bartley (creator/director of Broadway Backwards and the upcoming Off-Broadway production of Bedbugs: The Musical) directs.
Character Man, according to press notes, is "a salute to the great supporting players of Broadway, filled with hilarious backstage stories and touching personal recollections."
Written by Brochu, the show spotlights the work of Jack Gilford, Jackie Gleason, Robert Preston, Zero Mostel, George S. Irving, Cyril Ritchard, Barney Martin and Brochu’s own mentor, two-time Tony Award winner David Burns. Brochu's show also features the songs of Kander and Ebb, Bock and Harnick, Bricusse and Newley, Meredith Willson, Stephen Sondheim, Bob Merrill and Stephen Schwartz among others. John Fischer is musical director.
Brochu, who will share photos and videos from his own collection during the evening, said in a statement, "There would be no Broadway without these guys who supported the great stars and got the laughs without getting the girl. I began my own career as a character man at a time when I got to know these men and learn from them. David Burns was like a second father to me and I grew up backstage hanging out with him and Phil Silvers, Zero Mostel, Jack Gilford and Charles Nelson Reilly. They were amazing, dear, funny men and I don’t want them to ever be forgotten."
Character Man is aiming for an Off-Broadway run next year after Brochu has wrapped up commitments to his Zero Hour tour.
Jeramiah Peay and Steve Schalchlin are producing the Triad Theatre performance.
Tickets are $20 (cover charge) plus a two-drink minimum and are available at Brown Paper Tickets (800) 838-3006 or online at TriadNYC.Com. The Triad is located in Manhattan at 158 West 72nd Street.