Hometown: Lee's Summit, MO
Education: B.S. In Biology and B.A. In Theatre Performance at University of Missouri
Select Credits: “After the Outbreak” (Dean); The Deathly Ones (Kyle MacManus, Off-Broadway Elektra Theatre); Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd, Midtown Arts Center-CO); Ring of Fire (1st National Tour)
Why theater?: I love the electricity in the air with each different audience. It provides an ever changing energy that makes every performance different. It's LIVE! And anything truly can happen... Nothing gives me more of a thrill.
Who do you play in The Pillars of New York?: Jake Kelly, know-it-all psychologist
Tell us about The Pillars of New York: The Pillars of New York is a very powerful ensemble show about the strength of New Yorkers and how tragedy is not what defines us. With a talented cast and beautiful music, I believe it will get people thinking.
What is it like being a part of The Pillars of New York?: It's been a delight, from production to direction to the cast and crew. I've really enjoyed this journey.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Any theatrical experience that lets the audience go on that journey with the actors... Whether that makes you laugh, cry, change your line of thinking, or simply smile. Any production that is consistent with the reality of the world portrayed has that opportunity, and some productions are truly breathtaking. It's those productions, ranging from Curious Incident to Hand to God to Hamilton, that truly inspire me.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Macbeth. Beast in Beauty and the Beast. Jason in Hand to God. And James Gordon's long lost brother in Gotham (ha!)
What’s your favorite showtune?: "My Friends" in Sweeney Todd
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Terrence Mann... He's been my Broadway idol since I was a youth. I've had the opportunity to chat with him a few times, and his passion,talent, and creativity is matched with kindness.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Matthew McConaughey would star in It's Always the Quiet Ones.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: It would definitely be the original Sweeney Todd with Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou. What an amazing spectacle that must have been!
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Fun Home. Wow... What an impact that made on me. And that's what theatre is all about.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Grey's Anatomy and soap operas in general
What’s up next?: After Pillars, I will be playing King Triton in Disney's the Little Mermaid in Ocean City, NJ with the Ocean City Pops. Come check it out and get some beach time in!
For more on Brandon, visit www.brandonschraml.com
