Today's Broadway: The Character Actor

[LimelightMike]

Today's Broadway: The Character Actor#1

Posted: 9/20/10 at 4:29am

Hello, All -

I'm roundabout 5'8", and I've found myself (when I was acting) to hold-down some pretty swell roles. Selected theatrical redits include 'Valjean' in LES MIZ, 'Rev. Moore' in FOOTLOOSE, 'The Boss' in SIDE SHOW, 'Eddie Flagrante' in ZOMBIE PROM, 'Charlie Brown' in YAGMCB, 'Bazzard' in DROOD, amongst others. Now, I ask you, what with theatrical jargon tossed about like it's a hot potato, I'm curious as to whom amongst today's Broadway would be considered and/or looked upon as 'character actor' material. I know I'm not 6'+ and dashingly handsome, but I'd like to think my credits offer something beyond how it's been described elswhere. Any and all insight appreciated.

Thank you.

Best,
- M

[dramamama611]

Today's Broadway: The Character Actor#2

Posted: 9/20/10 at 4:43am

I don't think that question (if I understand it correctly) is as clear cut answered as it once was. I think many actors now are much more versatile and there are character ROLES, but fewer character actors -- at least on bway. (TV is still inundated -- but perhaps thats more of type casting)

The three that spring to mind? Nathan Lane, Norbert Leo Butz and John Lithgow. Maybe Greg JBara.

Nice to see you around Limelight!

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

[madbrian]

Today's Broadway: The Character Actor#2

Posted: 9/20/10 at 9:39am

First names that came to mind were Danny Burstein and Mary Testa.

"It does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are 20 gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg." -- Thomas Jefferson

[boardwalker2]

Today's Broadway: The Character Actor#3

Posted: 9/20/10 at 10:38am

First thought: David Hyde Pierce

"Why be normal if it prevents you from being extraordinary?" -David Hyde Pierce

[madbrian]

Today's Broadway: The Character Actor#4

Posted: 9/20/10 at 10:43am

Also: Harriet Harris and JK Simmons (one of the most versatile actors around).

"It does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are 20 gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg." -- Thomas Jefferson

[bwaylvsong]

Today's Broadway: The Character Actor#5

Posted: 9/20/10 at 11:16am

Fellow character actor here! I'm 21 (but look MUCH younger), 5'3, and a couple pounds overweight. I'd say that while someone like me can only play character and juvenile roles (if I had to define my type, I'd call myself a character juvenile), you can probably do more crossover- I'd say Butz, Wes Taylor, and maybe even Raul Esparza are actors who can transition seamlessly between character and leading roles.

[singtopher]

Today's Broadway: The Character Actor#6

Posted: 9/20/10 at 11:47am

Mike- I've been playing 45 since I was in middle school, and visibly balding since I was 19. I graduated college 2 years ago and have since been cast as 12, 18, and 50 by equity theatres. I understand your situation.

The term "character actor" is so broad that it can include I'd say the vast majority of actors working today. Unless you're a tried and true leading male/female or ingenue or a complete chorus gypsy, you're a character actor by todays standards.

"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert

[bwaylvsong]

Today's Broadway: The Character Actor#7

Posted: 9/20/10 at 11:59am

^Topher, I just played a 12-year-old in my professional acting debut, and always play middle-aged and older men in my school productions!

[singtopher]

Today's Broadway: The Character Actor#8

Posted: 9/20/10 at 12:54pm

My senior year of college, I had to ask the other guys how to do my makeup because it was the first time I didn't have to age myself.

"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert

[madbrian]

Today's Broadway: The Character Actor#9

Posted: 9/20/10 at 1:07pm

My 15 year-old daughter aspires to be a character actress in musical comedy. Among the roles she'd love: Mrs. Tottendale in Drowsy Chaperone, Mezzeppa in Gypsy, and Gooch in Mame. When her HS did Oliver last year, she auditioned for (but didn't get) Widow Corney. About the only leading role she covets is Lovett in Sweeney Todd.

"It does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are 20 gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg." -- Thomas Jefferson

[fitzykatebaldwinfan]

Today's Broadway: The Character Actor#10

Posted: 10/16/10 at 3:08pm

First thought: Christopher Fitzgerald. He's a great character actor, very funny, always adorable, and really lovable.

"I never think of the classic musicals as old-fashioned; I think of them as timeless."--Kate Baldwin

Updated On: 10/16/10 at 03:08 PM

[esparza 333]

Today's Broadway: The Character Actor#11

Posted: 10/16/10 at 4:45pm

I would consider people Jan Maxwell and Danny Burstein to be character actors.


While I am very young I consider myself to have played character actor kind of roles. That is character roles as far as child roles go. For me it is the most interesting kind of actor because of the reliability and the wide range of roles they take or sometimes the type of role they always play.

Current Avatar:The sensational Aaron Tveit in the soon to be hit production of Catch Me If You Can.