Alex Brightman
Alex Brightman | |
|---|---|
| Born | Alexander Michael Brightman[1] February 5, 1987 Santa Clara, California |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, musician, writer |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Known for | Originating the role of Dewey Finn in School of Rock on Broadway. |
Alexander Michael "Alex" Brightman (born February 5, 1987) is an American stage actor, best known for originating the role of Dewey Finn in School of Rock on Broadway.[2]
Life and career
Brightman grew up in Saratoga, California. His mother helped run a kidney dialysis clinic, and his father founded Apple's Worldwide Disabilities Solutions Group.[3] Brightman had his first job on Broadway in 2008, in the ill-fated production of Glory Days, which ended after only one non-preview performance. Being an understudy, Brightman never performed and did not get an official Broadway debut with the show. Soon after its closing, Brightman was cast as the munchkin Boq and made his real debut in the notably famous show, Wicked. He stayed with the show for two years, but has made it extremely clear that he did not like the atmosphere and vibes that came from other cast members, and left the show as soon as his contract was up.
In 2013, his next Broadway role came with yet another ill-fated production, Big Fish, as an ensemble member and an understudy for one of the main roles. However, he broke his foot mid-run and had to take time off because of the injury. Later in 2013, he was cast as Michael Wormwood in the successful Matilda the Musical, marking his fourth Broadway credit.[4]
Early in 2015, Brightman became involved with famous composer Andrew Lloyd Webber's newest musical endeavor, School of Rock, adapted from the 2003 film of the same name. Initially, Brightman played various roles that were meant to be played by child actors—such as the keyboardist, Lawrence—but were initially performed by adults for simplicity in the workshops. Brightman never considered himself for the starring role of Dewey, but after a few call-backs he began to realize that he was being seriously considered for the part.
He was eventually cast to play Dewey in the show's concert performances, but it was highly stressed that he would almost definitely not play the role on Broadway. However, he eventually got the call that he had been cast as Dewey, making it his first starring role in a Broadway production. Despite his numerous credits, Brightman has been mistakenly referred to as a "newcomer" in multiple advertisements and reviews of the show, most likely due to the fact that his costar, Sierra Boggess, is very well known in the theatre world.
Brightman is currently performing as Dewey Finn at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway.[5] For this performance, Brightman received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.[6]
Stage credits
Broadway
| Year | Production | Role | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Glory Days | u/s Will; u/s Jack | Circle in the Square Theatre |
| 2008–10 | Wicked | Boq | Gershwin Theatre |
| 2013 | Big Fish | Ensemble; u/s Will Bloom | Neil Simon Theatre |
| 2013 | Matilda the Musical | Michael Wormwood | Shubert Theatre |
| 2015–present | School of Rock | Dewey Finn | Winter Garden Theatre |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Association | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Fred and Adele Astaire Awards | Fred and Adele Astaire Award for Best Male Dancer | School of Rock | Pending |
| Outer Critics Circle Award | Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical | Pending | ||
| Tony Award | Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical | Pending | ||
| Drama League Award | Distinguished Performance | Pending | ||
| Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards | Favorite Leading Actor in a Musical | Pending | ||
| Favorite Funny Performance | Pending | |||
| Favorite Onstage Pair (with Sierra Boggess) | Pending | |||
| Favorite Breakthrough Performance | Pending |
References
- ^ https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VL2C-DVN
- ^ "Alex Brightman | Playbill". Playbill. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
- ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/04/theater/alex-brightman-rides-a-school-of-rock-wave.html
- ^ Itzkoff, Dave (2016-01-03). "Alex Brightman Rides a 'School of Rock' Wave". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-03-18.
- ^ Rosky, Nicole. "BWW Interview: He's Ready to Rock! Meet Broadway's New Leading Man, SCHOOL OF ROCK's Alex Brightman". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2016-03-18.
- ^ Coverage, BWW Special. "2016 Tony Awards Nominations - HAMILTON Breaks Record with 16! And the Nominees Are..." BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2016-05-03.