Alex Brightman
The allocated space for this here blurb is much too small for me to mention all the awards Alex Brightman was nominated for this season. I can say he was Tony-nominated for his house-downing performance in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock – The Musical. Before stickin’ it to the man, Alex had a robust Broadway career, appearing in musicals such as Big Fish, Matilda The Musical and Wicked. The Tony’s are three weeks away, but the guy is chill… so chill in fact, he took a little time to chill On the Couch.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
My best asset is probably freedom with laughter. I’m a generous audience to comedy. Discerning…but a loud generous laugher.
What was your proudest moment?
My proudest moment was when I slid into third base in a little league baseball game and beat the throw. No one taught me to slide, but I saw professionals do it. My dad still talks about that.
What is your favorite drink?
Martini (Gin or Vodka) up and very cold, three olives (blue cheese stuffed) and a shrug of vermouth.
What is your favorite food?
Tie between a perfectly medium rare cheeseburger (lettuce, tomato, light raw onion) or nachos from Professor Thom’s on 2nd Ave.
What is your favorite condiment?
Hot sauce. Any kind.
What is your current obsession?
“You Made It Weird w/ Pete Holmes.” Great podcast.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Checking my Twitter.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Seeing something I wrote on Broadway or the West End or on screen.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Not a waste, but probably picking up the check. I do it all the time. It gives me joy. Maybe that and notebooks and pens.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Having fake arguments in my head and figuring out how to win them if and when they arise in real life.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Entitled people. And smoking. Why do people still do that?
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Be yourself. Keep the qualities that might seem unattractive to some. Those are the ones that ultimately make you unique. Be proud of your work. Don’t half-ass anything.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My rampant curiosity from my mom. I don’t like to know that there are secrets that I’m not privy to. And probably massive generosity to a fault sometimes from both of them. They are amazing and they always want to pick up the check.
What in the world most thrills you?
Seeing live theatre.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
YouTube celebrities.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
Entered a scene in Wicked without my pants. Spaced out and thought I was done for the act but still had one more scene to go. Made the scene. But people now know that Boq wears Hanes.
What is your favorite place in the world?
13th Street in Philadelphia. It’s some of the best restaurants in one small stretch of road. That…or 45th street in midtown. Just a whole block of amazing theatres.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Patience and a great sense of humor.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs. Dogs all the way.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Life is pretty damn incredible right now and I really wish that my two grandparents, Ruth and David were alive to share in this time.
What is your personal motto?
Let’s get weird.