Interview : Brad Little's BIG "Moment"
by: Pati Buehler

We're sitting here on the steps behind The Patchogue Theater in Long Island, NY. Brad Little has just finished a double show in a role he's wanted and waited to do for a few years. A look of satisfaction, relief and sheer joy beaming from his smiling face. As he fusses with his "new Hyde" hair wrapping around his shoulders, we both take a big breath. You did it! YES! (Big smiles!) The interview begins.

Pati: Congratulations! What was it like to finally do Jekyll?

Brad: Thank YOU. (laughing) Doing this version was a real experience. I have to admit my Hyde parts came out in me in a bit of frustration, having to get this baby up in just two weeks. We had to get out the whips to make it happen, but we did it. It's very exciting. It's very, very exciting! In so many ways the sense and feel are so similiar to Phantom.

Pati: I also want to congratulate you on winning the Philly award for Che at Bristol's Evita.

Brad: Thank you. Yes, they called me and told me. (smiling) How 'bout that?

Pati: You mentioned that Che was a demanding role. How would you compare Che and Phantom with Jekyll/Hyde?

Brad: They're really all power roles and it's a rush to do them all. If there were a role that I have to really take care of myself, it's Phantom. The other two roles are like an in your face, screaming role. Phantom is a lot more singing, a lot more lyrical. Che is probably the easiest of the three because he's really just rock 'n roll. I can go out and party and do Che and not worry too much. The role of Jekyll/Hyde is a little more to deal with. But the role of Phantom, I really have to be in tip top shape. My cords have to be their best to pull off Phantom. But, Jekyll is more bodily, physically more exhausting.

Pati: Then you can probably appreciate guys like Bob Cuccioli & Rob Evan who played this role for 3 or 4 yrs. straight.

Brad: Oh! Absolutely! You know, I'm thinking how I could analyze this. Doing J&H is like playing a running back in a football game where you get the ball every play and you get hit and tackled. Yeah it's like a football game. Phantom is like running the marathon. It just has a little more finesse. It's a whole different type of exhaustion. That's the best way I can compare the two.

Pati: What's the "home run" rush in J&H?

Brad: Well, aside from the obvious, with the end of singing "This Is the Moment". That's the obvious rush.

Pati: Well they sure did clap for a long, long time. I had to restrain myself from yelling "You Go Brad!" (both laughing). Your "Moment" was very unique and focused on the words and feelings at the start and then built up to the power. Very enjoyable! Brad, What are the challenges of playing this role?

Brad: The biggest challenge is changing on time for my next cue for the next character. That is by far most challenging. The biggest onstage challenge is probably "Alive" because I've just sung three things before that and I've gotta go right into "Alive", do a short scene, and back to doing "Alive" again all the while climbing walls and the bridge.

Pati: Your Jekyll climbs a whole lot. So did your Che. Seems you must like to climb. Maybe there's a little monkey in you.

Brad: Could be (laughs) Yes, well that's my choice. I like making things look more physical. I like to use the sets.

Pati: Now here's a real question that the "Jekkies" always toss around about Jekyll's awareness of Hyde. Is Dr. Jekyll aware of and responsible for Hyde's actions?

Brad: My interpretation is like a drunken blackout. You know how people can drink so much and don't remember anything. No, it's these drugs. I know a few people who have drunken blackouts and they are awake but totally unaware of what they've done. When you talk to them the next day they have no clue what they've done. Yeah, that's my take on it.

Pati: If you were handed a contract under ideal circumstances could you choose a favorite role for Brad Little?

Brad: Ummm..(long pause) Gee, it's weird, you know, I had the one that jumped in my mind. I mean, Phantom was pretty unbelievable. Ahhhh... this is a great question but a tough one. There's so many, how could I choose? The one that I'd really love doing is Billy Bigelow in Carousel, you knew that. You know what I would love? A real updated modern version of that show, almost make Carousel "Wildhorn-esque." You know have Wildhorn write his pop ballads, while still using Rogers & Hammerstein stuff. (laughing).

Pati: I can't help reflecting back to our April interview when you told me you had "no idea what you'd do next," and next thing you know you're getting an award for Che and just landed one of Broadway's hottest roles. Guy, you are really on a roll.

Brad: Well, yeah suddenly things are good. I'm going out to Galveston to the Fantasticks closing night of Jekyll, and then A Little Night Music until December, and there are things burning in the fire for January. let's hope it continues on.

Pati: I hope so too. You are so talented and good at your trade and such a neat guy. You deserve to be working.

Brad: Awwwww, thank you very much, Pati. I love what I do and it continues paying the bills, so heck, there you go.

Pati: Thank you for spending so much time with me. Until we meet again, take care of yourself. You go Guy!


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