Spotlight On...Chuck Bradley

Name: Chuck Bradley


Hometown: New Fairfield, CT


Education: Boston Conservatory


Select Credits: J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan (Peter, 360 Entertainment); NYC Stage: The Henrietta (Metropolitan Theatre Co); Night of the Hunter (Vineyard); Humpty Dumpty, Billy Bubblehead, and Broken Hands; LA Stage: Burn This, All My Son's, West Side Story

Why theater?: Theater is immediate. It is the only art form that without an audience, does not exists. I love being on stage because of that connection. I love the moments of silence when you know the audience is hooked. Its a community at the most immediate and purest. 


Tell us about God’s Country: God's Country is a musical drama based in the late 1800's in Five Points, New York City. James Watson comes to New York to find his mother whom he's recently found out is Irish not English like he was raised. He meets my character, Tom Killian whom he takes under his wing and teaches to read in return for help in finding his mother. Along the way they found the first independent Irish newspaper. Betrayal, heartbreak and a love triangle, amongst other friction ensue.  


What is it like being a part of God’s Country?: God's Country is a wonderful experience. It always a delight working on new works. But being part of NYMF kicks it to a newer level. Its been guerrilla theatre. We are put under a microscope in a very short timeline. Its incredibly fulfilling.  


What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Innovative, fun and inspiring. Works that force us to look at the form in a different light and, of course ourselves. But remind us to laugh, love, maybe look at the work just a little differently. You know when you witness a random act of kindness? Or a couple unaware of the world around them as they kiss goodbye before or hello after a long departure. Stuff like that inspires me to create. Also, just real brilliance. A wonderful movie, piece of theater or dance gets my creative mojo working.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: My whole life I've always wanted to play Seymore in Little Shop. UGH!


What’s your favorite show tune?: Its not so unique but, "Tonight" from West Side Story


If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: There are so many. But my biggest fantasy is to act with Dustin Hoffman. It's such a pipe dream but he's been my inspiration as an actor since childhood. I know he's not a musical theater guy but everything he does is just so authentic.


Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: To borrow a song title from Wilco. My story would be called "The Art of Almost" and jeez, I don't know...I guess although he's a bit older than me, I'd love to be played by Justin Kirk. You'd just have to make him half a foot shorter.


What show have you recommended to your friends?: Matilda and Once


What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Bourbon on the rocks


What’s up next?: I'll be working on You Never Can Tell by George Bernard Shaw at  The Pearl Theater Co.