Broadway’s Backbone – Brad Bradley Podcast
Written by Andrea Canny
April 6, 2016
Broadway’s Backbone is a podcast dedicated to the men and women of the ensemble: the chorus of dancers, singers, and actors that are the foundation of every Broadway musical. These often-unsung gypsies are the hardest working people ‘on the boards’ and are Broadway’s backbone. Each episode interviews a Broadway vet about their life, career and dreams, but also delves into other real-life topics that aren’t always shared. The life of a gypsy maybe full of passion, but is not always filled with glamour. Each guest shares intimate details about their journey. Broadway’s Backbone is hosted by Brad Bradley, a Broadway Performer himself. It’s a real look into the life of which so many kids dream. This podcast is in honor of the folks of the ensemble and the people who plan to become them.
Q: What inspired you to create Broadway’s Backbone?
A: I was visiting close friends in Maine, and we were all listening to the Broadway Channel on Sirius radio. All the interviews were with stars or celebrities that made Broadway seem so unobtainable. I said that there should be a program that featured the kids of the chorus because after all that is what the majority of folks will be. My friends encouraged me to make it happen myself, and the podcast began.
Q: What is your goal in sharing these stories on the show?
A: The initial purpose of Broadway’s Backbone was to give back to the theatre community that has given me so much and to celebrate the folks in the ensemble. There is so much I wish I knew at a young age. With this podcast, I feel I can share insight with future theatergoers and performers.
Q: Can you elaborate on why sharing this information is so important?
A: I’ve spent the last several years doing regional theatre and getting to know the young ‘up and comers.’ They were so interested in my Broadway stories, and it shocked me. To me, I was “just” in the ensemble. I then realized I had to get the word “just” out of my vocabulary. It’s honestly not something I believe, but since I hear “he’s just a dancer” or “he’s only in the chorus” all the time, it’s become what I expect people to think. I want to change the stigma of the ensemble being in the background and put them in the spotlight for once.
Q: Who in your career has inspired you in the way you want to inspire others?
A: I got the gift of working with the great Chita Rivera, and she talked to me at length about the importance of paying your dues. She said everyone should go through the chorus. This is where the craft is perfected, and discipline is formed.
Q: What are some of the sensitive or real topics you touch on in these interviews?
A: I think it’s important for people interested in the theatre to listen because it sheds light on the fact the even successful performers on Broadway have the same insecurities and self-doubt just like anyone else. Bullying, weight issues, anxiety and feelings of failure are part of everyone’s story. The difference is, this podcast shows examples of powering through these issues and taking control of one’s path and passion.
Q: What do you feel your podcast offers that others don’t?
A: This show isn’t a sugar coated take on this profession. The guests are raw yet passionate. I ask people about the grit and the suffering and the real life of it, the stuff no one else talks about. That being said, the foundation of everyone’s story is love for the craft and gratitude. (And a lot of laughter!) When hearing about someone’s struggles and downfalls and then that’s followed up by a story of performing on the Tony’s or recording a cast album, everyone is humanized.
Q: Any parting words to those ‘Broadway hopefuls’ who may be listening and wanting to follow in the footsteps of your guests?
A: Broadway or a successful theatrical career anywhere in the world is obtainable, and I wanted to give listeners an extra tool to make that happen. At the end of the day, even though the spotlight is on my guest, they are sharing their inspiration to the next youth or elder who will be in the spotlight. (Or perhaps lifting or dancing behind the person in the spotlight.)
Check out Broadway’s Backbone here: Podcast with Broadway veteran, Brad Bradley
Brad Bradley‘s Broadway credits include the original casts of “Spamalot”, “People in the Picture”, “Annie Get Your Gun” (w/ Bernadette Peters & Reba McEntire) “Thou Shalt Not”, “Steel Pier” and closing Broadway cast of “Billy Elliot”. Brad starred as Patsy opposite Gary Beach’s & Richard Chamberlain’s King Arthur on the 1st National Tour of “Spamalot.” NYC – “I am Harvey Milk”, “Chita: A Legendary Celebration,” and “A Christmas Carol”. Recent roles include Bert in “Mary Poppins”, Igor in “Young Frankenstein”, Phil in “White Christmas,” and Spats in “Sugar”. At age 12, Brad was a back up dancer for Michael Jackson in the Pepsi commercial.
Andrea Canny is a professional entertainer (31 years), writer, director, producer, studio vocalist, vocal performance/cabaret coach, adjudicator as well as cabaret artist who is currently writing a book on integrity in the entertainment business.