Brad Oscar plays Inspector Kemp and Hermit in Mel Brook's Young Frankenstein, currently playing in Chicago. This out actor tells Windy City why he's having a gay old time playing double.
Windy City Times: Hi, Brad. How are you on this gloomy day?
Brad Oscar: I am good. Yes, it's a little gloomy. What you gonna do? It has actually not been that bad the last couple of weeks since we have been here.
WCT: Perfect weather for Transylvania Heights. You are from New York. Did you always want to be in theater?
BRAD OSCAR: Yes, ever since I was a kid putting on shows. I took classes when I was young and did community theater.
WCT: This led to a Tony nomination for The Producers the role of Franz.
BRAD OSCAR: Yes for the original cast of The Producers. Which tried out right here where we are at the Cadillac Palace.
WCT: You eventually replaced Nathan Lane as Max after he left the show.
BRAD OSCAR: I originated another role and after the first year on Broadway I replaced Nathan as Max. I did it in New York on and off. Then I had the opportunity to do it in London. I opened the Vegas company which was fun and a change of pace.
WCT: Are you going to see Nathan in the Addams Family musical?
BRAD OSCAR: Yes, because there are a couple of weekend performances on a slightly different schedule. I am very excited to see it. It looks really interesting.
WCT: Tell our readers about your show.
BRAD OSCAR: I would assume that many of your readers would be very familiar with the film Young Frankenstein. I would certainly hope. It is one the top three Mel Brooks films ever made. A property that I think lends itself to musicalization. It is an extension of the film in that respect.
WCT: Do you see similarities to The Producers?
BRAD OSCAR: Look no question that the show has suffered in comparison to The Producers, critically certainly, as anything would, any second venture from those same creators. The fact is in this form, which is a smaller production than the Broadway production in scale physically, works better in that respect. Our audiences are having a great time and much more familiar with the film Young Frankenstein than they were of The Producers.
WCT: You have the opportunity to play two different roles to show off your diversity.
BRAD OSCAR: Yes, I do. I play Inspector Kemp and then the blind Hermit. It's fun because obviously it is two different roles. It keeps me on my toes.
WCT: Your curtain call was very clever.
BRAD OSCAR: Isn't that fun? I guess they discovered that before the show opened in New York. "Let's try the curtain call as both." It's always great to hear the audience's reaction because I think they must know it's me. I love it. People don't seem to have much of a clue, unless they read the program or whatever. So it's always a blast to have that big reveal.
WCT: I heard you were in Forbidden Broadway. That is a funny show where Broadway shows are parodied.
BRAD OSCAR: Yeah, back in the '90s. Matter of fact there is a new book out that is about Forbidden Broadway that I am looking forward to reading. It is about the lyrics and stuff. They contacted me along with many Forbidden Broadway alumni to share memories and experiences. I have not seen what they included but I will be interested in seeing it as well.
WCT: They could even do another show with more new musicals coming down the line.
BRAD OSCAR: Exactly and I am sure they will. It kept regenerating itself for over twenty years. Right now it is not currently playing in New York but I am sure it will pop back up at some point.
WCT: Is there a Broadway show that you want to do but haven't?
BRAD OSCAR: I have always wanted to play Sweeney Todd. It is such a great role and amazing score. It is something that I have always wanted to do. I don't know if I would be cast in a big commercial production but I feel I could carry it.
WCT: How long is this tour?
BRAD OSCAR: I am signed with the tour for Young Frankenstein through the spring all over the country. I did a musical version of the First Wives Club over the summer in San Diego. They are still working on it but I am hoping that will happen in New York. Until then I am having a good time again being in the Mel Brooks fold!
Hurry and get the last of the tickets, as Mel Brook's Young Frankenstein closes Dec. 13. For ticket information, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com .