Lifted Magazine - A Moment with Brent Barrett

A Moment with Brent Barrett

by Andrew Moreno

Brent Barrett's professional career as a Broadway actor and Recording Artist cannot be fully appreciated without an understanding for intrinsic value. Intrinsic value, beyond conventional philosophy, seeks to identify non-human life and systems as valuable and an end to themselves. The scope of Barrett's professionalism, within the field of acting, is gigantic. I recently was invited to a press screening of Andrew Lloyd Webber's, The Phantom of the Opera, and had the opportunity of interviewing Brent Barrett. Barrett is currently working with the Las Vegas cast as the Phantom of the Opera. Lifted Magazine and Andrew Moreno proudly present Mr. Brent Barrett. Moreno: Well done on your performance and thank you for your time. Where did your passion for musical theatre begin? Barrett: I started singing at a very early age. I don't remember when music wasn't a part of my life. I had an older cousin that played the piano, and when she came home to visit she would make me stand by the piano and sing as she played. When I was 8, I got a guitar for Christmas and I learned to play so I could accompany myself. I still play occasionally but not as much as I would like to. Moreno: After you acquired your passion of music, I read that you performed in an early production of Calamity Jane. I love this play and film, what role did you play? Barrett: When I was a junior, my high school put on its first musical, Calamity Jane, and I played Wild Bill Hickock. Moreno: Hickock must have been an interesting character. For the first part of the act, he is torn between his emotions: Does he prefer Calamity or Katie Brown? Barrett: A few years ago I did readings of a new version of the show in New York that starred Louise Mandrell. The producers were thinking about putting a tour out with an eventual run on Broadway. Funny how life comes full circle, isn't it? Moreno: I would love to see it on Broadway! A moment in youth relived. After your other Broadway work, you later went into acting on the show, All My Children. In your opinion, which form of media is more challenging for an actor, Broadway or Television? Barrett: Both mediums have their own challenges and I have utmost respect for actors working in daytime drama. The pressure of memorization and them making something out of the material is not always easy, but the really good actors make it look that way. The challenge of doing stage is making it fresh every night so the audience feels like it is the first time you are taking the journey. Also, doing a musical has its own requirements. You have to stay in excellent vocal condition to do eight shows a week. It is more like being an athlete.

Moreno: Well, your performance on-stage as the Phantom was exceptional. You brought me to tears. I feel like I need to see your performance again. Do you ever feel as if you personally connect with the Phantom? Barrett: I'm happy to hear that. Mission accomplished! If you don't feel sympathy for the Phantom at the end, I have not done my job. I believe the Phantom is the ultimate outsider and that is something we can all relate to. He is driven to extraordinary measures to get attention and ultimately loses what he wants the most: to connect with another human being. We are always trying to connect with people to varying degrees of success. Moreno: What I like about the Phantom character is that he doesn't blame society or hold them responsible. Many times we encounter people with certain issues that feel a need of retribution, and society should accommodate them. The Phantom is unique in that he doesn’t have a feeling of entitlement. Did you have any special preparation for this role [The Phantom of the Opera]? Barrett: I didn't do much preparation for the role. I worked on the music to get it into my voice before rehearsals started and then dove in once rehearsals began. I read the book the musical was based on, but that was about it. Moreno: You did truly a fantastic job on stage! The life of a Broadway star is a demanding one, to say the least. How have you managed to accommodate a personal life outside your professional life?

Barrett: It is not always easy to maintain a personal life. You have to have a partner and friends who are very understanding and flexible. I think that is why people in this business tend to hang out with other people in the business. Moreno: I see your point. It's easier for someone in your line of work to be empathetic towards the non-linear schedules. Outside work, what gives you the greatest amount of joy? Barrett: I know this is silly, and I can't believe I’m saying it, but I have to say my new puppies, Boris and Bianca, my 9-month-old Shih Tzu’s. They are the sweetest beings on earth. Moreno: That's not silly at all. I know my dog, Wishon, provides an un-ending amount of joy. In fact, I think it's silly when others condemn the love or value of our animals. Anyway, we all must keep a decent amount of humor to deal with pain. Can you give me an example of your sense of humor? Barrett: What sense of humor????????? Moreno: Good form. Ok then, describe your personality.

Barrett: I am pretty easy-going. I think that comes from having older parents and growing up in a small town in Kansas. It keeps you pretty grounded. Moreno: I'm curious, what standards have you set for yourself both privately and professionally? Barrett: I believe in treating and respecting everyone the way I expect to be treated. Moreno: Live and obey The Golden Rule. A lot must have transpired in your life in the last 10 years. Do you think you are same person now that you were then? Barrett: Yes, [but perhaps] a little older and wiser. As you get older, priorities change and life becomes as important as work. As a friend said, "This is not a dress rehearsal; this is the only life you have." Everyday is a gift. Take it and make it the best you can. There you have it. Focus on the positive, rather than the negative. Thanks Brent for your time. For more information on Brent Barrett’s career and performance schedule, visit www.brentbarrett.com. Interesting Facts on Brent Barrett:

Brent is a proud member of Actors Equity.
Broadway productions include: Chicago; Annie Get Your Gun opposite Reba McEntire; Dance a Little Closer; Grand Hotel; Candide; Brigadoon; West Side Story.
London productions: Kiss Me, Kate (Olivier nomination) filmed for PBS.
National Tours: Busker Alley with Tommy Tune; Annie Get Your Gun opposite Cathy Rigby; Chicago (L.A. Drama Critics Award).
Off-Broadway: Closer Than Ever, March of the Falsettos, The Death of Von Richtofen, The Time Of Cuckoo and Portrait of Jenny.
In Concert: Boston Pops; Minnesota Opera; Opera Pacific; Michigan Opera; Kentucky Opera; Carnegie Hall; Royal Festival Hall; Birmingham Symphony.
Brent has recorded two solo albums - The Alan Jay Lerner Album and The Kander and Ebb Album.
Other recordings: Grand Hotel, Brigadoon, Dance a Little Closer, Closer Than Ever, The Busby Berkeley Album, The Maury Yeston Songbook and more.
On Screen: The Producers, Longtime Companion, All My Children, Another World and Guiding Light.