SP: Interview with Bryan Batt

NR: So, now that you stepped in for Douglas, people who are "die-hard Douglas fans" think you're doing a terrific job.

BB: Really? That's so nice.

NR: How does that feel?

BB: Well, it really makes me feel good. It really does, because everybody's interpretation is different, but there are certain things...I've seen actors that take over for someone's role or standby and they will change things that the actors do just to change them. "Because he does it that way, I'm going to do it this way."

NR: What did Bobby tell you? Did he tell you to imitate Douglas?

BB: Never. No. He told me to come up with my own. But there are certain things that Doug does and I would sit at home and try to come up with different ideas, but you know what? That's how that works. That is how that clearly works and I'm sure he has tried every other way to do it and this is what everyone came to. There are certain line readings that I do differently, and certain pronunciations. I play with some of the words differently than Doug does. Basically, the show is the show. He did not say copy Doug at all. I wouldn't. I think it would be insulting to me and insulting to Doug. I don't think any director who's as good as Bobby would say something like that.

NR: When you came in, you were sick, and you had to fill in for him. And then I think you hurt your wrist?

BB: Oh, the wrist was hurt awhile ago. It was just a freak thing doing the sword fight.

NR: Isn't that difficult to do when you're hurt or not feeling well?

BB: I'm all cut up. The ring cuts me. The sword cut me here. I cut myself with my fingernail taking off my nose last night. The blood was going and Rex said, "Did I get you?" I said, "No, you didn't get me." He's a great guy too. Everyone's been so nice. I have to say this company is one of the nicest, most giving, warm companies that I've ever had the pleasure to be a part of, very supportive.

NR: Did you know anything about the League before you got here?

BB: I had no idea. I heard about the Pimpys.

NR: Well, the cast calls us the Pimpys but we prefer The League. "Pimpys" sounds so awful.

BB: Well, first I heard about the Jekkies.

NR: That's a different group.

BB: Then I heard about the Pimpys, and I said, "What's next, the Civvies?" They should start off at the Gypsy competition with (singing to the tune of "The Farmer and the Cowman") "Oh, the Pimpys and the Jekkies should be friends. Pimpys go to Jekkies's show..."

NR: (laughing) That would be terrific! They should do that.

BB: That would be fun.

NR: Anyway, what has your experience been?

BB: Everyone's been so lovely. It is so nice. How great that this show has these people that support it and support the people that are in the show. It's great. That's never really happened before. We had crazy people with Sunset. There were people waiting for Glenn (Close) and Betty (Buckley) when I was on and some of it wasn't as positive. This is such a good show and it has such a great message. I think it speaks to people on so many different levels. I think that's what makes people... it's impassioning. That's one thing I've tried to bring to the part too like Douglas does. It's nothing but passion. That's what sends him - his love for her, the disgust of what's going on in France, when you stand up to the plate and you're shivering in your boots.

NR: What do you wish you had more time for in your life?

BB: (laughing) Oh, God, I should say something really glib, like shopping. (seriously) Right now, the first thing that came into my head? I wish that I had more time to be with my nieces. I wish I had more time to be with my family. Being so far away from them, I miss it. When my brother says, "She said whatever today." They call me and she says it over the phone. It's on the machine and my heart breaks. She calls me B. Her name's Bailey so I call her B and she calls me B.

NR: What's ahead for the future?

BB: Oh, God, I don't know. I had an audition for another show today, but who knows? I've read in different places that the tour is coming up. I've read that it's not coming up. I've read that we're moving, and I've read that we're not moving. So, who knows what's coming?

NR: As far as I understand, they are moving.

BB: It is moving? Great.

NR: They're supposed to reopen in September. Would you be interested if they offered it to you?

BB: I would LOVE to move with the show. That would be my dream, because I don't think Doug is going to want to do it.

NR: No, he's not. He's leaving May 30th.

BB: If they can't find a STAR, because I know they've wanted a star, but I would LOVE to move with the show.

NR: That's great. Good luck. Thank you.

BB: Thank YOU.

Bryan has been such a delightful addition to the company. He's so warm and friendly, and the cast speaks very highly of him. He is a wonderful Percy and I hope he is considered for the role in the future. He certainly has my vote!

Read Nancy's follow-up interview with Bryan on Talkin' Broadway

Questions suggested by:

Cat Biddle, Cuccrob, Georgina, Renee Girard, Jenny Lyon, Ems, Susan Luchey, Chelle, Andrew Reith, Kelly Honig, Lois Colpo