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"Brochu seems almost fatefully destined to play Mostel, not only because he knew Mostel and can bring a deeply personal perspective to his portrayal, but because he is an almost uncanny physical match for his subject. In a subtly bombastic turn, Brochu reintroduces us to the funny, fantastically contrary Mostel. In all his biting intelligence and imperfection, he has been sorely missed." Los Angeles Times "It takes a big man
to fill the shoes of the late Zero Mostel and Jim Brochu slips into those
loafers perfectly in "Zero Hour," his brilliant portrayal of the Broadway
titan."
"Brochu bats a thousand
with Zero Hour. The swagger, ferocity, anger, frustration, but mostly the
comedic genius of Samuel "Zero" Mostel as played by Jim Brochu comes to
life in the West Coast Jewish Theatre's production at the Egyptian Arena
Theatre. Mostel seems to inhabit Brochu, and that force, those big eyes,
that hammering voice is all evident in this excellent portrayal. We never
fail to see Zero the comedian, the clever, witty, sarcastic fellow who
carries large chips on his shoulders, yet dispenses his lines with an ever-present
sense of humor. At no time can you look away, for you are mesmerized by
Brochu's words, gestures, and eye contact. His highs and lows, his screams
and whispers, his deliberate movements or stationary moments while drawing,
sketching and painting are all so well-directed by Paul Kreppel that we
are kept on the edge of our chairs."
"Wisely, Brochu avoids
impersonating Mostel. There are physical resemblances between the two men,
but Brochu realized a too-boisterous portrayal would likely be overbearing,
for the same reason Hollywood producers worried that Mostel's persona would
look too oversized onscreen. Nonetheless, Brochu captures the all-important
wild-eyed look and the actor's idiosyncratic outbursts are fully credible."
"Brochu admirably
embodies the flamboyance, mood swings and dead-on comic timing of this
legendary yockmeister."
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The Big Voice: God or
Merman?
Nominated:
Best Actor in a Musical
Los Angeles Ovation Awards (2003 and 2005)
Winner:
Best Actor in a Musical
Valley Theatre Leaugue
ADA Awards
Winner:
Best Actor in a Musical
Palm Springs Desert Star
Award
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"Jim is a dazzling showman from the word go. He can command an audience with word and song." Beverly Hills Press "This gifted comedian knows how to use
a look, body language and comic inflection to work an audience from a chuckle
to a rolling laugh to a roar."
"Brochu knows how to tell a story; he keeps
the audience in stitches as he regales them with tales of his past."
"Jim Brochu is simply hysterical."
"Jim Brochu's incredible theatrics are
not to be missed."
"Brochu is a natural raconteur."
"Brochu has a magical gift for reaching
into people's souls."
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FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
"Tevye is as good a role as can be found in musicals and Jim Brochu is simply terrific in the part. His voice is good but his unbelievable comic timing is what knocks us out. Whether talking to God, trying to pull a fast one on his wife or getting drunk with the local butcher, Brochu's Tevye is a wry, sentimental and indefatigable Everyman, counting his blessings and banes."
Kansas City StarJim Brochu as Tevye brings the role a sureness and sensitivity. He plays the poor dairyman with a wonderful combination of tenderness and chuzptah. His monologues with the Almighty produce some of the most memorable moments of the play. In one scene he begins a divine conversation only to realize he's carrying a bottle of schnapps. Quickly he hides the bottle behind his back before he continues. In another very poignant scene, upset because of the pogroms, a daughter's intermarriage and the hard life of those who eked out a living in the shtetl, he wordlessly reaches out his hand to the Lord, protesting while seeking solace. These deeply touching acts are counterbalanced with a robustness of spirit which Brochu exudes. His large frame and handsome bearded face dominate the stage, and his flashing eyes, dark eyebrows and expressive long-fingered hands are used to the best advantage in most dramatic ways."
Jewish Daily Journal
