Exclusive Interview: Brent Comer on Broadway Stardom and Life Behind the Scenes

In this exclusive interview, Vanity Teen sits down with Brent Comer, the talented actor making waves on Broadway with his portrayal of Darrel “Darry” Curtis in the Tony-winning musical, The Outsiders. With stunning cover photography by Nicole Wilson, this feature dives into Comer’s journey from an accidental entry into musical theater to becoming part of a Tony Award-winning production.

“It’s been a dream come true”, Comer shares when talking about his role as Darrel Curtis, highlighting how much this character means to him and his hopes for the role’s continued impact on new audiences. He also reflects on The Outsiders’ Tony Award win, calling it an “honor” and a lifelong dream fulfilled.

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Una publicación compartida por Brent (@_brentcomer_)

One of the standout moments of the interview is his recollection of how the cast celebrated the Tony win: “200 dollars worth of McDonald’s chicken nuggets and French fries” gathered around a table—a unique and heartwarming moment shared with his fellow cast members.

Interestingly, Comer’s love for musical theater started as a happy accident when he accidentally signed up for a musical theater class in high school. This unexpected choice led to his first stage performance and ultimately, his love for acting.

This interview offers a glimpse into not just the career highs, but the candid and humorous moments of Brent Comer’s path to Broadway stardom. Be sure to read the full interview to get more insights into his experiences, ambitions, and the incredible journey that led him to the Broadway stage.

• Brent, tell us what it’s been like for you to play Darrel “Darry” Curtis in the hit and now Tony-Winning Broadway musical, The Outsiders?

It’s been a dream come true. It’s every actor’s dream to be able to bring something to life that resonates with people in a truthful way. I hope that this character lives for a long time and that new audiences and new actors will have a chance to experience him.

• Your Broadway show, The Outsiders, just won the prestigious TONY Award for Best Musical. What does winning a TONY mean to you?

It means alot. It’s what you dream about when you’re a kid – being associated with a Tony Award one day. It’s an honor, and to be recognized like that by your community is energizing.

•     How did and your cast celebrate your win, were there any special moments from TONY’s night you would like to share?

There was a point in the night when the cast was all gathered around a table with 200 dollars worth of Mcdonalds chicken nuggets and French Fries. It was very special.

• What first led you to discover your interest in musical theater or acting in general?

It’s a funny story, I actually selected a musical theater class in high school by accident. On the form where you choose your classes for the next semester, I meant to select a school announcement “News-casting” class and accidentally selected the “Musical Theater” class. i walked in the first day and they made me sing a song to audition for
the fall musical. I walked up and sang for the first time, got a part in the musical, fell in love with it, and just kept going from there. But yes, it was a complete accident.

• The Outsiders is a coming-of-age story, what were you like in your teen years, were there any similarities between you and your on stage character?

Not really. me and my character are not very similar at all . Darry is a very stoic and reserved guy. I think anyone who knows me knows that I’m kind of sporadic, flighty, and anxious. At Darry’s age I was even more anxious and sporadic than I am now. That being said, being a teenager / young adult is scary. I think that’s where I built my bridge with Darrel – an anxiety of what’s to come and a fierce desire to hang onto the things that we love.

• What do you think makes the experience of live theater so worthwhile?

The presence of other people. It’s a community experience. Packing a bunch of people in one space to experience the same thing with each other is an intimate thing. There is no disconnect between the artist and the audience- they’re right there. You’re witnessing it in front of your face, blemishes and all. With that intimacy comes a vulnerability with the actors and the audience that brings us closer, I think. It can be a spiritual experience almost.

• Do you have a favorite Broadway musical and what do you love about it?

Sweeney Todd. I love dark comedy. I love things that you don’t know whether to laugh or cry at.

• For those who may be unfamiliar with the novel and the film of The Outsiders, how would you explain to them what the story of The Outsiders is all about?

The Outsiders is about family. The family that you’re born with and the family that you choose. It’s about a group of young people born with very little who lean on one another to survive. There are haves and have-nots and people of different backgrounds and upbringings struggle to really see each other and connect with one another. The story is about peeling back all the layers and recognizing the good that exists in every person and the good that we are surrounded by every day despite the circumstances we may find ourselves in.

• How did you personally prepare and connect with your character of Darrel Curtis, the eldest brother who is saddled with the responsibility of providing for his younger brothers, Ponyboy and Soda Pop, following the death of your parents?

Much of my prep was physical. Darry doesn’t use his words too much so he exists mostly through action. He works manual labor as a roofer to support his family which is an expression of love, so him being fit was important to me. I went to the gym alot. I also played around to discover his movement style and his voice.

• Do you have a favorite song from the show to sing?

I love singing Throwing in the Towel with Jason and Brody.

• What is the most challenging part of performing a Broadway show like The Outsiders and what is the most rewarding?

It can be very physically demanding to perform this show. Your body and your voice have to be in shape to be able to do this 8 times a week. I would say making sure you have the energy is the most challenging part- you have to rest whenever you can so that you can perform your best every night. The most rewarding part is talking to the fans afterwards who come from all over the country to be able to see our show. You can tell how much the story means to the fans and to see them at the stage-door every day and to see how much the show resonates with them on a personal level is the most rewarding feeling as an artist.

•     Do you have any pre-show routines or rituals that get you in the right mindset for doing a Broadway show every day ?

I need to warm-up for about 15 minutes before every show. It’s important for my voice but also it helps me access the mindset I need to be in to go out and perform.

• Outside of your work as an actor, do you have any other big passions or hobbies?

I love sports! I love watching them and playing them when I can (when there’s no risk of injury). I’ve always loved watching sports and it feeds me as an artist.

• Anything else you would like to share or plug with Vanity Teen before you go?

My favorite line in the book/show is “There’s still a lot of time to make yourself what you want, Ponyboy

The visuals accompanying this exclusive interview were created by Nicole Wilson, a renowned photographer, creative director, and artist. Having grown up immersed in the Broadway theater scene, Nicole has developed a distinctive ability to capture the spirit of Broadway performers, celebrities, and top models. Her artistic roots run deep, with a family history full of artists, musicians, writers, and actors, including her cousin, the legendary Big Band leader Guy Lombardo. Her father, a Broadway actor, and her mother, a psychologist specializing in the emotional lives of creatives, instilled in her a profound appreciation for the arts from an early age. Nicole’s impressive and varied portfolio includes features in top-tier fashion and entertainment publications such as VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, FORBES, GQ, GLAMOUR, People Magazine, GRAZIA, L’Officiel, ELLE, Marie Claire, and The New York Times. Her work regularly highlights collaborations with luxury brands, public figures, and high-profile celebrities, demonstrating her artistic range and talent.

The Outsiders is the 2024 winner of for Best Musical and it was nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Brody Grant), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Joshua Boone and Sky Lakota-Lynch), Best Choreography, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Orchestrations, and for scenic, lighting, and sound design.

Tickets are now available to purchase at Telecharge.com, by calling Telecharge at 212-239-6200 and in person at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre box office. For more information, visit www.OutsidersMusical.com. 

TEAM CREDITS

Creative Director: Nicole Wilson | @NicoleWilsonPhoto , @NicolewilsonNYC

Photographer: Nicole Wilson | @NicoleWilsonPhoto , @NicolewilsonNYC

Talent: Brent Comer | @_BrentComer_

Photographer’s Assistant: Nanki Singh | @nankiisingh 

Wardrobe Stylist: Kyrie Thompson | @Nokyap

Makeup Artist: Taylor Levitan (Taylor Rose Beauty) | @Tayonmyface

Hair Stylist: Mariah Molina | @Hairbymariah11

Retoucher: Olya Kay | N/A

Studio: Young Studios NYC | @YoungstudiosNYC