POP! (starring Anthony Rapp, choreography by Billy Porter)
“Triumphant. An irresistible force. A wallop.”
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“The considerable punch of Pop! is a collective power building almost intangibly to land, at the end, like a sock in the jaw. . .One hell of a ride. . . a thrill. . .It’s left to salute the man who’s brought it all together, Brad Rouse and his insightful and almost sinfully entertaining direction.”
- City Paper
GHETTO SUPERSTAR (written by and starring Billy Porter)
“Roof-raising!”
- The New York Times
“For high-octane reality, with the passion of real life channeled through explosive art, nothing merely ‘real’ can match Billy Porter telling his life story in Ghetto Superstar.”
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“Dynamite entertainment.”
- Associated Press
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“A passionate, life-affirming tale that amply displays Billy Porter's superstar quality.”
- Theatermania
Theater Productions
Directed by Brad
“A brilliant coup-de-theatre. . .Marshalling all of these elements to glorious effect is director Brad Rouse, who presents a powerfully intense, wonderfully realized evening of thrilling theatre. There’s not a moment of the show which hasn’t been burnished to a brilliant sheen and while, like the best of directors, Rouse works hard making sure his hand doesn’t show, there’s no question of the talent and intelligence behind every second.”
- City Paper
"Explosive and touching. . .Immensely uplifting.”
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (starring Anthony Rapp)
“Brad Rouse trades spectacle for the essential truth of the actor. Deep spiritual value is discovered. It is plain, serious, and ripe with meaning.”
- Theater Pizzazz
“A darkly luminous meditation on freedom, captivity, mortality, and memory. . .rich and resonant. . .beautiful and terrible all at once, a powerful combination.”
- Exeunt Magazine
“The gigantic story of good and evil. . .volcanic energy. . .devastatingly brilliant. . .palpable electricity on stage. . .theatrical mythology to raise our spirits to the stars.”
- NY Theatre Guide
“The best of the classic downtown aesthetic. . .transports us to intricate fantasy worlds. . .awe-inspiring. . .deeply intelligent.”
- The Easy
“Terrific. . .absorbing, compelling. . .audacious.”
- The New York Times
HIT THE BODY ALARM (conceived by Winsome Brown with writing/direction by Brad)
“Goldstein is on par with that golden era with its own confident style and character, clever and smart as the greats delivered.”
- Stage Left
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“Emotionally powerful.”
- New York Jewish Week
GOLDSTEIN (Off-Broadway Alliance Best Musical nominee)
“The evening can boast other heroes. . .
first among these is Brad Rouse.”
- Theatermania
“Mr. Rouse has the show-within-the-show morph seamlessly.
It’s a great idea.”
- The New York Times
BLOOMER GIRL at Encores!
“The direction of Brad Rouse is too delicious to disclose.”
- The New York Times
“Hilarious, rollicking, devilish, delicious. . .”
- Main Line Life
“Rouse’s choice was the most difficult and for my money the most potently successful artistically.”
- From Sense of Occasion by Harold Prince
THE MICE (lyrics by Nell Benjamin, music by Laurence O’Keefe, book by Julia Jordan)
"Lovely... honest... touching ... poignant ... affecting."
- New York Times
“…joys and sorrows are presented simply and honestly…a very special piece of writing and a virtuosic piece of acting…sadness but also an incredible fullness…a hidden gem. . . with such a genuine heart. Five stars!”
- Edinburgh’s Broadway Baby
“Brings audience to tears. . .We all felt the all of it. . . the audience joined the heartfelt standing ovation. Such accolades are well deserved as the sheer honesty of the show is at times gob smacking. . .there is much to admire and enjoy in this heart-wrenching slice of life. . . Magic.”
- TriBecaTribOnline
THIS IS MARY BROWN (written by and starring Winsome Brown)
Testimonials
“I hired Brad to direct my one-man show that premiered at the Public Theatre in New York City. We worked closely together and became very close friends in the process. Our mutual adoration for the power of The Arts to transform lives is the catalyst that brought us together then and continues to connect us to this very day. Brad is the type of person whose unconditional supported helped me navigate through one of the most challenging periods of my life. He was always present and emotionally available to me, without judgment, when I needed him the most.”
Billy Porter
“Brad Rouse was introduced to me by John Lithgow in a letter stating that he was an extremely bright and talented young director. I arranged an appointment. I found him to be extremely bright and honest, and I discerned a creative vein to his talent. He was extremely helpful, and displayed taste, authority, and diplomacy. All the actors we worked with liked him enormously. . .He is first-rate director and excellent teacher.”
Harold Prince
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“Brad was invaluable as an assistant director to Mr. Prince, and to me for his insight and input. I respected his suggestions and the manner in which he presented them. And he was a terrific asset when it came to helping the actors. He dealt with everyone with grace and a sense of humor. . . Brad helped make the whole experience a joy. He did a magnificent job.”
Carol Burnett
“Brad is among our best. His intellect is sterling and his curiosity inexhaustible. Aside from my professional indebtedness to him, Brad has been, for me the person other than my husband whom I would think first to call when stressed, confused, or in need of guidance, because I knew I was certain to be treated with care, and given the benefit of his attentive nature, abundant good will and unflagging sense of humor.”
Ellen Fitzhugh, Tony-winning lyricist
“I found Brad to be one of the most intelligent and inspiring people I’d encountered in my years in the theater. I found myself amazed by his intelligence and sophistication in artistic, intellectual, and societal matters. I know him to be one of the most intelligent, warm and caring young people I’ve ever known and consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to have our lives intersect.”
Larry Grossman, Tony-winning composer
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“It was so good and so beautiful and so moving. And it taught me what you can do in a theater. I had no idea that plays could be so imaginative and so funny—and that they could combine fantasy and reality in such a seamless way.”
Broadway playwright Bess Wohl talking about Brad’s production of The Baltimore Waltz
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“Brad is a man with a mission. He has a dazzling mind, a beautiful heart, and an incomparable journey that will inspire many people.”
David Del Tredici, Pulitzer Prize winner, NYC Philharmonic Composer-in-Residence
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“It’s hard to pinpoint that magic that makes any director rise above the others, but Brad has it. There is no doubt of that.”
Rob Ashford, Tony-winning director-choreographer
“Brad gave me my big break. He could have gone to writers with a lot more experience. I will always be grateful to him. In addition to being generous and loyal, Brad is an incredible director.”
Nell Benjamin, two-time Tony-nominated lyricist
“I worked with Brad as he assisted Harold Prince on two projects. The first was a play written by Carol Burnett, and the second a musical written by Stephen Sondheim. Brad’s gentle guidance and infinite wisdom help to shape both shows, but more personally, my performances. If I ever was stuck, needed help, encouragement, or confidence, it was Brad I turned to.”
Michele Pawk, Tony-winning actor
“Brad Rouse’s great talent as a director is surely due in some measure to his appreciation of all the lives that surround him, and to his gifts of sure understanding, keen intelligence, and deep humanity. With his quick sense of humor, resilience, and fine balance, I am sure that he will be a significant leader for his generation.”
David Wheeler, founder Theater Company of Boston
“Brad was certainly the most talented and brilliant student I ever had. He is an unflaggingly upbeat, optimistic Humanist. He is the hardest working person I have every know. And he is a genius.”
Jane Nichols, Yale School of Drama, Juilliard, and Harvard
“As a friend, Brad was an invaluable resource. Whenever there was a crisis, Brad was the guy you turned to. He always had a plan. He always knew what to do. If Brad weren’t in this picture, the rest of us would not have had the courage or direction to stake out careers as artists.”
Mark Fish, writer-producer for ABC’s Scandal
“At Hal Prince’s office, I witnessed his fair-mindedness, diplomacy, and calm demeanor. Brad was entrusted with enormous financial and artistic responsibilities and always met them. His intelligence and passion are hallmarks of his work and personal life. He is the most well-read, well-informed person I know. Brad had more friends than anyone I knew and he was masterful and connecting people to other people and opportunities. Almost everyone who knows Brad is grateful to him for something.”
Janine Poreba, actor-teacher
“Even in the highly competitive atmosphere of Harvard, Brad’s enormous talent had become legendary. It was plain to anyone who met Brad that he was a gifted leader. Harold Prince saw in Brad what all his friends had seen—unlimited potential.”
Aaron Zelman, Emmy-nominated writer-producer
“From the moment I met him, I recognize in him a singular artistic talent, a singular ambition, and a deeply original and creative mind. Brad has always been a person of special insight.”
Francesca Delbanco, Netflix writer-producer
“Brad’s talent made him a superstar literally the minute he walked in the door. Brad is a brilliant, unbelievable talented man.”
Jenny Giering, Jonathan Larson award-winning composer
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“You are so brave and strong and magical, and you’re beautifully honest about what you’ve endured. You were always a genius and still are. I admire you so much.”
Caroline Hall, USC graduate acting teacher
“Brad goes above and beyond the call of duty every single day. Brad possesses the remarkable quality of being able to walk into a room and inspire everyone around him. I do not exaggerate when I say I would trust Brad with my life.”
Andrey Uspenskiiy, playwright
“Brad remains one of the kindest, most thoughtful, gentlest men that I have known.”
Justin Gomlak Greer, Broadway actor
“I have honestly never met someone that talented who also had such a kind spirit. He was hugely supportive and inspirational to me. He would always stop what he was doing to help his friends no matter what was going on in his own life. This is a very gifted person who also cares deeply about the wellbeing of the people around him.”
Caroline Hall, USC Graduate acting teacher
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“I was in awe of Brad. He was so smart and so talented; the depth of his understanding about was miles ahead of any of his peers. He was also deeply caring and generous. Brad was a driving force for creative thinking and thought leadership. Brad identified people he thought were the smartest, most talented people at school and created opportunities for them. Brad created a writers’ retreat for our friends. Now eight of the attendees are professional television writers with nearly ten Emmy awards between them. Our friends owe a tremendous debt to Brad for starting their careers.
Michael Stone, CEO, New Schools for New Orleans
"Brad, you’re one of the few storytellers out there who everybody has the same reaction to: More! More!! More!!! What makes it different is its upbeat message of how people can and should be in situations of hardship and challenge. Brad, you’re the best.”
Lawrence D. Mass, physician, author, co-founder of Gay Men's Health Crisis
Testimonials
Thank-you's
“Thank you for finishing my sentences—and on some occasions beginning them.”
Hal Prince, 21-time Tony-winning director-producer
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“Thanks so much for all your incredible support, kindness, positivity, generosity, and guidance throughout this process. It’s been a real gift to share the room with you.”
Julie Benko, Broadway actor (Fanny Brice in Funny Girl)
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“I honestly don’t think I’d have been able to get here without you. I am grateful that you were here for the whole ride.”
Alfred Uhry, Tony, Pulitzer, and Oscar-winning writer
“Thank you for everything. I value it more than I am comfortable saying.”
Jason Robert Brown, two-time Tony-winning composer-lyricist
“There’s no way I would have been on that Tony list without you right there pushing and supporting me. I feel so privileged to have such a great friend and wonderful partner in creation. You must know that in so many ways you share all the honors that are being bestowed.”
Rob Ashford, Tony-winning director-choreographer
“I’m absolutely indebted to you. Your insight, wisdom, and gentle guidance have continued to inspire and amaze me.”
Michele Pawk, Tony-winning actress
“There are no words to express my gratitude to you, therefore I will say thank you through fashion and fine dining. I will always be grateful for the job of a lifetime.”
Kate Jennings Grant, Broadway and television actor
“What a joy to know you and work with you.”
Jane Powell, Hollywood legend
“Thank you for all your encouragement and support throughout this journey. And thank you for always listening when I needed an ear. You have shown amazing patience and poise and grace.”
Carolee Carmello, three-time Tony-nominated actor
“Boy are we lucky to have you—and you sure are all those things they say you are.”
Pat Birch, five-time Tony-nominated choreographer
“You are a great director and a great person (which I understand is rare)”
Nell Benjamin, two-time Tony-nominated lyricist
“The Nobel Peace Prize? The Congressional Medal of Honor? I don’t think the award’s been created yet to honor what you’ve been able to do for Bounce.”
Steve Scott, Goodman Theater associate producer
“Thank you for creating another, more beautiful world for my play, and all of us to live in.”
Julia Jordan, Jonathan Larson award-winning writer
“Thank you for giving me back my show, my hope and faith, and myself as a writer. I am truly blessed to have you in my life.”
Maggie-Kate-Coleman, bookwriter/lyricist
“You have worked magic and moved mountains for this production in a way that I never could have imagined. Your selflessness, wisdom, patience, thoughtfulness, passion and inspiration floors me each day.”
Anna K. Jacobs, composer
“I am grateful for your artistic eye, your brilliant ear, your love of a laugh, your insistence on honesty and real connection. I couldn’t have made this without you.’
Winsome Brown, Obie-nominated actor-writer
“Thank you for all the guidance, help, wisdom, and generosity. I have learned so incredibly much from you. Thank you for always being there and always inspiring me to keep pushing and digging deeper.”
Karli DiNardo, Broadway actor
“I don’t think I’ll ever quite be able to tell you how grateful I am to you—for believing in my and changing my life.”
Irene Molloy, Broadway actor
“This has been by far the most amazing theatrical experience of my life—one of the most amazing experiences of my life, period.”
Francesca Delbanco, Netflix writer-producer
“Your enthusiasm and intelligence count for a lot.”
Andre Bishop, Lincoln Center Theater
“The spirit of gratitude, kindness, and heart that you brought to the process was wonderful and truly made the show what it was.”
Sarah Beth Pfiefer, Broadway actor
“Thank so much for the opportunity to perform in Bloomer Girl. It was such a thrill to be on stage with some of the most talented artists in theater. It was a very special production and I am so grateful to have been a part of it. My friends and family are still talking about what a rare and joyous evening they had.”
Nina Goldman, dancer/choreographer
“You are without a doubt the best director I have ever had the honor and privilege to work with.”
Conrad Cohen, actor/director
“You often talk about how your being here is a miracle. I see you using that miracle to spread love and joy and creativity. And I see it continuing on for a long time to come.”
Aime Bermowitz, actor