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Broadway dream proves to be real

Todd Gearhart

By Terry Morris, Staff Writer 4:44 PM Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Todd Gearhart used to think about performing on Broadway sometimes while marching across the field on Friday nights as the drum major at Dixie High School (Class of 1987).

He couldn’t help but think about it when his drama club adviser, Fran Bozarth, carefully singled him out.

She told him, “I would never ever consider telling one of my students to go into acting as a profession. But if I did, you would be the one,” Gearhart recalled.

When he went on to the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, the professor in his first class on his first day advised everyone there that “If you can think of anything else you would like to do with your life, do it.”

Gearhart wasn’t scared off.

“I’m stubborn that way,” he said during a phone conversation from New York, where he was poised for his biggest day on the stage.

Not only has he made his living as an actor, he finally made his Broadway debut Oct. 20 in the revival of the musical “Bye Bye Birdie” at the Roundabout Theatre. He plays several ensemble roles and serves as understudy to John Stamos in the leading role of Albert Peterson.

Earlier this week on Nov. 17 and 18, he assumed the lead role for Stamos, who was in Hollywood receiving his star on the Walk of Fame.

“In some ways, I get the significance of this now more than I would have when I was 21 or 22,” said Gearhart, who was often cast as the young stud when he was that age.

Not long after earning his degree at CCM, he made his professional stage debut as the cowboy Bo Decker — in The Human Race Theatre’s production of “Bus Stop” at The Loft.

Next came the musical “Phantom” at La Comedia Dinner Theatre. Then he moved to New York, where he still lives.

He has done a lot of television, from the soaps “All My Children” and “As the World Turns” to “Law and Order,” and “Lipstick Jungle.”

Since 2007, he has been honing his live drama technique as a member of the off-Broadway Actors Theatre Company

As fill-in for Stamos, Gearhart played the manager of an Elvis-like rock ’n’ roll heartthrob, who’s caught between his mom and his girlfriend (Gina Gershon).

Gearhart is level-headed about his shot at stardom. He doesn’t expect to stay with the show permanently if Stamos leaves. “They would get someone with a name,” he said.

His name is big in New Lebanon. His parents and several friends were there when he played Peterson. Others were paying attention as well.

“This is a great opportunity. I intend to make the most of it,” he said. “Once you’ve done something, you have that to show for yourself.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2377 or tmorris@DaytonDaily News.com.

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