Take Ten with Bryce A Miller

Take Ten with Bryce A Miller

By Lynn Venhaus

Some actors pull you in by their genuine presence and emotional depth, that they understand the assignment to create a believable character and disappear into the role. That would describe Bryce A Miller, a local actor who is the very definition of versatility.

Whether it’s a musical, comedy or drama, you know he is totally present and giving his all. A frequent supporting player who works well with others, Miller has been working steadily for a few years with various professional regional theatres.

Currently, he is charming as Speed, the quick-witted servant of Valentine, in “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” which is touring the bi-state region for a month of outdoor shows at local parks and plazas.

Thrilled to be making his debut with St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, he also portrays goofy Thurio, a wealthy suitor pursuing Silvia, the Duke’s daughter. With boundless enthusiasm, he often leads the introductions for the opening study guide that precedes the show.

Lilah Kreis and Bryce A. Miller in New Jewish Theatre’s “Prayer for the French Republic.” Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

He is working again with director Rebekah Scallet, who is the artistic director of New Jewish Theatre, but has an extensive background in Shakespeare festival work.

He started those rehearsals following another thoughtful performance in the “Prayer for the French Republic” by Joshua Harmon at NJT earlier this spring. He portrayed Daniel Benhamou, Marcelle and Charles’s son, whose routine wearing of a kippah leads to a violent antisemitic incident.

“’Prayer’ was special for many reasons. First, it was my first time working directly with Rebekah Scallet on a project. She is a fantastic director, and she brings such great, collaborative energy to the room. Also, Joshua Harmon’s plays were very influential to me while in theatre school. Delivering his dialogue feels so natural and easy,” he said.

Miller is having a banner year, having played the peculiar William Barfee in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” that opened Stages St. Louis’ 40th anniversary season this summer.

Bryce A Miller as eccentric Barfee in Stages St. Louis’ “Spelling Bee.” Photo by Phillip Hamer.

He cracked up audiences as Barfee – that’s Bar-Fay to you because of the accent aigu. Calling it a “dream come true,” he was grateful to be in a crowd-pleasing show.

“It was one of the first shows I ‘discovered’ while developing my love of theatre, and it really spoke to me as an awkward, dorky pre-teen. Also, I’ve seen countless shows at Stages and it’s always been on my list of places I’d love to work at. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity they gave me,” he said.

Next, he will portray George in the romantic musical “She Loves Me,” which will run Dec. 3 – 20 at New Jewish Theatre. The 1963 musical about two shop clerks who fall in love as pen pals is the basis for the films “The Shop Around the Corner” and “You’ve Got Mail.”

Earlier this year, he won the St. Louis Circle Award for Outstanding Performer in a Comedy, Male or Non-Binary Role, for his bonkers portrayal of Watson in New Jewish Theatre’s laugh-a-minute farce, “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.”

Nick Freed as Sherlock Holmes and Bryce A Miller as Watson in NJT’s “Baskerville.” Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Written by Ken Ludwig as a comedic adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” it transformed the classic mystery into a hilarious, fast-paced thriller.

Nearly on stage the entire time, he was a marvel in motion – slapstick goofiness, very physical comedy and sharp comic timing with a crackerjack five-person ensemble (who played over 40 roles and had fast costume changes).

“Watson also served as the narrator, which meant I got to directly address and connect with the audience. That is one of my favorite aspects of live performance,” he said.

He has been honored with two other nominations for New Jewish Theatre’s productions, including his portrayal of a strict Orthodox Jew unwilling to bend in an unhappy marriage when his wife wanted to work outside the home for fulfillment in “The Wanderers,” again working with a tremendously talented 5-person ensemble (all nominated).

Jacob Schmidt and Bryce A Miller in NJT’s “Trayf.” Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

The other one was the sweet buddy comedy in a mitzvah van called “Trayf.” He played the earnest and uptight Schmuel, whose best friend Zalmy tested their faith and friendship through his curiosity about the secular world. His first recognition was as a drama critic in “The Nerd” at Moonstone Theatre Company.

He has worked with Stray Dog Theatre, The Black Rep, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ Imaginary Theatre Company, and Upstream Theater, too.

See all of the above to illustrate his versatility.

His talent and preparedness speak for themselves in all his electric and nuanced performances and characters, said Christina Rios, who has worked with Bryce multiple times with her Riverside Theatre Project in Hermann, Mo. He was in Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies” the summer of 2025 there.

Jade Cash and Bryce A Miller in “The Wanderers” at New Jewish Theatre. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

“I just also wish folks got to see also what a delightful artist he is during the rehearsal process too: He shows up to rehearsals ready to invest, having already made meaningful choices but also excited to learn and grow more. He is kind and shows deep thoughtfulness towards everyone involved with every aspect of the production – Bryce is the kind of dedicated artist who offers to put away chairs and props at the end of a 3-hour rehearsal, just because it’s a kind and helpful thing to offer. He asks great questions that push the growth and understanding of the piece and I just love collaborating with him,” Rios said.

“We are blessed, in this city, to have so many incredibly gifted performers, and it is such a double blessing when they are also beautiful human beings who care about kindness as much as they care about their craft – and Bryce A. Miller is an excellent example of that kind of artist,” she noted.

Eileen Engel as Anne and Bryce A. Miller as Henrik in Stray Dog Theatre’s “A Little Night Music.” Photo by John Lamb.

Take Ten with Bryce A. Miller

1. Why did you choose your profession/pursue the arts?

You can watch your favorite movie over and over again, and what you’re watching will remain unchanged. But you can see the same play multiple times, and you will always see a different performance from what you saw the time before. Theatre is fluid, collaborative, and exciting. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.

Bryce A Miller

2. How would your friends describe you?

Reserved, passionate, quick-witted

3. How do you like to spend your spare time?

Going to the movies, seeing theatre around town, and exploring new restaurants and bars!

4. What is your current obsession?

“The Pitt”! I’m very late to the party but when I started watching it, I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I finished the whole series in only a week or so. 

5. What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I’m a pretty big introvert. I hide it well, but I love my alone time.

I’m also a MASSIVE theatre nerd. This is a bit more obvious if you’ve spent any amount of time with me. I try to see as much as I can around town, and I make my way to Chicago and New York every once in a while, too. (This spring, he saw Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf in “Death of a Salesman.”)

6. Can you share one of your most defining moments in life?

My mom took me to see a community theatre production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ when I was 4 or 5. When the lights came up for intermission, I cried because I thought it was over and I didn’t want it to end. She says this was when she realized theatre would end up being a big part of my life in some way or another.

Bryce A Miller and Jayson Heil in “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.” Photo by Phillip Hamer.

7. Who do you admire most?

My mom. She is incredibly busy and work-motivated, but she still makes incredible amounts of time for those she loves. She could’ve had a 12-hour workday but will still give you the shirt off of her back. I wish I could lead my life with even an ounce of the empathy she has.

8. What is at the top of your bucket list?

Traveling outside the country. In the near future, I’d love to travel around Europe, I’d especially like to go to London and check out their theatre scene.

9. What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis?

Going out for food/a drink! We are such a great food city, I’ve lived here all my life and my list of places I need to try is still growing.

10. What’s next?

I am very excited and fortunate to be booked through the rest of the year with “She Loves Me.” It’s been a pretty non-stop year.

Bryce A Miller as Barfee in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at Stages St. Louis. Photo by Phillip Hamer.

More About Bryce Alexander Miller

Age: 25
Birthplace: Maryland Heights, Mo.
Current location: Valley Park, Mo.

Family: Mom (Gina), Dad (Brian), and 18-year-old brother (Jackson)
Education: BFA in Acting, Sargent Conservatory at Webster University
Day job: Substitute teacher
First job: Washing dishes at Russell’s Cafe and Bakery.
First play you were involved in: “The Three Piggy Opera” in kindergarten. I played The Big Bad Wolf!
Favorite jobs/roles/plays or work in your medium? “The Nerd” and “Trayf” were both career milestones that I will never forget.
Dream job/opportunity: A one-man show!

Awards/Honors/Achievements: One St. Louis Theatre Circle Win: Lead Actor in a Comedy (Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville, New Jewish Theatre), 3 St. Louis Theatre Circle Nominations: Supporting Actor in a Drama (The Wanderers, New Jewish Theatre), Lead Actor in a Comedy (Trayf, New Jewish Theatre), and Supporting Actor in a Comedy (The Nerd, Moonstone Theatre)

Favorite quote/words to live by: “Know your lines and don’t bump into the furniture.”

A song that makes you happy: “Les Fleurs” by Minnie Riperton

Bryce A Miller in “Trayf.” Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ Charms With Six Spunky, Spry Players

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ Charms With Six Spunky, Spry Players

By Lynn Venhaus

With boundless enthusiasm, a six-person ensemble enlivens “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” an early Shakespeare comedy about boundaries in friendship and romance that remains a timeless cautionary coming-of-age story.

The intent is light-hearted, the folly of best buds falling in love with the same woman, and the betrayal and forgiveness that ensues. And saucy minions, too. (Google it).

If we’re outdoors, it must mean it’s a lovely summer evening courtesy of St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s annual TourCo, where they travel across the bi-state area to bring live theater to local parks and plazas, this year 33 locations in all.

Six years’ strong, this far-reaching accessible and free initiative has evolved into a must-see experience. It is both the longest running play in St. Louis every season and the second largest Shakespeare tour in the country.

Sarah wilkinson and Tristan Wallach as young lovers Julia and Proteus. Photo by Phillip Hamer.

The picturesque open-air Cohen amphitheatre setting at the Missouri Botanical Garden was the stage Wednesday night, and it showcased all the key aspects of Shakespeare in the park that entertain: appealing performers, musicality and surprises – this time, a scene-stealing dog in the cast.

Director Rebekah Scallet, a Shakespeare veteran, has brought out the universality of the story, generally regarded less than other works, but she points out that it is a precursor to other themes and situations he explores in later plays. Capricious young men! As is typical in early Shakespeare comedies, there’s misunderstanding, disguises, and growing up to do.

What separates this version is its zip. The cast delivers a zesty introduction to set the stage for the 90-minute show in their Living Study Guide, which is a summary explaining characters and their motivations at the beginning. Because it’s a compact and concise adaptation, where the actors play multiple roles, they let us know who’s who and what’s what.

The energetic performers dash around, frequently changing an outfit or grabbing a musical instrument. All but one are making their Shakespeare debut. Newcomer Tristan Wallach is Proteus, who shifts from lovesick romantic into a traitor who betrays both his girlfriend Julia (Sarah Wilkinson) and best friend Valentine (Otto Klemp, who was in “The Tempest” earlier this summer).

Bryce Miller, Tristan Wallach and Jayson Heil. Photo by Phillip Hamer.

In Milan, to broaden his horizons, Valentine falls in love with the strong-willed Silvia (Jade Simone Francis), daughter of the Duke (Jayson Heil). Proteus, who stayed home, fell in love with Julia. However, Proteus’ father Antonio has sent him to Milan, where he falls in love with Valentine’s girlfriend. Rut-ro. But Silvia rejects him, repeatedly (cue women in audience applauding).

But things get messy as loyalty and good judgment go out the window, and we travel between court to forest (sound familiar?). Say what you will, but in those Renaissance times, they valued the bonds of male friendship over romantic love. Hmmm…That was around 1590, and times have changed.

Charmer Bryce Miller adds oomph to his role of Speed, the quick-witted servant of Valentine. He often comments on the two besties’ foolish antics and works hard to make sure the ‘older language’ sounds fresh. He also portrays goofy Thurio, a wealthy suitor pursuing Silvia, who is favored by the Duke.

As the smart but impulsive Julia, graceful and winsome Sarah Wilkinson disguises herself as a page boy, ‘Sebastian,’ to spy on Proteus, the first evidence of Shakespeare’s cross-dressing heroines. She is assisted by her sassy waiting-woman, Lucetta, played vibrantly by Francis. She has a more practical attitude about courtships than the fickle youths do, especially her faithful boss.

Otto Klemp and Jade Simone Francis. Photo by Phillip Hamer.

Adding even more charm is the seventh cast member, Crab, the ill-behaved pet of clownish Launce (Jayson Heil), Proteus’ servant. Five dogs are being rotated to play this scene-stealing role.

Many times, in Shakespeare comedies, the supporting characters are more interesting than the male leads, and that holds true here. Wallach and Klemp are fine in lead roles, but where they shine is in their acoustic musical accompaniment. They are both accomplished musicians.

Another distinguishing factor is original music, under the superb direction of Larry D. Pry, whose arrangements of melodic tunes fitting the period and setting stand out. The original music was written by Jordan Coughtry, who worked with Scallet when she was artistic director at the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre.

It’s not all that unusual that “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” features music, for a groundbreaking rock musical adaptation at Joseph Papp’s NYC Shakespeare in Central Park in 1971 went on to Broadway and won the 1972 Tony Award for Best Musical (and best book), featuring Clifton Davis and Raul Julia as the leads.

Pre-pandemic, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presented a 1980s hip-hop high school musical version of it, “Dress the Part,” in February 2020 from The Q Brothers, who played football players among over 20 parts, which won an ensemble award from the St. Louis Theater Circle in 2022.

Jayson Heil with Rocky, a Golden Retriever, as Crab. Photo by Phillip Hamer.

This company features a similar fast-paced, playful spirit that Scallet strived for, imbuing a fresh attitude.

The touring company requires a portable set, and scenic designer Katherine Stepanek shows her keen eye for setting a stage to be practical and attractive, with floral-festooned arch-shaped trellises draped with a vivid red material. These move easily to suit the locales. Like she always does, costume designer Michele Friedman Siler fits the occasion with perfectly suited outfits – and ones adaptable for St. Louis summers and quick changes.

The talented technical team also includes John Wilson as both the fight and intimacy coordinator, and Colin O’Brien as the expert production manager, with Britteny Henry doing her customary efficient job as stage manager, ensuring fluid entrances and exits.

Shakespeare may have been taught in your English class, but the best way to appreciate the bard is to see his plays performed, not read. And with the touring company coming to communities and neighborhoods, the time is perfect to bring a blanket or lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and see a family-friendly 90-minute Shakespeare show. Check social media for weather updates.

Simone, Klemp and Wilkinson. Photo by Phillip Hamer.

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s TourCo is presenting “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” free and open to all, no tickets required, to more than 30 parks and plazas in Missouri and Illinois from Aug. 4 to Sept. 6. Performances start at 6:30 p.m. and are 90 minutes in length. Visit https://stlshakes.org/tourco/ for a complete schedule.

The cast of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” – Sarah Wilkinson, Tristan Wallach, Bryce Miller, Otto Klemp, Jade Simone Francis and Jayson Heil. Photo by Phillip Hamer.