Interview with Byron Batista Theater Diva And Bruce Vilanch's Dresser-

Interview with

Byron Batista

- Theatre Diva, and Star Dresser!

by Corine Cohen


Byron, how did you get started as a star dresser?

I got started as a dresser years ago when I answered an ad for extra help on a benefit in LA (Which was the 'S.T.A.G.E.' benefits, and they are still happening.) S.T.A.G.E. stands for Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event and, as I believe, it's the oldest benefit for AIDS being staged to this day. It was a great opportunity to work with some of the most legendary people in the business.

That's wonderful Byron! Tell me about some of those legendary people!

Off the top of my head, Betty Garret, Carol Cook, Tim Curry, Lucie Arnaz, Sharon Brown, Betty Buckley, Obba Babatunde, Donna McKechnie, Kay Cole, Ron Dennis, Karen Mason, Dale Kristian, George Chakiris, Joanna Gleason just to name a few

When did you realize your love for this business?

Twice. The first time I was in the 4th grade and they were putting on a local production of the opera HANSEL AND GRETEL and they were looking for children to be in it. I thought it was the perfect way to be able to skip class, because all of the rehearsals were during school hours. So, I signed up...and I was immediately cast as Hansel, but it got me out of class!

Then, later that year, I saw a production of Peter Pan. That's when I thought, "This is what I want to do."

I'm not sure if that meant flying around like a fairy, or just doing theatre, but they both fit. So, I decided then and there, theatre was what I was going to be my life.

Tell me about the Hairspray Tour. What was it like dressing, the one and only Vilanch?

Touring with Hairspray was one of the biggest thrills of my life. There were two worlds on that show, 1: The Seasoned Pro and they taught me more than any school could have. And, 2: The "Young 'uns", who have the most talent I've ever seen in a group of people. They will be tomorrow’s stars.

Bruce.... Bruce, Bruce. What can I say? I've known Bruce for many years prior to the tour, meeting him first at a cabaret in LA, and then working with him on the S.T.A.G.E. benefits. He is one of the nicest people you could ever want to meet. My biggest thrill on tour was watching Bruce grow into his part. That man has spent his whole life putting words into other people's mouths and making them stars. Now, it's his turn. Watching him onstage was an inspiration. And, to find out that he's all man under everything was an added bonus. That man is a tank, and never missed a performance due to illness. I learned a lot from him. And, as an added bonus, no one can complain about the fact that you work with someone who always puts a smile on your face.

He is really funny. The last time I saw him was at the Lortel's and he had me in stitches with his one liners. I would kill to interview him; he is a genius in tee shirts. I want to buy him a tee shirt that says "She loves my Assets" If only he would grant me an interview! Tell me about his tee shirt collection. I have done some research and found that he loves Betty Boop.

Well, I've never seen the entire collection, but I understand that he does have storage units filled with them. That was part of the fun of working with him, a new funny T-shirt every day!

Dish the dirt; tell me a funny dressing room story.

Oy! What is funny now usually was born from some awful calamity.

First of all, every day in the dressing room was funny. How could it not be? But the real fun was when something went wrong on stage and it gave Bruce a moment to take control. There are always things that go wrong in a live performance, and to see the way Bruce handled them was truly amazing. One of the funniest things was , Bruce was on, and in the scene, the phone rang. Bruce turned around and the phone had not been set on the table. What are you supposed to do? Bruce reached off stage and grabbed a powder puff from the set piece right off stage and started using it as the phone. Meanwhile, the poor prop guy was running around behind me with the phone in his hand, not knowing what to do with it. I just grabbed it and held it out on stage. Bruce looked at the powder puff and said, "Powder Puff...you are FIRED!" ala the Donald, grabbed the phone from me, and continued with the scene. It was brilliant. There were many moments like that.

I’m really jealous, please continue! That sounds like Bruce, he is so witty!

And he’s so fast that you have to practically run to keep up with his mind!

How does one run that fast? I need better sneakers! (Laughs)
Any other funny stories you can share in this business?

Doing what I've done, as long as I have done it...Where do you begin? From walking into a fitting and watching Jo Anne Worley try and help Shirley Jones try and get a gown up over her head, to watching Bob Mackie try to figure out how to fit huge boobies into a dress that wasn't meant to hold them... Maybe I should write a book

Print that book! I am sure many will buy it! What do you want to do next?

Currently, I have recuperated since touring and I'm looking for my next job. Meanwhile, my partner and I are restoring an old church in the middle of Michigan. I would love to work on another tour, or maybe Vegas. If anyone is hiring, I'm available!

If anyone out there is looking for a talented Dresser, please contact Byron. Think of all the funny stories you could hear! Tell me about your performing. Any plans to do that in the near future?

I've done a lot of performing in my past. Maybe it’s because I have no shame what so ever. I generally get asked to play the part that no one else wants to. It's given me some great opportunities, but I really don't have any future plans for performing. After having the longest running one-person cabaret show in the history of Los Angeles, I feel like I’ve accomplished enough in that arena. I'd rather just find a production that has some value of quality, and help it thrive and bloom. Then, again, if the right role comes around, I won't turn it down!

Do you have a favorite Musical?

I love the classics. Also, any shows that have big, splashy production numbers in it. Gypsy and Funny Girl are two of my all time favorites.