Jim Brochu

Jim Brochu is an American playwright, librettist, and actor, born on August 16, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York. With a career spanning more than five decades, Brochu is renowned for his wit, warmth, and deep love of theatre history, all of which shine through in his work as a librettist and performer.

Brochu’s best-known work is Zero Hour, a solo play he wrote and performed about the life of actor and comedian Zero Mostel. The play was widely acclaimed, earning Brochu a Drama Desk Award and solidifying his place as a gifted storyteller with a flair for biographical theatre. As a librettist, he has also co-written musical comedies and revues that celebrate the golden age of showbiz, often collaborating with longtime partner Steve Schalchlin.

Together, Brochu and Schalchlin created The Big Voice: God or Merman?, a musical memoir that traced their personal and professional journeys. The show combined humor, heart, and spiritual reflection, receiving strong reviews for its originality and emotional honesty. Brochu’s libretti often weave comedy with deeply personal themes, giving his work a unique and intimate tone.

In addition to his writing, Brochu is a skilled character actor and theatre historian, known for his larger-than-life stage presence and encyclopedic knowledge of Broadway legends. His reverence for the craft and its history is evident in every script he pens.

Jim Brochu’s contributions to theatre are defined by a joyful, reverent approach to storytelling. Whether chronicling icons or drawing from his own life, his librettos are celebrations of humanity, resilience, and the enduring magic of the stage.