Brian M. Love
Brian M. Love (born December 12, 1973)[1] is an American actor, singer, puppeteer, and martial artist. He is best known for his stage roles as Simba (understudy) in Disney's The Lion King and E.F. (Frank) Farrington in the world premiere of Brooklyn's Bridge.[1][2][3]
On television, Love has appeared in multiple national commercials including National Football League (NFL) Fantasy Football, and the United States Golf Association (USGA).[4][5] Love has also worked with entertainment icon Jerry Lewis, performing as a singer on his annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.[6]
As a recording artist, Love has sung for and worked with Motown trailblazers Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder. With Wonder, he was part of his ensemble arrangement recording of Jonathan Larson's "Seasons of Love" from the musical RENT.[7] Love also was a member of the South African singing ensemble that recorded the 2010 FIFA World Cup Theme for ESPN.
His stage appearances include the Broadway cast of The Lion King - the Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning highest grossing Broadway production of all time, the Gazelle Tour of The Lion King, the 1st and 2nd National Tours of Jonathan Larson's RENT (Angel and Benny Tours, respectively), and the Sister Act National Tour - produced by Whoopi Goldberg.[1][8][9] In 2022, Love also had the opportunity to play the role of Sebastian in Hale Centre Theatre's production of Disney's The Little Mermaid, a performance that earned him a 2023 Broadway World Award Nomination for Best Performer in A Musical.[10][11]
Early life and education
Born and raised in Lorain, Ohio. His father, Houston Love, Jr., the grandson of a slave and son of a sharecropper, is a retired career educator and administrator. His mother, Laurel Ann Love (nee Jennings) is a retired social worker and musician.
Love attended Admiral King High School, lettering in both baseball and basketball and performing in every school musical and talent show in his junior and senior years.[12][13][14] He graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland with a degree in Communications and English and would later complete some graduate work at Boston University.[15][16][17] Formal Voice Training: Seth Riggs, who created and teaches the Speech Level Singing Technique and has worked with recording performers such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, James Ingram, Ray Charles, George Michael, Madonna, Bette Midler, and Barbra Streisand.
Career
Theater
Brian Love has built a distinguished career in theater, performing on Broadway, in four national tours, and in numerous regional productions. His notable stage credits include:
- Disney's The Lion King (Broadway, Minskoff Theatre) – Swing and Simba Understudy, covering 13 roles. Directed by Julie Taymor, with choreography by Garth Fagan and music by Hans Zimmer, Lebo M., Mark Mancina, and Jay Rifkin. Original songs by Elton John and Tim Rice.[1][2][15]
- The Lion King (1st National U.S. Tour, Gazelle Company) – Original company member, playing the same roles as on Broadway.[1][2]
- RENT (1st and 2nd National Tours) – Principal role of Benjamin Coffin III, directed by Michael Greif.[1][18]
- Brooklyn's Bridge (Dr. Phillips Center, World Premiere)] – Originated the role of E.F. (Frank) Farrington. The Orlando Sentinel praised his performance, stating, "Brian Love lights up the stage with each appearance... thrillingly makes the most of the most entertaining songs."[3][19][20][21]
- Disney's The Little Mermaid (Hale Center Theatre) – Principal role of Sebastian.[10]
- Calendar Girls (Theatre West End, regional) – Portrayed John Clarke. The Orlando Sentinel noted his performance was "played with warmth and grit."[22]
- Beauty and the Beast (Maltz Jupiter Theatre, regional) – Bookseller, puppeteer, and fight captain. Directed by John Tartaglia with choreography by Shannon Lewis.[23]
- Kiss of the Spiderwoman (Beck Center for the Arts regional) – Principal role of Valentin, directed by Scott Spence.[6]
- Ain't Misbehavin' (Beck Center for Performing Arts, regional) – Directed by Scott Spence.[6]
- The All-Night Strut (The Hanna Theatre, Cleveland's Playhouse Square)[6]
- Big River (Cain Park Evans Amphitheater) – Principal role of Jim, directed by Victoria Bussert.[6]
- Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha (Opera Orlando, Florida premiere) – Portrayed Zodzetrick in the Opera Orlando production.[24]
- Finding Our Way Back (Winter Park Playhouse, Festival of New Musicals workshop) – Played Mr. Jackson in this new musical featured at the Florida Festival of New Musicals.[25]
- Catch Me If You Can (Osceola Arts, regional) – Portrayed Carl Hanratty in the production at Osceola Arts.[26]
Film and television
Love has appeared in national television commercials and theater-filmed adaptations, including:
- The Ten Commandments – An American stage-filmed adaptation of Elie Chouraqui's originally directed French production. The cast included Val Kilmer, Nita Whitaker, Alisan Porter, and Adam Lambert. Directed by Robert Iscove and choreographed by Travis Payne, the production was performed at the Kodak Theatre (now Dolby Theatre) in Los Angeles.[27]
- The Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon – Performed as a singer on the nationally televised fundraiser.[6]
- NFL Fantasy Football Commercial – Appeared in a national commercial alongside David Johnson and Mike Evans.[4]
- USGA Golf Commercial – Featured in a Time-Friendly campaign.[5]
Music
Love has collaborated with notable musicians, including Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder. He participated in Wonder's ensemble arrangement of "Seasons of Love" from the musical RENT and was a South African singing ensemble member for ESPN's 2010 FIFA World Cup theme.[7]
Notable performances and reception
Brian Love has been recognized for his dynamic stage presence, expressive performances and strong vocal ability. His performances in Brooklyn's Bridge and Calendar Girls received critical praise, with the Orlando Sentinel highlighting his contributions to both productions.[19][28]
Awards and nominations
- 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards – A two-time nominee - recognized for Best Performer in a Musical for the role of Sebastian, and part of the winning cast for Best Ensemble in a Musical for The Little Mermaid.[11]
Theatre credits
The following is a list of Brian M. Love's notable stage credits.
| Year | Production | Role | Category / Theatre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Big River | Jim | Cain Park |
| 1997 | All Night Strut | Baritone | Cleveland Playhouse Square |
| 1997 | Ain’t Misbehavin’’ | "Ken" | Beck Center for the Arts |
| 1998 | Kiss of the Spiderwoman | Valentin | Beck Center for the Arts |
| 1998–1999 | RENT | Benjamin Coffin III | 1st National Tour |
| 1999–2001 | RENT | Benjamin Coffin III | 2nd National Tour |
| 2002–2004 | The Lion King | Swing, Simba U/S, Banzai U/S | Gazelle Tour |
| 2004 | The Ten Commandments | Ensemble | Kodak Theatre |
| 2005–2012 | The Lion King | Swing, Simba U/S, Banzai U/S | Broadway |
| 2013–2014 | Sister Act | Cop, Eddie U/S, Curtis U/S, TJ U/S | 1st National Tour |
| 2018 | Beauty and the Beast | Bookseller, Puppeteer, Fight Captain | Maltz Jupiter Theatre[29] |
| 2021 | The Little Mermaid | Sebastian | Hale Centre Theatre[30] |
| 2023 | Brooklyn’s Bridge | E.F. (Frank) Farrington | Concert, Dr. Phillips Center[31] |
| 2024–2025 | Calendar Girls | John Clark | Theatre West End[32] |
| 2025 | Brooklyn’s Bridge | E.F. (Frank) Farrington | Dr. Phillips Center[31] |
| 2025 | Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha | Zodzetrick | Opera Orlando[24] [33] |
| 2025 | Finding Our Way Back | Mr. Jackson | Workshop, Winter Park Playhouse[25] [34] |
| 2025 | Catch Me If You Can | Carl Hanratty | Osceola Arts[26] [35] |
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Brian M. Love – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
- ^ a b c "The Lion King". Morning Journal. June 27, 2003. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
- ^ a b "Dr. Phillips Center Unveils Orlando Cast for the World Premiere of Brooklyn's Bridge on February 21". Dr. Phillips Center Unveils Orlando Cast for the World Premiere of Brooklyn's Bridge on February 21 | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
- ^ a b NFL Fantasy Football TV Spot, 'Potato Salad' Ft. David Johnson, Mike Evans. Retrieved March 31, 2025 – via www.ispot.tv.
- ^ a b USGA TV Spot, 'PLAY9: Time-Friendly'. Retrieved March 31, 2025 – via www.ispot.tv.
- ^ a b c d e f BWW, Team. "Brian M. Love (Actor): Credits, Bio, News & More | Broadway World". www.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
- ^ a b "Last Chance: Rent Ends Its National Tour in San Francisco Sept. 5". Playbill. Archived from the original on January 26, 2022. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ "Credits & Role Info for "Benny" for Rent (Angel Tour, 1996) | Ovrtur". ovrtur.com. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ "Credits & Role Info for "Benny" for Rent (Benny Tour, 1997) | Ovrtur". ovrtur.com. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ a b "The Little Mermaid". Hale Centre Theater. 2024. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
- ^ a b Awards, B. W. W. "Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards; PUFFS Leads Best Play!". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
- ^ "JAMES A POPIEL: Admiral King High School leaves outstanding legacy". Morning Journal. May 30, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
- ^ "Distinguished Alumni - Lorain City School District". www.lorainschools.org. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
- ^ "Lorain Schools' Alumni Association announces 2021 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame inductees". Morning Journal. June 10, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
- ^ a b "And Where The Journey May Lead ... Brian Love Chooses To Follow". John Carroll University Athletics. February 15, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
- ^ "Brian Love - Teaching Artist/director/music Director/stage Manager, Disney Musicals In Schools at DR PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS INC". THE ORG. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ "Brian Love". Backstage.com. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ "Rent – Broadway Musical – Benny Tour | IBDB". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ a b "'Brooklyn's Bridge' has strong foundation but could be sturdier | Review". Orlando Sentinel. February 27, 2025. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
- ^ Bell, Lisa (February 21, 2025). "Brooklyn's Bridge: New musical makes its world premiere at Dr. Phillips Center". WKMG. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
- ^ Guy, Jason (February 21, 2025). "Orlando Talent Shines in New Musical World Premiere". WESH. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
- ^ "Calendar Girls — Theater West End in Sanford, FL". Theater West End. January 10, 2025. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
- ^ "Disney's Beauty and the Beast at Maltz Jupiter Theatre 2018". www.abouttheartists.com. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
- ^ a b "Opera Orlando Adds Performance of 'Treemonisha'". OperaWire. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ a b "Finding Our Way Back at the Winter Park Playhouse". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ a b "See 'Catch Me If You Can' at this Central Florida theatre". WKMG/ClickOrlando. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ The Ten Commandments: The Musical (2006) - Full cast & crew - IMDb. Retrieved March 31, 2025 – via www.imdb.com.
- ^ "'Calendar Girls' is a red-letter day for feel-good fun | Review". Orlando Sentinel. January 13, 2025. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
- ^ "Beauty and the Beast – Maltz Jupiter Theatre". Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "The Little Mermaid – Hale Centre Theatre". Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ a b "Brooklyn's Bridge – Dr. Phillips Center". Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "Calendar Girls – Theatre West End". Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "Scott Joplin's Treemonisha – Opera Orlando". Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "Finding Our Way Back – Winter Park Playhouse". Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ "Catch Me If You Can – Osceola Arts". Retrieved August 12, 2025.
External links
- Rent – Angel Tour – Closing Night Performance — Features Brian Love as part of the ensemble arrangement.
- Brian M. Love at the Internet Broadway Database