Broadway Besties! Jennifer Damiano and Adam Chanler-Berat Kick Off Broadway.com’s New Friendship Feature
Jennifer Damiano and Adam Chanler-Berat are two of the brightest young things on Broadway: He’s the star of Peter and the Starcatcher, she created the role of Mary Jane Watson in Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark and, of course, they played lovebirds Natalie and Henry on and off-Broadway in Next to Normal. But these two are much more than former co-stars, they’re real-life BFFs, which makes them the perfect pair to launch Broadway Besties. In this new photo feature, Broadway.com will ask stage pals to fill out a revealing (and ridiculous) questionnaire, and photographer Jenny Anderson will capture fun-filled real-life moments. Read on to learn more about this hilarious duo, then tag along in photos as Damiano and Chanler-Berat get goofy on the High Line elevated park in Manhattan.
Check out our exclusive photo gallery of Jenn and Adam!
How and when did you meet your BFF?
Jenn: At my Next to Normal audition about five years ago. Sigh...
Adam: We first met in Telsey's office. Awkward waiting room, I was sweating, she was shy, I was overcompensating, she was a vision in blue.
What was your first impression of each other?
Adam: Love at first sight.
Jenn: I thought he had a crush on me. I was right (obviously).
When was the moment you knew it was BFF material?
Jenn: Probably the first time we went grocery shopping in D.C. Or when we had our first real fight about the fact that I never paid for them...
Adam: Backstage one night at Next to Normal Jenn goes, “Something smells,” as her gaze drifts over to me.
Name three adjectives to describe your BFF.
Adam: Courageous, goofy, stunning.
Jenn: Funny, real, stardust.
What do you call each other?
Jenn: Adam? I guess the affection lies in the stupid voice I usually say it in. Kind of like..."Ah-dahm" haha.
Adam: Darling, sweets, bitch, lover, moon unit, any of those.
If you formed a band together, what would its name be?
Jenn: The Pre-Show Coffee Beans! Our first hit single would be called "Half Hour Hyperventilation." Lyrics to come...wow, I'm cool.
Adam: The Beets. “I Need More Allowance” would be our platinum single.
What’s the best gift your BFF ever got you?
Jenn: The ULTIMATE Transformers T-shirt!
Adam: Her understanding.
What should the title of your BFF’s memoir be?
Jenn: Morty & Me. Don't ask.
Adam: Booked It!: How to Make Broadway Your Bitch and Other Things to Do Before You're 20.
If you could be in any show together what would it be?
Adam: Next to Normal revival, Diana and Dan.
Jenn: Next to Normal? Well...sometimes when I hear "Move On" from Sunday in the Park with George I think of us singing it.
What annoying habits do you find adorable in your BFF?
Jenn: Adam ONLY brushes with cinnamon toothpaste. What's THAT about?
Adam: Food allergies. She asks "What's in this?" before she eats anything.
What trait do you admire most about each other?
Jenn: Adam doesn't judge. When everyone else in the world is against you, Adam will be on your side even if he doesn't know why. He just will be because he RULES!
Adam: Her honesty.
Who is your friend’s celebrity equivalent and why?
Jenn: Ellen Albertini Dow. Do I really have to say why?
Adam: Kristen Stewart/Fiona Apple hybrid. I don't know enough about either of them other than what they let the world see on screen and in albums, but that seems to capture something of Jenn's essence.
What about your BFF makes you jealous?
Adam: She is so naturally brilliant.
Jenn: His legs.
I can always count on my BFF to….
Jenn: Give me confidence, make me laugh and, most importantly, be in the mood for Kodama.
Adam: Not judge me for overeating.
