Max Bartos Shares His Music Touring Goal And His Experience Performing On Broadway

A Broadway gem!

Calling all musical theatre lovers: Here is the next performer to watch! The talented Max Bartos has always caught our attention, whether on a theatre stage or in a movie.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Max about his single ‘Such Is Life’, his recent movie, and more!

It is no secret that you have played many iconic roles but the jumpstart to your career is far from normal. Do you mind telling us about the accident that landed you an opportunity on Broadway?

M: “When I was 11 years old, I was on a family bike ride and I ended up falling off of an embankment and into a river.  I don’t really remember the fall but I remember being in the river and seeing my dad climbing down the embankment towards me, and then going to the emergency room. It was determined that I had a traumatic brain injury which resulted in both emotional and physical repercussions and a very long healing process. I have since healed from those injuries, but because I was unable to read or watch anything during my recovery, the one thing that I relied on was music. And, as my neurologist explained, sometimes circuits can get scrambled a little – which explained how I came out of the accident having developed perfect pitch. Music meant something different to me as I healed and I truly feel like it saved my life. I threw myself into music and I taught myself how to play numerous instruments and started doing theater. Things began to accelerate from there — and I was cast in “Sing Street” off-Broadway and on Broadway at the Lyceum at 17!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxVQpyKNHJE

What did you learn from this accident?

M: “The main thing I learned from my accident was that life can be cut short without any notice and you need to appreciate every day as if it were your last. Like they say in the musical Rent, no day but today.”

How was your experience during Sing Street the Musical?

M: “It was the best! I had such an amazing time originating the role of Darren both off and on Broadway, and the friends I made throughout that process are still really close to me to this day! I see them all the time! The creative team of that show was absolutely incredible as well, and I learned so much from them about what it means to be a young professional in the industry and how to be a professional musician! After tech at New 42, we had actually just officially moved into the Lyceum Theatre and had just been given our dressing rooms when there was an announcement to come to the stage. It was there that we heard the announcement that Broadway had to shut down due to COVID 19. I recognize the tragedies that people suffered during that time, but walking out of that theatre and never returning to it was one of the hardest parts of my life.”

Tell us about the process of releasing your single “Such Is Life”

M: “In the summer of 2021, I was leading a production of Green Day’s “American Idiot”, and I was so inspired by being surrounded by all that music that when I was on a family trip to Iceland a few days after we closed the show I wrote an entire album in two weeks when we were there! My mom said it was like a fever dream – there were 20 hours of daylight when I was there and I would write furiously tearing sheets of paper out of my notebook and scribbling more and more. When I came back I recorded at Sound Design studios in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for about a month with the help of my friend Micah Bender who is an incredible drummer, and voilà! We had an album! I’m actually working on a new one as I write this!”

What are your biggest career goals going forward?

M: “I mean, I’m a very ambitious person so it’s hard to pick! Theatrically, I’d love to tread the boards again! I’ve been in several pre-Broadway readings, which is incredible because I really have become invested in the creative process, but I’m really excited to stand on stage and perform. In a more short term sense, while I’ve been gigging around NYC, I’d also love to go on tour with my music around the country!”

It is no secret that you are a star on the rise! As people watch your Journey what can we expect to see in the future of your career?

M: “I appreciate that a lot! In the future definitely expect more original music, live concerts, and other music related things! With my theater career, I’m just gonna keep auditioning and working with the help of my amazing acting coach Mark Schneider and my vocal coach Liz Caplan. With their guidance I know that in no time I’ll be back on the Great White Way.”

Working on such a great action movie such as “The Most Dangerous Man” has to be exciting! What is your favorite memory from the experience?

M: “I think my favorite memory from that experience was hanging out with Paul Logan in between takes. He was such a welcoming and awesome person, and taught me so much about how to look cool on camera! I also remember having to learn a Russian accent for that role, which I can still do to this day! I would do it for you now but it’s hard to do that through print!!!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPLt_ZmV0VY

How do you feel you have grown since the start of your career?

M: “I’ve definitely grown a lot. I’ve learned so many amazing lessons from various directors and collaborators I’ve worked with over the years. One of the most important lessons has been that at this level, everyone can sing – and it’s not about that anymore. It’s now about are you a good person and easy to work with. I try every day to live up to that. I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of music and musicianship over the years, I probably play guitar for 3 to 4 hours a day, and I sing pretty much constantly, so I’ve definitely improved my skills and broadened my musical horizons.”

Photo Credit:  Rossi Photography (guitar photo) | Private Collection (close up photo)

Video Credits: Joshua Turchin

Alessia Shaw- Movie/Entertainment Editor– Alessia is a rising Junior in high school located in Southern California! She is an actress, writer and avid mental health advocate. Alessia loves writing in many forms, especially spoken word poetry. As her resume continues to grow, so does her love for the arts. She hopes to continue her acting path and attend a performing arts college in the near future.