Originally from Blackwood, NJ, Zach Schanne is a triple threat of the stage and screen, a fitness professional, a vocal and theater coach with a degree in Musical Theatre from Rider University, and an active member of the cast of The Boy Band Project – a rotating group of stars from Broadway and beyond covering the biggest hits of the guy groups from the ‘80s to today with stellar vocals, hot moves, parodic humor, and up-close-and-personal audience interactions that keep their fans coming back for more.  The Boy Band Project (Chris Messina, Travis Nesbitt, Zach Schanne, and Chris Hanford), Boy Band Brunch. Photo by Deb Miller. In addition to the recurrent Boy Band Brunch at City Winery, Schanne is adding to his non-stop “15 minutes of fame” with such NYC credits as the 2020 Off-Broadway premiere and 2022 Off-Broadway revival of the hilarious musical rom-com Romeo and Bernadette, and the world premieres of City of Light, Days of Rage, and Mambo Italiano. Other notable stage performances in regional, national, and international touring productions and entertainment cruises include his titular role in Pippin, Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages, and Danny Zuko and Kenickie in Grease. And on camera, Schanne has been seen on HBO (directed by Martin Scorsese), in feature films, and on many other network TV projects and series, among them Star Envoy (2025), Glitterbaited (2025), and The Multidimensionals: Star Envoy (2024). Following the latest Boy Band Brunch this month, Zach took some time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions about the show, his role in it, his background, his favorites, and his hopes for the New Year. 1. What do you love most about performing live on stage? Zach: The energy is like nothing else, it really makes you feel alive! The guys all really connect with each other and the crowd. From our beloved BBP superfans to folks at their first experience, it’s a privilege for us to entertain and bring joy – you’ll carry the energy and lift with you long after the show ends. 2. Do you have a favorite Boy Band?    How can you pick one?! It would have to be a three-way tie: *NSYNC, O-Town, and Boyz II Men. 3. What do you enjoy about playing the Bad Boy in The Boy Band Project? The archetype is a huge step outside of myself – if there was a “Shy One,” that would be me! But I’ve been enjoying putting Bad Boy on as an alter ego, it’s super fun. 4. Which Boy Band type are you most like in real life? Sensitive, with some Sporty. Zach Schanne as the Bad Boy in the Boy Band Brunch. Photo by Deb Miller. 5. What three words would you use to describe yourself? Ironically, I’m probably the most sensitive of the bunch and can be a bit shy. I’d say spontaneous also; I definitely approach life with a certain amount of childlike joy + hope. 6. What’s the most memorable reaction you’ve ever gotten from a fan? Well, I have to throw love to the superfans, they make every show memorable! Recently, I saw a fan do a double-take when we sang to her, she couldn’t believe she was being singled out. Those are the experiences that keep you on a high even after the show. 7. Which came first for you – singing, dancing, or acting? Kind of the chicken or the egg here. I started formal training pretty late in my teens. Singing and acting came at the same time, dancing followed. I was obsessed with ’90s movie stars and American Idol when it came along. 8. What’s your first creative memory? Singing for my parents! My first solo performance, they thought “how are we going to tell him he can’t sing?” Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. But in a family of six kids, I felt like I had found my place. 9. Who, or what, has been the biggest inspiration in your career?  So many. I love all kinds of music (RB, pop, rock, even country). Lauryn Hill, O-Town, Nirvana, Air Supply, Tim McGraw. On Broadway, though, it will always be Brian Stokes Mitchell. 10. What’s your drink of choice or favorite menu item at City Winery? HOT HONEY FLATBREAD PIZZA! Also love their BEC on a biscuit. 11. Is there one song or move in the show that you never get tired of performing? My current favorite is “Story of My Life,” but honestly, every time we start “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” always makes me happy. To hear the audience going wild definitely puts a smile on your face. Zach Schanne. Photo by Deb Miller. 12. What do you do for fun when you’re not working? I teach group fitness with Equinox, which is a great hobby (and thankfully pays!). I enjoy learning new languages as well, although somehow never make it all the way to fluency before finding a new one. I also have an adorable puppy at home. Sometimes just cuddling up and relaxing is nice, especially after a long day at the gym. 13. Have you made a New Year’s resolution for 2026? GRATITUDE; MORE OF IT! 14. Have you ever kept a New Year’s resolution? Kind of! My soapbox: resolutions can be made at any point of the year. I have definitely made commitments to making positive changes, but I rarely feel inspired in the cold of January. 15. If you could have one wish come true for the New Year, what would it be? For everyone reading this to make it to Boy Band Brunch! We love performing for a big crowd! We have two dates coming up in NYC and Boston, so check us out @boybandproject! Thanks, Zach, for sharing a fast and lively 15 minutes with us and letting your fans get to know you a little better. Best wishes for a fabulous 2026! Boy Band Brunch plays next on Sunday, February 1, 2026 (and multiple monthly dates on Saturdays), starting at 11:30 am (doors open at 10:30), at City Winery New York City, 25 11th Avenue, NYC. For tickets (priced at $35, plus $2.40 in fees and a two-item food and beverage minimum per person), go online. 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