“We represent a seedy, more realistic view of the world than any of the other characters. We have a little bit of history, and we did places. We have a little bit of danger and edge with the comedy. We are something new that comes into the play at certain points.” Larry explained.
Larry, who had never thought of playing Henry before, was asked to perform the role of Henry, replacing actor Terrence Currier, just 2 1/2 days before opening night.
Larry has enjoyed a long theatrical career – from playing Louis Pasteur as a kid, performing in Off-Broadway shows, and winning awards for “playing insanity”. Although Baltimore audiences see him often in straight roles, he has also performed in many musicals: from touring as Little Chap in Stop the World- I Want to Get Off, and many performances as Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, to being the judge in Sweeney Todd.
Why does Larry enjoy performing in the show? “I love the Everyman quality of it. It’s a story everyone knows about…You go away feeling good”. Jesse: “It’s a simple story, but highly theatrical. It’s a great imaginative play that will get the kids thinking, and it’s a great way for kids to get into the theatre.”
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Arena Stage’s production of The Fantasticks plays at The Lincoln Theatre, through January 10, 2010.
For details, directions and tickets, click here.
I really enjoyed The Fantasticks and loved Laurence and Jesse’s very funny performances. Thank you for recording this conversation with these two talented actors. It was quite enjoyable.
I so enjoyed Laurence’s performance of Henry and loved the magic between the duo as well. Having seen other renditions of The Fantasticks over the years; your performance made this a special treat for me. The entire cast was wonderful but how much richer you made this show as you drew us in.