INTERVIEW: Luke Smith stars in new topical play at Barrington Stage Company

Barrington Stage Company, the well-respected theatrical institution in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts, has been producing a motley variety of dramatic, comedic and musical fare for years. This summer season, they are offering an impressive slate of shows, including the new world-premiere play American Son by Christopher Demos-Brown.

Playing through July 9 and directed by Julianne Boyd, the drama examines the nation’s racial divide through the eyes of an estranged, interracial couple. One evening turns into a monumental series of conversations and actions involving their son, the police and an abandoned car. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’s Tamara Tunie stars alongside Murder One’s Michael Hayden.

Playing the role of officer Paul Larkin is Luke Smith, an alumnus of the first national tour of Peter and the Starcatcher. Off-Broadway the actor has starred in Significant Other, Hit the Wall and F***ing Hipsters. Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Larkin about his new role, this new play and its commentary on society today. Questions and answers have been slightly edited.

How did you get attached to the production of this new play?

I got an appointment from my agent to audition. I had the opportunity to read the play prior, and was absolutely gripped by the story, and saw something in Officer Larkin that I knew I could play. I’m so grateful that Julianne saw the same thing!

How do you see the Officer Paul Larkin role? How do you approach him each performance?

Officer Paul Larkin is clearly a very new cop, or, as they say in the police biz, a “rookie.” The big rookie mistake he makes in this play is to assert more expertise than he actually has over a situation he’s never faced before, and does that over, and over … and over. He has the best intentions, but his lack of experience and exposure to real life situations forces him to make the mistakes that he does. This is pretty fun for me because I tend to be a bit more shy in life. I love having permission to react to situations in ways that are different from my own.

How do you feel the play addresses the issues of race and culture?

The play tackles a wide range of complicated and multi-faceted issues on culture and race. What really makes it work is that they are discussed through the lens of the relationship between the play’s two main characters, Kendra and Scott. They are parents, recently separated, who are forced to be in the same room (a waiting room in a police station, no less) because of the need to find their missing biracial son. This tense circumstance is what propels the heated debates of the play, and its specific nature is what lends a very real, very personal perspective on the issues discussed. The personal nature of this story is what makes the conversations so visceral for [the] audience, and I think is a big part of why people have been having such strong reactions to the play.

From an actor’s point of view, what’s the difference of performing in a world premiere vs. an established piece?

The main difference is having access to the playwright directly. Whenever you’re working on a script, our mission as actors is to deliver the author’s intentions as best as possible. When they’re in the room with you, it becomes much easier to accomplish that goal. Got a question? Ask the guy who wrote it!

Barrington Stage Company is world renowned for its theatrical offerings. What’s it like joining the Barrington family for the first time?

An absolute joy. I was well aware of Barrington Stage and its accomplishments before arriving, and my experience working here has matched its reputation. Everyone we encounter here is incredibly supportive and kind. It’s the ideal working environment for me.

What was the process like working with director Julianne Boyd and playwright Christopher Demos-Brown?

It was passionate, engaging, supportive, focused … overall incredibly fulfilling. Julianne and Chris are both brilliant artists and work very well together, which is obviously important. They were always open to hearing our perspectives on the play, which led to all kinds of exciting conversations about the piece and the issues that surround it. This was essential in establishing a solid foundation on which we could find our footing in our respective characters, and I feel each of us continue to grow through each performance because of it. It’s quite thrilling to be a part of, and was only made possible by their generous spirits and thoughtful guidance through the rehearsal process.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

American Son continues at the Barrington Stage Company through July 9. Click here for more information.