INTERVIEW: Meet the new Big Daddy in ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’
Photo: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof stars, from left, Matt de Rogatis and Frederick Weller. Photo courtesy of Max Bieber / Provided by Jorgensen PR with permission.
Frederick Weller is no stranger to New York stages. The actor has built an illustrious career on and off-Broadway, including roles in To Kill a Mockbingbird, Take Me Out and Glengarry Glen Ross. His latest character is one from the American theatrical canon: Big Daddy in Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, currently running, courtesy of Ruth Stage, at Theatre at St. Clement’s in Midtown Manhattan.
This run of shows, which continues through March 31, is actually a return engagement of Ruth Stage’s Cat, which first premiered in 2022, after a long delay due to COVID-19. This return also stars Courtney Henggeler, of Cobra Kai fame, and Matt de Rogatis, who has appeared in many off-Broadway productions. Opposite Weller’s Big Daddy is Alison Fraser’s Big Mama. Joe Rosario directs the ensemble.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Weller about portraying the iconic Big Daddy role in New York City. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What interested you in joining this production?
I was thrilled and a bit taken aback by the opportunity to play Big Daddy, a role which was on my bucket list, but which I didn’t realize I was old enough to play.
What’s it like to bring the iconic words of Tennessee Williams to life?
Tennessee Williams’ words taste very good in my mouth.
How do you see Big Daddy as a character? How do you approach him?
Big Daddy is extremely flawed but is redeemed by his deep love for his son and by his need to save his son from self-destruction. The most important aspect of the performance is to connect with Matt, which is easy to do, because he’s always loose and present — always different from night to night.
How’s it working with Joe Rosario, your director?
Joe is a vey tasteful director who creates an atmosphere conducive to creativity and to taking chances.
How’s it working with this ensemble of actors, in particular Alison Fraser as Big Mama?
Alison Fraser is a superb actress who brings her own original, authentic, hilarious take to Big Mama. She’s a pleasure to share the stage with.
Do you feel that the themes of the play are still resonant in 2023?
The themes of the play are timeless ideas about the destructive force of self-deception and perfectionism; so, yes, they are still resonant in 2023.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Cat on Hot Tin Roof, featuring Frederick Weller as Big Daddy, continues through March 31 at Theatre at St. Clement’s in Midtown Manhattan. Click here for more information and tickets.
