As part of our Meet the Cast of The Liar Blog Series, let us introduce you to Rex Isom Jr.:
ROLE: Geronte, Dorante’s father
DESCRIPTIVE LINES ABOUT GERONTE IN THE PLAY:
(Said by Dorante)
My friends, here’s to my dad, without whose virtue
I’d not have known how fraudulence can hurt you!
CAST QUESTION:
As I understand, you have a strong background in improvisational comedy. How do you plan (or do you plan) on drawing from that skill as Geronte, even though it is a scripted play?
For a scripted play, I believe that improvisation helps the actor with the technical aspects of presenting the character. Since improv really relies on the actor being a good listener and observer, having those skills during a scripted and blocked performance provides the actor with a sort of “behind the scenes” backbone. You are more aware of the overall construct, and thus you can aid more in those “bump in the road” moments, like when a line might be dropped by another actor or a prop falls on stage. You can help out in a much more natural way and stay in character since improv is also about maintaining your character in every way throughout the scene–emotionally, physically and mentally.
Some might think improv makes it harder to maintain the precision of a scripted work. On the contrary, it helps me fortify that precision by keeping me attuned to the whole play and all its parts, not just my part.
CAST BACKGROUND:
Park Square Debut Representative Theatre Stevie Ray’s Improv Cabaret Show; New Native Theatre: The Meeting; Penumbra Theatre: Black Eagles; History Theatre: To Kill a Mockingbird; Brave New Workshop: Jesse Goes to Hollywood; Guthrie Theater: The Darker Face of the Earth Film Public Domain, Thin Ice Training B.S., Theatre Arts, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Awards/Other Most Outstanding Creative Programming Award, 2009 & 2011, CTV15, Roseville, MN Upcoming Projects History Theatre: The Highwaymen
Rex Isom Jr. with Sha’ Cage in a rehearsal.
(Photograph by Connie Shaver)
Area Premiere of The Liar – Park Square Theatre’s Proscenium Stage – September 9 to October 2
