These 5 Actors Are Already Screen Stars. Now They’re on Broadway.
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Five established screen actors—Patrick Ball, Melissa Barrera, Adrien Brody, Tessa Thompson, and Ben Ahlers—are making their Broadway debuts this season, highlighting the unique challenges of live theater.
- They discuss the physical demands of performing eight shows a week and the pressure of engaging large audiences in theaters seating up to 1,900 people.
- Each actor shares personal insights: Patrick Ball feels at home on stage, Tessa Thompson values the nightly live interaction with audiences, and Ben Ahlers balances filming and performing simultaneously.
- Melissa Barrera describes Broadway work as physically and emotionally distinct from her previous roles, while Adrien Brody compares each performance to a small premiere with immediate audience feedback.
- Their experiences emphasize the contrast between screen acting and live theater, underscoring the preparation, trust, and adaptability required for success on Broadway.
