It’s an exciting time for journeyman actor Frank Nall. With a recent move to Evanston and a role in New Country, the theater production written by and starring Mike & Molly creator Mark Roberts, Nall’s life is flying at full mast. Nall recently took a moment from his exhilarating schedule to share his thoughts on why New Country is such an interesting project and how he is acclimating to his new Evanston home.
Evanston Magazine: Who do you play in New Country?
Frank Nall: I play Paul. He’s the manager for country western star Justin Spears, who is at the top of the charts. And when people are at a certain level, they are always trying to stay at that level. It’s a little cutthroat, a little power play.
So you’re playing the typical conscience-free manager?
Not necessarily. He’s actually got a heart of gold, but he’s still willing to do the things that he needs to do to stay there.
What was your first reaction upon reading the script?
How funny it was. Mark really has a way with words. He has a certain rhythm to his work that the cast has fallen into. It’s fast paced. There’s a lot comedy, but also a lot of pathos and other things going on at the same time.
What’s it been like working with him?
Fabulous. Mark and I met in grad school at UIC at Champaign-Urbana. I was doing some sketch comedy and he was doing stand up. We kind of became friends then, but our careers took us in different directions. It’s great to be back with him again.
Did your previous connection help you get cast?
It helped me to get an audition! (Laughs) But everybody here won their roles. We’ve got a very strong cast. It’s nice.
This was originally done in New York. Has there been any re-writing done for this production?
No. Mark just has on his acting hat. That’s pretty much it.
Is there anything that stands out about this production for you?
It’s nice to have intelligent southern characters. I’m a southerner myself. I’m originally from Arkansas. So, it’s refreshing to have that.
Is there any music in the show?
Not particularly. There is one song that is sung acapella. But it’s sung to woo someone to do something. It’s kind of a bet.
You’ve done a lot of classics in your career. Do you approach a modern comedy like this with a different mindset?
Even from the classical stand point, I always work from the inside out. It really is the old cliché—if you can do the classics, then you can do almost anything. It gives you the flexibility to be even better in modern and contemporary work. But it doesn’t change my process. I always like to find the heart of what the character is actually going through and slowly let that come to the surface.
How long have you lived in Evanston?
I moved here in July. I am loving every second of it.
Why did you make the move?
I ran across an apartment I really loved. (Laughs) Living in Evanston has increased my travel time—exponentially. There are so many pluses that I couldn’t turn it down, though. It’s got that city feel with the suburban quiet. It’s a great combination. There are neighborhood shops, nice restaurants, and a nice nightlife. It’s been very, very fun.
New Country runs through May 14 at The Den Theater, 1333 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, newcountrytheplay.com.
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