Interview with John Gallagher Jr. on Farragut North
24-year-old John Gallagher Jr., who received a Tony Award last year for his performance in “Spring Awakening,” has returned to Off-Broadway’s Atlantic Theater Company in Beau Willimon’s political drama “Farragut North.” The cast also includes Chris Noth and Olivia Thirlby.
Q: How did you get involved with “Farragut North”?
A: I was doing “Spring Awakening” on Broadway and the script was dropped off in my dressing room. I read it on one sitting and was really mesmerized. A year later, I got a call asking me to audition for (director) Doug Hughes.
Q; What attracted you to the play?
A: It’s hard to write a play about politics that’s realistic and exciting, but Beau Willimon has pulled it off. He’s worked on many political campaigns as a volunteer and has an insider’s view. The play almost feels like a whodunit thriller.
Q: What’s your character like?
A: He’s a young, hotshot press secretary is in a position of power that he ultimately abuses. Lately, I’ve played a lot of sympathetic, tortured teenagers. I liked the idea of playing someone a little villainous instead of another heart on his sleeve youngster.
Q: Are you surprised that “Spring Awakening” is closing?
A: Absolutely. Of course, I never thought that “Spring Awakening” would be quite the success that it turned out to be. It’s a shame to learn that it’ll close, but it’s had a wonderful run.
Atlantic Theater Company, 336 West 20th St, 212-279-4200. Tues-Fri 8pm, Sat 2 & 8pm, Sun 3 & 7pm. Thru Nov 29.
