A Conversation with Scott Bakula -- March 2006

In a telephone interview with Scott Bakula on Monday, March 6, 2006, Sharon Major (editor of PQL’s The Observer) quizzed Scott on his return to the stage and his early career in the theater. 

Scott is starring as Charlie Anderson in a new production of Shenandoah; which began previews Friday, March 17 at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. and runs through Sunday, May 21.  (Scott Bakula appears through Sunday, April 30.)

Scott’s first professional stage role came in 1976 in a touring company production of Shenandoah.  In his career, Scott has portrayed most of the supporting male roles in the show.  This will be the first time he has played the lead role of Charlie Anderson – a Virginia farmer and father of seven who is trying to keep his family out of the American Civil War.  

We would like to share a portion of this interview, and encourage our readers to attend a performance (or two). 

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SHARON: Hi Scott, when did you get to town?

SCOTT:  Three weeks ago or so.

SHARON: Have you been rehearsing already?

SCOTT: Fast and furious.

SHARON:  I’ve been in contact with an old friend of yours from those early Shenandoah productions, Robert Johanson.   He sends his best regards and wishes for a successful run in this production. He thinks it’s a great idea, and it makes him want to return to the play, perhaps someday with you.

What I didn’t know was that he was in the Ravenna, Ohio production of Godspell with you.  Is that where the two of you met? 

SCOTT:  Yes, we met in Ravenna.  He then hired me for his production of Shenandoah later that year. [At the Pocono Playhouse, August 1978] 

SHARON:  You once mentioned Godspell as being one of your favorite shows.  What about now?

SCOTT:  Godspell was very dear to me when I was that age—when it was a show I could do.  I had fun and it was one of the first ones that I really connected with.  I didn’t do it as many times as Shenandoah, but I’ve done it a few times.  Sweeney Todd and [Man of] La Mancha are probably still two of my favorite shows.  I love doing this show [Shenandoah], and this version that we’re doing now will hopefully be a favorite.  It’s a whole different show when playing Charlie.

SHARON:  At first I thought this role might not be as demanding as I Do! I Do! where it was only Chelsea [Field] and you on stage, singing and dancing the entire time.  But after looking over the libretto for Shenandoah, I think I misjudged the part.  Charlie has five solos, plus a reprise, and is essentially father to the Anderson brood, as well as the cast.

SCOTT:  It’s a big part; there aren’t many parts like this.  There are a few, but not many.  Vocally it is very demanding and it’s a big journey emotionally for a couple of hours on stage, and I’m out there a lot.  It’s a lot of work.

SHARON:  How did you make that journey on a nightly basis as part of the company before?

SCOTT:  Well, I’ve played many different parts, and it was different every time.  But Charlie carries the show.  It’s really about what happens to him and to his family. 

When I was a part of his family, I was resting when he was out there singing.  I always had fun.  We always had a blast doing the show as one of the brothers.  It’s a great show to do when you’re young and play one of those parts, because you just have a grand time.  There’s a different approach and energy required when playing Charlie.

SHARON: The show was such a hit back in the1970s, but it hasn’t really been produced much lately, maybe because of the reason you stated, that Charlie’s role is so demanding.  But otherwise, do you think that its popularity and relevance have waned?

SCOTT:  It is extremely relevant now, just as it was in the 70’s coming out of Vietnam era, when [those feelings] resonated within our country.  I think the real challenge with the show over the years has been that it’s a big show to do and when you examine the show, it is more connected to old-fashioned musical theater.  Since then, other shows like Lion King have come along and musical theater changed a lot.

Shenandoah is not a typical musical comedy night—there’s a lot of fun and comedy—but more than that, it’s emotional, and very thought-provoking and gut-wrenching in many ways, so I think [theater companies] may stay away from it for that reason.

Jeff Calhoun has re-imagined it in a really wonderful way.  I think it will work well for today’s audience, in terms of what they expect visually when they sit down in a theater.  It has a new feel, and a new energy to the whole piece, and I’m hoping that will lift it and bring it back.  I think it is an important piece and certainly relevant to what we and our country are involved with today.

SHARON:  How did you and this production come together?