To watch Henry Hodges in the role of Billy McPherson, the “kid” in The Kid Who Would be Pope, is to watch creativity in action. In the performance, he has to capture the spirit of the new boy at the musical’s 1960s parochial school setting while also underscoring the authenticity of youthful first love – for a singing nun. Hodges is just shy of 21, and Billy is 10 years his junior. But the actor, whose Broadway creds include Macbeth, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Beauty and the Beast, is a veteran at applying his bright-eyed looks to younger roles. When The Kid was staged in the past, the roles have been played by child actors. For the free Ars Nova workshop production, which runs May 20-22 at 511 W. 54th Street in New York City, Hodges is among seven adult actors playing the parts of children. We asked Hodges about Billy, about acting younger and about his work with co-creators and brothers Tom and Jack Megan.
BREAKING NEWS!
THE KID had a sensational run of workshop performances at Ars Nova May 20-22 in New York City! Thanks to the terrific cast, director West Hyler, and musical director Jeffrey Lodin! Also thanks to Ars Nova and the Richard Rodgers Foundation! More updates coming soon - follow us on Facebook and Twitter.