What’s a TV actor to do when they really want to prove to the world that they know how to act?  Or what’s a stage actor to do when they find fame and fortune on TV or in the movies… and want to prove to the world that they can act?

That’s right, spend your off-time on the boards. Do some Shakespeare-in-the-Park or get more deeply involved by actually taking a substantial run at a play. Indulge yourself in a re-interpretation of a classic, or kick out all the boards and expose yourself completely with an original.

Many of the audience members will attend these plays simply because they star well-known actors. And while that sometimes makes the tickets scarce and pricey, my hope is that it entices many more people to see live theatre. Following are just a few shows I have seen in the past couple of years (all on Broadway) that featured TV stars.

Harvey by Mary Chase – July 2012

Parsons and Friend

Out of general respect to the Stage, I like to dress nicely for a show. However, I’m not such a snob as to be horrified by folks in t-shirts and shorts. But I had never seen so many “Bazinga!” shirts in one place as I had at this production of Harvey.

Starring Jim Parsons, Jessica Hecht, Charles Kimborough, and Carol Kane, this classic play is light and charming fare. Despite the clearly alcoholic main character, a possibly demonic invisible rabbit, and the ever-present threat of being forcibly detained in a mental hospital… this is a fun play!

Parsons known primarily for his role in the comedy The Big Bang Theory, is more charming and sexy than you can imagine (if you’ve only ever seen him in his TV show.) An accomplished stage actor, Parsons will no doubt keep bringing his legions of fans to be exposed to live Theatre whatever he does.

Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen – November 2013

Enemy of the People is a timeless play about two brothers, played by Richard Thomas and Boyd Gaines, who are at opposite ends of a political spectrum, with their small town torn between the two. Retold by writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz, this version is still set in the 1800’s but could be talking about modern themes. Gaines, the main character is an idealistic doctor and his brother is a sharp politician.

If you have ever seen The Waltons, then you remember Richard Thomas’ John-Boy Walton  as a sweet, charming, soft-spoken man who just radiates NICE. I am sure he is like this in real life, even though, Dorian Gray-like, he doesn’t seem to have changed any in the decades since the show ended.

Insert your own “Good Night, John Boy” joke here

But let the power of Acting amaze you when he takes that charm and soft lilt in his voice and uses them to manipulate his way to destroy his brother. I remember gasping at how frighteningly snake-like that twinkle in his eye could be and I know now that I can never look at John-Boy again in the same light.

Orphans by Lyle Kessler – April 2013

Alec Baldwin is a movie star and the star of the TV comedy 30 Rock. He could be playing in any field, but he really loves the stage… and the stage really loves him. This three-person play is about two young men who fall under the sway of a con artist who introduces them to “good living through crime.” Baldwin is known for playing fast-talking sharp-dressed men and is no different here.

This is a character we have seen before, especially 30 Rock fans who came to see the show and anyone who saw Baldwin in the film version of David Mamet’s classic Glengarry Glen Ross. His larger-than-life presence makes it tough for the two other actors to strut their stuff, but they manage handily. Here’s hoping in the future Baldwin can find a character outside of his comfort zone.

As for you dear reader, get out of your comfort zone too! If there is an actor you admire for their movies or TV work, then see them up close and personal onstage.