Hal Holbrook's Grandson to Star in ROMEO AND JULIET at Archway Theatre

Actor Will Holbrook says he knew what he wanted to do with his life from a very early age. As a boy of 5, he used to put on shows for his parents, and developed a love for performing that continues to drive him today at age 19.

It wasn't until "around age 8 or so" that Holbrook became aware of the fact that his Grandfather Hal was a famous actor. HAl Holbrook's career spans more than 70 years, beginning with the creation of "Mark Twain Tonight," a project he began in college that has gone on to become one of his defining roles, earning him a Tony Award along the way. His film career started in 1966, and includes an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Into the Wild." He has five Primetime Emmy Awards for his television appearances.

"I started to go to Twain shows, and I would see movies of his, but until I started watching more things he had been in, he was just Grandpa," said Will Holbrook.

Growing up in New Jersey, the younger Holbrook visited with Grandpa Hal three to four times per year; either journeying to California where Hal Holbrrok shared a home with his wife, Dixie Carter, or when the older Holbrook was performing in the Tri-State area. At age 9, Will and his father, David, spent three days with Hal on the set of "Into The Wild."

"That experience took me from 'this is what I want to do,' to 'this is what I'm doing,'" said Will. "When he got his Oscar nomination, and I watched him on the TV at the Oscars - that was fun," he said.

Will Holbrook started appearing in plays and musicals in sixth grade. His first Shakespearean performance included an appearance as Flute (Thisbe) in "A Midsummer Night's Dream." In high school he continued to perform in an average of two productions per year, and spent most of his time in the theatre department.

"I almost didn't graduate because I didn't care about anything else. I liken it to a baseball player tripping his way to home plate and barely sliding in," said the avid Mets fan.

For two consecutive summers, Holbrook spent his time in LA, living with his grandfather and working as a production assistant on film sets. Those experiences convinced him that he eventually wanted to move to LA permanently to pursue his career as an actor. Just days after high school graduation in June 2015, he loaded up his car and drove across the country to live with Grandpa.

"We find we're very alike," said Holbrook. "He tells me I'm doing the right thing by getting work where I can, taking classes, and absorbing as much as I can from him."

The shared stories and valuable lessons are plentiful, including insights into roles such as Tom Wingfield in "The Glass Menagerie," Reverend Barnes in "After The Fall," and King Lear. The senior Holbrook also shares anecdotal tales of experiences with famous actors and directors, including one about the time Holbrook walked out of an audition for Lee Strasberg over a disagreement about Strasberg's direction technique.

"The more we talk as actors - it feels more now that we talk as fellow artists, and not just as grandfather and grandson," said Will. "We both love the craft, and respect the craft."

Holbrook says it is also much more than that.

"There's a lot more that I've learned from him as a wise man of many experiences, than as an actor. He teaches me to make sure I don't take anything for granted," Holbrook said. "He teaches me to make sure I have fun, and stay true to myself in pursuing projects, and work with people who are truly about the craft of acting."

In March of last year, Will Holbrook joined the Archway Theatre resident company of actors after appearing as Marcellus in their production of "Hamlet." In August he performed the role of Algernon in the company's production of "The Importance of Being Earnest." Now he prepares to tackle the role of Romeo for their production of "Romeo and Juliet" opening February 18.

"The hardest part of about playing Romeo is getting to the vulnerable place he is in," said Holbrook.

He and his costar, actress Kei'la Ryan, have been preparing for their roles for months. The process has included long hours of rehearsal and poring over the text with director Steven Sabel. The production has a cast of 14.

Holbrook says he enjoys talking to his grandfather about the rehearsal process.

"He's very excited for me. He's very proud. He thinks that playing this character is just about the best possible thing I could be doing right now," Holbrook said.

He is attacking the role head on, attempting to embrace the full depth of the emotional demands of the character.

"The most difficult challenge is trying to crack my chest open for the performance," said Holbrook.

Grandpa Hal has been a great help, he said.

"As an actor I have some favorite pieces of advice he has given me, but his support has been the most important thing to me," said Holbrook.

"Romeo and Juliet" opens Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Archway Theatre, 10509 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. The production runs 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays through March 19. General admission tickets: $30. Discounted tickets available for students, seniors, and groups of 10 or more. For additional information, visit: www.archwayla.com or call (818)980-7529.

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