BWW Interviews: Getting to Know A STEADY RAIN's Sal Viscuso

The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble production of A STEADY RAIN by Keith Huff, plays at the Guthrie Theater now through Nov. 2, and features Thomas Vincent Kelly as Joey and Sal Viscuso as Denny. The production is directed by Steppenwolf Theatre Company Co-Founder Jeff Perry. Television fans of the hit "Scandal" likely are more aware of Perry and Viscuso's roles on the series.

This riveting drama reveals the flaws and humanity of two lifelong friends and Chicago policemen doomed by their tragic fates.

Joey and Denny have been best friends since kindergarten, and after working together for several years as policemen in Chicago, they are practically family: Joey helps out with Denny's wife and kids; Denny keeps Joey away from the bottle. But when a domestic disturbance call takes a turn for the worse, their friendship is put on the line. The result is a harrowing journey into a moral gray area where trust and loyalty struggle for survival against a sobering backdrop.

Viscuso has a storied career as an actor, starting with the series "Soap" where his role as vocationally-challenged Father Flotsky drew national controversy. He has been seen on "The Mentalist," "Castle" and "Law and Order: SVU." Debuting in the original The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, he has also appeared in many films, including American Seagull, Mel Brooks' classic Spaceballs and Anne Bancroft's Fatso. Viscusco played Carr-Gomm in ELEPHANT MAN, Roma in GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, and worked with South Coast Repertory Theatre and the Laguna Playhouse. He makes his Guthrie debut in A STEADY RAIN.

BroadwayWorld.com Minneapolis had a chance to chat a bit with Viscuso about the role and experience at the Guthrie.

BWW MPLS: Tell us about A STEADY RAIN - what is it about from the perspective of your character, Denny?

Sal Viscuso (SV): It's interesting because on the outset, I am on top of the world and then I am thrown for a colossal loop.

Do you have any relationships you drew from to portray the close friendship of Denny and Joey?

SV: The friends that I grew up with in Brooklyn in the '50s; working-class buddies who, simply put, always had my back. I watched out for them and they took care of me. It was a tough "hood."

You have been on "SCANDAL" with director Jeff Perry. What's it been like working with him as your director?

SV: He is 100% available, constructively critical and always works from a positive point of view. He is never ironic or undermining. He always pulls the best out of me.

You have such an extensive career on stage and screen -- audiences likely will remember you from many of your past and more recent roles. What do you attribute your long-time success to?

SV: I love what I do and I never turn down a challenge.

What has been the role you've been most proud of your performance - in any of your experiences, and why?

SV: Last spring I played Russ in CLYBOURNE PARK, which was directed by Chris Coleman of Portland Center Stage. Audience members who suffered from suicide issues in their families approached me after a talkback and told me that the performance gave them options to create a family of choice, as their families of origin had been ashamed of their suicide-related problems and burdens.

What's next for you?

SV: I don't know what is behind door number two, but I do know that I will be continuing my role as Defense Attorney Clark Garrett on ABC's "SCANDAL." I would love another opportunity to return to the Guthrie.

This is also your Guthrie debut -- what do you think so far of your experience there? Has anything surprised you about the theatre or Minneapolis?

SV: I was not surprised by how wonderful the folks at the Guthrie have been. Also, the people I have met in Minneapolis and St. Paul have been great (as their reputations preceded them).

What is something that audiences who come to see the show should watch for or pay close attention to that will give them added insight to the show or to Denny?

SV: The fact that your word counts. That any one of our fortunes can turn on a dime.

A STEADY RAIN will play Oct. 14 - Nov. 2 in the Guthrie's Dowling Studio. Single tickets start at $15 and are on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE, 612.225.6244 (Group Sales) and online at www.guthrietheater.org.

Photo: Thomas Vincent Kelly as Joey and Sal Viscuso as Denny in the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble production ofA Steady Rain by Keith Huff, directed by Jeff Perry. Set and projection design by Adam Flemming, costume design by Rachel Clinkscales, lighting design by Michael Gend, music by Ray Leslee and sound design by John Zalewski. October 14 - November 2, 2014 in the Dowling Studio at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis. Photo by Heidi Bohnenkamp.

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