BWW Interviews: Talking with Actress Kerry Warren as Arena Stage Extends THE ORIGINALIST Through May 31

Audiences cannot get enough of Justice Antonin Scalia.

The world premiere of John Strand's play THE ORIGINALIST at Arena Stage has already been extended once, running through May 3, 2015 in the Kogod Cradle. Due to popular demand, THE ORIGINALIST will resume performances on May 19 and run through May 31.

Based on the life of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, THE ORIGINALIST features veteran actor and four-time Helen Hayes Award winner Edward Gero as the justice and is directed by Arena Stage artistic director Molly Smith. The play also features Kerry Warren (Broadway's THE RIVER) as Cat, a liberal law clerk who clashes with Scalia. Harlan Work (Taffety Punk's CHARM) rounds out the cast as Brad, a devotee of the famously conservative associate justice.

Broadway World's Jeffrey Walker spoke to director Molly Smith just before the show's official opening. Click HERE to go to that interview.

Walker sat down to talk with Kerry Warren just as the cast continues to perform through May 3 and before the second extension gets underway.

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Jeffrey Walker: What do you think about the show's success and the extensions?

Kerry Warren: I am so grateful and thankful; it is such a blessing to have this kind of response and people wanting to be a part of it. We get a political feel of each audience, how sometimes it's more conservative or more liberal. It's such a smart audience and when they come to the theatre, we get a rainbow of political views, a rainbow of theatregoers. Ruth Bader Ginsberg came not long ago. It's such an honor to be in a ground breaking and exciting production.

Before you came to be in the play, did you have thoughts about Justice Scalia?

I did not know then as much as I do now, I would say I had a limited view. Justice Scalia came to Juilliard before I studied there in 2005 and he spoke about the governments right to deny funding to the arts. I have artistic friends who went to law school, and they gave me some insight as I began working on the play. There is a thin line between lawyers and artists.

Now that the play has been running, how have your ideas about Scalia evolved?

I have not changed my political views, although I lean towards Cat's views. But I understand where Scalia is coming from and his views on the Constitution. I have a great deal of respect for him. He knows his stuff, is so bright and witty. I have met some of Scalia's former law clerks and like Cat, some of them have been liberal. But they said he was the best boss they have ever had.

One thing I am so impressed with as far as the entire Supreme Court is concerned is that it is all about the word - the fact that they still do not allow any video recording in the court. You can hear the arguments online just not see them. It's all about the argument, the word. That is so powerful.

In a world of instant media and everything being recorded it's kind of refreshing. Any other thoughts about Justice Scalia?

During the panel at Juilliard, Justice Scalia said something I keep going back to and it used to be a line in the play. He told the audience at the Juilliard Theater. "The main business of a lawyer is to take the romance, the mystery, the irony, the ambiguity out of everything he touches." What strikes me is that Justice Scalia brings things to light as a jurist but in a different way.

Has your portrayal Cat changed now that the performances are underway?

The essence of Cat is always there but I think she is more confident. Like any role, the more you do it, the more on top of it you get and you get to the heart of it. This play is a great example of how to be an artist-citizen, something we talked about at Juilliard. Ed Gero - who plays Scalia - believes it also. How a piece of art, being an artist in a piece, can spark change.

What have you noticed the most about the performances?

I think this play has brought people into see it that are more about politics and are newer to the theatre. Since we opened, we now have the audience as the fourth character in the room. It really has the feel of a boxing ring and the audience is a key factor. Some people root for her, some against her. I have heard comments like, "I saw myself in you" or "I was that spitfire girl once." That reminds me that we are there to portray stories for people who cannot do it themselves.

Do you have any stories about a memorable audience reaction so far?

There is a moment in the play when Ed Gero, playing Scalia, and I talk about President Bush. Scalia makes a snide remark, and one night someone shouted out "I agree!"

What is it like working with Ed Gero?

Oh, I love Ed! I have learned so much from him, from the very beginning. He even read with us at auditions. He is such an intense listener and caters to each scene partner. Ed has compared us to Delilah and Goliath.

It really has been such a joy and a gift to watch Ed Gero play this role. I think all the stars have aligned for him at this moment. What an honor working with him in a play that has a sense of urgency, I hope it can also being about a sense of change. All we need to do is show up and listen.

~ Follow Jeffrey Walker on Twitter at @jeffwalker66

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THE ORIGINALIST by John Strand

Directed by Molly Smith

With Ed Gero, Kerry Warren, and Harlan Work

Presented in the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle

Performances continue through May 3 and resume again May 19, running through May 31, 2015.

For tickets, click HERE or contact the Arena Stage box office 202-488-3300

Photo Credits: C. Stanley/Arena Stage

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