MEET THE ARTIST: TIM LARSON in Cry It Out
An Interview With Tim Larson by Emily Clemenson
Mitchell, Cry It Out
Three new moms from different backgrounds bond over parenting babies. Simple? Friendship, marriage, careers are anything but simple in Cry It Out, a comedy with dark edges. Cry It Out takes an honest look at the absurdities of navigating women’s choices, family life, and job security in modern day America.
What is your theatrical background? What is your history with Theatre B?
I received a B.A. in Theatre from Vanguard University of Southern California and have a long history of performing in shows since then. I have a big background with comedy and improv and am an active member of the Linebenders in town. This is my second year with B and my second show this season after directing Church and State last fall.
I actually would consider myself an actor first and foremost. I have the biggest background and most love for that that. But as a creative, I am always interested in exploring and trying new things on a regular basis. Not much from technical side though. But I imagine it’s only a matter of time. At Theatre B, we all seem to fill in where there’s a need and help the projects move forward. So if there’s a tech need in the future, it could easily be something I step into.
What is Cry It Out about?
Cry It Out follows the stories of two women balancing the early days of motherhood together. After meeting together for some time for coffee and support, a new neighbor (me) reaches out and inserts his wife into their group. The show focuses a lot on motherhood, childcare, and all the preconceived notions we have on what that should all look like.
Mitchell, a husband, is a new father and he is also navigating these new emotions and feelings that come from being a new parent and spouse to a new mother.
Is there a line from the show that you find compelling, or that sticks with you?
It’s “Like an alien stole my wife.”
It is one of my favorite lines from the show; my character is talking about how different his wife is and it just perfectly explains the changes a family can go through when children arrive. We as people change, and a new dynamic occurs. That’s a complete shock to a lot of new parents.
Is there a character that you relate to? Why?
I have two kids with a third on the way, so I relate to a lot here. Obviously, there are things the moms talk about in the show I can’t quite connect to, but there are strong feelings about parenting and love for your kids that hit home for me. I would also say that my character strikes a chord. While I don’t share all the struggles he may, the idea of trying to navigate fatherhood is something that sticks with me.
What are rehearsals like?
Since many of us are parents we end up spending a lot of time sharing stories about our kids and how we handle parenting. It almost becomes a bit of our own parenting support group.
What makes this show a “B Show”?
I think this show has some strong points of view it shares with the audience but it will also cause the viewer to question things they think about parenting. For me, it’s a B show because of all the conversations that it causes to grow from the story. You can’t help but want to discuss and better understand these characters. It’s the kind of show that you will have a conversation about during the car ride home.
Tickets available on April 11 at theatreb.org/box-office
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