Born and raised in Birmingham, Kyle Holman is the son of famed local personality Cousin Cliff. “As soon as I could walk, I would go with him to the TV station and watch from off camera,” Holman recalls. “I loved traveling around the state with him when he performed for events and private parties. I was really too young to understand just how special that was. I thought everybody’s dad was on television.” Watching his father sparked a lifelong passion for the performing arts. His formal acting journey began in high school at Vestavia Hills, leading him to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. He came back to Birmingham and hasn’t stopped performing. Next up is “The Minutes” at Terrific New Theatre, running June 12-29. He plays the mayor in Tracy Letts’ comedy about a memorable city council meeting.
What’s your first memory of being on stage?
My dad’s performing was more improv — off the cuff. My first experience with “acting” —learning lines from a script — was in a play at church. Norton Dill cast me in a play where I was Santa Claus getting stuck in a chimney. Not too long after, he cast me in his production of “Peter Pan.” I was Slightly Soiled, head of the Lost Boys. I was bitten deep by the theater bug.
What about the acting? When did that take hold?
I was a freshman at Vestavia Hills High School when Beverly Brasell got a hold of me and began to teach me what acting was really all about. It wasn’t just goofing off. It was something to be taken seriously and studied. When I told my counselor that this was the career path I had chosen, she looked at me as if I had two heads. In her defense, however, she did find some materials on schools where I could study acting. I went to Montevallo on a scholarship for one year and then auditioned and was accepted to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. I was in the 100th-year graduating class and invited to be one of 17 in the 100th-year Academy Company performers.
You’re a prolific performer. Can you give me an idea of the theaters you’ve performed in here and elsewhere?
I did my first professional show for James Hatcher at Town and Gown when I was 14 years old. I did several shows there and a couple of seasons of Summerfest with Hatch while I was in high school. I even spent one summer in Montevallo playing a role in the outdoor drama “Bright Hope” at the Briarfield Iron Works! The outdoor drama thing was fun, and I ended up in Ohio in one of the largest outdoor theaters in the country – Tecumseh. While at the Academy in New York, I performed in several little theaters around the city and did a couple of short film projects. I really enjoyed working in film. I moved back home to do film work in Alanta and Florida and in between projects did shows at Blue Moon Dinner Theatre, the JCC, Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Summerfest, and Town and Gown.
Most people think of you as a musical performer, but ‘The Minutes’ is not a musical. How did this opportunity arise?
I’m not a singer. I can carry a tune, but my training is classically based — comedies, dramas, Shakespeare! Most theater companies in Birmingham produce musicals, so I went where the work was. I’ve been trying to work again with Tam (DeBolt, TNT’s artistic director) for years. I’ve performed with her on stage in a couple of productions at Red Mountain but have yet to work at TNT. She asked me to audition, and the planets finally aligned. I’m very excited for the new TNT and the juicy scripts they choose. I want to be cast in every single show they do.
Can you tell me about “The Minutes” and your character?
This script is fantastic. I haven’t worked on something like this since I was at the Academy. This is the type of script we would pick apart and analyze for weeks in class. Michael Flowers is the absolute perfect director for this show. I play Mayor Superba, involved in small-town politics during a city council meeting. I think the audience will be able to relate to the characters on stage. These are people they know. These are people in some cases they can identify with. I’m really looking forward to how audiences will react to the show. I have no idea what people will think, but they will think. I haven’t been in a show like this for a very long time. Tracy Letts’ dialogue is extremely rewarding and just plain fun for an actor. I’m excited for people to see this production. The cast is fantastic, and Michael Flowers is polishing every single edge of it.
What’s your favorite role you’ve played or show you’ve been in?
I honestly never dreamed I would play Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof.” It is a dream role. I was truly honored to play the role at Red Mountain Theatre Company in 2017.
Who is your favorite composer?
Tom Waits and Danny Elfman — not theater composers per se, but performers nonetheless.
Who is your favorite playwright?
Right now, it’s Tracy Letts. When you get down into the details and the nitty-gritty – wow. I’m also a fan of Sam Shepard and James McClure.
Do you have a favorite show?
“Fiddler on the Roof” and “Oliver!” — oddly enough, both musicals.
Do you have a favorite song from a show?
“Trouble” from “The Music Man.” I finally got to do that show before I was too old, at the Virginia Samford Theatre with the wonderful Kristi Tingle Higginbotham in 2015.
What’s a performance (on stage or screen) that sticks out to you as an audience member?
I was fortunate enough to see Hal Holbrook on two separate occasions in “Mark Twain Tonight.” That’s the closest thing to time travel one could experience.
What is a role you wish you will or could have played?
My last dream role is Fagin in “Oliver!” The only plus side is hopefully, mind and body willing, I have time, because I don’t think I will “age out” for that role.
Any great advice you’ve been given by a director or anyone else about being on stage?
Hold still. Plant your feet. Don’t meander.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
Nothing specific, but for each role or production I do find that I repeat little things in the same order before I go on stage every night. Tiny superstitions.
Tell me about a time something went wrong on stage.
At Blue Moon Dinner Theatre during a performance, an actor’s teeth came flying out of his mouth at me. I caught them and handed them back, and he put them back in and we kept going. Neither one of us ever broke or cracked a smile. Needless to say, that was the longest audience laugh I’ve ever experienced.
Tell me something people might be surprised to know about you.
I was the Morgan Freeman voice for the opening ceremonies of the 2022 World Games. I am not, however, the voice at the airport. My work as a voice actor pays the bills. I have a studio in my house, and with really cool equipment, I’m able to connect to studios around the globe. I have several agents and representatives that keep me busy. I’m very lucky.
What kind of music do you listen to when you’re not performing?
All kinds except country. Mostly jazz and instrumental.
What’s the last book you read?
“Journey into Darkness” by John Douglas, the man who invented FBI profiling. Fascinating.
What’s the last TV series you binged?
“White Lotus.”
What’s next for you?
Not really sure. I have a film project coming up in August, and I’m hoping to get a chance to work with Theatre Downtown. We’ll see.
“The Minutes,” at Terrific New Theatre June 12-29.
