Theatergoers in Birmingham know Caleb Clark well, from his solo turn in “Buyer & Cellar” to musicals like “Company,” “Shrek” and “Matilda.” Now, he’s about to tackle one of his biggest roles, the title character in “Sunday in the Park with George,” to open Terrific New Theatre’s new theater at 2112 5th Ave. North. It’s a case of art imitating art, as Clark is playing an artist on stage and has also created quite the painting career himself. (Check out his beautiful work on Instagram – @calebclarkartist.) Here, he talks about his new show, which runs Nov. 21-Dec. 8, as well as his visual art.
Is “Sunday in the Park with George” something you’ve been wanting to do?
For as long as I can remember. It’s really humbling sometimes to live and work as an actor, or any type of artist. You spend years dreaming of the day when someone trusts you enough to let you loose on a certain kind of project. Then one day you’ve arrived at that moment.
This isn’t the first time I’ve had David Strickland and Tam DeBolt to thank for this type of opportunity. (Strickland is directing “Sunday in the Park with George,” and DeBolt is TNT’s executive director).
The musical is all about the artistic process, and you’re an artist. Can you tell me about how that informs what you’re doing on stage?
Being a visual artist is certainly not a prerequisite for the role of George, as evidenced by the brilliant men who have walked before me in this role. That said, it has been exciting to explore the blurred lines between actor and painter that this process has afforded me. Often in rehearsal I have felt that I am getting away with something as I double up, clocking practice hours in figure drawing with George’s conte crayon and pad while spending time immersed in the Sondheim/Lapine material that I have loved for so long.
Tell me about your art. Have you been painting all your life? This is something that’s more than a hobby, right?
I have not been painting all my life, no. In October of 2020, while all of my acting jobs were withering away under the demands of COVID safety guidelines, I was desperate for artistic output. I bought a pack of watercolors at Target and the next thing I knew, the second bedroom in my apartment was my studio. My work as a painter has now expanded to many mediums, many opportunities, and many conversations about what it means to work as an interdisciplinary artist.
It must be special to be the first show in a brand new theater. Can you tell me about that?
I have referred to Terrific New Theatre as my artistic home since 2018 when Tam DeBolt took an enormous risk allowing me to frolic in the wild, one-man world of Jonathan Tolins’ brilliant play, “Buyer & Cellar.” From that point onward, my friendship and artistic partnership with Tam has afforded me space and guidance to grow and explore as an artist. So, leading this cast is not just special because it’s the first show in a new theater. It’s that it is the first show in THIS new theatre. It’s an honor beyond expectation or deserving to help usher the spirit of this Birmingham staple into a new home.
“Sunday in the Park with George,” at Terrific New Theatre, 2112 5th Ave. North, Nov. 21-Dec. 8.
