Kieran Culkin Prepares for Broadway Comeback with ‘Nerves’ in Tow
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Acclaimed actor Kieran Culkin is set to make his return to Broadway, and the anticipation is palpable. Culkin, aged 42, is gearing up to grace the stage in a fresh revival of ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’, slated to kick off performances on March 10 leading up to its grand opening on March 31 at The Palace Theatre in New York City. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, while discussing his recent Super Bowl ad with NerdWallet, Culkin shared his mix of emotions, revealing that he is feeling a case of nerves as the Broadway debut approaches.
“I wonder if it’s excitement,” Culkin muses. “What’s going through my body? Yeah, there’s nerves, I guess, but I’m not paying attention.” He added, “I’ve just been putting it off, mentally. All I know is it is a really good, really well-written play, and as long as we don’t do anything drastic to mess it up, it should be good.” Culkin emphasised that he is focused on staying true to the script, ensuring that he interprets playwright David Mamet’s words accurately and refrains from making outlandish character choices that do not align with the narrative. The ‘Succession’ star emphasized the importance of trust in the material, stating, “That’s all, it’s just not worrying and doing the work.”
The upcoming production of ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ will witness Culkin starring alongside fellow actors Bob Odenkirk and Bill Burr, both marking their Broadway debut. The play unfolds over two intense days in a ruthless Chicago real estate office where salespeople vie to sell mostly worthless properties to unsuspecting clients in a high-stakes competition. The individual with the highest sales will win a car, while the lowest performer faces termination. The theatrical piece will be under the direction of Tony winner Patrick Marber, known for his directorial credit on Leopoldstadt’s Broadway premiere. Joining Culkin on stage will be Michael McKean, Donald Webber Jr., Howard W. Overshown, and John Pirruccello, promising a stellar ensemble performance.
For Culkin, this return to Broadway follows his standout role in Kenneth Lonergan’s ‘This Is Our Youth’ in 2014, sharing the stage with Michael Cera. His theatre credits also include a notable performance in James Lapine’s ‘The Moment When’ in 2000 alongside Mark Ruffalo and the late Phyllis Newman. Reflecting on a past theatre experience in an interview with The Guardian, Culkin recalled a cheeky prank he played on his co-stars involving a prop joint replaced with real marijuana, eliciting unexpected reactions on stage. However, the seasoned actor assured that such antics won’t be repeated this time around, affirming his growth and maturity in handling performances.
In the midst of his Broadway preparations, Culkin garnered further accolades, notably a Golden Globe for his supporting role in the comedy-drama ‘A Real Pain’, earning accolades for his longstanding contributions to the industry. The actor expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the significance of such milestones in his career. As he immerses himself in the realm of theatre once more, Culkin remains focused and determined, eager to deliver a compelling performance that resonates with audiences.
As tickets for ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ become available for purchase, fans and theatre enthusiasts await the unfolding of Culkin’s theatrical prowess on the esteemed Broadway stage. With a stellar cast and a compelling narrative, this revival promises an engaging and unforgettable theatrical experience for all in attendance.