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'One Tree Hill's' Cullen Moss talks theater, movies, and life on a long-time show
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Actor Cullen Moss has certainly been keeping busy these days. He just wrapped up a new film based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, Dear John, he is currently contributing to the Wilmington, NC theater community by starring in the live production of The Last Night of Ballyhoo, and he is preparing to reclaim the role he has been playing for the past six years on the CW's 'One Tree Hill'. I spoke exclusively with Cullen where he discussed with me how much he's enjoying his role on stage, how live theater and on-screen work differs for him, and also what he's excited about for 'One Tree Hill' this season.
Q-Describe your character of Joe Farkas in The Last Night of Ballyhoo? What kind of person is he? What is his background?
Cullen-He's a lively, good guy from Brooklyn, who's been immersed in Judaism his whole life. He describes being a part of that New York Jewish culture within the play. He goes to Atlanta for work, and experiences culture shock when he ends up working for the business of a Jewish family that's not as Jewish as him. It shocks him when he sees that the family has a christmas tree. They were equally Jewish, but as a result of the south's lack of acceptance of the faith, they felt the need to hide it, to suppress it in an effort to fit in and be accepted in society. He ends up falling for the niece of the man that he's working for and that ends up creating conflicts, as the aunt thinks he's too Jewish for her niece. There is a falling out at a big event there. He's basically there to show the contrast and the two-different cultures.
Q-What is the main story of the play? Its' theme?
Cullen-The themes of the play go beyond the Jewish hierarchy in the south and the clashing of the cultures. It is more broadly about acceptance and understanding on micro and macro cosmic levels. Within the family, within society, in relationships. It is about holding on to that that you hold dear in circumstances that may not make that easy to do. It is about change. I know that all sounds like a lot to swallow and a lot to fit into a play, but somehow it works and doesn't get muddy.
Q-What drew you to this role?
Cullen-He's just a sweet guy. I really haven't played anybody quite like him before. Part of it was also the dialog. Very quick, snappy, and of the time. A lot of "Don't say" and "No foolin" and stuff like that, that's just a lot of fun to play around with. And with the beautiful wardrobe and the beautiful set and props, you really feel like you're stepping back in time. I even get to say this one line, "Who knows, Sunshine? We've got the whole future to choose from." It's cool to turn lines like that into real language that people believe and find relevant. Also the play was not too heavy, it's funny..just the perfect little play. It's directed by Linda Lavin, who is amazing. She's won numerous Tony's, had a pretty amazing career as an actress, just years and years of experience on Broadway. She knows what she's talking about. I enjoy working with her.
Q-What is it like to perform this play in a very small theater in Wilmington? Does it change your acting tactics from performing in a large theater?
Cullen-I do like that the audience members feel like they're in the scenes with the actors. I love it. It also allows you to do smaller work, performing in a smaller space. I love performing on a big stage, too though.
Q-You've done Theater, Film, and Television; do you have a preference of those three?
Cullen-It's hard to say. There's always something in theater that's pretty magic. I really love the whole live process. You're out there, you gotta do it. In theater, you can do a show and it's gonna be different from night to night. Your character can mature through a run. I think I do prefer theater more. In film, I love the chance to explore more subtitle things and you can't do that in theater. There's just all these different nuances. You certainly can't take a theatrical performance and do it in film and vice versa. It's been fun to explore. It all though. I started in theater, in Winston-Salem where I grew up.
Q-You also have a new movie coming out based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, Dear John. What was that whole process like starring in that film?
A-Yes, it comes out in February. That was a cool experience. My character is in the military. We had actual special forces on the set, they helped us out and made sure we weren't misrepresenting the military. It was directed by Lasse Hallstrom, who is someone I've really admired for a long time. I really enjoyed working with him.
Q-The new season of 'One Tree Hill' has premiered, will we be seeing you this season?
Cullen-Yeah, it's just been confirmed my character is coming back. You know Mark's a great, very loyal guy. And I've always said this, I've always felt blessed to be a part of the show in any capacity. They certainly didn't need to bring me back, but I'm glad they did.
Q-Seven seasons is quite an accomplishment for a show today. 'One Tree Hill' is known to have a strong loyal fan base. What has it been like meeting fans there?
Cullen-I didn't even realize anybody knew who I was until the very end of Season four when we were filming the final scene out on the river-court, Fans came out and stood for hours watching us film, and they were calling my name and I thought it was just friends teasing me you know. Until James [Lafferty] told me that it was fans who wanted me to go over to them and take pictures!
Q-What is it like working with the same cast and crew for so long?
Cullen-There's a good bond there, six years have formed a comfort level. It's nice. I enjoy working with the whole cast. The crew I love, they're just awesome. Good guys!
Q-Some of your co-stars have directed episodes of the show recently. Is that something you would be interested in doing or would you always prefer to stay in front of the camera?
Cullen-I would love to one day. I directed a one act once, and it was fun. I enjoyed it. I was part of a comedy troop, where we directed, wrote our own scripts, worked props.
Q-There's been a few changes made to 'One Tree Hill' this season. You have three new cast members and two no longer on. Are you looking forward to anything in particular this season?
Cullen-As for the new cast members, I look forward to having the chance to meet them and work with them some. I did find out that one of my upcoming scenes is possibly going to be with Jackson, who I always have a good time with. He's awesome, a joy to work with.
To read more about The Last Night of Ballyhoo and for tickets to the play go to:http://www.redbarnstudiotheatre.com/5.html
For more on 'One Tree Hill' go to www.cwtv.com
One Tree Hill Links-www.onetreehillblog.com, www.othfans.com
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