Jim Parrack Talks About His Role in “Terre Haute”

While on hiatus for True Blood, Jim Parrack (Hoyt) is taking on a challenging role on stage in Los Angeles. Jim stars opposite Mike Farrell (M*A*S*H) in Terre Haute, a fictionalized portrayal of what might have happened if Gore Vidal and Timothy McVeigh met and exchanged ideas. Although the names have been changed, the identities of these characters is obvious. Jim plays the McVeigh role, and admits to being surprised to discover that the would-be bomber was smarter than he seemed. The Los Angeles Times has a Q&A with both actors about taking on these roles:

“We all [were] told that McVeigh was this psycho, this lunatic. I realized I knew almost nothing and found out there were a lot of qualities that I admired before he went off and did this horrible thing. He was big on being fair and looking after people who were getting bullied. And he was hardworking. As I did research, I have only gotten more curious. The moments I love are when I lose myself over to the big ideas that the character had. This play provokes me.”

(read the full interview here…)

Terra Haute runs through November 14 at the Blank Theater Company in Los Angeles.