When Richard Kind makes his Muny debut on June 15 in “Hairspray,” he’ll be stepping onto one of America’s most iconic outdoor stages.
For an actor whose career spans television, film and Broadway, it is a first.
Kind said he has quickly become impressed by both the scale of The Muny and its role in the St. Louis community.
“It astounds me,” Kind said. “I’m also amazed it’s been here for as long as it has. It’s a place that just brings joy to the community.”
Richard Kind discovers The Muny
Kind is currently rehearsing for the production in Forest Park and said he has enjoyed seeing how the theater operates behind the scenes.
“The word factory sounds like a negative word, but it’s not,” he said. “They’ve got to get these things up in a week and they do it. You pay your money and you’re entertained. You don’t need to see anything backstage. But it does exist.”
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The Muny’s production of “Hairspray” opens June 15 and runs through June 21.
Playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray
“Hairspray” is based on the 1988 John Waters film and won eight Tony Awards.
The musical follows Tracy Turnblad, a teenager who dreams of dancing on Baltimore’s popular “Corny Collins Show.”
Kind will portray Tracy’s mother, Edna Turnblad, a role made famous by performers including Divine, Harvey Fierstein and John Travolta.
“I’m going to be a little closer to Harvey, because that’s the one that I saw live,” Kind said.
He credits Fierstein’s performance with helping him understand how to approach the role.
“I don’t think anybody will ever do it better than Harvey,” Kind said. “Harvey brings a legacy to the role, because it’s all about being yourself and having the bravery to go out into the world, not apologize for who you are, just to be who you are.”
A career on stage and screen
Kind, 69, grew up in a Jewish family in New Jersey and has built one of the most recognizable careers in entertainment.
Audiences know him from television series including “Mad About You,” “Spin City,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and, more recently, “Only Murders in the Building.”
His stage credits include Broadway productions such as “The Producers” and numerous other theatrical roles.
Despite his extensive résumé, Kind said live theater remains his favorite medium.
“I’m a pretty big actor and my choices are large,” he said. “If you do that on camera, it gets a little grating. I’m very loud. The microphone does not like loud, the microphone picks up everything. In theater, you can just be as big as you want.”
Why Richard Kind loves theater
Kind said one reason he continues performing is the immediate connection with audiences.
“I never do theater with the thought of anything but I’m going to entertain people,” he said. “That’s what I’m there for. That’s why I still keep doing it. It’s not just my profession. It’s my sustenance.”
He also appreciates the enthusiasm of Muny audiences.
“The community comes to be entertained, and they come with a positive attitude,” he said. “They don’t sit back and fold their arms and say, ‘All right, let’s see what you’ve got.’ They come because they’re excited to see it.”
What audiences can expect from Hairspray
For Kind, the enduring appeal of “Hairspray” is simple.
The show delivers an uplifting message while never forgetting to entertain.
“I’m doing a great play,” he said. “It’s a joyous musical. It looks great. ‘Hairspray’ has already been proven to be a fun show. You’ll be entertained by the songs.”
And if Kind has his way, audiences will leave The Muny with exactly what they came for.
“I hope we show them a good time,” he said.
