[Interview] Jim Parrack talks 'Hatful of Rain' at Sherry Theater

Jim Parrack's artistic passions are many. Widely known as the endearing Hoyt Fortenberry from HBO's True Blood, Jim has produced, written, and directed for both the screen and stage. And, yes, he's every bit as amiable and genuine as you'd expect. Jim took a moment on the July 4th holiday to discuss 120 Productions' A Hatful of Rain, premiering this weekend at The Sherry Theater in North Hollywood.

How did you become involved with Hatful?

I came to LA to study acting in 2001. This was one of the plays that stuck out to me in acting school. Over the years, I wanted to workshop pieces of it in class, but I could never decide which of the two brothers I wanted to play. Earlier this year my wife, Ciera — who plays Celia Pope in the play — said, 'I'm tired of waiting around for you. I'm going to take these two actors we know and do [Hatful].' Then I said, 'Well, I'll direct it then.' So, this production's been a long time coming. It's one of my favorites.

A Hatful of Rain director Jim Parrack

It's always great when you can devote your time to projects that mean a lot to you, to your favorites.

Yes. What are some of your favorites?

Of Mice & Men, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Crucible... classic, gritty, realistic dramas, in the same vein as Hatful.

Definitely.... Do you know how the story [of Hatful] came about?

Please share.

Interesting story. The author Michael Gazzo — most people know him as the guy with the raspy voice from Godfather II — well, he was a member of the Actors Studio. For about a year or so the company was doing a series of improvisations about a guy who came back from the [Korean] war addicted to morphine. Michael wanted to act in the scenes but Strasberg and others said, 'No, Michael, you're not ready to act, yet.' So, he basically spent that time transcribing the scenes. (He was like Rudolph: he didn't get to play in the reindeers' games.) Eventually, when the script was finished, the same actors came to him, wanting to be in his show.

Just like you. This time around you don't get to play on stage, but you get to direct. 

Exactly.

And how would you describe your directorial style?

For both movies and plays, casting is the most important part. Not only do you hope to work with talented actors, but talented actors who understand the roles. You need both elements to have a successful show... I don't like to hold typical auditions. It puts actors under a lot of pressure, and they end up just giving you want they think you want to see. I don't believe it's the best way get a beat on who someone really is... [The cast and I] spend a lot of time together, having meals, reading, talking about our lives. I try to create an environment that is familial, in hopes that a result comes out that family. Rather starting with results in mind, and demanding a lot from the actor early on, like, 'Show me this now!' I want an environment where anything can be tried, even during the run of the show, as long as it stays within the circumstances of the play.

Instagram'd rehearsal photo

Some critics have said that Hatful is dated, since hard drug abuse isn't as taboo as it used to be. Is there anything you, or your production team, have done to revitalize or modernize the story?

No. It's the same as Children's Hour or To Kill a Mocking Bird. These stories aren't any less powerful because the country's idea of homosexuality or race have changed. It's the actor's responsibility, and it's my responsibility to inform the actors, that [hard drug abuse] was about as shameful a secret as one could have during that time... We can't rewrite the underlying meaning of Shakespeare, Moliere, or Chekhov because the times are changin'. These are the stories the audience are coming to see. So, I guess, the audience also has a responsibility — to know that during that time [the early 50's] hard drug abuse was a big, big deal.

What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?

Hatful of Rain isn't just about addiction. That's one of the many things that's going on. It's about, 'Are you going to responsible, or irresponsible, with love?' The audience will see people who are irresponsible with love, and pay a great price to learn how to love responsibly. At the beginning, everybody's messed up; no one's innocent. By the end, they learn to be there for each other in a real way.

Ciera Parrack

You were a co-producer and the cinematographer of Daisy's, an upcoming film written, directed by, and starring your multitalented wife, Ciera — who, as you said, also stars in Hatful. I imagine you have a great working relationship; I think you'd have to in order to put out that much art together... But what happens if you give her a note she doesn't agree with?

[Laughs] Our first project together was a movie I directed. It was a tremendous task for her as the lead, to carry the whole movie on her shoulders. I was new filmmaker; there was no crew; it took a year and a half; and we argued like crazy. I felt like any other other director could've give her a note and she would've taken it. But we've come to the point — after working together on so many projects over the years (and we're artistic soul mates, too, you know?) — so now, we can push each other without it getting snotty or defensive. I know, as an actor, Ciera can accomplish anything you ask of her. Now, I'm directing her in a love story with two other guys... [Laughing again] But I think it's more uncomfortable for them, than for me. I trust everyone. They're probably thinking, 'Are you sure you want us to go further?' Uh, yes.

What's next on your schedule? Anything else you'd like to direct?

I've spent some time in the Philadelphia area, directing a movie called Black Curry. Also, my friend Jim Jarrett and I are currently getting financing to produce the life story of Sanford Meisner. Jim's going to play Mr. Meisner, and I'll be directing that as well. Jim's been touring a one-man show about Mr. Meisner around the world for a while. They were close friends towards the end of Mr. Meisner's life. We've been working on the script for about a year and a half.

A Hatful of Rain plays at The Sherry Theater in North Hollywood from July 5-28th, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm; Sunday nights at 7 pm. Get your tix at the door or by visiting 120productions.ticketleap.com.