T.R. Knight Returns to Broadway in a Spectacular Fashion

T.R. Knight says he was a big "Stranger Things" fan even before he auditioned for the play, "Stranger Things: The First Shadow," in which the out actor now appears in on Broadway in the pivotal role of Victor Creel in this prequel to the Netflix hit series. It is a big role in a big play – perhaps the biggest spectacle to ever play Broadway that has been capitalized at $50M. And marks Knight's return to the theater after a decade away.

But the 52-year old actor, best-known for his Emmy-nominated role on "Grey's Anatomy," has never been all that far from the theater, where he got his start at the age of 12 at the acclaimed Gurthrie Theatre in Minneapolis. After moving to New York, he got his first break in the 2001 revival of "Noises Off," and then was cast in Dr. George O'Malley on "Grey's Anatomy." It was to be for one year, but ended up being six, though he left the show after he was called a gay slur by another actor and was forced out of the closet even to his family who did not know. Knight, though, found happiness in coming out – he married his husband, Patrick B. Leahy, a ballet dancer and writer, on October 5, 2013, in a private ceremony in Hudson, New York. The couple had been together for about three years before marrying and have celebrated milestones such as their 10th wedding anniversary publicly on social media.

After "Grey's," Knight, though, pivoted in his career, choosing to work in projects that more interested him, and returned to the theater, including an acclaimed LA production of "Parade" and the David Mamet play "A Life in the Theater." "Stranger Things" marks his return to Broadway, if only for the opportunity to work with Stephen Daldry, the film ("The Hours," "Billy Elliot") and stage director ("An Inspector Calls," "The Inheritance") It was Daldry who pitched the idea for a stage version to the Duffer Brothers, who had created the Netflix series set to return for its final season later this year. But Daldry idea was to simply drop the series on the stage, but extend its mythology with a prequel that looks at how troubled teen Henry Creel's (Victor's son) becomes Vecna, the villain introduced in Season 4 of the TV show. Daldry's idea was the blend spectacle with emotional depth, and Knight's character, a World War II veteran suffering from PTSD and desperately trying to hold his family together, exemplifies the play's dramatic power.

EDGE speaks to Knight about the strange, spectacular world of "Stranger Things: The First Shadow,' why he took the role, and why live performance is important for him.

EDGE: Before joining the cast, were you a fan of the original "Stranger Things series?

TR Knight: Yes, I watched it. Also, I was a massive fan of Stephen Daldry. I have known his work for over 20 years and remember being so incredibly affected by his films. It is rare to be affected by a movie in a way where you don't get up from your seat for a while. How he tells stories with such brutal honesty and lack of sentimentality was maybe more uncommon for me then. His artistry is astounding. He is so inordinately talented and kind. I'm very grateful to work with both him and Justin Martin. I didn't think I would ever get a chance to work with Stephen, and now, having this opportunity is amazing, and I feel pretty lucky.

EDGE: Can you tell us about the character you're playing in 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow,' and what drew you to the role?

TR Knight: I am playing Victor Creel. What drew me to the role was his level of damage. The play takes place in 1959. Victor fought in World War II. He was a sergeant and experienced some horrors in war that he has not forgotten, so he medicates with alcohol. He thinks that there's some relief and solace in drinking, but it is exacerbating his PTSD. It allows him to torture himself more and further, maybe unwittingly. Victor is Henry's father. Henry is the monster hero in the play. My role in this is to support Henry's story, and the psychological trauma that Victor's experiencing sets up the psychological trauma that Henry's experiences. It also allows him not to be there for him. Both Victor and the character of Virginia, the mother, played by Rosie Benton, ultimately push him into Brenner's arms because they can't be there. We're not there for him in a way that he needs us to be as a parent.

EDGE: Is there freedom in playing a character that was only in one episode of the series? Are there any subtle ways you brought your own interpretation to the character?

TR Knight: Yes, it's been about finding this person and who he is with the help of both directors, Stephen and Justin, and with the help of Rosie Benton, who plays my wife, and Louis McCartney, who is doing a brilliant job playing Henry. All of that influences it. What I love about the rehearsal process, and what you don't often get in film and television, is that you build something together. It's a community build. You often don't get that in film and television, mainly because you lack time. To be able to create this with them all is what I love most about the community aspect of theater. The great thing is it's not just those people I mentioned, but it's also Liz, our voice coach, who has been helping me a great deal. What she has been working on with me also influences the text and the acting. It is all exciting to me.

EDGE: What's been the most challenging part of bringing 'Stranger Things' eerie, supernatural vibe to a live audience?

TR Knight: To be honest, that's a question that I feel Stephen and Justin could answer much better than I can. What they have done is what I'm in awe of, and it's a little bit like a magic trick. I still don't understand how they have done it. My moldy little brain is filled up with dealing with how to sustain Victor's psychotic breaks. I will say it's a terrible answer to your question, and I apologize. I am in awe of them and what they've achieved. So many people are involved in bringing this show alive, especially with the special effects, and it is astounding what they have created for everyone. It is definitely a technical achievement.

EDGE: If you could visit Hawkins in real life, what would be your survival strategy against the Upside Down?

TR Knight: Dig a hole, find some leaf clutter, and pull it over me. I don't know if anyone would want me on their team to battle any of this. I would have some real flashbacks of kickball on the Catholic school playground and being the very last person picked.

EDGE: You've played a wide range of characters throughout your career–how does this role stand out for you?

TR Knight: I think I can answer that question better next year. Let's talk again. I'm in it now. I think I'm in it too because we've just opened. Although the rehearsal and preview periods are over, the learning won't stop until after my last performance. I'm still very much figuring him out, and I like that. I like being able to continue that process. That excites me. He's a tough nut to crack, and I greatly enjoy the challenge.

EDGE: Do you have any pre-show rituals or backstage routines that help you get into character?

TR Knight: I do, but I would like to keep them private if that's okay. This role requires a focus throughout the entire show. I try to tune out a lot. I find, especially with this role, that it's really important. Different shows require different things, but I feel the amount of focus for this role is a lot. To truthfully support Henry's story, I need to respect the role. There are a lot of people who deal with both the problem of alcohol and the issues of how to survive. So, for me, the weight of that is essential to respect and acknowledge.

EDGE: You've worked in both television and theater. What do you love most about performing live?

TR Knight: With theatre or live performances, you're together in a dark room, telling a story to those in the audience. My energy affects them. Their energy affects me, and that is so incredibly exciting to me. And so much of that excitement is being aware of how much the audience influences the storytelling by their energy. And then getting a chance to do what you learned in the rehearsal room day after day by exploring, making mistakes, and figuring out what to do is fantastic.

EDGE: In the current climate, do you have a message for the queer community?

TR Knight: I have lived through a lot, and I'm still figuring it out. I wish I weren't. I admire their bravery and continue to learn from it. I wish for a better world for them. I hope there will come a time when we won't have to struggle or fight for our rights, but until then, speak up and continue to fight. And always live your authentic self.

"Stranger Things: The First Shadow" is playing at the Marquis Theatre, 46th Street between Broadway & 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10036. For more information, follow this link.