LENOX, Mass. — In theater there are many definitions of “making good.” Clearly one is starring in a blockbuster film or play.
But, in an industry in which less than 50% of union actors are working at any given time, working regularly is the best description of “making good.”
Kevin Craig West, is making good in the industry. He is currently playing Gil in a two-person play “Hymn” at Shakespeare & Company, one of the most prestigious theater companies in the area and perhaps the country.
West vividly remembers seeing the musical “Big River” at the New York State Theater Institute and realizing that acting was how he had to make his living. He never veered from that path.
He’s acted at almost every non-professional theater company in the area. After honing his skills at the community theater level, he obtained his Actors’ Equity union card.
Once in the union, he appeared in “Race” and “Trip To Bountiful” at Capital Rep. Even while living in Los Angeles he returned to Cap Rep to play Christopher Marlowe in “Shakespeare in Love.”
However, it was at Oldcastle Theater Company, a professional theater company in Bennington, VT, that he said something clicked and he decided to add television and film to his ambitions.
As might be expected, given West’s drive and work ethic, his time in LA from 2013-2019 was a success. From walk-on roles he progressed to the point that in the film “Don’t Look Up” he played the Secretary of State to Meryl Streep’s POTUS.
On television, he played Captain Roland in the television series “FBI’s Most Wanted.” He was also mayor Terrence Bryant in the new series, “Law and Order: Organized Crime.”
He has several projects that will be released this year and next, including an Apple TV film starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. He is very proud of a gag scene in which he is featured. “It will catch the public’s attention,” he says.
Indeed, West’s agent and representatives feel he is nearing a breakout role that will make him well-known to the public. This faith is indicated by the fact that producers are asking him for audition tapes rather than him going around knocking on doors.
“Hymn,” at Shakespeare & Company, is not likely a vehicle that will bring him fame, but being asked by noted director Reggie Smith to do the role after working with him at a reading last season fills him with pride. He says his first love is the stage, and thinks of Smith as an important director, teacher and mentor.
“Hymn” is about two men who meet at a funeral. One, Benny, knows the deceased. Gil doesn’t. Over the course of the 80-minute play the two men develop what West calls “an intimate relationship.” He quickly explains that is not meant in a sexual way. “It’s a love story between two men who admire, counsel and befriend each other. It’s a rather beautiful story,” he says.
Indeed, English actress and playwright Lolita Chakrabarti has been quoted that she wrote the play based on her husband’s relationships with his friends. She said she heard for years how men were afraid to express their emotions with other men, but her experience was totally different.
West agreed and indeed, in a case of life imitating art, he raves about his relationship with his acting partner, rannry. “He’s become my brother. We will be close friends for life. He is a brilliant actor and can speak with informed authority on almost any topic. It’s a joy working with him and knowing him.”
Asked to describe his character Gil, “a man who wants to reach his full potential,” West says, “He’s determined, has courage and will never quit. If there is a chance for him to get something he wants, he’ll work and learn until he achieves his goal.”
Sounds like type-casting to me.
“Hymn” is at Shakespeare & Company through Aug. 28. It plays in repertory, so check shakespeare.org for time and dates.
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