Ep308 - John Lavelle & Haskell King: Your Everyday Russian Trolls

The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

From cults and documentaries to their deeply thought out character motivations, actors John Lavelle and Haskell King look back on their theatre journey. The two share their background, doing productions when they were younger, and what eventually made them pursue acting as a career. Currently starring in "Russian Troll Farm: A Workplace Comedy", they talk about how they got involved with the show, hitting it off on the first meeting, and the allure of cults and how people get drawn into them. With the show being as relatable as ever today, they reflect on how it changed their relationship with social media, how they interact with it, and the complexity of playing as bad guys. John and Haskell also impart some advice to aspiring actors and their motivations, including the desire to be seen and connect with others and become a better person for one’s family.

Haskell King has performed all over the Off-Broadway and regional stages such as the Irish Repertory Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, and the Abingdon Theatre. His TV and film credits include “Dear Edward”, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”, “As the World Turns”, “The Fly Room”, and “Shadow & Lies”. John Lavelle has been on Broadway in “The Graduate”, and off-Broadway stages including La Jolla Playhouse, The Shakespeare Center LA, and The Old Globe. His TV and film credits include “Selma”, “Frozen”, “Wreck-It Ralph”, “Zootopia”, “The Taking of Pelham 123”, “Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts”, and “Grace and Frankie” among many others.

They are both part of the stellar cast of the off-Broadway production of “Russian Troll Farm”, an office comedy, at the Vineyard Theater in New York City. More info and tix here: https://vineyardtheatre.org/shows/russian-troll-farm/

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