Actors' Unexpected Bond: From Party Pals to Stage Stars

Alden Ehrenreich and Patrick Ball, now co-stars in the Broadway production "Becky Shaw," first met at a Golden Globes party. Their shared journey into live theater has involved navigating new routines and the intensity of nightly performances.

Ball, a veteran of theater and television, finds returning to the stage feels like "coming home," while Ehrenreich, known for his film work, calls the Broadway experience "thrilling and moving." Both actors have embraced playing complex, unlikable characters in Gina Gionfriddo's play.

The actors reflected on their initial encounters and the process of preparing for their roles. Ball noted the play's smart exploration of gender roles and attachment, while Ehrenreich sought roles that are "super verbally dexterous, funny people that other people would call dicks."

Both acknowledged the challenges and rewards of live performance. Ehrenreich emphasized the importance of knowing lines, drawing from experiences in film where this is not always a given. Ball discussed his approach to character development, focusing on "cling impulse" and "scarcity" for his role.