EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Andrew Poston of Bull Durham at the Paper Mill Playhouse

Bull Durham is the iconic movie that combines comedy, romance, and of course baseball. Now, it has been turned into a home run hit musical at Paper Mill Playhouse. We got to chat with Andrew Poston who plays Jimmy, on it all.

This is your second time playing Jimmy, is there anything different this time around?
Yes! I had the pleasure of playing Jimmy in Theatre Raleigh’s production and I’m so grateful the team gave me the opportunity to return to the role. This time around, the stakes got a little higher for Jimmy and Millie (Jimmy’s love interest in the show). It feels like their story line has more depth and value to the show as a whole. I’m grateful to have a second rehearsal process as well to try new things and to learn more about who Jimmy is.

What do you hope the audience takes away from Jimmy?
Jimmy really is just a nice, positive guy who sees the good in everybody. I hope people see that him. Whether he is the butt of the joke in the locker room or getting fired from his job, he never loses faith or sight of what he truly believes in. Like Jimmy, my faith is a huge part of my life. I’m a Christ-follower and I lead worship for my church while getting to do the show as well. For me, Jimmy has been a constant reminder to stand firm in what you believe in no matter the situation or season.

We have to know, have you ever played baseball before this or ever saw the movie?
I played short stop on my Little League team but quickly retired from baseball after that. In college, I became a fan of watching the sport and I’ve enjoyed following along ever since. In Durham, we got the opportunity to do batting practice at the Durham Bull’s stadium, and I made my big return to baseball. I watched the movie for the first time when I got my first audition for the show. It is such a classic film and getting the chance to work with the mastermind himself, Ron Shelton, has been such an incredible experience. The way he is able to craft such brilliant lines that are deeply emotional and yet hilarious at the same time is genius.

How does the music in Bull Durham shape the story differently than the movie?
Our composer, Susan Werner, crafted an incredible score that really puts you in the world of Durham, North Carolina. The music has the perfect amount of twang, soul, jazz, and grit. It not only expands the world of Ron Shelton’s story, but also gives viewers a chance to go deeper into the minds of these characters as they sing. I get to sing a song called “Heaven For You” and every time I sing it, it always takes me back to my southern gospel roots and the church that I grew up in. Susan’s score is truly unique and unlike anything Broadway has heard.

What’s something about this production that the audience might not realize but you think is really cool?
Something about me and my character that I’ve always thought was cool is that my Grandfather and Dad are both named Jimmy. I finally get to carry the name in my own way!

Do you have any pre-show rituals for this production?
I don’t have any exciting preshow rituals. I always try to do a quick vocal warm up and stretch. Other than that, I normally look at my dressing roommate Will (Nuke), and we say the word “sliders.” That word helps us get our southern accent going, and as the pitchers of the Durham Bulls, we’ve got to give em’ the heat.

What was it like working with the creative team at Paper Mill Playhouse on a project like this?
The creative team for this show is truly brilliant. Marc Bruni is one my favorite directors that I’ve ever worked with. His vision for the show and ear for comedic timing is unmatched. He and his assistant Banji Aborisade make the rehearsal room such a joy to come to work! We have athletic choreography by the Emmy winning, Joshua Bergasse and his associate Akina Kitazawa. Their work makes it truly feel like a real baseball team, but also it has the magic and precision of a Broadway dance spectacle. The band is rocking, and it’s led by our music director, Vadim Feichtner! And then you have so many more folks who have joined together to make the magic of this show happen. Everyone at Paper Mill has been so terrific too. Everyone in the building is so kind and so great at their jobs. Biggest shout out to our lead producer, Lauren Kennedy Brady. She really is one of the most supportive, present, wise, and generous producers I’ve ever had the honor of working with!

And last but not least, what is your order from the famous Millburn Deli down the block from the Paper Mill?
My order lately has been a buffalo chicken sandwich with ranch instead of blue cheese. They nail it every time!

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