The MGM+ series American Classic is something special, first and foremost because of its incredible cast. Tony and Oscar winner Kevin Kline stars as Richard Bean, a legendary actor who returns home to discover that his beloved family theater has fallen into disrepair—and the family isn’t doing so well either. But the show must go on…

Jon Tenney is Kline’s perfect foil as Richard’s much calmer brother Jon, who just wants to live a good life with his wife Kristen (played by Tony nominee Laura Linney) and their daughter Miranda (Nell Verlaque). In an interview with TVBrittanyF.com, Jon and Nell spoke about how fun it was to collaborate with their costars, and their favorite bits from the season ahead. You can also read our review here.

Brittany Frederick: Art imitates life in American Classic, because Kevin Kline is a Broadway icon playing a Broadway icon. Jon, what was it like for you to play off of Kevin and his lively character?

Jon Tenney: I’ve admired Kevin Kline for years and years and years, so it was really nothing but a joy to be able to toss the ball back and forth with him. It was easy because he made it easy. He’s so present, he’s so alive, he’s so professional, he’s a great artist. And when you’re in the presence of that, it only raises your own game. So it was a joy.

Nell, did you know who was going to be playing your family from the start, or what was your reaction when you found out?

Nell Verlaque: When I auditioned for the show, I don’t think I knew that anyone was attached to it… I just really gravitated towards the script and the character—playing someone that that was so passionate at such a young age.

I just loved it and I did a tape for it, [then] I went in person and did a callback, and I got to read with Kevin, which was surreal. And I then found out who would be playing my dad and my mom. And I was like, okay, so you better do a good job. [Laughs.] It was an incredible experience to work with people like this, that I respected.

Tenney: I adore her.

For you, what were some of the highlights from American Classic? Anything that MGM+ viewers should particularly be looking out for as they watch?

Tenney: I’m so proud that we are telling a story not just that celebrates the theater—which has been the love of my life—but celebrates family and community, and celebrates the idea of how important it is to bring people together to create something of beauty and value in the world.

It’s an uncynical show. It’s not a forget your troubles, be happy, escapist show, but it’s a show that is heartfelt and and optimistic, and to put that out in the world at this time, I’m very proud of that.

Verlaque: I loved getting to do the family scenes… Movies are also great plays. You always see that dinner table scene where there’s all of this drama that’s just coming to a head with every person sat in front of one another. And to me, that perfectly encapsulates the show.

That balance that Jon’s talking about, that it strikes with being really funny, but also really heartwarming and and entertaining. To see this level of actors going toe-to-toe with one another, is something that you just can’t take your eyes off of.

Tenney: There’s some great scenes around the dining room table in a lot of different episodes.

Verlaque: And I got to sing with Kevin and Jon.

Tenney: She has got an extraordinary voice.

Since American Classic is a show about the theater, do the two of you have favorite plays or favorite stage performers that you love?

Tenney: I would recommend Kevin Kline, Laura Linney, Len Cariou, Jessica Hecht, Nell Verlaque, Tony Shalhoub, Stephen Spinella, Aaron Tveit and the play Our Town by Thornton Wilder.

Verlaque: I would say Our Town is a good one. I think there’s a reason that it was picked for the show. When [Richard] says it is a true American classic, I think it represents just what it means to be human, and it’s a great reminder when we forget.

American Classic airs Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on MGM+. Photo Credit: Courtesy of MGM+.

Article content is (c)2020-2026 Brittany Frederick and may not be excerpted or reproduced without express written permission by the author. Follow me on Twitter at @BFTVTwtr and on Instagram at @BFTVGram. For story pitches, contact me at tvbrittanyf@yahoo.com.