Tony Award-winning actor Norbert Leo Butz was at the Maplewood Memorial Library Monday as part of the Maplewood Ideas Festival, and photographer Joy Yagid was in the house to capture the event.
Interviewed by Amanda Eigen, adult services librarian at Hilton branch, Butz, who stars in Bloodline and Mercy Street (which has been renewed for a second season), spoke about the difference between acting on the stage and on camera: the camera will know if you’re “lying,” said Butz, so an actor has to be “all in” for the part when he’s in front of a camera.
He spoke of his family being musical, singing in church and chorus, and how he got his start in regional theater, where he learned to perform a wide variety of roles.
Butz talked about his time in Rent and Wicked. Before a clip was shown of him in Cabaret, he wondered aloud if it was appropriate for the children in the audience. “This is Maplewood!” an audience member shouted out — which drew a laugh from Butz.
The actor and Maplewood resident was funny and gracious, and completely charmed the crowd.
Enjoy Yagid’s photographs below; click on any photo to begin.
