Trinity Rep's Charlie Thurston Takes on Beowulf

Charlie Thurston plays the legendary warrior Beowulf in "Beowulf: A Thousand Years of Baggage," which runs at Providence's Trinity Repertory Company through October 9.

Based on one of the most famous pieces of literature of all time, "Beowulf: A Thousand Years of Baggage" is a raucous rock 'n' roll musical version of the blood-soaked Old English poem. With music by Dave Malloy ("Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812"), the swaggering hero Beowulf defends the great hall of Heorot against the monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a fire-breathing dragon... as a panel of academics overanalyzes his every move.

Thurston's cast mates include fellow company members Stephen Berenson, Janice Duclos, Rebecca Gibel, Anne Scurria, Rachael Warren, and Joe Wilson, Jr. and Brown/Trinity Rep actors Rachel Clausen, Laura Lyman Payne, and Brad Wilson.

"I think this story embraces (Beowulf's) youthful recklessness and bravery," Thurston told EDGE. "It's a unique theatrical experience."

Thurston noted that although the show essentially asks audiences to evaluate why the story is still being taught in schools today, it is still an entertainment.

"It's just a lot of fun," Thurston said. "It has a great sense of humor."

Thurston grew up in Kansas and began acting in high school productions.

At Trinity Rep, he appeared in "Barefoot in the Park," "The Heidi Chronicles," and last spring's acclaimed production of "Oklahoma," which was directed by veteran Trinity Rep actor Richard Jenkins and his wife Sharon.

Thurston enjoyed collaborating with the couple on the show.

"I really admire Richard as an actor so that was cool," Thurston said. "I've worked with Sharon on other shows so I've always enjoyed working with her. It was cool working on this older musical that has been done a million ways and everyone has an opinion on it. It was fun to strip the iconography from the show and just try to make it new and personal."

Thurston enjoys the feeling he gets when he shares a story with an audience.

"I like the direct interaction between performer and spectator," Thurston explained. "That's kind of thrilling. I believe in the power of storytelling."

"Beowulf: A Thousand Years of Baggage" runs through October 9 in Trinity Rep's Chace Theater. Tickets are available at www.trinityrep.com, by calling 401-351-4242 or at the theater's box office at 201 Washington St., Providence.