EXIT INTERVIEW | Nicholas Barasch Says Goodbye To Frederick in PIRATES!

As Roundabout Theatre Company’s acclaimed—and Tony-nominated—production of The Pirates of Penzance approaches final curtain (it closes July 27), we caught up with Nicholas Barasch to reflect on his journey with the revamped revival. From booking the role to surviving the show’s Tonys performance with seven fresh stitches in his head, here, Barsch thinks back on backstage shenanigans, lessons learned from playing Frederick, and what it means to bring your full, vulnerable self to the stage.

How are you feeling with this experience imminently coming to an end?

It’s funny—this morning, walking to get my coffee, I really felt for the first time, “Oh wow, we’re really on the exit ramp.” It’s very emotional. All the feels. Looking back at how much I’ve changed throughout this process, it’s been super transformative. Of course, I’ll miss it, but I think I’ll also be ready to move on.

Before you were involved with this production, what was your relationship to Pirates? Had you ever done it before?

Honestly, I didn’t have much of a relationship with it at all. It was just one of those classic, very old musicals in the back of my mind. Of course it’s referenced everywhere, but I really didn’t know it. I associated it with Kevin Kline, and that was it. Once I heard Roundabout was doing it again, it piqued my interest—because I knew the creative team—and from there, everything unfolded.

What was your reaction when you found out you booked the role?

Oh my god, I think it was exactly a year ago today! July 15, 2024. I was ecstatic. I couldn’t believe it. I was like, “Are you sure? Are you sure?” It was so wonderful to know I’d be working with this team again. I definitely had some waiting time, so I tried to get my voice and body in shape. As an actor, it’s really nice to have something on the horizon, so I was thrilled.

Can you share a favorite memory? One that you’ll be telling friends and family for years to come?

The Tonys—for a number of reasons. It was overwhelmingly amazing to perform on the Tonys again after doing it in 2016 [with She Loves Me]. But this time the whole cast was on stage, but I was performing with seven stitches in my face! I had hit my head on a piece of machinery downstairs and had been in the ER. So, yeah, that’s definitely a story I’ll be telling—but it was worth it to be up there. I’m proud of myself for that one.

What from this production and experience will you be taking with you into the future—either in your career or just in life?

So much, it would take a long time to unpack. But especially the people—I’ve made lifelong friendships. It’s been my favorite company I’ve ever worked with. Overall, it’s been a super positive, but also challenging experience. I had to confront some real self-doubt and worked through a lot of it in therapy. It’s been a rollercoaster emotionally. I think I’ll be a little braver on the next gig, knowing I can have all this insecurity and still work through it.

What specifically has this role taught you?

I’ve had to be my most radically vulnerable on stage. Frederick and I are very alike—we have similar personalities. I’m a One on the Enneagram, so I just want to be good, to be right. Frederick’s the same way. He puts his integrity, and honesty, above all, and doing what he thinks is right—even when he ends up following his heart and becoming a battle pirate to fight for the woman he loves—he has quite the arc!

What will you miss most about your time with the production?

The people. And just showing up to work every day—the fun and the shenanigans backstage. Every show I do, I forget how much happens in the wings. That’s the stuff you remember. Because it’s such an intimate bonding experience to present something to an audience every night. I’ll miss the joy.