Mario Cantone on Reality TV and Staying in the Closet

Mario Cantone has a bone to pick with reality TV. “Do you think there’ll ever be reality theater?” Cantone pondered in his opening remarks at the 2012 Lucille Lortel Awards, which he hosted on Sunday night.

Back Stage caught up with Cantone before the show and chatted about hosting awards shows, Off-Broadway, and how to make it as an actor.

What advice do you have for hosting an awards show?
Cantone: I love doing this, but hosting something on television is something I’d never want to do. If you want to host anything, get a reality show. If you really want to be an actor, stay away from reality shows. That’s what I think. If you really want to be an actor, stay in the closet. I’m kidding. I have no advice. It’s a dangerous game. You’re on your own. Enter at your own risk. That’s what I say.

What do you love about Off-Broadway?
Cantone: There are things Off Broadway that you can never see on Broadway and can be an incredibly special evening of theater. Some of the best theater I’ve ever seen is Off-Broadway. It’s beautiful. This was a great year, too.

Was there a show you particularly enjoyed this season?
Cantone: I liked “Carrie.” I did. I enjoyed it. I thought it was fun and good. I just liked it. The direction was beautiful. The performances were great. It was a lot of fun. And I think it’s not the most perfect show, but I think they did a good job. And I love that story, and I love Stephen King, and I love the movie. And I had never seen the musical because it only ran for a week when it was on Broadway years ago. And I loved “Queen of the Mist.” I thought that was magnificent. I love Michael John LaChiusa, and I love Mary Testa. And I’m so glad that she was nominated tonight. She was fantastic.

When you were starting out, did you subscribe to Back Stage?
Cantone: I bought it ever week. I got a lot of my improv auditions in the '80s. And I got some very lovely reviews in Back Stage for different theatrical projects I’ve done. I love Back Stage. It’s good for the actor. There’s the real advice. Pick up Back Stage if you’re in New York. If you’re in L.A., you’re on your own.

There’s Back Stage in L.A.!
Cantone: I know. But you got to drive.

Suzy Evans is the Senior Web Editor at Back Stage. Follow her on Twitter: @suzyeevans.