McKay, Scott Speak at 'Evening With…' Events

Christian McKay has long known he bears a striking resemblance to Orson Welles and has finally made peace with it, the actor revealed at Back Stage's Dec. 14 "Evening With…" event. McKay can currently be seen playing the iconic actor-director in Richard Linklater's film "Me and Orson Welles." To prepare for the role, for which he just received a Spirit Award nomination, McKay met with many people who knew Welles, including actor Norman Lloyd. Now 97, Lloyd worked with Welles' Mercury Theatre Company and is portrayed in the film by Leo Bill. "Norman told me I channeled Orson when he saw the film," McKay revealed, "and then added, 'And it's a testament to your acting that in real life, you are nothing like the son of a bitch!' "

On Dec. 16, Back Stage presented another "Evening With…." Actor Adam Scott and writer-director Lee Toland Krieger spoke following a screening of their film "The Vicious Kind." It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and recently earned both artists Spirit Award nominations, for best male lead and best screenplay. The film, executive-produced by Neil LaBute, is a dark comedy about a bitter but witty construction worker (Scott) who develops feelings for his brother's girlfriend when the pair comes home for Thanksgiving weekend. Best known for his work in comedy, such as the series "Party Down" and the films "Step Brothers" and "Knocked Up," Scott was cast after a meeting with Krieger, not an audition. "When you have an actor with a résumé as impressive and varied as his, you just know," Krieger said. "He was also the first actor who came in and said, 'This script is really funny.' " Added Scott, "If I'd had to audition, I never would have gotten the part."

For upcoming events, keep checking BackStage.com.