When Hunter Parrish Talks, You Listen

Hunter Parrish is answering a serious question with his hands.

Hunter Parrish is less seriously answering this question.

Last night we attended Godspell’s Tuesday Talkback featuring the show’s star and prettiest cast member Hunter Parrish. After a rousing performance Hunter came on stage to chat with Julie James, and take some audience questions. We’re here to share some semi-crappy but none-the-less attractive pictures and a full report, too.

Things from the front row at the #JesusParrish talkback:

• The actual second Hunter appeared (even before being announced) girls gasped audibly all around us. The actual second.
• Fair enough. I mean, we get it—he’s unreasonably pretty. And his smile is like sunshine. And he has really nice arms. Plus, in that plaid shirt/slim-but-not-skinny blue jeans/scuffed up wing-tips combo, he does look like a boy you should bring home to momma—the best compromise between the dirty, shiftless hipsters you love and the clean, well-dressed bankers your parents want you to marry.
• Topics covered in the talkback include: Hunter’s theater-kid past, what it’s like to play Jesus 8 times a week, acting in the round, and some really effusive praise for Vita Coco coconut water (get this kid a sponsorship!).
• Favorite fun facts? It was Hunter’s hyperactivity that inspired a teacher to suggest he get into theater at the age of six. And more than a decade after that, Mr. Parrish booked both the roles of Link Larkin in Hairspray and Melchior Gabor in Spring Awakening in the same week. He chose Melchior. And wouldn’t you?
• Also fun? Hunter used his iPhone to record the entire talkback for his mom—who, btw, has seen Godspell 20 times!—and even apologized to the audience for having his phone out. Stop it, Mr. Manners with the Best Family. Stop it right now.
• How ‘bout that time a tiny child asked Hunter a question? You know, when he actually visibly melted, stepped closer to her, leaned in as she spoke and then asked for her name so he could address his answer to her directly? Sorry if you had ovaries you liked/needed, I’m sure they’ve disintegrated by now.
• Parrish also oops-revealed something we’ve all long expected was coming—he’s leaving the show. It was clear he wanted to take the words back the very second he spoke them—he fell silent midsentence and then tried to backtrack. But it was too late. We heard from the horse’s mouth that he’s got a final performance scheduled. His mom has her tickets already.
• When Godspell director Danny Goldstein was introduced at the end Hunter actually blew him a big, fat kiss. Imagine that kiss headed your way as you drift off to sleep every night this week and we guarantee some sweet dreams. You are welcome, America.

Tickets provided by the production.

Photos: The Craptacular