From the Big Stage to the Small Screen

04/30/2013 11:08 PM

The TVLand cast of “Kristie’s New Show” Richards, Perlman, Alley and Eric Petersen.

By Crystal Vining ‘13

With several major productions already under his belt, Eric Petersen ’03 has landed a leading role in the new television series “Kirstie’s New Show,” premiering this fall on TVLand. Petersen will play the part of Arlo, a grown son who tracks down and reunites with his birthmother.

The comedy series centers on Broadway star Madison “Maddie” Banks, played by veteran TV actress Kirtsie Alley, who has a glamorous life in New York until her son Arlo, who she gave up for adoption 26 years ago, returns wanting to reconnect. The show follows their relationship as mother and son as it grows over time.

“The show will follow how Arlo grounds Maddie to reality,” Petersen said, “and how she shows him a cultured world he never knew existed.”

Petersen is no stranger to the spotlight. He played Barfee in the national tour of the musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and in 2010, Petersen performed as Shrek in the national tour of “Shrek: The Musical.” His most recent appearance was as Ted in the Broadway production of “Peter and the Starcatcher.”

Although Petersen was miles away in New York at the time, his agent told him to audition for the new show. After sending in his audition tape, Petersen was asked to read in front of the network and studio. He was offered the part just minutes after his audition 

While the show focuses on Maddie and Arlo’s relationship, other characters join in on their journey. Rhea Perlman, of “Cheers” fame like Alley, plays the part of Maddie’s personal assistant, and Michael Richards, Kramer from “Seinfeld” making his big return to TV, will play Frank, Maddie’s limo driver. Gilles Marini, Maddie’s personal chef, and Christopher McDonald, a fellow Broadway actor with Maddie, round out the cast.

With multiple comedy legends starring on the show, Petersen said he can hardly wait to start filming episodes in late spring and early summer.

“I am so excited to get started on this project. I know I will learn so much from the cast and I am counting the days until we get back to work,” he said.