John Tenney and Nell Verlaque on American Classic, Family Chaos, and the Healing Power of Art – INTERVIEW

American Classic is a story about family, theater, and redemption.

The new series American Classic brings together an extraordinary ensemble cast led by Kevin Kline and Laura Linney. The show blends theatrical ambition with messy family dynamics, telling a story of redemption, creativity, and the power of art. The series follows Broadway star Richard Bean (Kevin Kline), who suffers a very public meltdown. As a result, he returns to the small-town theater where his career began. However, going home proves complicated.

Richard’s return reignites long-buried tensions with those closest to him. His former girlfriend, now the town’s mayor, is played by Laura Linney. Meanwhile, she is married to Richard’s brother, played by John Tenney. At the center of the emotional storm is Richard’s niece, who dreams of building her own life in theater.

Each season will follow a different stage production created by Richard Bean. These productions reflect the emotional journeys unfolding within the Bean family as they explore how art shapes identity and community. The impressive ensemble cast includes Tony Shalhoub, Aaron Tveit, Stephen Spinella, Len Cariou, Jane Alexander, Jessica Hecht, Nell Verlaque, Billy Carter, Elise Kibler, Ajay Friese, and Mark Linn-Baker.

Recently, I spoke with stars John Tenney and Nell Verlaque to talk about the emotional layers of the show, their natural on-screen chemistry, and how storytelling can bring meaning to people’s lives.

A Natural Father-Daughter Dynamic On Screen

During the conversation, the actors reflected on the relationship between their characters. Verlaque’s character shares a strong connection with Tenney’s role, and that bond translates naturally on screen.

Interestingly, they did not spend much time preparing their dynamic beforehand.

“It kind of clicked naturally,” Verlaque said when asked about building their father-daughter relationship.

Tenney explained that real life helped shape that authenticity. His own daughter is close in age to Verlaque, and the connection quickly became comfortable and familiar for both actors.

“My real-life daughter and my TV daughter have become friends,” Tenney said with a laugh.

That easy rapport helped the actors settle into the series’ emotional rhythms without forcing the relationship. Instead, their connection grew organically through the storytelling and shared scenes.

Balancing Comedy and Emotional Honesty

One of the defining elements of American Classic is its tone. The show blends heartfelt emotional moments with humor and sharp character interactions.

Tenney explained that the cast focused on honesty in their performances, which allowed both the comedy and the emotional moments to work naturally.

“There was a sense of honesty among the cast and an openness,” Tenney said. “Sometimes that’s funny. Sometimes that’s more sad or moving.”

For him, the experience was less about navigating difficult tonal shifts and more about enjoying the collaboration with an exceptional ensemble.

“It was more of a joyous experience,” he said.

Tenney also emphasized that the story celebrates the power of community and teamwork.

“I’m proud of putting a story into the world that celebrates community and family and the power of working together to create something of beauty,” he said.

The Healing Power of Art and Performance

Another theme explored in American Classic is how art influences people’s lives. Theater is not simply a backdrop for the story. Instead, it serves as a powerful emotional force for the characters.

Verlaque spoke about the joy performers feel when they finally step onto a stage.

“The feeling of getting to do the thing that you want to do so desperately brings you a feeling that is like you’re literally on a cloud,” she said.

She recalled performing a key moment near the end of the season involving the classic play Our Town. That experience stayed with her long after filming ended.

“That feeling lasted for a good couple months,” Verlaque said.

Tenney also reflected on how art can help people understand their emotions and experiences.

“When you’re trying to understand something inside yourself or in the world, you go to the arts,” he said. “You listen to a song or watch a movie. You go to the poets to make sense of your feelings.”

That philosophy sits at the heart of American Classic, which portrays creativity as both a personal escape and a way to connect with others.

Returning to Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving

Before wrapping the conversation, I also asked Verlaque about another project fans have been hoping to see continue: the cult horror hit Thanksgiving.

While excitement remains high for a potential sequel, Verlaque said there is nothing official to report just yet.

“Nothing. Nothing that I know about yet,” Verlaque said with a laugh when asked if there were any updates on Thanksgiving 2.

However, she suggested the door is still open, depending on schedules aligning across the creative team.

“You know, Mr. Roth, he’s up to a lot right now,” she said, referencing director Eli Roth. “I think it’ll be when everyone’s schedules align, when the stars align, we will go back.”

For now, fans eager for more of the brutal holiday slasher will have to stay patient, but Verlaque’s comments make it clear the possibility is still on the table.

A Series That Celebrates Community

Ultimately, American Classic tells a story about flawed people trying to reconnect with family, creativity, and purpose. The series explores the messy, emotional nature of returning home while also highlighting how art can bring people together.

With powerhouse performers like Kevin Kline and Laura Linney leading the cast, the series offers an intimate look at the intersection of theater, family, and personal growth.

Meanwhile, John Tenney and Nell Verlaque bring warmth and authenticity to the show’s emotional core.

As audiences continue watching the unfolding drama of the Bean family, American Classic promises a story filled with heart, humor, and a deep love for the transformative power of storytelling.

The first two episodes are now streaming on MGM+, with episodes releasing every Sunday.

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