Brian Loncar: 'The Strong Arm' Attorney Makes Stage Debut

Brian Loncar, the Attorney known throughout Dallas as "The Strong Arm" due to his appearances in over 1,000 TV commercials, has made his stage debut as The Governor of Texas in the Contemporary Theatre of Dallas production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.  Brian recently discussed with me his transition from legal counsel to thespian.

He has been involved with the Contemporary Theatre for four years (his spouse, Sue Loncar, is the Artistic Director) doing such tasks as bartending and moving furniture.  The impetus to move to an on-stage role occurred when he saw the film version of Whorehouse.  He was attracted to the role of The Governor because he perceived the part as someone who was friendly and approachable—very similar to the image he strives for in his TV commercials.

"I first began filming TV commercials because I wanted to be thought of as being accessible, friendly and approachable." he stated.  He saw it as a means to increase business--that the financial rewards would be greater than if he didn't advertise at all.

I asked him if he minded audience reactions such as clapping when he was trying to perform—something he certainly didn't have to deal with when taping a commercial. "Not at all," he replied.  "When I'm performing, I'm in a vacuum.  I don't hear the audience at all.  It's just like when I played College Football."

Now that he's gotten his feet wet with the Contemporary Theatre production of Whorehouse, would he like appear on stage again?  "Absolutely," was his response.  "Contemporary Theatre does a couple of serious dramas a year, and I'd love to have a part in one."  Any role have any particular interest for you?  "Yes, I'd like to try James Tyrone in Long Day's Journey Into Night.  I saw Brian Dennehy perform it on Broadway a few years ago."

Photo Credit:  George Wada

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