Onstage, he's the hapless yet well-meaning detective Harry Hunsacker. Offstage, Kurt Kleinmann pens and stars in Pegasus Theatre's famous Living Black & White™ productions, murder mysteries that — thanks to some top-secret makeup, set, costume and lighting magic — look like 1930s/40s films come to life.

Kleinmann has written 16 Hunsacker plays to date, playing the lead year after year and creating one of the most recognizable characters in Dallas theater history (along with one of the most unique theatrical experiences to be found anywhere). This year, for the first time, an understudy (Pegasus vet Scott Nixon) will assume the lead role during Saturday matinees of Rehearsal for Murder!, directed by Michael Serrecchia.

Kleinmann recently took the time to fill out our survey of serious, fun and sometimes ridiculous questions.

Name: Kurt Kleinmann

Role in Rehearsal for Murder!: Harry Hunsacker, world-famous detective and aspiring actor

Previous work in the DFW area: Theatre Three, Dallas Repertory Theatre, Pocket Sandwich Theater, Stage West. Various TV and movie credits.

Hometown: Dallas

Where you currently reside: Dallas

First theater role: Phillip Nolan in The Man Without a Country

First stage show you ever saw: Peter Pan

Moment you decided to pursue a career in theater: I've always known.

Most challenging role you've played: Keeping Harry Hunsacker fresh after nearly 30 years

Special skills: Making people laugh

Something you're really bad at: Math

Current pop culture obsession:BBC Sherlock

Last book you read: The Widow File

Favorite movie(s): The Thin Man, The Godfather, The Matrix, Zardoz, the Connery and Craig James Bond films

Favorite musician(s): The Beatles, REM, Adam Levine, Cab Calloway, B.B. King

Favorite song: "Chances Are"

Dream role: Totally wrong for it but it's a dream: James Bond.

Favorite play(s): You mean other than mine? The Thirty-Nine Steps.

Favorite musical(s):Avenue Q

Favorite actors/actresses: Sean Connery, Laurence Olivier, Myrna Loy

Favorite food: Pizza

Must-see TV shows:Person of Interest, Modern Family, BBC Sherlock

Something most people don't know about me: I'm actually very shy.

---

Pegasus Theatre's Rehearsal for Murder! plays at Eisemann Center December 29 through January 26.

Kurt Kleinmann, as Harry Hunsacker, and Chad Cline, who plays Lt. Foster in Pegasus Theatre's Rehearsal for Murder!

  

Photo by Mark Oristano

Kurt Kleinmann, as Harry Hunsacker, and Chad Cline, who plays Lt. Foster in Pegasus Theatre's Rehearsal for Murder!