Is Modern Family's Jesse Tyler Ferguson ‘Too Hollywood’ for ‘The Al Pacino Thing’?

Is Jesse Tyler Ferguson too big for Broadway? The Modern Family star appeared in the Shakespeare in the Park mounting of The Merchant of Venice with headliner Al Pacino over the summer, but he is not appearing in the Broadway transfer of the acclaimed production due to his shooting scheduled for the Emmy-winning sitcom. So, is Ferguson too Hollywood for the Great White Way?

“The short answer is yes,” joked the actor—dapper in a tie and Converse sneakers—as he stood on the red carpet of the opening night celebration for the Shakespeare play. “But I’m never too Hollywood for theater. I’m always supportive. I was so thrilled I got to be a part of the production this summer. I think Chris Fitzgerald is amazing, and I’m so happy he’s playing my role.”

As a crowd formed outside the Broadhurst Theatre, where Merchant is playing, Ferguson looked around and confided that the turnout was not for Shakespeare. “It’s because I’m here!” he laughed and then looked up at the marquee. “It’s funny because his name isn’t even on the poster up there; it’s just a picture of Al’s face—just his face! Some of my friends who are in the show have told me that people come up to the box office and say, ‘Is this the Al Pacino thing?’ I don’t think they realize it’s Shakespeare. But the fact that he’s bringing people into the theater who might not normally come is awesome.”

The ginger-haired actor also noted that being an audience member has its perks: “To actually be able to sit back and not be in a tweed costume in 90 degree heat and watch the show is awesome. [Pacino] was spectacular this summer, and I can only imagine he’s even more spectacular now. I’m thrilled to see him.”