Live theatre has always been at the heart of Cedric Yarbrough’s career. Best known for his memorable performances in television and film, including Reno 911!, The Boondocks, Meet the Fockers,The Bernie Mac Show, and numerous animated series, Yarbrough is returning to his theatrical roots in Goodman Theatre’s world premiere musical Iceboy!.
In an interview with the Chicago Defender, Yarbrough discussed developing the original character of Floyd Richards, working alongside Megan Mullally (Will & Grace) and her husband, Nick Offerman(Parks and Recreation), the excitement of performing live theater, and why versatility and preparation have been the foundation of his decades-long career.
Marshelle Sanders: Iceboy! is making its debut here in Chicago as a musical. What drew you to Iceboy! and the character of Floyd Richards?
Cedric Yarbrough: Theater has always been my first love. I was raised in Minneapolis, studied theater at Minnesota State University, and originally planned to move to either Chicago or New York before deciding on Los Angeles. My goal was always to build a career and eventually return to theater.
Somehow that plan worked. Now I’m performing live in Chicago alongside Megan Mullally, which is incredible. Reading the script and realizing I’d be playing her love interest immediately drew me in.
I also love that theater is real. In a time when technology and AI are changing entertainment, audiences get to watch actors perform right in front of them. There’s no second take. Every performance is live, and that’s something I really value.
M.S.: How would you describe the relationship between Vera and Floyd, and what makes it unique?
C.Y.: Vera Vimm is this legendary Broadway star from the 1930s and ’40s. Floyd is her playwright boyfriend, and they’ve built their careers together. She’s his muse, and he’s deeply in love with her.
The story takes an unexpected turn when Vera purchases a 40,000-year-old caveman, and that’s where things become hilarious. I don’t want to give away too much because audiences should experience it for themselves.
Also, Nick Offerman narrates the show as Eugene O’Neill, and Floyd Richards likens himself to being his rival. He wants to be considered serious as well. He’s kind of the hit-maker, kind of the Andrew Lloyd Webber of the time, and he really wants to be August Wilson. Then the show reveals itself.
M.S.: What was the process of developing your character, Floyd Richards?
C.Y.: That’s a great question because creating an original musical is completely different from performing a play or musical that’s been done before. In college, I had the opportunity to perform in productions like Sweeney Todd and Pippin. Those are roles that legendary actors have already brought to life, so you’re stepping into a character with an established history.
With Floyd Richards, there wasn’t a blueprint. No one had ever played him before. The writers were creating the character specifically for me, my speaking voice, my singing voice and the qualities I naturally bring as an actor.
I was able to draw from my own life experiences, what it feels like to fall in love, what it’s like when that love isn’t always returned, and all of the emotions that come with relationships. Those experiences became part of Floyd.
The writers have even admitted that Floyd started out somewhat underdeveloped, so we’ve been discovering who he is together throughout rehearsals. That’s been one of the most rewarding parts of this process. We explored his backstory, his motivations and the relationship between Floyd and Vera, while also finding what felt most authentic for me as an actor.
M.S.: What’s something unique about Floyd that you hope audiences notice?
C.Y.: I really believe Floyd is the heart of the show.
Iceboy! is incredibly funny, but underneath all that comedy is a beautiful love story. Floyd genuinely loves Vera and would do anything for her. I hope audiences pay attention to that emotional core because it’s what makes the story so meaningful.
M.S.: Throughout your career you’ve starred in projects like Reno 911!, The Boondocks, Meet the Fockers and many others. Which role has challenged you the most?
C.Y.: What role has challenged me the most? That’s interesting. A lot of people ask, “What’s your favorite role?” and I always tell people, “I love to work.”
I’ve been able to do that with Reno 911! and other characters like Tom DuBois, Colonel H. Stinkmeaner on The Boondocks, Kenneth on the TV show Speechless, and Chocolate Giddy-Up on Black Dynamite.
With television and film, they treat us like babies. They tell us where to go, and then you do it for a couple of minutes before going back to your trailer.
That’s not the case with theater.
Honestly, Iceboy! has been one of the most challenging roles I’ve ever done.
Creating a character from scratch requires a different level of commitment. Theater doesn’t allow second takes. Once you’re on stage, you’re committed for two hours.
Then you add singing to the mix. Singing while expressing deep emotion is incredibly difficult. You have to connect emotionally, hit every musical note and stay connected with the audience all at the same time. It’s been a wonderful challenge.
M.S.: What’s something audiences may not know about you?
C.Y.: I’m really just a working actor.
I enjoy having a private life while letting audiences know me through my work. People recognize me from Reno 911!, The Bernie Mac Show or another project, and that’s enough for me.
I like keeping parts of my life for my family and friends while continuing to tell stories through acting.
M.S.: What advice would you give aspiring actors hoping to build a long-lasting career?
C.Y.: Sure, I’ve been doing comic cons for the last couple of years, and I’ve been able to meet young actors and young voice-over talent because I love both. I love being able to act and also act through my voice.
I always see younger actors sometimes have imposter syndrome. The best way to get rid of that is to do your work, learn your craft and be an educated actor. Learn Shakespeare. Learn August Wilson. Learn what you love, and you’ll never feel like you don’t belong because you’ve done the work.
I’ve worked a lot, but I also studied this profession. I always wanted to be employed, so I learned as much as I possibly could. I learned how to dance, sing, perform improv and dramatic acting. My last job was with Clint Eastwood on Juror No. 2, which was a dramatic piece, and now I’m doing a musical comedy. That’s the kind of chameleon I want to be.
Be educated and versatile.
M.S.: What’s next for you after Iceboy!?
C.Y.: I have Batman: Caped Crusader coming out, along with a few animated series.
After that, we’ll see what happens. Maybe Iceboy! goes to Broadway. Maybe it goes to London’s West End. You never really know what’s next, and that’s part of the excitement.
M.S.: What’s the best piece of advice you continue to give yourself?
C.Y.: Trust yourself.
My mother taught me to trust my instincts and remain true to who I am. That’s become my north star throughout my career. Whether it’s comedy or drama, I trust what I bring to the work.
If I don’t get a role, that’s okay because I know I gave it everything I had without trying to be anyone else.
As Iceboy! makes its world premiere at Goodman Theatre, I was honored to speak with Cedric (pronounced “See-drick”) Yarbrough—and, as the first Chicago journalist to break the news of the correct pronunciation of his name (smile), share more about the talented actor behind the performances. Iceboy! is truly a must-see production, featuring an all-star cast, including some of Chicago’s very own outstanding theatrical talent.
Through Floyd Richards, Yarbrough brings decades of experience, authenticity and heart back to the stage. Audiences can expect laughter, emotion, and an original character shaped by one of today’s most versatile performers.
For more information about Iceboy! and upcoming performances, visit www.goodmantheatre.org.
