Its been a pretty, pretty, pretty good run for the “death in the family” comedy Fish in the Dark written by Larry David who, up until June 7^th plays the pivotal leading character.

In the weeks leading up to his exodus—even though he had clearly arranged that an ironclad escape clause be welded into his contract—there was the matter of replacing himself for the six remaining weeks of the show’s limited (and close to sell-out) run.

That little problem was solved when Tony-winning actor Jason Alexander (1989's Jerome Robbins' Broadway) —who had played George Costanza on Seinfeld, a character that embodied co-creator David’s muddle of insecurities and paranoia-laced foibles—accepted the challenge.

Which brings us to the Q&A portion of the program, culled from a phone interview in late May.

   City Guide: What are your feelings about coming back to the stage?

   Jason Alexander: It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for some time. A couple of years ago I did a short run Off-Broadway, but I haven’t made a serious commitment for 25 years. So I’m thrilled. You know how a lot of actors fantasize about getting an Oscar? My career dream as a kid growing up, my fantasy, was accepting a Tony. Then all this other stuff happened.

   CG: So how did Larry approach you about taking on the role?

   JA: Surprisingly, the idea didn’t come from Larry, it came from Fish producer Scott Rudin. But when Larry heard, he was like “Please” do it!” 

   CG: Why do you think Larry was so anxious to leave?

   JA: Eight shows a week is part of your DNA or not. And for Larry, who didn’t focus on theatre, this is not his end-all be-all. Guys like me think it’s the greatest gift on planet. So my coming into the show turned out to be a natural fit; both of us were very comfortable with it.

   CG: How different do you see your interpretation of Norman from Larry’s? 

   JA: Probably, if you watched us side by side, fairly different, but with similarities. Larry has written his Curb Your Enthusiasm persona into the show, which is kind of an offshoot of the George persona. Still, when I look at the play, I’m coming at it from a different point of view. Larry is coming at it as the writer, and as the writer he naturally made assumptions about everything, including the character. But when I come in as an actor, rather than going in with assumptions, I question things, which hopefully should give it dimension.

   CG: What’s it like hopping on a train that’s already left the station?

   JA: It’s interesting enough to step into an existing show, but even more so to step into an event—in this case, Larry, who arrived already iconic and popular. Now, what everyone’s banking on is my playing this alter ego of his. So the question is, will it be comparable? For me, I have no ego—I’m as interested as anyone else to see what the reaction will be.

Fish in the Dark is playing through July 19th at Broadway’s Cort Theatre, 180 W. 48th St. For tickets call 212-239-6200 or visit fishinthedark.com.