When Night Court returned to NBC, many people wondered if it could capture that humor, poignancy, and relevance that the original comedy series offered. Since the beginning of the reimagined concept, Lacretta, who plays Gurgs, has been the glue that keeps all those pieces together.
Comedy often brings big laughs. While people love that humor, the joke is rooted in the relatable moment. Playing bailiff Donna, “Gurgs” Gurganous, Lacretta balances that big laugh with a poignancy. Although it is a fine line, it is one that she walks well.
During a conversation with Lacretta, she shared a thoughtful response on the combination of humor and thoughtful moments. Explaining that delicate balance, she said, “it’s a pressure cooker and there are so many things bubbling inside. The comedy is the release of the steam. Everyone has so many things that are bubbly inside. On the surface, everyone only sees the pot. You know that there are things going.” That balance of the comedic and vulnerable is why Night Court resonates with the audience.
Even if people have never stepped into a courtroom or understand the intricacies of the situation, Lacretta’s Gurgs character is more than the person who provides order to the courtroom or acts as a mother figure. She understands that her presence makes a statement beyond the show’s plot.
Lacretta said, “I want people to see the individual but also the universality of it all. We have people of varying hues and sizes. Gurgs reminds you of that person and it does not matter what they look like but there is a spirit that is captures in this persona and we all want to see ourselves on that stage.”
While everyone can appreciate different aspects to her character, Lacretta wants to bring everything back to her ultimate goal, to bring joy to people. It is her love language. Based on the success of Night Court, she is succeeding greatly.
Beyond her personal goals playing her character, Lacretta understands that the ensemble working together, balancing each other’s strengths, is one of the reasons why Night Court is successful. There is a trust, appreciation, and familiarity that adds to their ability to resonate with the audience.
Specifically, Lacretta said, “at the end of the day, it boils down to listening and responding. If you are not listening, you will just regurgitate what you did the last time. When you are present, it is like a tennis match. We are volleying back and forth and that makes the takes thrilling.”
That back and forth engages the audience and has them waiting for the big crescendo, which always seems to come. From a quiet moment that was unexpected or the big laugh that cannot be controlled, the audience is never disappointed.
While Lacretta referred to her time on Night Court like a master class in comedy, she looks forward to what could be next for Gurgs. Whether it is leaving her spinster life behind or growing into her Chief bailiff position, everyone will have to watch and see. No matter the scenario, the journey will be a fun one to watch.
Night Court airs on NBC on Tuesday nights at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Peacock.