Entertainment

Parrish preaches gospel of ‘Godspell’

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On the Showtime series “Weeds,” Hunter Parrish plays an increasingly ruthless — and incredibly good looking — pot dealer. That might not seem like the perfect lead in to playing Jesus Christ in the new Broadway production of “Godspell” at the Circle in the Square Theater, but for Parrish, it’s a shot at his second Broadway run, following a stint in “Spring Awakening” in 2008. The churchgoing 24-year-old star confesses to The Post that he feels crucified as a Christian sometimes, thinks the Messiah would probably use hair gel and that, yes, he has smoked marijuana. But he didn’t like it.

Do you ever ask yourself, in terms of your dating life, what would Jesus do?

Maybe not in my dating life. But actually, I’ve been attracted to many girls who I would have liked to have extended a relationship with, but we don’t align with our religious beliefs and therefore with other lifestyle choices.

You’re naked a lot on “Weeds,” and in “Spring Awakening.” Do you ever take off your shirt in “Godspell”?

I don’t. Though I do keep losing articles of clothing. I started out in boxers and a V-neck and then it became boxers and a tank top. And there’s rumor that it might be just boxers [soon].

Why are you naked so much?

I don’t know. I haven’t been to the gym in two months. Maybe (laughs) Jesus has to be sexy.

You seem like you have really good hair. Do you use
Jesus-inspired mousse?

I believe that Jesus lives in my hair. He must inspire it somehow.

Have you ever felt like you were crucified in your career or personal life?

I think we as Americans are persecuted for our beliefs often by other Americans. You know, I can’t be a pot-dealing kid on a show about marijuana and be a Christian. That doesn’t make sense to people. I find it exciting, that’s why I do it. I love that dichotomy.

You made out with Mary-Kate Olsen on “Weeds.” Have you ever dated her?

I did not. I would’ve loved to date her. You hear that, Mary-Kate? I was actually with my girlfriend at the time who I thought I was going to get married to.

Since you’re on “Weeds,” you get asked if you smoke pot a lot. You used to always say no. Is that still the case?

I have smoked. I’m not a fan. I like to be in control. It’s something that makes me feel out of control.

When did you try it?

It was shortly after I did “Spring Awakening.” I moved home, and I was in a really weird place. A very dark place for about a year. It was post-“Spring Awakening,” which was an amazing experience for me but a very heavy one given the content of the show. That was my dream since I was 6 years old, to be on Broadway. To have that experience at 21, and then suddenly you have everything you thought you wanted, then what do you do? It was a spiritual journey for me. But it started with me having this “f — k it” attitude, there are no rules. I let myself go a little bit, but in that I grew up. So I don’t regret anything.

You seem like you’re carrying a lot for a relatively young guy.

I am very sensitive, learning to be a little less. But I also love that side of me, too. When [Capt. Chesley] Sullenberger landed that plane in the Hudson three years ago, I have quoted this so many times in conversations, he said, “I felt like everything in my life was leading up to this moment.”

What have you learned about yourself from doing “Godspell”?

I’m not very good at improv, and I hadn’t exercised that muscle ever. This is the most goofy I’ve ever been in public, which I love. I have grown to love myself more, 100 percent by doing this show. And that single-handedly has been the greatest thing about this experience — actually learning to love the real me.