It may be a bit weird for some fans of "Lost" who show up this weekend to watch the Honolulu Symphony's performances of "The Story of Babar."
Weird because the narrator for the popular children's story is none other than Michael Emerson, better known to fans of the hit TV show as the evil/creepy Benjamin Linus.
Linus would never narrate a story like this.
For Emerson, the extremely personable person, it's a perfect fit.
The following are excerpts from a Q&A with the Iowa native, who took some time recently to talk about "Lost," the orchestra, life on O'ahu and what both his and Benjamin Linus' future holds:

What is your relationship with the Honolulu Symphony?

I am not a musician myself, and not really a singer, either — so I depend on talented others to make music for me. This will be my first association with the symphony — an introduction made by Kristin Jackson, who is publicist here for both the symphony and "Lost."

In April, you gave us a look at what's on your iPod — Arcade Fire, CocoRosie, Cat Power, M.I.A., Be Good Tanyas, Mike Errico, Las Ondas Marteles, Ambient Groove, Radiohead, and Boubacar Traore were the first 10 artists to pop up. That's a pretty eclectic taste. What is your favorite genre, where does classical music fit in?

Oh, I have so many favorite genres, but I suppose I respond most to certain hypnotic kinds of rhythm — bossa nova always gets me — flamenco and fugues, Gregorian chant and ragas — I like a sense of the otherworldly and a bittersweet tone. I am interested in the peripheries of classical music more than the symphonic center — I like early and Renaissance music, solo piano and guitar and backward-looking composers like Arvo Part. I'm afraid I'm a little resistant to the big Romantic canon of the 19th century.

You play Linus so convincingly (hence the Emmy win), but with "Lost" set to wrap up, how do you think this role will affect future roles for you? Any worries of being typecast?

One of the responsibilities of my post-"Lost" life will be to make decisions about new roles and new tones in my work. While there is nothing wrong with being a successful villain, I do think I'd like a change of pace and a chance to engross audiences in something completely different. If I felt too pigeonholed by Hollywood, I would return to the stage.

"Lost" has been such a compelling series because we only get bits and pieces of the story at a time, spawning thousands of questions and just as many theories. Will fans get the answers they have been waiting for all these years in Season 6? Please?

I think (I hope) that many questions will be answered at the end of "Lost," but it would be fitting if some mysteries remain forever unanswered. I am more interested in the ending surprising us with a new context — a new point of view- so that we have to go back and rethink everything we've watched. Also, I don't see how the ending can be anything but sad.

When you recently accepted your Emmy for outstanding supporting actor, you concluded your remarks with 'mahalo nui loa.' How has living and working in Hawai'i affected you?

One of the best parts of my job in Hawai'i has been my exposure to an unfamiliar culture, to the foreignness of the place. It's a pleasure not just to take in this amazing landscape, but to try to begin to absorb some of the infinite subtleties of the way Hawaiians think and speak, make music and socialize.

What are some of your favorite haunts on the island?

There are great places all over the island. In Honolulu, I have my personal favorites — town, Sasabune, Nobu and Top of Waikiki for food, and I like Lewers Lounge and The Dragon Upstairs for music. I'm a city person from New York, and I like the energy of Waikiki. The Honolulu Academy of Arts is one of my favorite museums on the planet.

Ben Linus is one of the most complicated and unreadable characters on the show. Can you tell us anything that will help us to understand his motives a little better? Is he even a bad guy anymore? He seems to be ever-evolving.

Benjamin Linus is a man forced to be a grown-up before his time. He has a life-or-death mission and no time for recreation. Despite his ruthlessness and his manipulation, I think he may turn out to be a hero. I have never known where the character was headed — it's part of the fun of playing the part.

ABC just came out with "Flash Forward." It seems to have a lot of the same characteristics of "Lost." When all is said and done, what do you think the impact of "Lost" will be on television?

"Lost" seems to me to be a very influential program at this time. How it will be judged in the future is hard to say. It has certainly suggested that there is global interest in a good allegorical mystery with science-fiction dimensions.

Are there any spinoffs of "Lost" in the works or talks of doing one? Would you want to continue with Linus?

I have heard the writers say that this is the end of the line for "Lost." I will be happy to put Benjamin to rest if the show has as satisfying a conclusion as I expect. (So many roles, so little time!)

Tell us about Michael Emerson, pre-"Lost," and how the series has affected your career.

Michael Emerson, pre- "Lost," was a reputable stage actor from New York who had somehow won an Emmy but hadn't much TV experience. He is now more visible (conspicuous?) than he ever dreamt and has the enviable (but treacherous) job of choosing the next role.

What's next for Michael Emerson? Professionally, are you looking for movies, another TV series or stage? Personally, do you plan to stick around Hawai'i?

When "Lost" ends, I will resume my life on the Mainland. I'll look for all kinds of work, and it would be nice to do a mix of short-term projects. I'll want to go back to the stage sometime soon. I miss the regularity of it, and I don't want to lose the knack.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I will never forget my time in Hawai'i — life has some unexpected surprises for us, and Hawai'i has been a big one for me.