Name: Ryan Christopher Jesse
Hometown: Gilbert, AZ
Education: B.A. in Musical Theater, Minor in Dance, magna cum laude (University of Northern Colorado)
Select Credits: Jersey Boys (Nat'l Tour/Broadway), Cinderella (Int'l Tour), Grey Gardens (Portland Center Stage)
Why theater?: Why not!? You get paid to sing and dance!
Who do you play in Coming of Age?: Young Man
Tell us about Coming of Age: Coming of Age is a series of vignettes spanning the dawn of man to the present day about human thoughts and experiences we encounter throughout different stages of our lives.
What is it like being a part of Coming of Age?: It's a blast exploring this brand new material with such a creative cast!
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I thoroughly enjoy witty material with purpose. Something that makes you laugh and think at the same time. There's nothing more inspiring than an evening at the theater. Being a part of the actor/audience interaction, on either side, is a wonderful thing.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Fabrizio in The Light in the Piazza
What’s your favorite showtune?: Try to Remember, The Fantasticks
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Wow, these are big questions. But, honestly, Stephen Sondheim. Hands down.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Maybe some combination of Jason Segel (mostly) and Ryan Reynolds? I think it'd be called "Far From Home" (apparently already a Drew Barrymore film).
What show have you recommended to your friends?: A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder--it restored my faith in the future of musical theater
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: “Everybody Talks”, Neon Trees
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: I don't think there's anything I do that makes me feel guilty..is that good or bad?
What’s up next?: That's part of the excitement of being an actor. The unknown that's always lingering...
For more, visit http://www.comingofagemusical.com/