Here’s Part Four of meeting the cast of The Washington Savoyard’s The Rocky Horror Shows. Today: meet Ryan Patrick Welsh.
My name is Ryan Patrick Welsh. I graduated from Catholic University’s musical theatre program in May of 2011. Since graduating I’ve appeared in Anything Goes, Chicago, and White Christmas with Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson at The Studio Theatre’s 2nd Stage and have Assistant Directed and choreographed at Montgomery College in Rockville, MD.
Why did you want to be part of this production?
I wanted to be a part of this production because Rocky Horror‘s and iconic show and performing around Halloween brings out not only the die-hards but anyone who’s looking for a little Halloween fun. Who doesn’t want to do a show where it’s expected that the audience is going to yell at you? I wanted to be a part of this production because there is so much excitement & intrigue surrounding this price of theatre. All different types of people are drawn to it, and to be able to bring a part of me to this cult phenomenon is thrilling.
Who do you play in the show and why did you want to play this role?
My role is Frank N’ Furter. I’m in love with this role and I think he symbolizes a side and lust inside ourselves that most people are afraid of. He flaunts his hedonism and sucks anything that comes across him into his void of pleasure. He’s a sick cross between Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Kat Von D, and Ozzy Ozborne.
How do you relate to this character?
Well I like to think we’re both know how to make an entrance, throw a fabulous party, and like to have more than a few good romps in the hay.
How did you prepare to play your character?
I watched the movie, and the shadow cast. I watched other videos I could find of people playing Frank. The character was made an icon by Tim Curry and you want to pay him homage and respects while bringing your own senses and creativity to the character. It’s been tricky. Also, I’ve been wearing my 5 inch platforms for the entire length of every rehearsal.
How has Director Jay Brock helped you shape your performance?
Jay’s been great in helping strike a balance of respecting what audience members expect the show to be and how to put our own twist on the show. He’s really allowed me to explore and trusts the decisions I’ve been making so it’s been very gratifying to work with him.
Have you worked with anyone in the cast before?
I’ve worked with a large part of the cast. Tim who’s playing Rocky graduated the same year from Catholic with me. Aaren and Caroline who are phantoms have been with me in shows in the past. I’ve also worked with Ali at Toby’s. I know Kelly and Kayleigh from Catholic as well. It’s just been a blast working with people you know and lets you ease into the rehearsal process much smoother. Plus anyone else whom I’ve met in this show has been so easy to get along with it feels like we’re all old friends.
What are some of the challenges you experienced in rehearsals?
Why is Rocky Horror so popular today?
Rocky Horror is passed down from generation to generation. It finds freaks, geeks, weirdos and outcasts and gives them one of the coolest movies ever to bond over. Even “normal” people love Rocky Horror because it’s just too camp fabulous to resist.
What are you doing next on the stage after this production closes?
Officially nothing as of yet, but there a few callbacks and auditions lined up, so we’ll see.
The Rocky Horror Show runs through November 4, 2012 at The Atlas Performing Arts Center – 1333 H Street NE, in Washington, DC. For tickets, call (202) 399-7993, or order them online.
LINKS
Erica Laxson’s review of The Rocky Horror Show on DCMTA.
Doing the Time Warp: Meet the Cast of Washington Savoyards’ The Rocky Horror Show: Part One: Autumn Seavy.
Doing the Time Warp: Meet the Cast of Washington Savoyards’ The Rocky Horror Show: Part Two: John Loughney.
Doing the Time Warp: Meet the Cast of Washington Savoyards’ The Rocky Horror Show: Part Three: Aaren Keith.
The Washington Savoyards names ‘Guest Narrators’ for The Rocky Horror Show.
Doing the Time Warp: Part One – Director Jay Brock on His Vision for The Washington Savoyards’ The Rocky Horror Show.
Doing the Time Warp: Part Two – Director Jay Brock on Selecting the Leads from The Washington Savoyard’s The Rocky Horror Show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtkdo7bOmJc&feature=related
