2005 Tony Awards Q&A: Amy Ryan

Congratulations on your nomination…

I was surprised when I was nominated, because I think it's always a surprise, but it's a great honor, a great honor to be here.

How did you hear the news?

I was watching NY 1, and then the phone started ringing off the hook with friends calling. The first person who called was me was Casting Director Jim Carnahan, which was great because he's the one who cast me in Streetcar.

What's the experience of the show been like?

Well, it's my favorite play, so it really is a dream to get to do it again. I did it at the Kennedy Center last year with Patricia Clarkson, and to get to revisit it, and to flesh the play out even more is a dream as an actor. And when you're in such a beautiful play, which is in my opinion the greatest American play – it's a nice way to go to work every day.

This production has come under some fire for its non-traditional casting, what's your take on that?

Well, what's traditional? Do you know what I mean? Who can go up against Marlon Brando and Jessica Tandy? I think that there's prejudice towards this play, because we hold on to what we expect, as opposed to just going 'Well – why can't we be different? Why can't we tell the story?' What's the point of holding onto something that most of us weren't born to see?

We're talking about comparing it to a film, which was amazing, and the actors were such great actors in terms of style, but it's important not to just hold onto that. My 15 year old nephew came to the show, and it's his first Streetcar, and lots of people's first Streetcars, so it's important in that sense too. As far as the criticisms go, it's news making, but that's about it.

What are your plans leading up to the Awards?

I'm going to get a dress, party with friends and celebrate it!