BWW Interviews: On The LINE with Ryan Garrett of Keeton's A CHORUS LINE

Director Kate Adams-Johnson, aka Nashville's busiest choreographer, is putting yet another cast through its paces in preparation for yet another opening night (this one's fast approaching on Thursday, June 9). Only this time, she's serious. Very serious. The show she's helming for this particular opening night, you see, is every dancer's holy grail: A Chorus Line.

 "In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It's the one opportunity to do what they've always dreamed -- to have the chance to dance. This is A Chorus Line the musical for everyone who's ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Winner of nine Tony Awards, including "Best Musical" and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever," reads publicity for the upcoming production.

In the cast, there's a blend familiar faces from local theater productions and a whole slew of newcomers. During the run-up to the show's June 9 opening night, we've introduced you to members of Kate's cast - and next up is a relatively new actor on the Nashville theater scene, where he made quite the statement in Circle Players' recent 13 The Musical, the confident, composed Ryan Garrett...

Where are you from Ryan - where did you grow up? Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada until I was 12. Then moved to Franklin, Tennessee.

Where do you go to school? Centennial High School....Home of the Cougars!

What shows have you done? Brett in 13 the musical with Circle Players, and Lionel in Cinderella, Ali Hakim in Oklahoma!, Danielle in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Rolf in Sound of Music, all in Franklin.

What character do you play in A Chorus Line? Paul San Marco.

What's the biggest challenge to doing this show? The dancing is very intense!

What was your first exposure to A Chorus Line? When I accepted the role of Paul and did my research on the musical and different characters.

What's the rehearsal process been like for you thus far? Challenging but fun, every rehearsal is another chance to learn new things and to grow as a performer.

Dancing With the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance? So You Think You Can Dance. Because the dancers on that show are like me, trying showcase their talent and go further in the business. As Dancing With the Stars are already celebrities.

Where were you in 1976 when A Chorus Line premiered on Broadway? Not even a thought in my parents' mind!

What's your favorite song from the score? "One" because it brings the whole cast together.

Who's your favorite theater critic? You, of course.

n  A Chorus Line. Directed and choreographed by Kate Adams-Johnson. Presented by The Larry Keeton Theatre, 108 Donelson Pike, Nashville. June 9-25. Evening shows are at 7:00 p.m., Seating for dinner at 6:00 p.m. Matinee shows are at 2:00 p.m., Seating for lunch at 1:00 p.m.  Show tickets: $25.00 with a $1.00 ticketing fee. Show only tickets: $20.00 Special Thursday Patron's Special: $10.00 show only tickets Tickets are available through www.ticketsnashville.com or by calling (615) 883-8375. For more details, visit the company website at www.thelarrykeetontheatre.org

 

 

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