Bright Lights: Wicked Awesome

Bright Lights: Wicked Awesome

By Lynn Venhaus
Managing EditorGREEN DAY: We have been changed for good by the cultural phenomenon “Wicked,” which has broken records in St. Louis and is still “Popular” around the world after opening on Oct. 30, 2003 on Broadway.
To commemorate the musical’s 15th anniversary, NBC will air a tribute concert on Monday, Oct. 29, at 9 p.m. (CST).
“A Very Wicked Halloween” was recorded live Oct. 16 at the Marquis Theatre, hosted by the original Elphaba and Glinda, Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth.
The celebration will feature Pentatonix, Ariana Grande and Ledisi. Adam Lambert will join them, and he is certainly not mourning the wicked. He left the Los Angeles cast after making “American Idol,” and from 2005 to 2008, had been in the ensemble and understudy for Fiyero, and on a national tour.
The current Broadway cast will also make an appearance.

This spellbinding untold story about the Witches of Oz is now the sixth longest-running musical in Broadway history, having surpassed “A Chorus Line” on July 12 with its 6,128th performance.
Since its debut, “Wicked” has broken box office records around the world. St. Louis is one of the cities where “Wicked” currently holds the weekly-gross-takings records, along with Los Angeles, Chicago and London.
It has played the Fox Theatre five times since 2005, selling out and each week broke box office records. The national tours stopped here in 2005, 2007, June 2010, for four weeks Dec. 12, 2012 – Jan. 6, 2013, and for four weeks in Dec. 9, 2015 to Jan. 5, 2016. Another tour is under way but St. Louis isn’t listed – as yet.
St. Louisan Norbert Leo Butz originated Fiyero in “Wicked.”The original Broadway cast featured St. Louisan Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero. The Bishop DuBourg and Webster U. Conservatory grad played Elphaba’s love interest Fiyero twice, from Oct. 8 to Nov. 23, 2003, and from Jan. 20 to July 18, 2004. He met his second wife, Michelle Federer, during the production – she played Nessarose, and they were married in 2007.
Norbie, the seventh of 11 children born to Elaine and Norbert A. Butz, went on to win two Tony Awards, for “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and “Catch Me If You Can.” He is planning to leave his Tony-nominated role as Alfred P. Doolittle in the Lincoln Center revival of “My Fair Lady” on Jan. 6, 2019.
Composer Stephen Schwartz told Playbill why he cast him.
“I’ve wanted to work with Norbert since I saw him in ‘Thou Shalt Not’ and particularly in ‘The Last Five Years.’ He’s a lyricist’s dream. In ‘Wicked,’ I wrote ‘Dancing Through Life’ especially for him to take advantage of both his voice and charisma.”
In July 2017, “Wicked” surpassed “The Phantom of the Opera” as Broadway’s second-highest grossing show, trailing only “The Lion King.”
Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked” has won more than 100 international awards, including three Tony Awards and a Grammy.
The TV special isn’t the only way “Wicked” is celebrating its milestone – Ben and Jerry’s locations in Times Square and Rockefeller Center will sell special ice cream sand-Witches beginning Oct. 26. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the National School Climate Center’s BullyBust campaign.
The NBC Studios Store has an Ozmopolitan apparel display. And a special “Wicked” cupcake, baked by Melissa, is available online and at all 14 store locations through the rest of October. A portion of the cupcake proceeds with benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and A BroaderWay.
***GET REEL: Native sons and daughters can bask in the klieg lights in the ‘Lou during the 27th annual St. Louis International Film Festival, which will screen a record 414 films from 63 countries Nov. 1 through Nov. 11 at nine venues.
John GoodmanJohn Goodman, one of St. Louis’ favorite sons, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. That program and a screening of “The Big Lebowski” on Nov. 2 are already sold out. Goodman, who grew up in Affton, has enjoyed a long career – in movies, on TV and on stage. He is part of the “Roseanne” reboot called “The Conners,” along with former Edwardsville resident Laurie Metcalf, who plays his sister-in-law Jackie. The TV   sitcom began Oct. 16 on ABC and can be seen at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Yours truly is hosting a special event film. The fest is celebrating the Golden Anniversaries of several influential films that came out in 1968: “Bullitt,” “Medium Cool,” “Once Upon a Time in the West,” “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Pretty Poison.”
Anthony Perkins, Tuesday Weld in “Pretty Poison”I will introduce “Pretty Poison” and lead the post-show discussion after the free screening on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. at the St. Louis Public Library central headquarters downtown on Olive. The film is sponsored by the St. Louis Film Critics Association.
This underrated film noir-like thriller starred Anthony Perkins and Tuesday Weld, and has gained new appreciation as a cult gem, its influence noted in Terence Malick’s “Badlands” and Billy Bob Thornton’s “Sling Blade.” Think “Gun Crazy” meets “Lolita.” Mix in conspiracy theories, passion, greed and fantasy. With its inspired casting, it’s a strange and wonderful film about a teenage arsonist who is paroled, becomes smitten with a young femme fatale, and dangerous plans are put into play.
For a complete schedule or for more information, www.cinemastlouis.org For the trailer by Sleepy Kitty Arts (you rock Paige Brubeck and Evan Sult), watch this: https://youtu.be/UTm2PZJng_0
I was fortunate to be the moderator of a Q&A session after a sold-out screening of “Beautiful Boy” Sunday at the Hi-Pointe, with writer Nic Sheff, whose story is the film, and star Timothee Chalamet, whose fans started lining up at 8 a.m. for the 11 a.m. screening. St, Louis was one of four stops the Oscar-nominated Chalamet did over the weekend; Nic Sheff is appearing at over 10 locations.
Lynn Venhaus, Timothee Chalamet, Nic Sheff at “Beautiful Boy” Q&A. Photo by Kevin Brackett.***
APPLAUSE FOR: Congratulations to Kathleen Sitzer on her honor from the Alliance for Jewish Theatre, an International organization dedicated to promoting the creation, presentation, and preservation of theatrical endeavors by, for, and about the Jewish experience.
She is seen here with honoree Tovah Feldshuh at the recent Alliance for Jewish Theatre annual conference in Philadelphia. Feldshuh’s one-woman show, “Golda’s Balcony,” is the longest running in Broadway history. She received the Theodore Bikel Award for Excellence in Jewish Theatre.
Kathleen, the recently retired Founding Artistic Director of New Jewish Theatre, was recognized for her years of service and dedication to the concept of Jewish Theatre.
In addition to Sitzer, the conference will honor actress Tovah Feldshuh with the Theodore Bikel Award for Excellence in Jewish Theatre. Her one-woman show “Golda’s Balcony” was the longest running in Broadway history.
The conference provides an opportunity for theatre artists and organizations to network and learn from each other through a variety of workshops, panel discussions and performances. It is hosted annually by a member theatre. This year’s conference in Philadelphia is hosted by Theatre Ariel. New Jewish Theatre hosted the conference two years ago in 2016 and also in 2002.
For more information, visit: www.alljewishtheatre.org.
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AROUND TOWN: Sarajane Alverson, who played Chef Rossi in the autobiographical “The Raging Skillet” at the New Jewish Theatre, was able to meet the real-life inspiration when she came to St. Louis for the play’s premiere.
Sarajane Alverson, Chef RossiHere is a photo of the two from their appearance on a Fox 2 news segment. Photo courtesy of Aemi Tucker. Sarajane made it through three weeks of performances without a knife injury!
Country singer Alexandra Kay of Waterloo, Ill.Let’s hear it for country singer Alexandra Kay, aka Lexi Krekorian from Waterloo, Ill., who is among the nine people on Netflix’s new “Westside” that premieres Nov. 9. (I have an in-depth feature article that will be published in the Belleville News-Democrat soon).
Mark Saunders isn’t trying out his Halloween costume — he began the national tour of “Something Rotten!” last month and revealed his character Brother Jeremiah’s look.
His show will be in Champaign, Ill., on Monday, Oct. 29, for a one-night performance at 7:30 p.m. at the State Farm Center (University of Illinois). It’s a 2-hour, 43-minute drive from St. Louis. For more information, visit www.rottenbroadway.com.
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AMERICAN IDOL: Interesting in auditioning for the next season of “American Idol” on ABC? Online audition videos are being accepted now through Nov. 5. You must be at least 15 years old to submit a video for consideration. You’ll be notified by Nov. 19 if you made the cut.
More information can be found here: https://fmna.etribez.com/ag/fmna/ai2abc/welcome.html
***BOOK SHELF: St. Louis native Ellie Kemper, a John Burroughs graduate, has published a collection of uplifting essays called “My Squirrel Days.” Her Oct. 13 book signing at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters was sold out.
The comic actress, known for “The Office” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” has written about her journey from Midwestern naif to Hollywood.
Can’t get enough of Tony winner “Dear Evan Hansen”? The smash-hit has been turned into a young adult novel by Val Emmich and published on Oct. 9 by Little Brown. T
o promote the book, show composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul went on a 10-city bus tour with musical book writer Steven Levenson and author Emmich. Fellow Michigan alumnus Darren Criss joined them in Ann Arbor, and Tony winner and late-night host James Corden sang “Waving through the Window” at an L.A. bookstore.
A new deluxe album, including cut songs along with the original Broadway cast recording, is now available through Atlantic Records.
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LIFE IS ART – SAVE THE DATE: Who will be nominated for their work in 2018 St. Louis metropolitan area community theater – in musicals (Best Performance Awards) and plays (Theatre Mask Awards)?
Winners will be revealed at the annual Arts For Life Trivia Night, now set for Saturday, Feb. 1 at St. Joseph’s parish hall in Manchester. Ryan Cooper returns as the emcee.
Our theme this year is “That ‘70s Trivia” – you can decorate your table and dress accordingly (costumes optional) – but questions are a variety related to the category titles (announcing the show nominees).
AFL awards excellence in large and small ensemble musicals, dramas and comedies, and youth musical productions. The TMAs will take place on Saturday, April 6, at and the BPAs on Sunday, June 9, at the Skip Viragh Center for the Performing Arts at Chaminade.
Boogie the night away with AFL! Enjoy 10 rounds featuring a variety of trivia, silent auction, raffles, table decoration contest, “STL Theatre Sampler” ticket raffle, attendance prizes, and more.
New this year – VIP Tables – $200/8 people. VIP Tables include snacks, soda/water, prime seating, and a dedicated runner.  Reserve your table today! $160/8 people
For more information, visit AFL’s Facebook page or website, www.artsforlife.org.
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THEATRE RECOGNITION GUILD: Interested in scoring community theater and youth production musicals during the calendar year 2019? From now through Nov. 15, you can apply to be an AFL judge in what’s called the Theatre Recognition Guild. It’s the branch of AFL that judges musical theater for the Best Performance Awards given in 33 categories every June.
This is the only time during the year that you can apply. The online application is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019trgapplication
You will be notified in December if you have been selected. Between 50 and 60 volunteers are judges, and 10-12 judges are assigned to score each eligible show for about 25 groups in the metropolitan St. Louis area.
Judges are required to attend shows throughout the bi-state region. There is no monetary compensation – it is all volunteer. If you judge 8 shows, you receive a free ticket to the BPAs. In 2018, TRG will have judged a total 48 shows (21 large ensemble, 7 small ensemble and 20 youth).
If you have any questions, please contact me, the TRG Chairman on the AFL Board of Directors since 2010, at lynnvenhaus@gmail.com
***GO SEE A PLAY POLL: Artistic Director Kelly Hummert whipped us into a frenzy for months trying to figure out clues as to what Shakespeare play would be the next Immersive Theatre Project by her Rebel and Misfits Productions.
She recently revealed it’s “Macbeth: Come Like Shadows” which opened Oct. 24 and runs through Nov. 10, Wednesday through Saturday.
Sean Michael Higgins, Kelly Hummert in “Macbeth: Come Like Shadows”You can be there, too. Rebel and Misfits is offering 2 tickets to a performance for our current giveaway. All you do is answer our poll below – we’re asking about your favorite mystery play because Kelly was so mysterious about her show.
Send your pick, along with your name and phone number, to lynnvenhaus@gmail.com by noon on Tuesday, Oct. 30. A winner will be selected from the entries, we’ll announce the name, and get the lucky pair set up for this yet-to-b-revealed enticing fall premiere.
FAVORITE MYSTERY PLAY (make selection to enter the drawing):
Deathtrap
Dial M for Murder
The Mousetrap
Night Must Fall
Sleuth
Wait Until Dark
Send your choice by noon Tuesday, Oct. 30, to enter the drawing to: lynnvenhaus@gmail.com.

WORD: “Movies will make you famous, television will make you rich, but theatre will make you good.” – Terrence Mann
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Take Ten with Jeffrey M. Wright

Take Ten with Jeffrey M. Wright

By Ken Brostow
Contributing Writer
Do nice guys always finish last?
Not in Jeffrey M. Wright’s case.  The cliché doesn’t apply to him. A very popular entertainer here in St. Louis, his stellar reputation as an actor, singer, cabaret performer and emcee has spread to other cities as well.
By day, Jeff works as a physical therapist and in business development. But when dusk falls, he’s singing or acting, or both.
Jason Graae, an LA-based singer/actor, hears in Jeff  “…the voice of an Angel.” But adds that Jeff also has “the smile of a Devil.”
On the other coast, NYC-based singer-songwriter Lina Koutrakos described Jeff as “music’s contemporary ‘matinee idol,’ …He is heart, voice, looks and very much his own man…”

Jeff as Nathan Detroit in KTG’s “Guys and Dolls.”For the past 20 years, Jeff has worked with Stray Dog Theatre, New Line Theatre, Kirkwood Theatre Guild and others in St. Louis. His musical roles have included the famous gamblers Nathan Detroit and Nicky Arnstein, and run the gamut between comical, from Elijah Whitney in “Anything Goes,” to dramatic, as Tateh, the Jewish immigrant father, in “Ragtime.”
He’s amassed more than 50 theatrical credits, and about 30 cabaret appearances.
His cabaret performances have branched out to New York City.
“My New York debut was in May of 2015 at 54 Below in ‘The Music of Alex Rybeck.’  Since then, I’ve been fortunate to return several times to appear in concerts at other venues including The Metropolitan Room, the Iridium on Broadway and the Laurie Beechman Theatre,” he said.
A recent autobiographical cabaret, “The 40s – Theirs and Mine,” included anecdotes about turning the big 40 milestone and songs from the 1940s, reflecting his broad musical interests.
In September, he is headed back to be featured in The Concert Across America to End Gun Violence at a well-known jazz/cabaret club called Don’t Tell Mama.
“I’ve attended shows there, but it will be a new performance venue for me, so I’m especially excited about that,” he said.
Tina Farmer of KDHX noted that his voice “wavers between silky smooth and slightly gritty.” That’s why he can cover both American Songbook standards and rock ‘n roll anthems – moving effortlessly between “Sentimental Journey” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.”
As the quintessential “people person,” his art, his job, his recreational time—all revolve around people.  He works to heal people through physical therapy, and then entertains them socially through his devotion to theater.
This summer, he has been playing a colorful character in the musical comedy “The Robber Bridegroom,” which is ending its three-week run at Stray Dog Theatre. The play has been a joyful homecoming for Jeff.
“This is a hilarious, rowdy, Southern farce.  It’s full of fantastic bluegrass music, and Stray Dog’s production is a rare opportunity to see this lesser-known, but very fun show.  The cast and production team are awesome, and I really think the audience is going to have a great time!” he said.
“Since I grew up in the South and I love country/bluegrass music — my first album, besides Sesame Street and other kids’ stuff, was Kenny Rogers’s ‘The Gambler.’ I’m having lots of fun with it!” he said.
For more information, visit his website, www.jeffreymwright.com

Kimi Short, Jeffrey M. Wright and Ryan Scott Foizey in “Next to Normal” at New Line Theatre
Here are Jeff’s answers to our Take Ten Q&A:
1. Why did you choose your profession/pursue the arts?“I was always fascinated with the idea of being an actor/entertainer, even from a very young age, but there were not a lot of opportunities to explore this in my schools or hometown (Little Rock, Ark.).In high school, I remember attending the annual school play as a freshman and thinking I would like to do that as an upperclassman. I volunteered for stage crew of ‘The Sting’ as a sophomore, with the idea that I would get to know some of the theatre crowd better, as preparation to audition the following year. Unfortunately, after that show, the drama department folded for my junior and senior year because the volunteer director for the program retired, so I did not get that chance.”

 
“I was heavily involved in athletics throughout grade school and high school, and many different organizations in college, so my plate was pretty full of extra-curricular activities that did not include performing.  Once I graduated from college and got into the work force, I decided I really did want to pursue the arts in my spare time.
“I didn’t know the first thing about how to do this, but a friend took me under his wing in 1998 and encouraged me to audition for a summer musical with Studio J Productions. He told me that ‘they always need guys’ and if I could sing, there was a good chance I would be cast. I had never attended an audition before, or ever sung in front of people, outside of occasional karaoke, so I had no idea what or how to prepare. I sang ‘Edelweiss’ acapella from “The Sound of Music,” which was a horrible choice for the raucous comedy I was auditioning for, but somehow I was cast in a small ensemble role. I was instantly hooked after that first experience, and I’ve never looked back!”
2. How would your friends describe you?
“I believe most people think of me as a nice guy, which hopefully is true.  I’d like to think that people would also describe me as fun, caring, loyal, driven, and a good listener.”
3. How do you like to spend your spare time?
“Much of my spare time is spent around performing in some way.  For big chunks of the last 20 years, I have spent many evenings either rehearsing or performing, thanks to the many opportunities I’ve been fortunate enough to receive.  When I do find myself with free time, I enjoy seeing friends perform, spending time with my dog, sleeping in, traveling to visit friends and family, and going to the movies.”
4. What is your current obsession?
“I’ve recently discovered the world of podcasts and have subscribed to several.  I really enjoy having them on in the background if I’m doing office work, driving, etc. I think my favorite thus far is “Awards Chatter,”in which the Hollywood Reporter interviews various celebrities. Many are actors, who frequently describe how they got into show business, which I find fascinating.”
5, What would people be surprised to find out about you?
“Probably that I have a moderate case of ‘road rage,’ and I love to honk my car horn.  It’s unexpected because I am usually fairly low-key in most aspects of my life, but that’s not always the case when I’m driving.”
6. Can you share one of your most defining moments in life?
“Becoming an uncle has been incredibly rewarding and special for me.  I don’t have children of my own, but in the past five years, I’ve been blessed with two adorable nephews and one beautiful niece.
“In the performance world, I think discovering cabaret has been very defining for me. The people that I’ve met and learned from have certainly shaped me as a singer and actor, and several of those relationships have led to performance opportunities in New York that I never would have imagined.”
7. Who do you admire most?
“I have a great deal of admiration for my parents. They’ve been married for almost 45 years and are extremely caring and kind-hearted people. I also think a great deal of many people I know who quietly do amazing things for people and never expect anything in return.  Selflessness is such a rare and special attribute.”
8. What is at the top of your bucket list?
“There are a lot of international destinations that I’d like to see. I’ve been to parts of Italy and France, but otherwise I have not traveled outside of the US. I’d love to see Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand for sure.”
9. What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis?
“Outside of seeing all of the amazing performances that we have available, I love exploring our awesome restaurant and bar scene with good friends.”
10. What’s next?
“After ‘The Robber Bridegroom’ is over, on Sept. 23, I’ll be in NYC to perform in a concert at Don’t Tell Mama. Soon after that, I’ll begin rehearsals for my fourth run of “All Is Calm” with Mustard Seed Theatre, which will run from Nov. 15 to Dec. 16.”
Jeff as Tateh in “Ragtime” at Stray Dog TheatreMORE ON JEFFREY M. WRIGHTBirthplace:  North Little Rock, ArkansasCurrent location: Southampton neighborhood of south St. LouisFamily: Both parents, two brothers, two nephews, one niece.  Single with no children and one dog.Education:  Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis UniversityDay job: Outreach Services Executive with SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.  This is a business development role in which I visit other hospitals and physicians to teach them about our services, ensure that patient transfers to our facility go smoothly, etc.First role: Mayor Dan’l Dawgmeat and other small roles – “Lil Abner” with Studio J Productions, 1998.Favorite roles/dream roles: I have been extremely fortunate to play several dream roles already – including Pippin in “Pippin” with Stray Dog Theatre, Jamie in “The Last Five Years” with New Jewish Theatre, and Dan in “Next to Normal” with New Line Theatre. Other favorite roles include Rob Gordon in “High Fidelity,” Bobby in “Company,” Jimmy in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (twice), Finch in “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying,” Nathan Detroit in “Guys and Dolls” and more.
The one dream role that I’ve yet to play is Billy Flynn in “Chicago,” and I’m truly hopeful to perhaps someday get that chance.Awards/honors: I share St. Louis Theater Circle Awards for Best Ensemble in a Musical with the cast of Stray Dog Theatre’s “Ragtime,” and the original company of “All is Calm” with Mustard Seed Theatre.
I also received Arts for Life’s Best Performance Awards for Best Actor in a Musical (Finch in “How to Succeed” with Kirkwood Theatre Guild) and Best Actor in a Non-Singing Role (Harry the Horse in “Guys and Dolls” with Alpha Players)Favorite words to live by: Work hard, play hard.A song that makes you happy:  From popular music, “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars.  From musical theatre, many come to mind, but in recent years I’d choose “Alexander Hamilton” from “Hamilton.”

Todd Schaefer and Jeffrey M. Wright in “Hands on a Hardbody” at New Line Theatre.
Photos by Gerry Love, Jill Ritter Lindbergh, Peter Wochniak
 
 

Take Ten with Ryan Cooper

Take Ten with Ryan Cooper

By Lynn Venhaus
Managing Editor
It might be July, but actor Ryan Cooper is thinking Christmas. And Halloween. Well, he’s an accomplished performer at any time of year, but it’s during those holiday seasons where he really shines.
For the upcoming season of St. Charles Christmas Traditions, he will return to his blue-lipped, blue-clad jester-like character Jack Frost for the 13th year.
He auditioned for the first four or so years, but now is contracted for the part.

“One of the perks of longevity is that many of the old-timers that have been the same role for a number of seasons get to return to our holiday alter-egos without the audition process,” he said. “But I’m just a baby in the whole scheme of things. We have cast members that have been involved in the festival for 20 years.”

St. Charles Christmas Traditions involves 80 characters who make the season bright, along with many special activities, along the town’s historic Main Street. Hours are Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, Nov. 23 – Dec. 24.
Two years ago, Ryan created the sister festival for the Halloween season called Legends and Lanterns.
“It celebrates Halloween by looking at the origins of the customs associated with the holiday. We have interactive villains from history and folklore — Lizzie Borden, the Big Bad Wolf, Medusa, and so forth, a Victorian mourning museum, and many other fun attractions and activities,” he said.
He also participates in the annual Voices of Valhalla event at Valhalla Cemetery in north St. Louis County, where narrated hayrides travel the grounds and actors portray some of the noteworthy individuals who reside there.
“It is a really wonderful event. Larry Marsh does all of the research and writes the scripts, and has such a talent for finding the most fascinating characters to portray,” he said. “We recently did ‘Echoes of Valhalla,’ a one-night ‘greatest hits’ of some of the most memorable characters from over the years, onstage at the Florissant Civic Center theatre.”
Ryan is truly a man of many hats.
This summer, Ryan starred in “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure” for Stages’ Theatre for Young Audiences. He played Zeke, King Julien, Mason and Foosa. It’s his third year in the children’s musical, having played the Mad Hatter in “Alice in Wonderland” and the Cat in the Hat in “Seussical.”
“I absolutely adore working with Stages. I pinch myself every time I get to do a show with them, because I have been such a big fan of the company since I saw my first Stages’ show in 2005 – “Man of La Mancha.” It is incredible the amount of love and dedication the staff puts into their theatre for young audience shows, just as they would for any of their mainstage productions. It is a joy to be a part of,” he said.
He particularly likes performing theater for youngsters.
“There is just something so special about doing shows for families and young audiences. There is always an electric energy. And knowing that there are people in the audience who are experiencing live theatre for the first time, and that I get to be a part of it is the cherry on top of the cake,” he said.
Another summer activity he enjoys is hosting the annual Best Performance Awards on the second Sunday in June, which is produced by non-profit organization Arts for Life. Awards for excellence in community and youth musical theater are presented.

In addition to an opening monologue and introducing presenters, Ryan inserts comic bits that are often sight gags and involving theater or familiar characters. He returned as master of ceremonies June 10 after taking a break last year. He had emceed in 2014 – 2016. Because he is so popular with the crowd, AFL has locked him in for the 20th awards in 2019.
As a teenager, Ryan began getting noticed in community musical theater, especially for being funny. He won three BPA awards for Best Performance by an Actor in a Comedic Role — as Bud Frump in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” Carmen Ghia in “The Producers” and Hysterium in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
“Hosting is such a sincere honor for me. This year before the show started, while I was getting ready, I thought back to how my first BPA ceremony I attended was in 2006, where I volunteered as an usher,” he said.
“So, to get to act as master of ceremonies was a surreal moment where I realized how lucky I am to get to be a part of this community. I don’t get the chance to be as directly involved with the wonderful community theatre scene like I once was, so to have Arts for Life as an opportunity to be with old and new friends that make up the vibrant and talented St. Louis theatre family is such a privilege.”
He had moved away in 2013, hired to work in the long-running Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and the short-lived Storybook Circle Giggle Gang shows at Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.
Upon his return, he was hired as a tour guide for the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
“It’s where I get to take on my biggest acting challenge — acting like I know anything at all about sports,” he said.
“Seriously, it’s great. I’ve been giving tours there for four and a half years, and even though I am not a sports guy, as a native St. Louisan, you grow up with at least a great admiration and appreciation for the history of the St. Louis Cardinals,” he said. “I am happy to share their stories and hear the stories of the people from around the world that I get to interact with every day. Plus, as a performer, I get to have a captive audience for an hour at a time while on tour — what’s not to love?”
In addition, he is a docent at the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center.
“So, between that, and getting ready for the third season of Legends & Lanterns, and my 13th season with Christmas Traditions, that’s what the rest of my 2018 looks like, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love it!” he said.

Here are Ryan Cooper’s answers to our questions:
Why did you choose your profession/pursue the arts?
I feel that it’s something that happened organically over time. I had done shows at school when I was younger and had always enjoyed them, but I think the real formative moment was when ‘The Producers’ came through the Fox on its first national tour. I was hooked, and said to myself, ‘that’s what I want to do.’ My poor mother had to put up with me marching around the house singing tunes from the show for months after that.
How would your friends describe you?
Ha! I think my friends would definitely describe me as quirky — though they assure me they mean it in an endearing way.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I am crazy about going to museums. I love history and I love learning, so I try to go to every exhibit I can. History museums, science museums, art museums — I can’t get enough. A few years ago, I was vacationing in St. Petersburg, Fla., and my first stop was not to their beautiful beaches, but to the Florida Holocaust Museum. That about sums it up.
What is your current obsession? 
My current-yet-long-running obsession is all things Titanic. I’m a total nerd. When I traveled Ireland in 2009, I visited the final port where the ship was docked at, and did a one-man re-enactment of James Cameron’s epic three-hour film in 30 seconds — video proof of which I post on Facebook every April 10 for “Titanic anniversary week.”
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
Every spring, I travel over to the nation’s capital, where I give multi-day tours of Washington D.C. to school groups from around the country. A fascinating town — not to mention the abundance of excellent museums!
Can you share one of your most defining moments in life?
That would hands down have to be working for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I am a huge Disney fan, and used to go to the parks every year with my mom. I have wanted to work there since I was four, and in 2013, I was lucky to see that dream realized as I joined the casts of the long-running Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and short-lived Storybook Circus Giggle Gang shows. While I didn’t get to stick around for as long as I had hoped, it was a phenomenal experience, both personally and professionally. I got my Actors Equity card with “Hoop,” and for the first time, really experienced up-close the “business” side of show business — both the good and not-so-pretty parts. It’s an experience I treasure.
Who do you admire most?
Since I was in second grade, I have had an enormous admiration for Anne Frank. She has been an inspiration to me for my entire adult life, and her words have provided countless moments of peace and hope in times of need. I have a well-worn photo of her in my wallet that goes with me everywhere.
What is at the top of on your bucket list?
Speaking of Anne, the tippy-top of my bucket list is visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. I will for sure be there June 12, 2029 for her 100th birthday — but hope to get a visit in well before then.
What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis?
Oh gosh! That is a tough one. I am crazy about this town and feel that there is still so much I’ve got to explore. With that being said, every time I go to Shaw’s Garden (Missouri Botanical), and it doesn’t matter how many hundreds of times I’ve gone, I am in awe. Now if only I could get my backyard to look that good!
What’s next?
I’ve recently dipped my toes in the water of being on the director/producer side of things. In 2016, I created “Legends & Lanterns: A ‘Spirited’ Journey Through Halloween History,” a festival that takes place along Historic Main Street in St. Charles and delves into the origins of our most beloved All Hallow’s Eve traditions, while allowing visitors to rub elbows with some of the most infamous villains in history and folklore. So, I’ll be back directing that this October, then on to my 13th season as Jack Frost for the “St. Charles Christmas Traditions” festival.
All About Ryan Cooper
Age: 28Birthplace: St. LouisCurrent Location: Unincorporated North St. Louis CountyFamily: Only child to my awesome “Mommie Dearest,” Cindy CooperEducation: Trinity Catholic High School, Fontbonne University (B.A. Performing Arts)Day Job: Tour Guide for the St. Louis Cardinals (among many other jobs)First Job: Jack Frost at St. Charles Christmas Traditions when I was 17.First Role: Royal Child #4 in Riverview Gardens High School’s “The King and I” in 1998Favorite Roles: So many! Including: Man in Chair (The Drowsy Chaperone), Bud Frump (How to Succeed…), and Thenardier (Les Miserables).Dream Role: This is a total cop-out answer, but I truly don’t have one — yet. I’m working on it.Awards: Three-time Arts for Life Best Performance Award winner for Bud Frump (How to Succeed), Hysterium (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), and Carmen Ghia (The Producers)Words to live by: “No individual has any right to come into this world and go out of it without having left behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.” –George Washington CarverA song that makes you happy: “It Had to be You”

Photo Credits: AFL BPAs Gerry Love, Stages St. Louis, The Producers and St. Charles Christmas Traditions provided by Ryan Cooper, and featured image by Lynn Venhaus.