INTERVIEW: Ryan Raftery is back at Joe’s Pub to celebrate 10 years
Poster courtesy of the artist / Provided by Skollar PR with permission.
Ryan Raftery is hosting a special theatrical party at Joe’s Pub, the downtown cabaret space that is part of the Public Theater on Lafayette Street in Manhattan. To celebrate 10 years of performing at this beloved venue, he decided to bring back three of his one-person shows to the stage, each tackling the story of a different media titan. Audiences can expect deep dives into the narratives of Anna Wintour, Martha Stewart and Kris Jenner. Performances of Ryan Raftery: The Titans of Media Trilogy run tonight, Feb. 27, through March 14.
Each piece, which finds Raftery in drag bringing the media icon to life, is steeped in playful satire and biting commentary. Tunes — interwoven throughout these parodies — come from many different artists, including Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Judy Garland and Beyoncé, according to press notes.
Raftery is in the business of solo shows. He has created 10 of them, and somehow he also finds the time to be a success on television. Over the years, he has appeared in Ugly Betty, What I Like About You, Malcolm in the Middle and Law and Order: SVU, according to his official biography.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Raftery to talk about Joe’s Pub and this 10-year anniversary. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
Can you believe it has been 10 years at Joe’s Pub?
Yes!
What is it about Joe’s Pub that you like so much?
Joe’s Pub is not only a great venue, it is a great incubator. They love artists and their choices, and practices are governed by art. And that is a rare and beautiful thing.
When performing three biomusicals in repertory, how do you keep everything sorted and memorized?
Lots and lots of rehearsal, and I work with an incredible team of people without whom it would not be possible.
Do you like the people you joke about? Does your comedy come from admiration?
Ninety percent of the time, I choose people that fascinate me. Sometimes, in the course of the research, I discover a newfound love for the subjects. [Only] once have I unearthed a real distaste for a character, but even that was an interesting process to go through.
How do you choose a subject that is deserving of the musical treatment?
#1, there has to be a certain level of scandal or conflict in their lives. Without conflict, you don’t have a story. Sometimes, I create the conflict for comedic purposes, but I try to choose people that have changed the way we see the world.
What’s it like working with your behind-the-scenes team on each show?
I am fortunate to work with a phenomenal director (Jay Turton) who is also an expert script editor. He shepherds me through the writing process and helps me hone the script and tell the story in the most effective way.
In today’s times, do you feel it’s even more important to celebrate and stage drag performances?
I think its more important than ever to laugh and not take things too seriously.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Ryan Raftery: The Titans of Media Trilogy will play Joe’s Pub in New York City from tonight, Feb. 27, through March 14. Click here for more information and tickets.
