We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ryan Driscoll a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ryan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project is one in which I am currently involved, its a tribute to Broadway musicals called The Best of Broadway. This is a concert series featuring four vocalists (of which I am one) performing a wide variety of songs from classic and contemporary Broadway musicals. I grew up in Musical Theatre performing in many musicals and I always loved the connection I had with the roles and the audience. I also enjoyed the diverse nature of the roles I played, from Marius in Les Miserables and Lt. Cable in South Pacific, to J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls. But like many actors and performers making a living in the business can be very challenging, so I began to explored my options. I came across an opportunity at Seabourn Cruise Lines to perform onboard their exclusive cruise ships. I auditioned and was hired. That led to a number of follow on contracts with the Cruise Line taking me to over 80 countries. This was a big change for me, going from performing in traditional musicals to performing a wide variety of songs from Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Bobby Darin, Michael Buble and others. I realized that my favorite genre were songs from The Great American Songbook, songs that my parents used to play frequently around the house as I was growing up. That eventually led me to my current gig as the Headliner at Sinatra’s in Nashville, a joint venture between the Sinatra family and Icon Entertainment. It’s been a number of years since I have performed in a musical and I really have missed the energy and excitement that comes from the theatre. So, that is why I am so excited to be a part of The Best of Broadway in Music City. I am once again able to perform a wide variety of songs from such Broadway hits as Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, Beauty and the Beast, and Alladin.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
When I was 9 years old, I saw a live concert by Josh Groban on PBS. That was the first time I had actually seen a live, televised concert and Groban’s voice was completely captivating. Angelic yet powerful. Even at a young age, I could tell how exceptional his voice really was. His tone, pitch, and control were perfect. After the concert was over and he received a standing ovation, I realized I wanted to be Josh Groban when I grew up! My family bought me all of his albums and I memorized each and every song, even the Italian songs! Whether I was in the shower or on the playground, I would belt out You Raise Me Up or When You Say You Love Me.
Music and entertainment run in my family. My grandpa Bob was a news anchor. My great uncle Glen was a radio host. My parents both performed in musical theatre productions. And all my siblings can sing and play piano. My parents exposed us to a wide variety of music from Frank Sinatra to Stevie Wonder. Whether we were listening to Earth Wind and Fire or the Eagles, music was always playing throughout our house. Over the last two decades, I have pursued my passion for singing and entertaining.
In March 2020, I was performing classical operatic songs on the open deck of the Seabourn Quest as we sailed between icebergs in Antarctica. The very next day we were told that the COVID-19 virus had reached North America. Unfortunately, I became stranded on board the ship after spending 3.5 months in Antarctica. After 85 days of quarantine, I was finally able to disembark the ship in Bridgetown, Barbados, and fly home to Las Vegas.
When I returned to Vegas I produced my one-man show Come Fly With Me at the Mosaic Theatre on the Las Vegas Strip. The show included the jazz standards we all know and love, with a refreshing take on hits from the Great American Songbook. In the show, I offered fascinating historical facts and trivia, embodying classic crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and honoring definitive artists such as Bobby Darin and Nat King Cole. Unfortunately that came to an abrupt stop when Covid restrictions on indoor entertainment venues went into effect.
Although I have been blessed with many incredible opportunities, it hasn’t always been easy. The entertainment industry is difficult, and finding stable, steady work can sometimes take years. In between my performing gigs, I have worked as a pool technician, trail guide, and barista.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The entertainment industry is difficult, and finding stable, steady work can sometimes take years. In between my performing gigs, I have had to look beyond the music industry to pay the bills, so I worked as a pool technician, trail guide, FedEx driver, and as a barista. But through patience and perseverance I was fortunate to come upon new opportunities and I now perform full time, six nights a week.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
My interaction and relationship with my audiences, and the joy that brings to them and myself is the most rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryanjdriscoll.com
- Instagram: ryanjdriscoll
- Facebook: ryanjdriscoll
- Youtube: @ryanjdriscoll
