T. Ryder Smith
Most actors would find the idea of playing Queen Elizabeth I, Hitler and Ronald Reagan over the course of a career quite daunting. T. Ryder Smith plays all three characters in the same play! The play, of course, is Sarah Ruhl's Passion Play, presented by Epic Theatre Ensemble, and it is currently generating the kind of buzz usually reserved for big Broadway hits. But this show isn't on Broadway. In fact, it's not even in Manhattan. This must-see event is drawing crowds in droves to Brooklyn. Ft. Green, to be exact. So if you've seen an extra dose of A-listers on the Downtown C Train lately, now you know why.
Good news for those of you who haven't yet made the trip: it recently extended its run through June 5. For tickets, go to epictheatreensemble.org.
We wanted to see how T. Ryder Smith is holding up under the pressure, so we've put him on the couch.
Q: What do you consider to be your best asset?
A: Curiosity.
Q: What was your proudest moment?
A: Birth. I was a spontaneous delivery. That was work.
Q: What is your favorite drink?
A: Water without ice.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Pomegranates.
Q: What is your favorite condiment?
A: Celtic sea salt.
Q: What is your current obsession?
A: Trying to get the iPhone camera to take an interesting photograph.
Q: If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
A: Acting.
Q: What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
A: Retirement.
Q: What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
A: “Waste” is harsh. “Spend” is better: books.
Q: What is the one activity you waste too much time doing
A: Projecting.
Q: What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
A: Food.
Q: What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: Encouragement.
Q: What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: Delay.
Q: What in the world most thrills you?
A: Honesty.
Q: What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
A: Solipsism.
Q: What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
A: It is ongoing.
Q: What is your favorite place in the world?
A: Dawn.
Q: What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
A: That they like me a little.
Q: Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
A: Cats, since they don’t like company.
Q: What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
A: I woke up 20.
Q: What is your personal motto?
A: “Okay.”