The Biz Interview: Ryan Nunez
Play On Words Productions has launched Bonnie and Clyde the Musical at the Havana Theatre, which is now on until April 9th.
We spoke to director Ryan Nunez to find out what’s in store for existing Bonnie and Clyde fans and what audiences can expect from this musical incarnation.
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What drew you to be a part of this production?
Frank Wildhorn’s score is incredible. The music swells, and takes you to a place where although times are hard, you can still find peace within yourself. I was also drawn to this show simply that it is based on real life events. The actors could do some amazing research and base their characters of the real life people. It’s an amazing story between two ill-fated lovers, and I love that.
Can you share some of your creative process in directing this production – from the initial planning all the way to opening night?
This process was definitely a collaboration between many people. We knew the venue was small, so we had to take everything out of context. I loved the idea of setting the show in a lounge, giving the characters circumstances to play when not on the stage. We called it the “Onstage-offstage”. I also really wanted to play with putting woman in roles of power. Bonnie is an obvious woman of power, but I also wanted to have the Preacher, and Judge as a woman as well. And of course Governor Ferguson, who in real life was the first woman to be the Governor of Texas. I also wanted to play with tying in modern day focus and fascination of how influential media can be, which you can see with the art deco on the walls.
What should audiences expect from this show?
Audiences that come to the Havana Theatre should feel uncomfortable, excited, and touched. You fall in love with these people, even though they are cold-blooded killers. People who see the show should be moved by the music, the lyrics, and the amazing true story.
This is a musical version of Bonnie and Clyde. What was the biggest challenge in bringing an existing story to stage as a musical? What was the biggest reward?
I think the biggest challenge was making the story relatable to a modern audience. The biggest reward? Working with the most amazing cast and crew. As a performer myself, it was exciting to work on the other side of the table and get to work with my peers, and also met some incredible new people who worked on this production. I think this was an incredibly rewarding experience.
Are there any books or authors that have been influential to you so far in your creative journey?
I am extremely influenced by Oscar Wilde and Sylvia Plath. I also love playwright Neil Simon, and Neil LaBute. I just look for anything that inspires me to create art.
What is the most important lesson you have learned so far in your career?
Be humble.
What other projects are you involved with at the moment?
With Play On Words, we are continuing our Cabaret Series, which will have 2 nights in June at Seven Dining Lounge on W Broadway. We also will be announcing our next production that will happen in Fall 2016 soon. I am also currently living the life of an actor, auditioning for shows around the Lower Mainland.
Where can people find out more about you online?
You can check out any information about Play On Words on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Myself, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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Thanks to Ryan Nunez for speaking with us!
Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical stars Sherry Freeman, Charlie Deagnon, Cassady Ranford, Will Hopkins, Henry Beasley, Stef Stanley, Nathan Cottell, Taylor McKee, Jason Sakaki, Sabrielle McCurdy Foreman, Chloe Rowat, Steven Masson, Annastasia Unger, YooRa Kang, and Jesse Alvarez.
Besides Ryan Nunez, the crew also features Music Director Marquis Byrd, Choreographer Lyndsey Britten, Stage Managers Kaja Jean and Ziggy Shultz, Set Design by Jessica Snook, Prop Design by CJ McGillivray, and Sound Design by Clare Wyatt.
Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical is now on until April 9th at the Havana Theatre. For tickets, please visit Eventbrite.
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