John & Jen Star Conor Ryan on Rocking Out to The Wild Party, Texting Kate Baldwin & Crashing on Couches

Age: 23

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA (“By way of Northern California, Rhode Island and Colorado.”)

Current Role: The dual roles of Jen’s younger brother John, who joins the Navy to fight in Vietnam, and Jen’s son—named after her brother John—in the new off-Broadway revival of Andrew Lippa and Tom Greenwald's musical John & Jen.

Stage Cred: After graduating from the University of Michigan’s musical theater program, Ryan made his Broadway debut in the ensemble of Cinderella, understudying the role of Prince Topher.

“I've always been a theater geek. Growing up, I was that kid listening to the Thoroughly Modern Millie cast recording trying to learn how to sing like Gavin Creel.”

“My mom was not a stage mom. My brother and sister grew up playing soccer, but I’m the youngest and somehow I gravitated towards theater instead. It was a complete mystery to everyone, but they supported me.”

“The summer before college graduation, I wanted to get the lay of the land in New York, so my friend Barrett Wilbert Weed graciously allowed me to crash on her couch...from May through August! It’s one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.”

“Earlier today I was texting [composer] Andrew Lippa about what a fan of The Wild Party I am. I remember being 12 and insisting on singing all the Burrs songs, like... [singing] 'What is it about her?' So intense, just loving the drama! He texted me back: ‘I feel very old.’”

“I have an older brother and sister, and we grew up with a single mom, so I can really relate to John & Jen. My brother joined the Navy right after the events of 9/11, when he was 20 and I was 10, so this material feels very personal to me.”

“Working with Kate Baldwin is unbelievable. I was nervous because she’s a Broadway star and I’m nobody. How would she feel having to spend all day with this young kid? But she's so gracious. She texts me all the time and emails me funny videos of her kids. She’s absolutely amazing! I’m amazed how lucky I am.”