Welcome to Entre Acts with host Linedy Genao! In this episode, Linedy welcomes her true hermano and Broadway castmate Ryan McCartan. The two kick things off with a classic game of dominoes , debating the merits of ketchup over mustard and flat, crispy pineapple pizza. They also dive into some bilingual chisme, exploring how a guy from Minnesota ended up speaking Spanish with a perfect Puerto Rican accent thanks to his partner Natalia. Along the way, they share a hilarious round of "Bed, Wed, Dead" featuring Broadway icons and musical theater legends.
Moving into the meaty middle of their sándwichito format , Ryan gets vulnerable about the realities of his 25 year acting career. He shares a powerful piece of advice from a mentor that being an artist is like waiting in a long line that only moves when others give up and go home. The duo opens up about navigating mental health, internet negativity, and the exact pre show mantra Ryan shared with Linedy to help her combat anxiety. Ryan also provides an educational look into managing Type 1 Diabetes while performing at the highest level. He emphasizes that surviving the hardest parts of a career is all about community, proving his favorite quote that if something is mentionable, it is completely manageable.
Ryan McCartan is a celebrated actor and musician who recently starred in the titular role of Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby on Broadway. His impressive theatrical resume includes playing Fiyero in Wicked, Hans in Frozen, and originating the role of JD in Heathers The Musical. Television audiences will immediately recognize him as Diggie from the hit Disney Channel series Liv and Maddie. Up next, Ryan is preparing to reprise his beloved role as Tony in West Side Story at the Washington National Opera.
Connect with Linedy and Ryan:
- IG: @linedygenao
- IG & TT: @entreacts
- IG: @mccarya