This week’s podcast is extra special, mainly because of our exceptional guest: Ryan J. Haddad. Ryan is a performer/writer/creative soul with a brilliant mind and sharp wit. His incredible one-man show ‘Hi, Are You Single?’ has made audiences across the country laugh and cry for five years and counting. He’s single, ready to mingle, and speaks truth into so many hidden aspects of the gay dating culture. He also has cerebral palsy.
Like in so many pieces that Ryan has created, he presents a well-rounded, fully fleshed out character who is mobility disabled on stage. He does not shy away from it. Instead, he shines a spotlight on it and what it means for his dating life. The result is both hysterical and incredibly heartwarming.
In this interview, we not only discuss ‘Hi, Are You Single?’ but also Ryan’s path to get there, starting with his incredibly supportive family. They saw the bright light in Ryan from a young age and believed he was capable of great things. When he said he wanted to create theatre, they said “Great, we’re in!” As a child, he cast family members, neighbors, his parents’ co-workers… you name it! The followed his direction for eight years! In so many aspects of his life- both on stage and off- his family advocated for him before he could advocate for himself. That support- and his incredible work ethic- lead him to become valedictorian in a school district that would have guided him down the special ed path instead. His story is an inspiring one for sure!
This week’s SPOTLIGHT ON LOVE comes to us from an anonymous listener:
I don’t like touch. I hate to give hugs. I don’t know if I’m just with the wrong person. But, how do I start to like being touched.
Want to see Ryan’s show? Of course you do! ‘Hi, Are You Single?’ is currently streaming through a collaboration with IAMA Theatre Company and Wolly Mammoth Theatre.
https://www.woollymammoth.net/event/hi-are-you-single
Tickets are $20 and are available this week only, thru Feb 28! Please show him your support. You’ll be glad you did.
Follow Ryan J. Haddad! @ryanjhadaad
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Stephen
We are grateful to be a part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Thanks to David Dabbon for our theme music and to Sophie Kay Photography for our image.