Spotlight On: Kyle Riedinger

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Kyle Riedinger who is portraying Barry Glickman in our production!

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi, I’m Kyle Riedinger.

 

What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?

I’ve loved this show ever since I saw it on Broadway and knew I wanted to play Barry someday he’s so energetic and unapologetically himself and that perfectly aligns with me as a person! I love how through this show we really see how Barry is the definition of everyone is constantly changing and learning and growing 

 

What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?

That I’m actually dancing in a show! I haven’t brushed off these dancing chops in a minute so that’s been the area I’m focusing on! 

 

What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?

“Tonight Belongs To You” because it’s such a fun yet touching moment I get to have with the wonderfully talented Zayda

 

Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?

Oops kind of answered this before but Barry and I are one and the same! So this process has been so much fun to try and see what  some of those differences are and grow with him.

 

Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?

I typically don’t get nervous because I feel so comfortable on a stage and live for audiences reactions which puts my mind at ease.

 

If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?

Do it! It’s a great escape from the reality we are all currently living in. It provides an entire other world you can live in even if it’s just for a few hours. 

 

What was your experience at your own high school prom?

I took my best friend at the time and we danced the night away and then went to Dennys after.

 

What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?

It means everything! Especially in our political climate right now. More now than ever we need to come together and celebrate each other and treat each other with kindness and respect. 

 

 

“The Prom” opens on May 22nd and runs through May 31st at Connecticut Theatre Company.  Tickets on sale now!

 

“It’s a 21st century “Bye Bye Birdie,” with showbiz interlopers causing havoc before finding their better selves — but re-imagined with a millennial slant and an echo of “Dear Evan Hansen” empowerment.” — FRANK RIZZO of Variety

 

“The Prom is hilarious, entertaining, and most importantly, moving. It highlights the ongoing cruelty in communities across the country. It highlights the ongoing barriers that minorities, specifically youth minorities, face daily.”  —  JESSICA NEU of onStage Pittsburgh

 

“What makes The Prom “more than entertainment” is the way its social messages are seamlessly threaded throughout a compelling storyline. The drama clearly offers a lesson in how a series of individuals and a whole town (surrogate for a nation or the world?) can be transformed from homophobia to an acceptance of life-affirming inclusivity.” —  JOAN LANCOURT of the arts fuse