#BehindtheCurtain: Get to Know Ryan Burtanog
No family would be complete without their weird… I mean really fun uncle, and the Addams clan is certainly no exception! Uncle Fester, Gomez’s hilarious and exceptionally unique brother, whose love for his family is only rivaled by his love for the moon, serves as the show’s primary narrator in The Addams Family. In our production, the role of Fester is being played by an SDMT veteran, Ryan Burtanog, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Previously seen in SDMT’s production of South Pacific and in countless other regional stage productions, Ryan’s wealth of knowledge and experience is evident as he brings this loveable character to life. This isn’t the first time Ryan has played the role of Fester, and it clearly shows. He truly embodies the quirkiness and heartfelt sincerity of this character in a beautiful way, and we’re so grateful he’s a part of the SDMT family. Continue reading below to learn more about the man behind the character, and then make sure you get your tickets to come see Ryan and the rest of The Addams Family running until October 29th on the SDMT Stage!
What inspired you to get into musical theatre?
I did those little school pageants/plays in elementary school and thought those were fun, but it wasn’t until about 7th grade when I saw an ad in the TV GUIDE for Into the Woods that was going to air on PBS. It was an ad of a cartoon woods towering over scared fairy tale characters. I was (and still am) into horror movies and I thought, “oooh this looks scary. I want to watch this.” So yeah, color me surprised when they started singing and I thought what the heck is going on!!! Fortunately, I ended up loving it and that is when the musical theatre bug bit me!
Photo by Heather Longfellow
Does The Addams Family have any special meaning to you? If you could tell the audience anything about this show, what would it be?
I was never big into the tv series growing up, but the movies are absolute comedy classics! As for the musical, it has so much heart in it. I’ve been in this show before and I never get bored. This is a family that loves each other unconditionally and is unapologetically themselves and every family can identify with this family in one way or another.
Photo by Heather Longfellow
Who is your Broadway idol?
Lea Salonga! That woman just has an amazing voice and she’s done so much for Filipino and Asian representation on Broadway and the West End.
What is your favorite scene or number in The Addams Family?
Photo by Heather Longfellow
This show centers around a wild and wonderful family and all their crazy antics. Do you have any funny or wild family stories you’d like to share… full disclosure!
I would like to plead the fifth on this! All I will say is that Filipino families at get togethers can be quite enlightening… haha.
What is a dream role or dream show to be in for you?
Photo by Heather Longfellow
The Addams clan is a rather spooky bunch, and this show will be happening right
before Halloween. What’s your favorite spooky Halloween memory?
Not really spooky, but I went trick or treating at one of the University of San Diego residence halls and I got a box of Mac and Cheese because the guys forgot they were supposed to have candy for the kids visiting the campus!
If you could invite one member of the Addams family to meet your own family, who would you want to bring for dinner?
No one ever mentions Thing. So I’m gonna say Thing!
Photo by Heather Longfellow
The Addams Family Creative Team:
Director: Carlos Mendoza
Choreographer: Aaron Pomeroy
Music Director: Richard Dueñez Morrison
CLICK HERE to buy tickets!
