For decades, ‘Wicked’ has dazzled audiences worldwide with its whimsical, wowing production and compellingly layered narrative.
The award-winning stage show unpacks the origins of ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ and is centrally based on the reality that there are many sides to every story.
Multihyphenate performer Ryan Reid has stepped into the regal role of Fiyero in the London production and has been earning rave reviews for his powerful performance.
In commemoration of the 6000th show on London’s West End, That Grape Juice caught up with Reid who opened up about joining ‘Wicked,’ racial representation in theatre, being inspired by the likes of Beyonce and Taraji P. Henson, and much more.
Check out our interview below…
That Grape Juice: ‘Wicked’ is such an epic production and has been thrilling audiences for years! We attended the 6000th show and found it incredible. Tell us a little about how you became involved in the role of Fiyero?
Ryan Reid: So, the audition came on Spotlight, as all auditions do. And I saw it and my agent called me and said, ‘would you be interested in it?’ And I was like, ‘Well, of course.’ But to be honest, after the pandemic, we’d taken such a pause, I was like, Can I do this role anymore? Can I feel the same energy? It’s such a big show that you can think, ‘oh, wow, like, can I rise to the challenge?’ But the audition process was so lovely. They were amazing, the creative team, so kind, and so open. So that way, it made it so much easier.
It was quite a short audition process. I think it was about two weeks. And four sessions. Yeah, really quick. Some audition processes in the West End can hit up to 10 rounds. I think this was about four. They were really, really helpful.
That Grape Juice: One of the things we’ve long loved about the story of ‘Wicked’ is how layered it is and how much it reminds that there are many sides to a narrative. What are some of your favorite aspects of ‘Wicked’?
Ryan Reid: I think it’s brilliant to have two women leading the show, which I think sometimes we forget. Like, it’s been going for just over 15 years. And 15 years ago, that was a big thing to have two women leading, to be the two female leads in the show, it’s amazing to have that.
Also, while being in the show, we’ve had a lot of schools come and watch. And one school was studying the show, and they wrote some letters to the principals. And it was really interesting reading the letters to see how well children – that I think they were about year five or year six – understood the messages. And I think sometimes that is forgotten because you think there are so many layers to the show, it’s so layered. There are the songs, there’s the choreography, and there are the costumes. But what ties it all together is this message of looking at things a different way, and not judging a book by its cover because all the characters have a journey, every single one. And then that’s what you know, referring back to what you said, it’s so, so layered. And I think my favorite kind of message is that, looking at things a different way, which my character says, which I didn’t realize how poignant that was to children. Something I think is amazing 15-plus years on.
That Grape Juice: So, what would you say is your favorite track to perform?
Ryan: Sure. I probably enjoy ‘Dancing Through Life’ the most. I think it’s the most fun. It is my first number. Me personally, I have two [favorites]. I have ‘Dancing Through Life’ and ‘As Long As You’re Mine.’ I feel like when friends and family come to watch the show, they love ‘As Long As You’re Mine’ because there’s this moment where it solidifies my character and it solidifies the central love story. Those are beautiful moments. I think I forget how much the audiences love that moment. And it’s the dry smoke, and it’s a love song. But I love interacting with the ensemble in ‘Dancing Through Life.’ It’s just so much fun because it’s different every day. You know, I get to interact with the Ensemble a lot. So, yeah, that’s really enjoyable for me personally.
That Grape Juice: As a Black journalist who loves theatre, one of the things I found most encouraging was seeing you in this amazing frontward-facing role. What’s your take on representation in the theatre space and what you’d like to see moving forward?
Ryan Reid: It’s the biggest thing for me, representation. It is so important. And I know, as a young black actor growing up, I remember the first show I went to see with a Black actor and a male actor, who I was like, I could do that. You look like me, you look like my family. Like, it was Delroy Atkinson and now, I followed his career, and it’s incredible watching all the things he’s done. But I remember that moment sitting in the Young Vic Theatre, and it was on a school trip as well. It was probably year eight or nine. So, I remember it so vividly. So, I always say to people, like, you know, it’s easy for performers to come in.
We do the show every day, eight shows a week. And you kind of get wrapped into that kind of schedule. But we always have to remember what we’re doing and how we’re inspiring others, and especially Black performers, and performers of color, and with that diversity, like, if you see someone who looks like comes from your background, you can only feel like, ‘Oh, I can actually do it.’ Visually, you can see and it makes you want to do it. I think I know that that made me go oh, I actually can do it. Especially as it is right there in front of you as opposed to TV and film.
That Grape Juice: Right. You can live it. You can breathe it. You can feel it.
Ryan Reid: You can live it, you can breathe it. Exactly, you can see it. And it just needs to keep going that way. I think we also need to, one thing I do love about playing Fiyero is he’s the winky prince. Also, sometimes when you do see a lot of shows, we aren’t kings, queens, or highest status characters. I think that is another layer to it that I absolutely love. Especially, when we know what ‘Black Panther’ did for our community is where we are royalty. And I kind of bring that into the role. It’s having seen that, and I want to bring that in when I walk on. People watching and taking in that ‘he is royalty. He has that swagger.’ And it’s lovely to see that now. So, yeah, I think that’s why I find it so important. It needs to keep going that way. I want to see real Black people in every shape, color, size, and shape on stage playing different, varied characters, not just any stereotypes.
That Grape Juice: Who would you say are some of your inspirations in the entertainment sphere?
Ryan Reid: It actually changes over time. I think now that we are seeing more Black actors on TV and on film we can then go ‘Oh, wow, I didn’t realize you were in that because they’re out there a lot more now.’
Overall, I’m gonna say Michael Jackson always when I was younger. I was like ‘oh my gosh, wow, the way you sing and dance.’ And then I think now we have that with Beyonce, that this kind of flawless talent and persona.
And I love Taraji P. Henson as well. I read her autobiography. And it’s so interesting to see the business of it all. She talks a lot about the business side of things and how you can keep that career going by going into producing and directing, which I think is really, really interesting. And it was really, really lovely to read. Who else? Oh, like Sharon D. Clarke. I mean, the way that she I’ve been lucky enough to work with her and the way that she has done TV, film, voiceover work, and has done everything. And I think that’s what’s really exciting about being a performer. And especially for me, doing musicals is the same dance and art. I want to use all of those skills in every which way possible. So, I don’t just want to do theater. I’d love to do film, but let me do some singing as well and let me, why can’t I choreograph? You know, I think it’s lovely to see those kinds of performers who do everything and you don’t just have to fit into a box. I mean, that’s really inspiring to see when you see other performers who do that.
That Grape Juice: Great answer.
What would you say has been the best advice you’ve received?
Ryan Reid: There’s been a few. Work makes work makes work is important when you’re starting out, I always say to aspiring performers: don’t turn your nose up at anything. You can learn from everything, and you never stop learning. And if you go into every situation, learn something from everyone. Like I’m talking every department, sound, wardrobe. Because it will inform you later on and it might not be that job, but it might inform you on another job. So, I think always being open and willing to learn, I think is something that’s really, really helped me.
That Grape Juice: If you have to give three reasons why people need to come and see ‘Wicked.’ What would it be and why?
Ryan Reid: Oh, there are more than three reasons. That’s the reason in itself! It is a great night out. It’s thought-provoking, and it’s great fun.
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‘Wicked’ Continues at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre.
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Interesting story! I saw Quentin Oliver Lee as the phantom in the national tour of Phantom of the Opera several years ago, and then this year I saw Emilie Kouatchou on Broadway as Christine. Also this year I saw Kyla Stone as Anya in the national tour of Anastasia. Great to see history made in these lead parts.