Ryann Redmond
This week, we’re welcoming Ryann Redmond to The Couch. Currently in the hit off-Broadway comedy Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody, Redmond made Broadway debut in Bring It On in 2012 before becoming the first woman to play Olaf in Frozen on Broadway. She may also be the first (and only) person to spit chewing gum at Patti Murin on stage. More about that in her full interview here.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
I’m extremely loyal.
What was your proudest moment?
Making my Broadway debut in Bring It On and getting engaged! (not at the same time)
What is your favorite drink?
I’m a sucker for a nice Chardonnay.
What is your favorite food?
Dead tie between Pasta and anything Japanese.
What is your favorite condiment?
Ranch!
What is your current obsession?
Widow’s Bay
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Please. Help. Me. Stop. SHOPPING. But don’t actually because I’m a fashion girly.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Enough financial stability to pick up the tab at huge friend dinner.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Shoes/clothes.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Watching Reality TV.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Stress.
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Empathy.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Plead the fifth!
What in the world most thrills you?
Friends succeeding and Christmastime.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Anything AI.
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
When I was Olaf in Frozen on Broadway, I had gum in my mouth to keep my throat hydrated. When Princess Anna (Patti Murin) was dying because Hans betrayed her, I spit out my gum trying to blow out the fire on Olaf’s twig hand. I couldn’t pick it up because I was puppeteering and had no human hands and Patti was dying, so she couldn’t move. The scene ended and I had to go tell stage management that I spit my gum out near a track on the stage. Patti then saved the day when she came back to life and picked it up in the next scene. My hero! Needless to say, I have not chewed gum onstage since…
What is your favorite place in the world?
My family’s old lake house in South Carolina or Capri, Italy (two VASTLY different aesthetics)
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Humor and safety.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
My dog, Ollie 🙂
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Someone would ring my doorbell and hand me one million dollars and say that Dolly Parton, Diane Keaton, and Catherine O’Hara all came back to life.
What is your personal motto?
A Robin Williams quote: “We’re only given a little spark of madness, we mustn’t lose it.”