Shawn Ryan returns to New York with his unpredictable musical comedy act.
By Brandon Voss
“We aren’t your mama’s cabaret show,” says singer Shawn Ryan about his jazzy act, which appropriately hits Don’t Tell Mama on October 16. “We’ll throw in a tune inspired by an audience member, throw out our one ballad if we’re all not on the same page, and we’re not afraid to stray from the set list. It makes for an improvisationally charismatic show that audiences absolutely love.”
The West Hollywood resident, who’s been busy touring and promoting his new gay-themed short film, Charlie, says he’s thrilled to be returning to Manhattan with his band. “We’re bringing some great old standards that we’ve thrown our own twist into and some downright dirty ol’ cabaret. After our shows, people always say how they weren’t expecting it to be so much fun. We want audiences to leave with cheeks that hurt from laughing.”
Also expect a little something special for the boys — maybe even an anecdote or two about Ryan’s husband. “I’ve been open from day one,” he says. “When I was first starting out, I was singing ‘I Got Rhythm’ in a little club in Reno to a sea of cowboy hats. When I got to ‘I got my man — who could ask for anything more?,’ I sang it loud and proud. Two good old boys in the front row with their female dates kind of cringed, so we just pointed out that everyone’s a little bit gay. I said, ‘Remember that one time in Boy Scout camp? Yup, that counted!’ We all laughed. I don’t take myself too seriously, and the audience comes along for that journey.”
Ryan’s own journey got a major boost in 2006 from his appearance on the first season of America’s Got Talent, even though he only advanced to the semi-finals. “It was such a great experience for me,” he says. “Performing in front of all those people, going on an international tour of 33 cities, selling tons of albums. It’s sort of comical when people send condolences of ‘I’m so sorry you didn’t win.’ I’m always like, ‘But I did win! Just not in the technical sense.’”
Next, October 2015.