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Conrad Ricamora has recently enjoyed a rare break that most Broadway performers rarely get while starring in a successful show: a few months off. However, the actor and co-star of Oh, Mary! didn’t stay away from the theater during his hiatus. He attended notable performances, including Paul Mescal in A Streetcar Named Desire and Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard, expressing admiration for Scherzinger’s talent. “It blew me away,” he remarked. “She is just unreal.”
Ricamora, along with the original cast of Oh, Mary!, has returned to the vibrant, historical comedy just as the spring theater season reaches its peak. The show features Cole Escola in their Broadway debut as Mary Todd Lincoln, portrayed as a disillusioned alcoholic aspiring to become a cabaret performer. Ricamora takes on the role of Abraham Lincoln, envisioning him as a closeted gay man looking to escape the daunting presence of his wife.
For Ricamora, a star known for his role in How to Get Away with Murder, this career has unfolded in unexpected ways. He only ventured into theater during his late college years, enrolling in an acting elective on a whim during his junior year. “I grew up on Air Force bases,” he reflects, recalling how in the ’80s and ’90s, boys were often discouraged from pursuing the arts. “It still isn’t great, but it was really not great then.”
In a recent conversation, Ricamora shared insights about his post-performance routines, his favorite meals, and the joys of reconnecting with his comedy idols.
On his post-show ritual:
After the curtain falls, I typically ride my bike home, which helps me wind down. Fortunately, I can cycle through Central Park, where it’s peaceful and not crowded at that hour. This calming commute allows me to unwind before I enter my home, preventing me from bursting through the door with overwhelming energy. My husband takes great care of me; he prepares lemon ginger water for each show and often has dinner or my favorite TV program ready for me when I return.
On his go-to fuel:
Before each performance, I enjoy a nutritious oatmeal porridge made with steel-cut oats, peanut butter, blueberries, an apple, and a sprinkle of trail mix and cinnamon. I typically eat this about three hours before the show. Afterward, I might order takeout, or my husband, Peter, may whip up a comforting soup. If I’m lucky, he’ll surprise me with a homemade rhubarb pie.
On his dressing room decor:
The character of my dressing room varies by theater. Currently, I have several posters from past shows displayed. Notably, I’ve hung my Little Shop poster from my time there, along with the original Here Lies Love poster from the Public Theater. I’ve also kept a poster from a production where I portrayed Juliet in Romeo and Juliet during my early acting days in Philadelphia, which was a transformative experience for me.
On his favorite celebrity run-ins:
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been meeting comedians I deeply admire. From Billy Crystal expressing enthusiasm for the entire production to Rebel Wilson and Tina Fey, one of my idols, it’s been surreal. I have a great admiration for SNL, and it has been wonderful to receive feedback from such a diverse range of talented individuals, including Melissa McCarthy, who has attended multiple times.
On his top Theater District haunts:
The Mermaid Inn has opened a location in Times Square that doesn’t disappoint; it holds up just as well as the one I frequent on the Upper West Side. When it’s time for a night out in Hell’s Kitchen, we choose Arriba Arriba for their La Mamá Margarita, served in a large bowl, accompanied by fantastic tacos. For a special occasion, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, just a few blocks away from the theater, is a treat. I’ve yet to visit Sardi’s, a fact I intend to change soon.
On sharing a stage with Cole Escola:
I’ve been a fan of Cole Escola’s work since their early YouTube days and attended their one-person show at Joe’s Pub. I’ve always been impressed by their creativity and humor. Performing alongside Cole is both exhilarating and challenging; it feels like sharing the stage with a live wire. The saying goes, “Never share the stage with an animal or a baby,” as they tend to steal the spotlight. For me, working with such an animated and present performer has significantly enhanced my own acting skills.
Source
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