Ron Domingo will play Chiqui in Paper Dolls when it opens at the Tricycle Theatre on 28th February. His stage credits include The Romance of Magno Rubio at the Long Wharf Theatre, New Haven, for which he received an OBIE award in recognition of outstanding achievement in an Off Broadway theatre, The King and I at Harbor Lights Theatre, The American Pilot at the Manhattan Theatre Club, and On House at the WPA Theatre. Ron’s screen credits include Blue Bloods, Person of Interest, Law & Order, As The World Turns, Rescue Me, Tenderness, Robot Stories, The Motel and Slow Jam King.
How are rehearsals going for Paper Dolls?
So much fun. We've got so many things going on at the same time, the music, the dancing and the acting as well as all the drag stuff - it’s so fantastic!
So it’s a fun show to be part of?
Oh yes! The whole creative team is fantastic, there is so much going on with costumes and everything, I don’t think people realise how much goes on behind the scenes. Paper Dolls is definitely going to be a brilliant show.
In a nutshell it’s a true story of immigrant Filippino nurses who work as live-in carers for elderly Orthodox Jewish men by day and by night they have a drag show. They sing and have fun. They dress in women’s clothes and some of them are transgenders; it’s a really fascinating world to be a part of because they have never experienced anything like this. This has opened up my mind to things, it’s been great, and I’m still learning.
Why should people come and see Paper Dolls?
For me, this is about these people who have so much courage to be who they really are. I don’t know how many of us can say that in life. In terms of opening up your mind, this story is told through a very specific sub-culture of the gay community, but it is still very universal in terms of humans. I am a straight man with a wife and children – this world is new to me. I feel like this show has been a blessing for me because it forces me to face my prejudices and pre-conceived notions, and it has really opened up my world. I think that anything that will help me to see the world as people being people is a great thing. Come and see Paper Dolls if you are interested in opening up your horizons.
Do you enjoy performing in an intimate theatre like the Tricycle?
I love it! I embrace the proximity to the audience because you get a more immediate response. It feels like we are exchanging ideas. The Tricycle Theatre is lovely; there is something really special about it.
What are the rest of the cast like to work with?
Absolutely fantastic! This is my first time working with British actors so I wasn’t sure how it would be, but they are all great, so talented, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with. We all get along really well which is always a bonus!
Are you enjoying the music and dance side of Paper Dolls?
For me Paper Dolls is a sort of homecoming because during college I did mostly musical theatre, but when I left I auditioned for Miss Saigon and blew my audition. I therefore decided to focus on straight acting which I did for almost 25 years. This play has inspired me to become more of who I am. I've always loved singing and have had voice lessons for this show. I never did it professionally because I didn't think I could do it. I think that when you’re older you have fewer inhibitions so this has been a great opportunity for me.
When did you first decide you wanted to become an actor?
I did a college production and fell in love with performing. I worked my way up from playing a random Shark in West Side Story to the leading role in a major musical and I enjoyed the thrill of being able to perform.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors?
I don’t think I’m really in a position to give advice (laughs)! I went to drama school but acting is a very individual thing so you need to find out what works for you, and if it doesn’t seem to be working then you might need to look somewhere else. It’s so important to connect with the teacher and you are trying to learn something about yourself – that’s the beauty of being an actor. Acting has been a very personal journey, putting myself in front of people and being judged. I am passionate about acting and have no regrets.
What are your dream roles? Are they any particular shows you would like to appear in?
Nothing in particular comes to mind, I just enjoy working! Each time I get a new job I feel it’s a gift which is given to me for a reason.
What would you like to say to everyone who has supported you throughout your career?
Thank you. I am so grateful. It’s not always easy pursuing something you love to do, especially in the States where there is often pressure to get a stable job. I'm so grateful to the people who have accepted what I wanted to do.
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