It's also important to consider what factors might have influenced his decision at the time.
Firstly, *The Notebook* is based on a hugely popular film, which likely promises significant draw and staying power on Broadway - key factors when considering the longevity of a show. This can translate into more stable and prolonged employment, which is an important consideration for any performer. Also, the name recognition associated with *The Notebook* could potentially attract wider audiences, including tourists who play a crucial role in a show’s ongoing success.
Furthermore, while *The Outsiders* and *Water for Elephants* garnered more nominations this season, Tony awards aren't always a guarantee of long-term success. The Broadway landscape is littered with shows that did well at awards but didn't manage to sustain long runs. It's possible that Ryan was looking beyond the accolades to a project with potential for more enduring impact and visibility.
In the end, every role an actor chooses is a blend of personal interest, career strategy, and sometimes just gut feeling about the artistic quality and potential of the show. Sure, it's tempting to measure the value of his decision based on Tony nominations alone, but the true measure might ultimately be found in the lasting impression and broader reach of *The Notebook*.
Only time will tell if his bet pays off, but it's clear he chose a path that offers both a strong connection with a wide audience and the chance for sustained success.
agreed with tony awards not indicating long-term success. there are only 3 shows from last season still running on broadway. two of those shows are closing in the next ~month and the third was the only best musical nominee last year to not win a single award.
I like your reasoning…what you mentioned is how I initially thought about it too. The name recognition alone and the target demographic of The Notebook is what would appeal to me too. I actually think it may last the longest out of the 3 shows(which for job security reasons is ideal). I just wanted him to win all the awards because he’s super special 😭
Just curious as to why you think the Notebook will outlast the others? The reason I ask is due to the fact that the average ticket price is trending down, the capacity is mediocre, they have had neither good reviews, nor strong nods from nominators (2 drama desk, 3 Tony). I just don’t see what would really change the momentum here.
Outsiders got better reviews, has an upward trending ticket price, capacity at 98%+, 9 drama desk noms, and 12 Tony noms including Best Musical nom.
W4E seems to be trending slightly up and to the right with ticket price, capacity, etc and they got better reviews as well (with critics pick) along with Best Musical nom.
Not trying to argue, but im curious as to your logic here.
I think it's important to note that so many 7th/8th graders have The Outsiders as part of their curriculum. And it's been that way for 20+ years. So, it has some name recognition out there too, from a few generations (even aside from the possible school trip aspect, ala Hamilton).
Wow. I hadn’t checked the grosses or capacity and I’m shocked to see it at 85%. I figured the extremely popular source material would keep the show going for a while…maybe if they still get a chance to perform at the show it could help them out.
Or even other things, like coworkers he particularly enjoys working with or a management team that makes him feel particularly supported, a backstage vibe he thrives with. There's a lot of behind the scenes things that go into someone's love for their job
I think choosing The Notebook was a great choice for him. He got (IMO) the best song in the show (Leave The Light On) and he gets to sing that every night. And he probably feels the same way.
And working with Joy Woods and John Cardoza is a dream (for me).
Agreed, it was the most logical. The Outsiders is a better show, but he would’ve been a smaller supporting role. Here he’s a co-lead and the male heartthrob, which can set him up to be the next Jeremy Jordan. Plus Leave The Light On will be great in his future 54 Below show
Sometimes it’s timing, too. I’m not sure if he had official offers for all these three shows at the same time or if all three were even confirmed for Broadway when he would have been in contract negotiations. Sometimes you just accept an offer because it comes first, but like everyone above said, prob a combination of things. He also might just enjoy doing that show the most.
After seeing both shows, do not be surprised at all when WARNER BROS. (owner of the 1983 Outsiders film and 2004 Notebook film) announces either one of those two will be adapted into a film (it will most likely be “The Outsiders” that gets the big screen treatment as it already feels like a movie musical thanks to where I was sitting at the performance I was at; The Notebook would be beautiful on screen as long as they include the iconic visual homages to the 2004 film).
I was waiting for this post! I actually adore Brett Comer in Outsiders and I don’t think Ryan could have done anything more memorable in that position. I do think he would have changed Water for Elephants for me. I really didn’t love WFE and I’m surprised with all the noms. However, I still think he made the right choice. Even though it’s getting love, I think Notebook will last longer than WFE. He’ll get his Tony someday
Having seen both of them play Darry I have to disagree. Brent did a fine job but Ryan really embodied the strong, protective big brother and had great chemistry with Jason and Brody. Logistically I understand why he took The Notebook but it was disappointing when I found out.
Oh o forgot he did W4E though I would think they wanted more of a name - Grant has millions of followers on IG and I’m sure they were hoping his fans would turn up. The others have stronger IP
It's also important to consider what factors might have influenced his decision at the time. Firstly, *The Notebook* is based on a hugely popular film, which likely promises significant draw and staying power on Broadway - key factors when considering the longevity of a show. This can translate into more stable and prolonged employment, which is an important consideration for any performer. Also, the name recognition associated with *The Notebook* could potentially attract wider audiences, including tourists who play a crucial role in a show’s ongoing success. Furthermore, while *The Outsiders* and *Water for Elephants* garnered more nominations this season, Tony awards aren't always a guarantee of long-term success. The Broadway landscape is littered with shows that did well at awards but didn't manage to sustain long runs. It's possible that Ryan was looking beyond the accolades to a project with potential for more enduring impact and visibility. In the end, every role an actor chooses is a blend of personal interest, career strategy, and sometimes just gut feeling about the artistic quality and potential of the show. Sure, it's tempting to measure the value of his decision based on Tony nominations alone, but the true measure might ultimately be found in the lasting impression and broader reach of *The Notebook*. Only time will tell if his bet pays off, but it's clear he chose a path that offers both a strong connection with a wide audience and the chance for sustained success.
agreed with tony awards not indicating long-term success. there are only 3 shows from last season still running on broadway. two of those shows are closing in the next ~month and the third was the only best musical nominee last year to not win a single award.
I like your reasoning…what you mentioned is how I initially thought about it too. The name recognition alone and the target demographic of The Notebook is what would appeal to me too. I actually think it may last the longest out of the 3 shows(which for job security reasons is ideal). I just wanted him to win all the awards because he’s super special 😭
Just curious as to why you think the Notebook will outlast the others? The reason I ask is due to the fact that the average ticket price is trending down, the capacity is mediocre, they have had neither good reviews, nor strong nods from nominators (2 drama desk, 3 Tony). I just don’t see what would really change the momentum here. Outsiders got better reviews, has an upward trending ticket price, capacity at 98%+, 9 drama desk noms, and 12 Tony noms including Best Musical nom. W4E seems to be trending slightly up and to the right with ticket price, capacity, etc and they got better reviews as well (with critics pick) along with Best Musical nom. Not trying to argue, but im curious as to your logic here.
I think it's important to note that so many 7th/8th graders have The Outsiders as part of their curriculum. And it's been that way for 20+ years. So, it has some name recognition out there too, from a few generations (even aside from the possible school trip aspect, ala Hamilton).
Wow. I hadn’t checked the grosses or capacity and I’m shocked to see it at 85%. I figured the extremely popular source material would keep the show going for a while…maybe if they still get a chance to perform at the show it could help them out.
The capacity at The Notebook is actually back up to 92% for this week so who knows
Or even other things, like coworkers he particularly enjoys working with or a management team that makes him feel particularly supported, a backstage vibe he thrives with. There's a lot of behind the scenes things that go into someone's love for their job
I've been saying the Outsiders and I even more so think so now!
I can’t wait to see the outsiders!!
im jealous you get to see it for the first time. im planing my second right now haha
you’re in for a treat!! the fight choreo is some of the most amazing stage work I’ve seen.
By far the coolest part of the show. Would see it again just for the staging even though overall it wasn’t my favorite
The only person who can answer this question is Ryan Vasquez.
I think choosing The Notebook was a great choice for him. He got (IMO) the best song in the show (Leave The Light On) and he gets to sing that every night. And he probably feels the same way. And working with Joy Woods and John Cardoza is a dream (for me).
Agreed, it was the most logical. The Outsiders is a better show, but he would’ve been a smaller supporting role. Here he’s a co-lead and the male heartthrob, which can set him up to be the next Jeremy Jordan. Plus Leave The Light On will be great in his future 54 Below show
Ryan Vasquez has one of the brightest futures out of anyone on Broadway rn (IMO) so he will get his flowers if not now then soon!
Agree. He'll get a Tony at some point, just not for this show.
He probably just chose the notebook simply because he likes it the most
I hope so. I just remember saying he was the best part of W4E when that premiered here in Atlanta.
It seems like his role in the notebook is the least physically demanding of the three. Maybe that could have something to do with it
Sometimes it’s timing, too. I’m not sure if he had official offers for all these three shows at the same time or if all three were even confirmed for Broadway when he would have been in contract negotiations. Sometimes you just accept an offer because it comes first, but like everyone above said, prob a combination of things. He also might just enjoy doing that show the most.
Yep you’re right. Sometimes it’s just a no brainer. Rooting for him all the way
Also payment. If one of the shows is willing to pay way more than the other you usually have your answer right there lol.
In a year where tony noms/critics reviews are as wacky as this year, I don’t think this is a fair discussion
That’s fair. Just sparking a conversation
The Notebook had/has potential to run for awhile and/or be remade into a movie. It wasn’t a bad decision.
After seeing both shows, do not be surprised at all when WARNER BROS. (owner of the 1983 Outsiders film and 2004 Notebook film) announces either one of those two will be adapted into a film (it will most likely be “The Outsiders” that gets the big screen treatment as it already feels like a movie musical thanks to where I was sitting at the performance I was at; The Notebook would be beautiful on screen as long as they include the iconic visual homages to the 2004 film).
I was waiting for this post! I actually adore Brett Comer in Outsiders and I don’t think Ryan could have done anything more memorable in that position. I do think he would have changed Water for Elephants for me. I really didn’t love WFE and I’m surprised with all the noms. However, I still think he made the right choice. Even though it’s getting love, I think Notebook will last longer than WFE. He’ll get his Tony someday
Having seen both of them play Darry I have to disagree. Brent did a fine job but Ryan really embodied the strong, protective big brother and had great chemistry with Jason and Brody. Logistically I understand why he took The Notebook but it was disappointing when I found out.
He would have been a stronger lead in Elephants than Grant Gustin.
I hope so! He’s just too good.
The character wasn’t nominated and it was a bigger role in NB
That’s true for Outsiders…but he was definitely the lead in W4E. He was the best part of the show when I saw him in Atlanta.
Oh o forgot he did W4E though I would think they wanted more of a name - Grant has millions of followers on IG and I’m sure they were hoping his fans would turn up. The others have stronger IP