255 helpful roles at Playhouse

TOM TITUS

Thirty years ago, Jim Ryan was asked to “help out on a set” at the

Laguna Playhouse. He’s worked on every production since then -- 255

of them and counting.

Ryan wears a number of hats as production manager of the playhouse

-- among them scheduling, budgeting, logistics and troubleshooting.

But he doesn’t hesitate when asked if he’d like to be on stage again.

He’d love to, but his job just doesn’t leave him that much time.

Sure, he misses the applause, like the accolades he received in

1978 when he played the title role in “Scapino” at the playhouse

(earning him this column’s laurels as the best actor of the year in

local theater). But he’ll get to hear some appreciation aimed in his

direction come April 16.

That’s when Ryan and actress Sally Struthers will be honored at a

black tie benefit to be held at the Montage Resort & Spa in Laguna

Beach. Struthers, best known for her role in TV’s “All in the

Family,” starred in the playhouse’s musical comedy “Always, Patsy

Cline” in 2002.

For Ryan, 64, the tribute will cap what he describes as a labor of

love. “You can’t help but enjoy this kind of work,” he declares.

“It’s not just a job, it’s a way of life.”

Jim Ryan didn’t start out as a thespian. The Bronx, N.Y., native

joined the Marine Corps right out of high school and made it his

first career -- enlisting as a private and retiring as a captain in

1980 after 20 years, the last half dozen of which were spent at

nearby El Toro Marine Air Station.

By that time, he’d already immersed himself in the theater,

beginning in military productions in Japan. “I got the leading

role in a one-act play called ‘The Valiant,’ and I was hooked,” he

recalls.

In 1974, Ryan auditioned for the first time at the playhouse, for

the Navy comedy “Mister Roberts.” Director Marthella Randall cast him

in a minor role, but with a week and a half remaining in rehearsals,

the actor playing Ensign Pulver left the cast -- and Ryan got a

battlefield promotion.

His personal best, “Scapino,” followed four years later, and by

that time he was running things backstage as well. When he mustered

out of the Marines, he had a full-time job awaiting him at the

playhouse.

Ryan’s last acting stint was a minor role in “True West,” about 15

years ago and just before the theater became a professional

operation.

He also directed the playhouse’s earlier productions of “A Walk in

the Woods” and “I’m Not Rappaport.” But to act or direct at the

theater today, he’d have to join the union, Actors Equity, which

wouldn’t be a problem if the right part materialized. “It’s not about

the money anyway,” he says.

Shortly after he started working at the playhouse, he met his

future wife, Myrna. “She was my dresser on ‘Becket,’ ” he recalls.

They’re coming up on their 25th wedding anniversary in September.

Early on, Ryan was on stage at least twice a year while doubling

as technical director, production manager and facilities coordinator.

He’s watched the theater grow and expand -- he was part of the team

that put in the playhouse’s balcony, back in 1985.

As for his personal highlights over the past three decades, he

declares, “The people are a highlight. There is so much talent here,

in the technical area as well as the actors.”

Ryan enjoys conducting backstage tours for audience members who

are continually amazed at what goes into the production of a show.

With a half-dozen main stage productions each season, as well as four

youth shows, he’s usually involved with three or four plays at one

time.

“It’s a neat place to work,” he beams. “The actors feel the same

way. They say they’ve never worked in a place where they were treated

so well.”

Ryan probably is the last link between the old community players

of the 1970s and ‘80s and today’s streamlined professional operation.

And in both cases, he’s been impressed by the camaraderie involved.

“It was great when Doug (Rowe, longtime artistic director) was

here, and it’s still great with Rick and Andy (executive director

Richard Stein and artistic director Andrew Barnicle). I’ll stay here

as long as they’ll have me.”