Ryo Kamibayashi Shares Backstage Secrets From PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL
Pirates! is currently playing at the Todd Haimes Theatre on Broadway.
By: Stephi Wild Jun. 10, 2025
We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving.
In this edition, we catch up with Ryo Kamibayashi, currently appearing in Pirates! The Penzance Musical on Broadway. Below, he takes us backstage at the Todd Haimes Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of his favorite backstage moments, pre-show rituals, and more!
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at the theatre?
I usually run straight onto the stage from the entrance because fight and lift call is about to start in 8 seconds. On the very rare occasion I’m early, I head up to the 5th floor lounge area, and since they have a beautiful piano there that I have named Elsie, I will play Elsie on a mute pedal to calm myself down.
What’s the last thing you do before going on stage?
Depends on whether the bathroom is vacant or not, but usually, it’s a quick “Have a good show, David” to the one and only David Hyde Pierce.
What’s your must-have backstage snack?
I don’t know who keeps restocking the Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, but I love you. I truly cannot survive the second act without them.
Pre-show ritual others may think is weird?
Back during The Outsiders, I’d do this high-knee jump while making wild faces at the audience behind the curtain. With Pirates!, I get to do that onstage—so now I’m workshopping new rituals. Open to ideas. For now, I just stretch like my life depends on it.
What are five must-haves in your dressing room?
- Nintendo Switch (shoutout Alex Gibson)
- Massage Gun (shoutout Alex Dorf)
- Chocolate Chip Cookies (shoutout Alex Dorf’s mom)
- Melodica
- Tommy
Favorite moment in the show to watch from the wings?
I rarely get to catch much from the wings because of my track, but I cannot get over “A Policeman’s Lot Is Not A Happy One” sung by the triple-threat Preston Boyd, followed by the sheer talent that are the Stanley Daughters. It is a fierce tap number that is accompanied by an incredibly jazzy orchestra, and it is a beautiful reminder that I am, in fact, on Broadway.
Favorite backstage moment so far with this show?
After the curtain call, we sprint down the aisles, passing out Mardi Gras beads to the audience. I love hearing stories of someone accidentally getting smacked in the face with it, or successfully chucking it to a buddy across the house. It’s pure bead chaos—and the perfect way to end the night.
About Ryo Kamibayashi (Pirate / Policeman, U/S Frederic)
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Ryo appeared on Broadway previously in The Outsiders. He also appeared in a reading of The Last Man. Ryo recently graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and a minor in Music Composition from the University of Michigan. An accomplished Jazz Piano player, he has composed music for various films and is working on a musical.
