Hometown: Hudson, Ohio
Education: I went to the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, studying acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. More recently, I can be seen taking flying trapeze and trampoline classes at the Circus Warehouse in Long Island City.
Select Credits: I just finished an international 6 month children's musical tour of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Two Beans Productions/Theatreworks USA). Otherwise, I loved playing Satan in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Marilyn Monroe Theatre) as well as being a part of Liz Swados' amazing children's musical based on the works of Roald Dahl, Revolting Rhymes (Lucille Lortel Theatre). And look out for a feature film I shot last year, "For 20" (for20movie.com).
Why theater?: Theater people are the best people! I love the community and collaboration of theater. It all goes back to getting to be ridiculous and play make-believe with your best friends.
Who do you play in Birds Should Fly Free?: I play Max, a young sculptor; he's sexy and blonde (in every sense of the word). Like me, he's from a small town and felt a little like a big fish in a small pond. Now that he's moved to the big city, he gets to experience the thrilling highs and terrifying temptations of NYC.
Tell us about Birds Should Fly Free: I like to think of this show as a mix between Little Shop of Horrors and "House of Cards". It lets us see what happens when the Law of the Jungle outsmarts us humans: catches us with our pants down, if you will.
What is it like being a part of Birds Should Fly Free?: For me, it's an exploration of what it feels like to be the dumbest person in the room. Max is a beautiful example of "ignorance is bliss." I'm really grateful to be a part of the New York Fringe Festival! It's an incredible experience getting to work with such great collaborators in such a renowned festival.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I am such a big fan of immersive theatre. I think it's beautiful and imaginative, and please get me right in the middle of that world! So many people inspire me: Daniel Handler, Kristin Wiig, Meryl Streep, Jessica Lange, Margot Martindale, Jake Shears, Betty White, Tom Daley, Bianca del Rio, Anderson Cooper, Princess Peach...
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I think my entire circle of friends would rejoice with me once I land the role of Rolf from The Sound of Music. Otherwise, I'd love to play Peter Pan and I need to play Satan again in my lifetime. And I have to say it would be a dream to play either Joe in Damn Yankees, something for now, and something to look forward to later in my career.
What’s your favorite showtune?: My favorite show tune is "Near to You" from Damn Yankees. I would kill to get to sing the trio live, even if it were just a cabaret. I'm in love with the message and the emotion of it.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I would be honored to get to play Jessica Lange's son. I think we would make a kick-ass team.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Anderson Cooper. And I would play him in a movie about his life. It's going to be a great two-movie event. My movie would be called "Anthony Ritosa 360." His movie, "Anderson."
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: "Potential Breakup Song" by Aly & A.J. It's been a favorite since high school.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: The Black Eyed Peas. Give me Fergie or give me death. I can't not jam out when I hear their music!
What’s up next?: Next, I hope to get in some more time training on the flying trapeze! It's been awhile, and it really is time to fly.
For more on Anthony, visit http://anthonyritosa.wix.com/anthonyritosa. For more on Birds Should Fly Free, visit http://www.birdsshouldflyfree.com/
