Ryan Landry: Provincetown Drag Icon and Acclaimed Playwright
Table of Contents
Early Life and Upbringing
Arrival in Provincetown and Drag Performances
Founding the Gold Dust Orphans Theater Company
Acclaim and Awards for Playwriting
Visual Art and Painting
Personal Life
Early Life and Upbringing
Ryan Landry was born in 1961 in Lynwood, California. He had a difficult childhood, being abandoned by his birth mother before age 2 and later raised by relatives in abusive environments in Connecticut. In 1976 at age 15, Landry ran away to New York City and soon became immersed in the world of drugs, prostitution, and street life.
Arrival in Provincetown and Drag Performances
Landry arrived in Provincetown in 1979, fully embracing the town's vibrant arts and LGBTQ culture. He began performing in outrageous drag shows, favoring absurdist comedy over conventional glamour. Landry formed the "House of Superstar" drag troupe and developed a loyal following for their boundary-pushing acts. He later launched the long-running drag contest "Showgirls" featuring his signature campy style.
Founding the Gold Dust Orphans Theater Company
In the off-season, Landry lived in New York City where he was inspired by avant-garde theater. He returned to Provincetown and founded the Gold Dust Orphans in 1995, serving as resident playwright. The company gained a reputation for clever parodies and offbeat shows. Landry has written over 79 plays and musicals for the Orphans over the past 25 years.
Acclaim and Awards for Playwriting
Landry has won significant recognition for his theatrical work. His productions have been staged by the prestigious Huntington Theatre Company in Boston. In 2015, he won the Elliot Norton Award for Sustained Excellence in Theater, considered the top honor for New England theater.
Visual Art and Painting
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Landry turned to creating visual art to avoid depression during isolation. He paints in oils full time, often completing 12 hour days in his studio. His work has been displayed locally in Provincetown galleries.
Personal Life
Landry is happily married to husband and fellow artist Scott Martino. They reside in both Provincetown and New Orleans, sharing their home with two dogs and many "orphan" children they have informally adopted over the years.
—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!
