Kelsey Krull
The Great Pirate Adventure is PAW Patrol Live!'s second touring production, first taking the stage in the fall of 2017 and plans to tour the U.S. and Canada through the end of 2018. Based on Nickelodeon's number one animated television series, PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure, produced by Spin Master Entertainment, features the multitalented, heroic pups - including Chase (Brandon Delsid), Rubble (Jordan Elman), and Skye (Kelsey Krull), along with Ryder (Tony Ardolino) - on a mission to find the pirate treasure before Mayor Humdinger (Matt Lamb) does.
Krull has been with the show since it began touring in September 2017. Prior to joining PAW Patrol Live!, she had heard about the animated television show from her younger cousins, with the popularity of the show reaching many children in the two-to-six age group. "Each pup has their own individual talent which is great for the kids because every kid can identify with each pup," Krull says. Kids can see themselves within these characters, with the theatrical experience bringing the at-home television experience to the stage before their eyes. Now, they get to sing, dance, and play along with the pups as they save the day. "[They] go through the journey with that pup while they're in their seats."
Krull gets to bring a fan favorite, Skye, to life every day. Skye is the pilot pup, and the only female pup on the squad. "[Skye] gets to bring a different energy to the PAW Patrol - a female presence. She's pink which is great," Krull jokes. Young audience members dress up like her, and cheer her on as she's introduced. "It's awesome when you first come out onstage to hear all the kids screaming her name. It's awesome to be able to represent a character that means so much to so many people."
The cast of
The familiarity of these characters is at the heart of PAW Patrol Live!. Kids at home see the pups every day on the screen - with their families, when they wake up in the morning, during lunchtime. These characters are a constant presence, and Krull and her fellow cast members took as much care and did as much research for their portrayals as they would any theatrical or true-to-life role. "These children know these pups inside and out. They are their best friends, they see them every day on TV and you want to represent them in the most honest way possible," Krull explains. Preparation involved watching lots of PAW Patrol, and collaborating with Nickelodeon during the rehearsal process to get these pups just right. In addition, the actors had to work on morphing into their characters via their intricately constructed costumes.
On the television show, Skye often dons aviation goggles and wings when jetting off to the rescue. She swaps wings for a pink pirate hat and white puffy shirt in The Great Pirate Adventure as the pups head off on a treasure hunt. Krull says these unique costumes are made by hand, taking thousands of hours to craft in a reimagined style of traditional bunraku puppetry, making for a look that doesn't distract from the action happening onstage. The mouths and eyes move, the pups' ears wiggle - the brightly colored, fully functional four-legged costumes animate these characters in real life. "It's a really effective image and illusion for the children - and the adults, too - that we're there helping the pups come to life," Krull says. "We're one entity with our costumes with our pups."
In this way, PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure is on such a scale artistically as any Broadway production, only the performers get to bring this story to a great many locations while on tour. Krull, having worked on VStar Entertainment's Sesame Street's touring productions as well, says bringing the "gift of theatre" to so many children is the reward of it all. "These children are in such a developmental stage in their lives," she says. "To be exposed to PAW Patrol Live! and other children's shows -- it's a milestone for them. And it's awesome to think that I'm a part of that."
PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure will play the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY from March 22nd through March 25th. V.I.P. - Very Important Pup - packages are also available, which include premium seating, an V.I.P. after party with Ryder and two PAW Patrol characters, an exclusive PAW Patrol-themed cinch bag, unique photo ops, activities, and more.
PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure will also be stopping at the Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida for two performances on Saturday, July 21 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
PAW Patrol Live! "Race to the Rescue" also continues its live tour, and will be performing four shows at McCaw Hall at the Seattle Center in Seattle, Washington this April:
Monday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, April 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 3 at 6:00 p.m.
For tickets to the nine MSG performances, future tour dates, and more information on the PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure, please visit https://www.pawpatrollive.com/.
X barks the spot in the new tour PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure! It's Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration! But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap'n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. When they do, they also discover a secret pirate treasure map! The PAW Patrol set out over land and sea to find the treasure for Mayor Goodway's celebration before Mayor Humdinger finds it first! The pups will need all paws on deck for this pirate adventure, including some help from the newest pup ... Tracker!
Following the success of its North American tour, PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure will set sail for the UK and Australia later this year.
Also, from The Jefferson Chronicle:
Homegrown in Jefferson, Township Grad is on Patrol
Get ready, people. Antonio “Tony” Ardolino is on patrol!
Yes, the Jefferson native and 2010 graduate of the township’s high school is living the dream of many a preschooler in the U.S. He will soon be part of the PAW Patrol as Ryder, the precocious kid on Nickelodeon’s successful animated program. Led by Ryder, the beloved pup patrol performs helpful missions in Adventure Bay by working as a team.
Tony Ardolino, JTHS Class of 2010. (Photo provided by Tony Ardolino)
Although animated himself in person, Ardolino will portray a genuine human Ryder in a live production of the popular Nick Jr. show when it takes to the road nationally. PAW Patrol Live! launches its New York-New Jersey metropolitan area tour this week at Madison Square Garden.
Tony Ardolino as Ryder in PAW Patrol Live! (Photo provided by Tony Ardolino)
But Ardolino is also fulfilling his own dreams. As a second grader living in Cozy Lake, the actor fondly remembers being inspired seeing the show Beauty and the Beast. “I loved it so much,” he says, adding that he wanted to be up on stage with the characters.
“I wanted to pursue a career in theater since that second-grade day,” Ardolino tells The Jefferson Chronicle. “The best part is that my mother and father never doubted me. They cheered me on every step of the way, and that helped me shoot for the stars.” The young actor took the advice of his parents and has landed among the stars.
The Ardolinos, proud parents and Tony as Ryder. (Photo provided by Tony Ardolino)
Moving to Los Angeles right after high school, Ardolino studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he further honed his talent. “Even when I wasn’t on a film set or a national tour, I was still performing at Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland,” he notes, adding that he also performed in regional theater and opera houses around California.
“Since then, I’ve been performing all over the country, and have acted in both television and film,” he says. In addition, he tells The Chronicle, he has worked on countless commercials, including one with David Hasselhoff.
Following his California stint, Ardolino was based for two years with Universal Studios Singapore, where he had the opportunity to write and direct shows as well as travel and act throughout Asia.
Passion for Acting Rooted in the Township
But it was in his hometown of Jefferson that Ardolino became grounded in his love of acting, and where it became his passion.
“In elementary school, I was always in choir,” he says. “I remember the first time they announced who got the solo for the winter concert. It was like American Idol to me,” he quips. “When Mrs. Courtney picked me, I think she mispronounced my last name. She was like ‘Ard-…Ardo…Ardolono?’ and I stood up and said with excitement, Ardolino!”
Although he got the choir solo that year, there were no musicals until middle school – where, it might be said, Ardolino got that proverbial first big break, winning the title role of Aladdin in the Disney version of the musical. Even at a young age, he never got stage fright. “I was always excited to be on stage,” he remembers. “I was kind of a shy kid growing up. I used that time on stage to say, ‘Look at me.’”
The beginning of a career – the early days in Jefferson Township. (Photo provided by Tony Ardolino)
At Jefferson Township High School, Ardolino was involved with just about every performing arts type of activity – every level of choir, the music honor society, and the drama club.
“I also teamed up with Mrs. Latronica of child development,” he recalls, noting that she was one of his favorite teachers. Ardolino wrote an original script, made costumes, and directed teens in a show for tots. “Word spread around town fast of the cute children’s show and we were asked to bring it to Milton School and Stanlick School so those kids could see it too,” he adds.
“Like any kid who wants to be a performer, high school was a very interesting place,” Ardolino tells The Chronicle, with emphasis on the word “interesting.” He muses, “I used to make a performance out of every presentation, just to entertain the class.”
Tony Ardolino in a performance as a student at Jefferson Township High School. (Photo provided by Tony Ardolino)
Extracurricular Acting
While living in Jefferson, Ardolino also performed outside of school every chance he got. “While other kids had baseball practice, my mom and grandma used to drive me from theater to theater, just so I got to perform,” he recalls. Among them were The All Children’s Theater, Parsippany; The Growing Stage, Netcong; The Baker Ballroom Theater, Dover; and the Brundage Park Playhouse, Randolph. But Ardolino says that his favorite place to perform was the Pax Amicus Castle Theater, Budd Lake.
“It was run by the incredible Stan Barber,” he says. “Performing at Pax Amicus was a highlight growing up. I encourage any young performer to do a show there and be inspired by Stan and the rest of the amazing people,” he adds.
“Of course, there were some people who never really ‘understood’ me and my passion to perform. But my mother and father used to say, ‘Don’t worry – every kick is a boost.’ I’ve remembered that all my life,” he notes.
Even with the kicks, there were, and still are, so many boosts. The latest, of course, is the role of Ryder. “Getting cast as Ryder in Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol Live! is something I will never forget,” says Ardolino, noting it was his first audition upon returning from Singapore.
Experience of a Lifetime
“There were so many people for the role and I waited a long time to be seen by the casting directors. They gave me a song to sing and a monologue for the show. I then had to show off my dancing skills and hope for the best,” he tells The Chronicle.
“I remember after my audition, I wanted the part so badly, and then I began to see PAW Patrol stuff everywhere,” he recalls. His mother suggested it was a positive sign. Ardolino was in Times Square in Manhattan, heading for an audition, when he received the call from VStar/Nickelodeon. “I literally froze and couldn’t believe it! They were offering me the lead role of Ryder.”
The actor says it has been an experience of a lifetime. “Not only do I get to be in a state-of-the-art show that performs in huge arenas and gorgeous theaters, but I also get to travel all over the United States and Canada,” he says enthusiastically. “Plus, I love getting to be Ryder. I mean, to be a part of the Nick Jr. legacy is one thing, but then to originate the role in this show is another level of awesomeness.”
He adds, “I always get goosebumps when I first appear on stage and hear all the kids say, ‘Look Mommy, it’s Ryder!’ It’s literally the most amazing feeling.” Ardolino says he also loves what Ryder stands for. “He shows kids to be smart, brave, and to always lend a helping hand. Ryder and his pups mean so much to so many kids, and I am so happy to bring him to life every day,” he says.
Stepping on that stage is the hardest thing to describe, says the actor. “My heart beats like crazy right before I go on stage. But as soon as I’m in the spotlight, I am the most calm I’ve ever been,” he adds. “When I’m on stage, I feel the most like myself. I feel free, as if anything is possible. It’s the closest thing to magic I’ve ever felt.”
(Editor’s Note: PAW Patrol Live! will be in the New Jersey area as follows: New York City, March 22-25; Allentown, Pennsylvania, April 7-8; Trenton, New Jersey, April 17-18; Hershey, Pennsylvania, April 21-22; Atlantic City, New Jersey, April 28-29. PAW Patrol Live! ticket information is available at www.pawpatrollive.com/tickets.)
Lights, camera, action – PAW Patrol Live! (Photo provided by Tony Ardolino)
--Ends--
More Nick: Nickelodeon USA To Premiere New 44-Minute 'PAW Patrol' Special "The Mighty Pups" During Fall 2018; 'Abby Hatcher, Fuzzly Catcher' During Late 2018 - Early 2019!
Additional sources: Tallahassee Democrat, KIRO-TV.
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