Ramon Reed is set to showcase his many musical talents and theatre background as Eddie in the upcoming Netflix adaptation of 13: The Musical. Originally a Broadway production, the Netflix adaptation unites an impressive and exciting cast. No stranger to Broadway himself, Ramon Reed joins a cast that includes Debra Messing, Josh Peck, Frankie McNellis, and Rhea Pearlman.
13: The Musical follows the story of Evan who has set out to plan the ultimate Bar Mitzvah before life reveals it has other plans. The movie will be released on Netflix on August 12, 2022.
Ramon Reed
We spoke with Ramon about his background on Broadway and musical theatre, being part of the Disney family, what he’s most excited for viewers to see, and what the audience can expect from 13: The Musical.
Read on for our exclusive interview with Ramon Reed below:
Thank you so much for chatting with us today! We are so excited for the release of 13: The Musical! Can you share a little bit about your character and what attracted you to the role? Would you say you are like your character at all?
My character, Eddie is a close friend to the characters, Brett and Malcolm. When Brett finds himself in a dramatic-filled middle school dilemma, that involves him getting in a relationship with a girl he doesn’t care to be with. As Brett tries to find a way out of that relationship my character Eddie is there to support him and guide him to the right path to be with the girl he truly wants. As far as what attracted me to this role is the opportunity to sing, act and dance.
These are three of the things I love doing most. My character Eddie and I are very similar. Although it is never stated in the film but conveyed in action, Eddie is the comedic rock in the foundation behind the trio friendship he is a part of with Brett and Malcolm. I too play or shall I say live that same role within my real-life friend groups.
What would you say initially inspired you to pursue a career in entertainment? Was there anyone who influenced you?
From the videos I’ve seen of me as a young child I have always been an entertainer. I grew up singing and leading songs in the church choirs and performing in church plays. One summer my mom put me in a Performing Arts summer camp which I really enjoyed. From there I started performing in local community plays. In 2016 my mom heard of a talent company called AMTC on the radio.
We took a huge risk, and I went through their program and then performed at their yearly talent conference. At that conference, I met my amazing manager and one of the Casting Associates, at the time, for The Lion King. She saw me perform and asked for my headshot and resume. Six months later, I was called in for a private audition for the role of Young Simba and I booked the role. I’ve been blessed and have been working ever since 2017.
Did you have to do anything special to prepare for your role in 13: The Musical?
We started filming 13: The Musical right after the world began to open and navigate the new normal after being in quarantine for an entire year. So, my preparation was completely mental. I had to mentally prepare to be in another country for 5 and half months, going into government mandatory quarantine for 2 weeks, being away from my family during this time and of course making sure I learned all the songs, lines, and dances for my character. Thankfully my castmates and I organically became friends and it made filming this movie an amazing experience.
Ramon Reed in ’13: The Musical’ on Netflix
Photo Credit: Netflix
The cast of 13: The Musical is such a talented group of performers including Debra Messing, Rhea Pearlman, and Josh Peck. What was that experience like filming with the cast? Are there any fun memories that stick out to you from filming?
Yes, we were blessed to be a part of a project that included a cast full of exceptional and iconic performers. Because my character wasn’t in many scenes with the adult cast members I had very little interaction with them. However, a fun memory that sticks out to me is the time we were leaving set to head back to basecamp. Due to the COVID restrictions no more than 3 cast members could ride in the transport vans with the driver.
The majority of my castmates were trying so hard to be transported with Josh Peck. On this day I just happened to be finished with my scene and as I was walking to the transport area production directed my mom and me to a van that just so happened to have Josh Peck inside. It was cool to meet and share a fun conversation with him as we traveled back to our trailers. He was very nice and down-to-earth.
What can you tease about what viewers can expect from 13: The Musical? What are you most excited for them to see?
Fans can expect to laugh and enjoy watching this film with their family and friends. They can also expect to add an amazing soundtrack of songs to their everyday playlists. I’m excited for them to see BAD, BAD NEWS!
What’s interesting about this role is that you are able to utilize your background in musical theater. When comparing acting and theatre, is there one that you prefer over the other?
I love them both, but I favor theatre over acting because theatre is live! The audience and your scene partners on stage provide me with a type of energy that’s exhilarating to me, and I love that feeling.
The Lion King was the first Broadway show I ever saw! How was that experience getting to star on a Broadway stage and then join the national tour at such a young age?
Being able to be a part of The National Tour and then joining the Broadway cast is an indescribable feeling and a huge accomplishment. It was absolutely a dream that came true. I had such a wonderful experience playing Young Simba on both the National Tour and Broadway.
Ramon Reed
Would you ever consider a return to the stage? Is there a Broadway role you would love to perform someday?
Absolutely. I don’t have a current specific role; however, any role that showcases diversity with a powerful story to back it I would be interested in.
Fans will also recognize you from Disney’s Just Roll With It. How does it feel to be a part of the Disney family? Were you a big fan beforehand?
I feel very blessed to have been a part of the Disney family. My time on Disney Channel was amazingly fun. Beforehand I was a fan and watched shows like The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, K.C. Undercover, and Jessie.
13: The Musical is set to premiere on Netflix. We are big fans of Netflix here at Pop City Life. What are some of your favorite things to stream right now?
My favorite things to stream on Netflix currently are Stranger Things and You.
What else are you working on? What can your fans look forward to from you next?
I’m currently working on shooting a new film called INCOMING that has an amazing, talented group of actors and is written and directed by Dave Chernin and John Chernin. I’m self-producing a documentary about me living with Sickle Cell Anemia disease while fulfilling my dream career as an actor. I’ve also started my own podcast called “A RARE Moment with Ramon Reed” and fans can watch and listen to it on YouTube and at https://anchor.fm/ramon-reed
Thank you so much to Ramon Reed for taking the time to speak with us!
Be sure to keep up to date with Ramon Reed by following him on social media on Instagram and Facebook.
Don’t forget to check out 13: The Musical when it releases on August 12th on Netflix!
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