Collar Classic Shirt in Salt White Cotton by The Salting
Double Breasted Overcoat by Represent
Jacket + Skirt by Paris Laundry
Ring by Miansai

Noah J. Ricketts, marks a decade on Broadway this year, reprises his role of Nick Carraway in “The Great Gatsby.” One can’t help but feel like he’s just getting started. Immediately upon arriving in New York City after graduating from college, he booked a role in the first national tour production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” and ever since then he’s been captivating audiences and stealing hearts with each project he takes on. Most recently he portrayed Frankie Hines in the miniseries “Fellow Travelers.” There’s an authenticity to his performances that you immediately connect to. When discussing how he sets an intention to keep himself present during a show, he shared the phrase, “an ounce of truth can move mountains.” It’s that same truth that guides him on-stage and moves viewers who watch him. It’s that same truth he leads with off-stage, when using his platform as an artist to pave the way for the next generation of Black queer talent that has for far too long been excluded from the spotlight. He’s someone you want to root for– not just because of his immense talent, but also because of his drive to tell important stories and to make a change.

Felted wool dock shirt in color BRASS by The Salting
Felted wool double pleat short in color BRASS by The Salting
Shoes by Florsheim Shoes

You're set to reprise your role as Nick Carraway in Broadway’s “The Great Gatsby,” following the show's premiere at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Nick represents an outsider looking in and is considered to be a queer character. Is this a theory that you considered when preparing for the role, and is there any inspiration you pulled, for the character, from your own identity and experiences?
My biggest source of inspiration for Nick is my own life experience. Like Nick, I came to New York from a small town and was plopped into this wild life. I came here with little money and huge dreams. Similarly, I've experienced a lot of highs and lows. Drawing on that experience allowed me to bring Nick to life.

Broadway requires a lot of a performer’s time and dedication. What about a project makes it feel worthy of that dedication, and how do you ensure you’re leaving some time for yourself?
I always seek projects that require an audience to think. One of the most effective lyrics I sing in the show is “why do we keep reaching?” I love it because it forces the audience to reflect on why we keep pursuing our dreams in the face of so much turmoil. That lasting impression makes the lack of free time worth it.

When you are a part of a Broadway production, you’re performing the same role night after night. What’s something you do to keep the performances from feeling mundane and to make sure that you’re in the moment?
Every night I find a word or a phrase that I like to carry with me into the show. It keeps me motivated and alive up there. Last night’s phrase was “an ounce of truth can move mountains.”

**Left:**
Black Derby Shoe by Represent
Collar Classic Shirt in Salt White Cotton by The Salting
Double Breasted Overcoat by Represent
Jacket + Skirt by Paris Laundry
Ring by Miansai
**Right:**
BLK fringe blazer by Kent Anthony
BLK draped pant by Kent Anthony
BLK Silk T by Kent Anthony
Shoes by Steve Madden

What’s something that’s essential for you when preparing for a role? Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I read and reread the script a million times. For me, it’s the holy grail to breaking into character. I write down all my thoughts, reactions, and ideas right away, and frequently refer back to them. As a pre-show ritual I do lots of yoga to get my body and soul grounded.

“Fellow Travelers” was released at the end of last year, where your incredible performance as Frankie Hines was highly praised. Frankie is a drag queen and knows how to put on a show, but what is the main difference in preparing for a performance on film/TV versus on Broadway?
Preparing for “Fellow Travelers” allowed me to do a historical deep dive. I was playing a character across decades, so I had to understand the period. LGBTQ+ history has experienced a ton of erasure. So, I relied heavily on stories from gay elders. Preparing for a role on Broadway requires tons of stamina building. In addition to reading and rereading The Great Gatsby, I spent hours each week in voice lessons prepping the songs. When prepping for Broadway, you want to get the material in your bones.

Speaking of Frankie, he has quite the journey and fights for a better future for the people who come after him. Similarly, you have been outspoken about the drag and LGBTQ+ communities. Today, we still see so many marginalized communities facing threats to their rights. Why is it important for you to use your platform to bring attention to certain causes and issues?
As an artist, I find it incredibly important to use your artistry for good. I always make every effort to bring marginalized characters to the forefront of every story I tell. I make it my duty to humanize them and bring life to characters who have been forced out of the spotlight. It's my hope that people will relate to these characters' experiences and carry that connection into the real world. People are scared of what they don't know, actively showing marginalized communities in a positive light can truly save lives.

Trench Coat with Fringe-Cut Belt by KYLE’LYK
Shoes by Steve Madden

It’s also no secret that the representation of Black and queer experiences on screen and on stage continues to be few and far between when compared to their white and straight counterparts, as well as often being limited to specific experiences. What is your hope when it comes to the evolution of this typically one-dimensional approach?
When I entered into the entertainment business, I could count on one hand the actors I could look up to: Wilson Cruz, Billy Porter, and a few others. A decade later and that number hasn't really changed. How many Black gay movie stars can you name? TV Stars? Pop Stars? If I had known how racist and homophobic the entertainment industry was, I'm not sure I would have pursued a career in acting. But my blind love for acting led me here. So, I'll say this. The system is broken and sometimes it feels like no one is interested in fixing it. But there are actors, like myself, who are determined to carve out a path for the people behind us. I am hopeful that things will swing in our direction. We will find a way for our stories to be told.

What was the first performance you remember seeing that made you feel like being an actor was something you wanted to and could do?
Right after I started studying theatre, I saw a touring production of “Phantom of the Opera.” Seeing that show changed my life. The acting, the singing, the incredible sets. I was enamored by the whole thing. Afterward I met The Phantom himself and learned about his life. It was at that moment that I realized a career in theatre was a possibility and I never looked back.

You’re coming up on 10 years on Broadway, what’s a bucket list role that you’d still love to take on?
I'd like to play Prince in a really good biopic. He's a musical genius and so incredibly mysterious, I think it'd be a thrilling challenge. There's so much we don't know about his life and his process. I think if it were well done it would leave audiences shocked at every turn.

The roles you’ve played throughout your career span many different decades, which means many different costumes. Is there something about the costumes that affects the way you approach a character and the way you carry yourself in the role?
Costumes are such a huge part of dropping into character. I remember in drama school our teacher would force us to wear period-appropriate clothing when performing scenes. At first I thought it was silly but it makes a huge difference. When I first got into full drag for my character in “Fellow Travelers,” everything changed. The height of the heels informed how I strutted through the scenes. The cinched waist of my corset forced me to elongate my spine. It really allows you to create a physical life for every single character.

What was it like being styled by PhotoBook’s editor and chief, Alison Hernon, for this shoot? Did the clothes make you channel a character of their own?
I loved being styled for this shoot. You know, sometimes you get trapped in your own wardrobe. If I had it my way, I'd wear a black t-shirt and jeans every day. But being placed in skirts, corduroy, and even fur changes everything. I felt so powerful and unique in the pieces that were chosen. I only wish I got to keep them.

Whether it is Kristoff in “Frozen” or Frankie in “Fellow Travelers,” there’s often more than meets the eye about the characters you play. What’s something about you that people might not guess from a first glance, but you’d like them to know?
That I'm a spiritual person. My castmates always laugh at me because I keep crystals in all of my costumes for The Great Gatsby: rose quartz, jade, amethyst. Before each show I spray myself with liquid sage. I just like to keep the good vibes flowing.

Would you rather attend a party thrown by Jay Gatsby or Frankie Hines?
Definitely a party thrown by Frankie. Jay Gatsby is fun but there's nothing I love more than a good drag show. Frankie would provide the liquor and the entertainment!

Social Media
Instagram: @noahjrkts

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Noah J. Ricketts
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Tyler Patrick Kenny
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Groomer: Billie Gene at Opus Beauty
Fashion Stylist Interns: Caroline Nycek, Aauyush Aggarwal
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Caroline Nycek, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: Blonde Studios

"The Great Gatsby" on Broadway with Noah J. Ricketts as Nick Carraway