We had the opportunity to interview Padraic Connelly, a performer on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, who is best known onboard the ship for playing the role of Wilbur Turnblad in "Hairspray".
Tell us a little about yourself, such as where you're from and how you got into the entertainment industry
I'm originally from Daytona Beach, FL. I first started doing musical theater at Flagler Palm Coast High School, where I had three incredibly inspirational directors. I ended up at the University of Florida as a Theater major, and while I was there I began performing and teaching with UF's Theatre Strike Force, which is the school's official improv group. After college, I moved with my two best friends (who, coincidentally, are now performing with The Second City on NCL's Dawn) and started performing at the IO Theater in Wrigleyville. When I'm not on a cruise ship, I'm doing a show called Whirled News Tonight ( http://www.whirlednewstonight.
I found myself in a perfect situation for the RCCL job. My girlfriend had just moved to California to start grad school, and I'd missed out on a promotion opportunity in Chicago that'd I'd been gunning for for months. I got an email from the producer of Whirled News with the audition information in it, with a note saying, "I doubt you'd be interested in this, but just in case..." I went to the audition and, not really expecting anything from it, managed to walk in completely relaxed. It is to this day one of the best auditions of my entire life. Several weeks went by, and suddenly I got the email that I'd been hired. I had JUST sat down to watch a movie (I think it was "The Last Station") and just remember sitting in the theater, barely paying attention to the screen I was so shocked. A few weeks later, I was in Hollywood, FL, rehearsing with Cast 2 for the Oasis of the Seas Inaugural Season!
Aside from the chance to make cruisers' vacations even more magical, there is something to be said for having 24-hour dining and entertainment. Even though we're working, it's fun work and during our downtime we get to have just as much fun as the other guests and share in their fun! Even after months of running the same routes, the excitement of pulling into a port with snorkeling, swimming, excursions and dining never quite wears off.
- Favorite restaurant on Oasis of the Seas
Tie. Giovanni's Table for lunch, Solarium Bistro and Giovanni's for dinner. I cannot get enough of the risotto at Giovanni's or the pumpkin soup at Solarium! - Preferred drinks on a cruise ship
It all depends on the mood! If we're sitting in the Schooner bar, listening to Ed or Paul play, nothing beats a Manhattan on the rocks. If it's a party on the pool deck, you have to grab a Bushwhacker. And for watching a show or people watching on the Royal Promenade, it's tough to beat a margarita on the rocks or a simple scotch and soda! And for the next morning, several of the ship's venues serve fresh-squeezed orange juice. LOTS of fresh-squeezed orange juice.... thank goodness.... - Favorite port of call to visit
Puerto Costa Maya on the Western Route for its INCREDIBLE food (don't miss the catch of the day or the fresh salsas and guacamole at Maya Bar) and the Mayan ruin tours. If you're heading to the Chacchoben ruins, ask for Luis, who's an amazing guide. On the Eastern Route, you absolutely can't beat St. Maarten. Whether you stay on the Dutch side in Philipsburg or head over to Marigot for a few hours, you'll have a blast! - Favorite song on the radio/iPod today
I hate to admit it, but Cee Lo Green's "F*** You" has been topping my playlist lately (along with the rest of the album).
