Guilford Native Stars In Nationwide Tour For 'PAW Patrol Live!'

GUILFORD, CT — Years after first seeing a show with his grandmother at The Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford, one of the many trips that helped spark his passion for the arts, Guilford native Jake Gladwin is returning to the venue this week as the leading role in "PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure."

The live stage show, which picks up where Paramount Pictures' No. 1 box office hit "PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie" left off, is stopping in Connecticut and the Bushnell from May 17-18 as part of a nationwide tour.

For Gladwin, who plays Ryder, the Connecticut shows represent a homecoming, and a sign that hard work pays off and that dreams can come true.

Gladwin's journey to leading a national tour show began in Guilford.

At a young age, Gladwin was involved with performing arts, having gone to see shows with his grandmother, Georgiann Gladwin, and his entire family, with parents Andrea and Justin Gladwin.

He also performed in dance recitals with his twin sister, Ava, at Limelite Dance Studio in Guilford, and later participated in competitive and community musical theatre in the New Haven area throughout his middle and high school years.

At Guilford High School, Gladwin was active in the theatre arts program under Cara Mulqueen-Teasdale and Kevin Buno, an experience that sent him on his career trajectory.

"I am very blessed I had them in my life, especially in high school which is such a turning point for so many people in realizing what career path you want to go down, and they were in my corner the whole time supporting me through and through," Gladwin told Patch.

Gladwin credits Michelle Natalino-Bonavena, owner of Performing Art Studio Be in North Haven, as someone who "played an instrumental role in shaping the foundation of my musical theatre performance and technique."

He also cited Sacred Heart Academy, The Whitney Players in Hamden, as well as Emmy-nominated composer Jill Nesi, producer/director Ira Sakolsky, and of course, his parents and family, as influential figures in his journey.

Gladwin attended Marymount Manhattan College where he graduated in 2023 with a bachelor of fine arts in musical theatre. It was at Marymount where Gladwin learned a valuable lesson from a professor when it comes to musical theatre, and it's a mantra he still holds dear: There is nothing to prove, only to share.

"That's what I love so much about theatre; I am able to bring these stories to life, bring these characters to life, and share that with the audience and with the patrons who come and watch our shows," Gladwin said.

Out of college, Gladwin worked as a parade performer at Walt Disney World for about a year-and-a-half.

Over that time, he auditioned for VStar Entertainment, which is partnered with Cirque Du Soleil and Nickelodeon to present "PAW Patrol Live!" but the timing never lined up for Gladwin to join the tour.

In January, Gladwin was asked again if he could join the tour as a replacement and he accepted, and immediately looked up the tour dates and saw The Bushnell Theatre listed.

"It's just a full circle moment for me and for my family and all of those who have supported me throughout my career," Gladwin said. "I can't wait to perform on the Bushnell stage and have all of my family and friends come and support and share their love with me."

"PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure" follows Chase, Marshall, Skye and the rest of the pack after they save Adventure City with their Mighty Pup Powers, but supervillain scientist Victoria Vance unleashes her latest invention to crash the party.

"With heroic action, catchy tunes and bark-loads of interactive fun, PAW Patrol’s electrifying new adventure is sure to leave tails wagging and audiences cheering!" a description for the show notes.

Ryder is in charge of all the pups, and Gladwin said he's learned a lot since taking on the role in February.

"What I've learned so much about Ryder is his determination, his grit, his confidence, the way he's able to take up space and take charge... He commits to his plan, and he sees it through with the help of his pups," Gladwin said. "I wish I had all of that when I was his age. I've loved this character so much, and I've loved being able to bring it to life on stage because I'm able to take away all of those characteristics and apply them in my daily life as well."

His character has resonated with the audience, too.

Recently after a show in Syracuse, N.Y., Gladwin was in the parking garage packing up his car.

"I heard a mom and her daughter behind us in the parking garage, and the mom was going, 'Look, that's Ryder!' I turned around and waved, but I felt that they wanted more," Gladwin recalled. He stayed and chatted for a bit before it was time to go.

"I got back in the car because I literally wanted to cry. This is what the show is and what we're able to do for families; the kids are able to suspend their disbelief. I'm Jake in my sweatpants and sweatshirt, but to this little girl I am still Ryder," Gladwin said.

Gladwin only had a handful of rehearsals before his first show on Feb. 19.

During his first mic check in Cleveland, Ohio, at Playhouse Square after over a year of being away from the stage Disney World, Gladwin knew he was right where he belonged.

"I just had full-body chills being able to stand on that stage and look out into the audience and just feel that immense gratitude and feeling so blessed that this is where I want to be and this is what I'm supposed to be doing," said Gladwin, who has his eyes set on the bright lights of Broadway.

"PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure" will be at The Bushnell Performing Arts Center, 166 Capitol Ave., on May 17 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and May 18 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Tickets, as well as VIP options which include a meet-and-greet experience, are available here, at the Bushnell Box Office and www.bushnell.org.

For more information on the show, click here.