“The musical’s hero, Jeremy, {was} handled terrifically by the always appealing {Ben} Ribler.”
“{Ben] Ribler is the standout in director Laura Giannarelli’s staging...”
“Ben Ribler, as Alfred Packer, carries the show on his shoulders... just like a good leading man should do. His characterization... is just terrific.”
With some of the puppets and cast of The Kennedy Center’s Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! (2022)
Photo Credit: RJ Pavel
Public Reading of Ben Ribler’s The Stallion Express, hosted by Adventure Theatre MTC and 4615 Theatre Company (2020)
Ben Ribler (He/Him) is a non-union (EMC) actor, playwright, and puppeteer. Born and raised in Northern Virginia with a degree in Theater from George Mason University, he continues to work in the DC Metro Area, both on stage and screen. He is a Helen Hayes Award-Nominee in the category of Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical for his 2023 performance as Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten! at Toby’s Dinner Theatre.
As an actor, he has worked with theatre companies such as Arena Stage, The Kennedy Center, Studio Theatre, Everyman Theatre, Imagination Stage and Washington Stage Guild, and at venues such as The Atlas Performing Arts Center, The Hylton Performing Arts Center, The Tennessee Performing Arts Center and The Lorton Workhouse.
Onscreen, his work can be seen in the feature films Tapawingo (starring Jon Heder and Billy Zane) and Josh Taylor's Prom Date, as well as Investigation Discovery’s Evil Kin, along with several webseries and short films.
Ben's original plays have been performed as part of professional readings hosted by 4615 Theatre Company and Adventure Theatre MTC, as well as in University festivals, such as at George Mason University and The Catholic University of America. His profile on New Play Exchange contains a comprehensive list of works.
He is also a puppeteer, with experience portraying many different styles of puppets and types of characters- from the cuddly Ducklings of The Kennedy Center’s Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical! to the demonic and hilariously crass Tyrone in The Keegan Theatre’s production of Hand to God.
When not performing or writing, Ben enjoys playing video games, watching movies and spending time with loved ones.
He also enjoys meeting new people, so please feel free to reach out here!
- current projects -
FINN: AN ALL-STAR CONCERT READING
Presented by Stars in the House
“Join us for an All-Star concert reading of the musical Finn, live from The Town Hall, NYC. Finn's cast includes: Andrew Rannells, Andrea Martin, Kelli O'Hara, Lea Salonga, Bonnie Milligan, Jessie Mueller, Nikki M. James, Jose Llana and Hennessy Winkler, as well as members of the original Kennedy Center cast, with many more to be announced. The evening will also feature a performance by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, whose Kennedy Center appearance was recently canceled, with members of the New York City Gay Men's Chorus joining in solidarity.”
Ben and other members of the original cast of Finn will join Seth Rudetsky and over 60 Broadway icons to stage a one-night only concert reading of the critically-acclaimed and recently controversial musical by Chris Nee, Michael Kooman and Chris Dimond. The event will take place on Monday, March 17th, 2025 and tickets are onsale now.
CHICKEN AND BISCUITS
Presented by NextStop Theatre Company
“When a tight-knit family gathers to mourn the passing of their patriarch, old wounds are reopened and secrets are spilled, leading to uproarious moments and touching revelations. Fueled by love, laughter, and plenty of comfort food, this play explores the complexities of family relationships with warmth, wit, and a whole lot of soul. Get ready for a deliciously entertaining theatrical experience that'll leave you craving more!”
Ben plays the fish-out-of-water Logan as he struggles to fit in with the family in this hilarious and touching play.
The show performs at NextStop Theatre Company in Herndon, VA from March 13th to April 6th. Tickets are available now!
TAPAWINGO
Presented by Foggy Bottom Pictures
“Tapawingo follows a 30-year-old oddball named Nate Skoog who works a dead-end mailroom job and still lives in his mom’s house. When Nate’s boss orders him to pick up his social misfit son, Oswalt, from school— it becomes clear the kid is being bullied. Nate finally gets the opportunity to do what he’s always wanted: mercenary for hire. Nate forms a team of crack-shot wackadoos to protect Oswalt from the town’s family of bullies who seem to have taken an especially keen liking to his client.”
Ben joins the cast of this star-studded comedy, featuring Napoleon Dynamite’s Jon Heder, Titanic’s Billy Zane, John Ratzenberger, Gina Gershon, Chris Gethard, Jay Pichardo and many others, with direction by the award-winning Dylan K. Narang.
Tapawingo had its Virginia premiere at the Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville, Virginia on October 28th, 2023, and has since had subsequent premieres across the country, including showings in New York City and Las Vegas. Stay tuned for information on a wider release!
