I am so excited to be catching up with Actor & Writer Cyrus Deboo as he gets ready to bring back his hit one person show, There's Something Seriously Wrong with Cyrus, but this year, the production will be featured in the New York City Fringe Festival.

In this NEW interview, Cyrus once again answers my call, but this time around, he shares:

• The evolution of his solo show There’s Something Seriously Wrong with Cyrus as it returns to NYC
• How performing the show impacted him personally
• What resonated with audiences
• Why the piece has broader, universal appeal
• The cultural & musical influences behind the show, especially the role of Olivia Newton-John (alongside Madonna & Taylor Swift) in shaping his story & performance
• The show’s connection to community and advocacy
• So much more

Connect with Cyrus: Website, Facebook, Instagram 

There's Something Seriously Wrong with Cryus is a one-person comedy about growing up queer in an immigrant household and learning how to tell the truth without losing your sense of humor.

Blending stand-up, storytelling, and pop anthems inspired by Madonna, Olivia Newton-John & Taylor Swift, Cyrus revisits family pressure, identity, and self-acceptance, turning personal history into a funny, disarmingly honest shared experience about finding your voice and living unapologetically.

There's Something Seriously Wrong with Cyrus will play at the Chain Theatre in NYC as part of the New York City Fringe Festival on April 3-12, 2026. Click Here for Tickets!

Cyrus Deboo
There's Something Seriously Wrong with Cyrus
New York City Fringe Promo
Photo Credit: Stephanie Girard

1. This April, your show, There’s Something Seriously Wrong with Cyrus will be returning to NYC for an encore run, but this time, it will be in the New York City Fringe Festival. What made you want to bring this show back as opposed to premiering a new show? NYC is my favorite place in the world! After touring the U.S. and performing at Edinburgh Fringe last year, my show developed and evolved beyond my wildest dreams.

I knew I had to come back to NYC and perform again when we were accepted in NYC Fringe. I am currently writing a new show tentatively called When Good People Do Bad Things and hope to bring that show to New York in 2027.

2. What did you learn from the show's previous run in the United Solo Festival that will inform how you present this version of the show in the New York City Fringe Festival? I love the energy and sense of humor of New York audiences. They "get" things others don't, and keep me on my toes!

3. What are some advantages of having your show in the New York City Fringe Festival? I am so excited to be involved with NYC Fringe! They are incredibly supportive and have an amazing festival full of some of the most talented artists telling incredible stories. The artists in this festival are the real deal and honestly it pushes me to be better just being around them.

4. What did you learn about yourself from performing There’s Something Seriously Wrong with Cyrus that you didn’t know when you were writing the show? All of the characters are based on real people in this story. It was such a gratifying experience to share the story with family and friends. Especially my nephews and nieces who were able to learn so much about my life and our family's history, the good and all the crazy stuff included!

5. What parts of the show were you most surprised resonated with audiences? This show is a humorous and heartfelt look at my life and struggles, but honestly what moved me most was what happened after the show.

So many audience members sought me out to share their own stories with me. That floored me.

I think everyone is walking around with something, and if me being vulnerable enough to share mine gives someone else permission to feel seen or even start to heal, then I couldn't be happier doing this show.

Cyrus Deboo
There's Something Seriously Wrong with Cyrus
Zephyr Theatre, CA 2026
Photo Credit: Stephanie Girard

6. For someone who has previously seen There’s Something Seriously Wrong with Cyrus, what is one reason they should visit the show again? Since performing last year at United Solo on 42nd Street, the show has been performed nearly 50 more times, it has evolved with new elements and has matured immensely. I'm excited for audiences to see the show.

7. For the person who is unsure if they should come see your show, why do you feel this show has universal appeal? If you ever felt like you might not have fit in growing up and/or struggled to find your authentic voice, this show is for you.

Though I grew up in a traditional immigrant household, there are so many relatable family dynamic elements that are universal.

The show has been called a cross between My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Will & Grace.

Cyrus Deboo
There's Something Seriously Wrong with Cyrus
Zephyr Theatre, CA 2026
Photo Credit: Stephanie Girard

8. In our previous interview together about There’s Something Seriously Wrong with Cyrus we talked about the influence Madonna & Taylor Swift had on you, but this time around, I want to talk about another icon whose music you use in the show, the legendary Olivia Newton-John. How did Olivia or her music play a role in your life? Olivia Newton-John's record Physical was my first album! I still remember the day my dad bought it for me, unwrapping the plastic cellophane and looking through all of the pictures.

Her songs on that album, the Grease soundtrack and Xanadu brought little Cyrus so much joy and hope!

Relating to songs and having the lyrics express what was going on in me at different times in my life is a fun element of the show.

9. Additionally, one of your performances will be benefiting Desi Rainbow, a US nonprofit that helps South Asian (Desi) LGBTQ+ people and their families build understanding, acceptance, and community. What made you want to dedicate one of your performances as a benefit? I'm supporting Desi Rainbow because they help Desi (Indian/South Asian) parents and families understand and accept their LGBTQ+/Trans kids.

Growing up, I didn't have a bridge between my culture and my identity, so I want to make sure the next generation does!

10. What is something we didn’t get to talk about in this interview that you’d like my audience to know about you? I am a huge local foodie, I love small little family run places. Little dives and holes in the walls totally excite me!

Let me know any of your suggestions while I am in NYC @thecyrusdeboo.

More Cyrus Deboo Interviews:

2025 (Read Here): There's Something Seriously Wrong with Cyrus at United Solo Festival

Cyrus Deboo
Photo Credit: Stephanie Girard

More on Cyrus Deboo:

Cyrus Deboo is a Los Angeles–based actor, writer, and performer, originally from Seattle. He launched his television career with recurring roles on The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital, and Port Charles, and has appeared on CSI: Las Vegas, How to Get Away with Murder, and How I Met Your Mother, as well as in national commercials for Prego, AT&T, Lowe’s, and Dell.

Cyrus expanded his passion for storytelling into solo performance with his one-man show, There's Something Is Seriously Wrong With Cyrus, which premiered to rave reviews at the 2024 Hollywood Fringe Festival.