By John Hayden

From amateur singers to professional performers, their successes all have one thing in common: passion. Eytan Deray is a shining example of that passion. He represents what local talent and local theater should be.

““We need joy. There is so much joy in our regional theater. I’m very proud,” he told OutClique.

He started hanging out around Wilton Manors when he turned 21 and moved here after pandemic. Music helped him find his place in the community.

“It was hard to meet people organically and then I realized how huge the piano bar and music scene is here. It’s like a hidden gem,” he said.

Now he’s a regular up and down Wilton Drive, which is rife with opportunities to perform. From Pub On the Drive to West End Lounge to Spencers, Hunters and more, there are so many places to catch local artists.

He recently appeared at Holy Cross Health’s 25 year celebration at Hunters alongside Broadway star Nick Adams.

Deray says he never expected this when he moved here.

 “We need that. People think New York is the end all be all. But we have to show some love to regional theater. This is bigger than anything I ever anticipated,” he said.

The love of music came at an early age. His mom is from the Bronx and introduced him to musical theater and his dad is Israeli and exposed him to eighties hair-rock bands like Van Halen. And, of course, there were Disney movies including The Lion King, Aladdin, and more.

“When I saw West Side Story I understood that they were singing and using songs to move the story forward,” he said.

He is also a big horror fan. He runs the Facebook group Wilton Manors Horror Hunks, Scream Queens and Occult Non Conforming. For Deray, it’s all part of finding your place and finding your joy.

“You can struggle to find your people. It’s important to lean on each other and say I love you more. We don’t do it enough,” he said.