More Than a Chiropractor: Paul Caffrey’s Life in the Spotlight
Known in Del Ray for easing back pain, Paul Caffrey has also spent decades captivating audiences on stage as a singer and actor — all while overcoming personal challenges to follow his passion for performance
It is always a joy to find out that someone you know through their profession also has another role in life (in this case, literally) ‒ and Paul Caffrey is one of them. Paul has been a chiropractor in Del Ray for 21 years, and many people I’ve known have raved about how much he’s helped them with their back pains or other problems. Yet not everyone knows he’s an actor and singer. He’s performed in several musicals at The Little Theater of Alexandria; he was Bill Sykes in Oliver in 2011, his first year with that company. When dinner theaters were popular in Alexandria, he performed eight shows a week at the West End Dinner Theater, 6 shows a week at the Lazy Susan Theater.
Singing has been part of his life since his youth when he sang in his church and in a school performance of Oliver in sixth grade. He says “I lost interest in acting until college when my English professor encouraged me to audition for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I got the part of Pharaoh and enjoyed it so much that I found myself playing the same role 20 years later at a community theater.”
He’s performed many other characters in musicals at The Little Theater of Alexandria: Sister Act, Freaky Friday, Something Rotten, and in the play, Murder on the Orient Express. Acting blended with singing is the magical combination for Paul.
The Alexandria Singers
Two years ago, he joined The Alexandria Singers, performing in their holiday and spring shows, occasionally showcased as a specialty act, either solo or with others. “Most people think I learn songs effortlessly since I always shows up well-prepared,” he says, “but actually I’m dyslexic and can’t easily read words or music.” He uses Learning Media and listens to the songs over and over many times until he memorizes them. It’s a testament to his persistence and love of the art form that he ends up singing so well that no one realizes how much work goes into it.
Paul’s performances have received great reviews, and he’s been a judge for the local Community Theater Awards. He was the MC for the first eight years of the Del Ray Music Festival and continues to appear around town in many venues, including last year at Art on the Avenue. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for his next performances!