There is little argument about Jason Robert Brown's talent, impact and influence over the past 20 years in musical theatre. From storytelling to writing the perfect ballad, Brown's work always resonates with listeners at the deepest levels. 

Beyond the content of the lyrics, Brown's compositions highlight the human voice in ways that aren't often seen. It's no surprise that in almost every single audition, one of his songs is used. 

So without further ado, here are my top 10 Jason Robert Brown Songs. 

There was so much that I had to get used to as a first-time actor in a main stage community theatre production. It was pretty nerve-wracking because I was not in on things right from the start and realized that I could be seen on the stage when the lights come up. I was getting measured for costumes instead of being the one doing the measuring. I had to figure out and actually learn the music and the choreography. 

Broadway Diversity Project and We So Hapa have brought together a stunning roster of talented Broadway performers who are generously donating their time and talent to support the more than 3 million American citizens in Puerto Rico still suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

Long Wharf Theatre’s Contemporary American Voices Festival gives New Haven residents a rare treat – a chance to see exciting plays that are brand new and, more importantly, still being worked on. From October 20th-22nd, Long Wharf will offer three staged readings of new works by Chris Chen, Jonathan Payne and Jen Silverman. With two days of rehearsal and minimal staging, actors will give voice to new pieces followed by post-show talkbacks with the creative team.

In two recent blogs, I've looked at conspiracy theories surrounding Hamilton and The Wizard of Oz / Wicked. This time, I am delving into the world of Mary Poppins. Because who doesn't love a spoon full of sugar, and a practically perfect trip down memory lane?

Over the past couple of days, "#metoo" has exploded on social media with women and men from all over the world speaking up and sharing their experiences with sexual assault and harassment. The result has been both appalling and powerful. Reading the stories on my own newsfeed, I am equally disgusted with the way women have been treated and also proud of their bravery to share their stories. I've also seen that the stories have been coming from not only women but men as well.

I’m going to say something that may be seen as quite controversial in the musical theatre world. Okay here it goes… I’m not a big fan of serious musicals.

Now hear me out (I can already hear some of you sharpening your pitchforks), I love Les Misérables as much as the next person and you’ll probably hear me belting out the lyrics to it once and a while.

The Community Day of Dance will feature fun, free family activities such as pumpkin and face painting, a visit from Elsa and other favorite princesses, plus a fun family dance class that mom, dad and the kids can all participate in. 

Artists from Sonia Plumb Dance, Moxie Dance, Ballroom Dancin' Fools, Vivid Ballet and River Valley Dance Project will offer free master classes in Ballet, Modern, Salsa and more. Classes are free and open to dancers ages 10 and up. The teaching artists are donating their teaching fees for these master classes to Child Life and donations of “Wish List” supplies for Child Life will be accepted as well.

Imagine if you will, you're in a show and it's about two weeks from opening night. You and your castmates are off-book, the set is almost finished and you're ready for tech week, then disaster strikes, one of your castmates drops out of the show. 

Not because of an injury or serious illness. Not because of a death in the family or emergency forcing them to leave the state. No, your fellow cast member dropped out because their fragile ego was hurt and rather than stick it out, they quit. Quit the production and more importantly, quit on you. 

We all have moments of self-doubt: when we think about the choices we have made in life or of our ability to believe that we can achieve something and that we are good enough for whatever dream it is that we are chasing.  Those moments occur when things just don't seem to be going as planned. Your mind starts to wander to that state where you question everything you have ever done. I am once again in that spot.