Imagine this: You and your friend start out in the theatre industry. You've worked together, struggled together, supported each other when no one else would. 

Then, your friend lands the breakthrough role of a lifetime, and suddenly they ditch you for a more successful, high stature friendship circle. Your friend has become "too good" for you. 

Someone who sexually abuses a teenage girl on multiple occasions should be in jail. 

Someone who confesses to and is convicted of sexually abusing a teenage girl on multiple occasions should be registered as a sex offender. 

Someone who is convicted of sexually abusing a teenage girl on multiple occasions, should not be allowed to return to the very place of work where they committed the crimes. 

Seems pretty straightforward and reasonable right? Can we all agree? If that's the case then,

Someone who is convicted of sexually abusing a teenage girl on multiple occasions, should not be starring as the current Phantom of the Opera. 

This past week I had one of the more infuriating encounters I've had in a while. I was standing among a group of theatre people when a certain actress' name came up in the discussion. 

Rather than talk about her recent performances, members in this discussion began to comment on her parenting skills. 

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.