This photo, while taken in 2013, really dates back to 1996. It was then that I saw my first Broadway musical, The Phantom of the Opera, starring this man, Davis Gaines. It was then that I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the theater.

In 2006, I saw the Broadway musical, Lestat. While the show would last on Broadway for a mere month, I would go on to follow the career of many, including Drew Sarich, who I would later see in Jacques Brel is Alive and Well... and Les Miz. It was Drew who graciously allowed me to interview him for a senior project in high school.

Another Lestat alum whose career I would follow was Jim Stanek. Jim would appear in the Off Broadway production of Frankenstein in the Fall of 2007. I would volunteer my time promoting this show at TKTS and came to love promoting theater as a result of my efforts.

This photo would be taken after a conversation that would prove life changing for me. James Barbour had reached out to me in order to help me through some personal issues in life. I went to Birdland to thank James in person and was told that if I ever needed anything to just ask. Head on over to the "James Barbour" page to find out what happened next....

I never shy away from learning as much as I can about the business. This mindset led me to having an impromptu conversation with Mr Stephen Sondheim. I shall be forever thankful Mr Sondheim took the time to chat.

In the end, it always comes back to your first experience. Taken in January 2018 at Phantom's 30th anniversary, I am constantly amazed how everything that has impacted my life finds a way to come together. James' portrayal of The Phantom is my favorite of any performance I have seen, and that comes as a lifelong Phan, not a dear friend and pupil.