When I was four years old, my Aunt Mary took me to see my first live stage musical. I remember wishing I could be on stage with the actors, singing and dancing the way they did. That was in the fall of 2001, and the show as You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Jourey Theater’s very first production.
I remained a committed audience member until 2006, when I had the opportunity to audition for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Ten years, twelve shows, a handful of life-long friends, and countless memories later, my time as a Journey student came to a close. Looking back on those years, I am grateful that Journey gave me not only the tools to grow as a performer, but also to grow deeper in relationship with God and embrace his gifts of storytelling, music, and art.
Some of my favorite roles include Bob Wallace in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (2018), Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka Jr. (2015), and Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain. However, my all-time favorite role was The Genie in Aladdin Jr. (2014). Through the experience of playing the fast-talking, scene-stealing, big, blue, funnyman, I found a life-changing confidence in myself. I learned how to embrace the strengths of the person God made me to be, and to use those strengths to bring other people joy, as well.
Now a part-time recording artist, songwriter, and performer, I never imagined that a simple outing to the theater over 20 years ago could have set me down the path I’m on today. This day, my years spent as a Journey student continue to influence my identity as an artist and musician. In fact, on of the first songs I ever wrote, “The Funnyman’s Smile,” is a tribute to the late comedian Robin Williams, whose original peformance as The Genie inspired me as a young actor to find my voice.