What It’s Like to Step Back Into a Broadway Schedule After Years Away
February 1 feels like the beginning of something new, full of possibilities and adventures.
This month, I’m jumping back into the full swing of Broadway.
My last long Broadway run was Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, which closed on January 16, 2022. After that, I took a break from the usual Midtown routine. Since then, I’ve worked on several workshops for The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical and did the fall 2023 San Francisco run of the show. In 2024, I subbed on shows like Hadestown and even played Ain’t Too Proud in Philadelphia on the exact date we closed two years earlier, which felt a bit surreal. I also kept busy with recording sessions, club gigs, readings, and spent a lot of time writing my book, Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career. Most recently, I toured with The Rock Orchestra in fall 2025.
With all these different projects, I haven’t spent much time in Midtown. Even when I filled in for Patrick Carmichael at the Big Apple Circus, it was at Lincoln Center, which is close but not really the usual Midtown scene.
The last time I spent a lot of time in Midtown was the summer of 2024, during rehearsals for Cats: The Jellicle Ball. We started at New 42 Studios and later moved the show downtown to the Perelman Arts Center near the World Trade Center. I remember sitting in those early rehearsals thinking, “This version of CATS is either going to flop hard or land in a big way.” Honestly, I had no idea what would happen.
On paper, it’s still CATS. But this version is completely reimagined, inspired by the ballroom scene in New York City’s gay and lesbian community from the 1970s and 80s. That culture shapes the movement, attitude, and storytelling in the show. It’s more than just a new style; it’s a whole new take on the piece.
After the first full run-through, it all made sense. I realized there was no middle ground; it would either work or not. As it turned out, the response was amazing. We nearly sold out every show, and the audience? They LOVED it! I even took off a show just to watch from the audience. I thought it was great. Seriously, it was fantastic!
At the time, I had no idea the show would make it to Broadway. A few months ago, I found out it was happening, and I’m grateful to be joining as the drummer. It means a lot to me, especially after spending a few years moving between tours, workshops, and subbing.
In nine days, I’ll be back at it, heading to Midtown and getting into the rhythm of a Broadway schedule.
So here we are: a new month, a new chapter, and an exciting journey ahead.
Check back here for updates as things unfold. If you want more behind-the-scenes footage and honest talk about how this process works, from rehearsals to opening night, check out BroadwayDrumming101.com. There’s a lot more to come.
If this resonated, feel free to share it with someone navigating a theater career.