Opening night is here again.
I don’t take that lightly.
I’ve been through a few of these now, and one thing I understand clearly is that nothing in this business lasts forever. No Broadway show runs indefinitely, even though some have had remarkable runs. The Lion King has been going since 1997. Chicago since 1996. Those are the exceptions, not the rule.
Most shows don’t last like that. Most careers don’t move in a straight line either.
It’s been seven years since my last Broadway opening night. Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations opened in 2019. A lot has happened in between. Work, growth, setbacks, wins, and a lot of time spent figuring things out. That’s part of being a professional musician. There are ups and downs, and if you’re honest about it, sometimes there are more downs than ups.
That’s exactly why I started Broadway Drumming 101 in 2021. I saw how this business works, and I wanted to build something that helps people understand it and navigate it.
Now I’m back for another opening night with Cats: The Jellicle Ball. I’m very aware of what this moment means.
I’m thankful.
Thankful to play alongside the musicians in this show. Thankful for the dancers, singers, and actors on that stage every night. And just as important, thankful for everyone behind the scenes making it all work. Wardrobe. Hair and makeup. Electricians. Carpenters. Sound. Lighting. Props. Ushers. Ticket takers. Security. House management. Production office. Assistants. Production managers. Designers. All of it.
Since February 9, I’ve been watching this whole machine come together. There are moments where I have to stop and take it in. I’m under the stage doing what I do, while everything is happening above me. That’s not something I take for granted.
At the same time, I’m realistic. I don’t know where this goes. None of us do.
All we have is right now.
Fishbone is one of my favorite bands, and I’ve been listening to them a lot when I work out. There’s a song they have called “All We Have Is Now.” That idea has been sitting making me think. It’s simple, but it’s so true. You have to stay present, even while preparing for what’s next.
I often listen to Dr. Wayne Dyer for that reason. When I feel like I need to be grounded and centered, I go back to his audiobooks. One thing he talks about is that thoughts are things. What you focus on matters. The thoughts you hold shape what shows up in your life. So I try to stay focused on what I can control and what I want to build.
At one point, playing drums on a Broadway show was just a thought. Now I’ve done it four times. Memphis: The Musical. Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations. And now Cats: The Jellicle Ball.
That didn’t happen overnight. That’s over 26 years of work.
So if you’re reading this and you want to do this, understand what it takes. Understand the ups and downs. But also understand that it’s possible.
When the opportunity comes, be ready. And when it does, appreciate it.
I’m looking forward to tonight. The show, the energy, everything that comes with it.
And then I’m getting back to what I’ve been building.
Because this isn’t just about having a Broadway show.
It’s about understanding how to get one, how to keep one, and how to survive when it’s gone.
That’s why Broadway Drumming 101 exists.
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