To blog of course!  I'm an actor and my ego can always use a space that's all about me!  But where to begin?

Well, I guess I'll start with why I'm in Dexter at all.

I was first introduced to the Village of Dexter when I drove into town to check out an empty building...yup!  That's how it started. 

I walked into the vacant warehouse at 3126 Broad St. with my good friend Dan Cooney, who informed me that this open space was to become The Encore Musical Theatre Company.  My first reaction was, "you're kidding, right?"  But nope, it was no joke!Six months later (and with no lack of blood, sweat and tears), all eight rows, 122 seats, four dressing rooms, restrooms and stage were built and The Encore was the new love of my life!

It all started with Evita (the musical, not the woman).  I made my Dexter debut playing Magaldi, the seedy tango singer and lover of the future leader of Argentina, Eva Peron.  I went on to play some of my favorite roles in my career: Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Chip in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Rooster in Annie, and Joe in Damn Yankees, to name a few.  I even made my directorial debut when I directed The Encore's critically acclaimed production of Little Women - the whole experience was an absolute dream come true.

The village itself is such a beautiful community.  The people of Dexter are unbelievably kind.  The business owners and their employees (not to mention the businesses themselves) are incredibly generous.  And can we talk about the food and drink?  I love a great sandwich before the show at The Dexter Pub - usually the Pub Club!  The fish and chips at The Red Brick Kitchen and Bar are one of my favorites.  And us loud actor types have been known to enjoy a cold beer after the show, belly up to the bar at Terry B's (and the sushi is perfect)!

As the associate artistic director at The Encore, and more importantly, as a performer there, I have had the pleasure to meet and get to know so many wonderful Dexter residents.  Some of my best friends were met during productions at The Encore as we shared the stage together, and my acting career has never been better.  Working with Broadway actors on The Encore stage and even meeting and continuing to work with Kathie Lee Gifford and John McDaniel on the original musical It's a Wonderful Life (which premiered at The Encore in 2010 and returns in 2011), have been only a few of the perks that my time in Dexter has afforded me. 

I've been nominated for Michigan theatre awards along with entire productions and co-stars at The Encore.  I'm currently one of the BRAve Men of Dexter - check out Mr. July.  And now, I'm a Dexter Patch community blogger!

What's next...?

I look forward to meeting many more friends in Dexter during my time on and off-stage.  Stop by The Encore's box office sometime and say hi.  I'm the guy behind the desk, selling the tickets and answering the phone.  Or better yet, come and see me do what I love to do - perform!  I'm currently playing Frankie, the leader of The Plaids, in The Encore's production of Forever Plaid through May 15, and I'll be playing Jamie (one of my dream roles) in The Encore's next production, The Last Five Years beginning May 26 through June 5.

I can't wait to meet you!