I felt compelled to write a blog on my birthday. First, because I know my friends and family will read it! Second, I feel my 25th merits some reflection. Finally, I have news and updates!
I must say that I feel extremely grateful for all that I have received in the last 25 years. Despite some hardships along the way, I am now looking back on a very rich life full of many blessings. I’d like to thank some of the people who have helped make me who I am today.
First off, thank you Mom! You’ve sacrificed so much in your life not only for us, but also for your students, church, and community. Thank you for raising me in a stable Christian home and for always supporting and encouraging me to reach my full potential. I would not be who/where I am today if you hadn’t provided so much for me. I am eternally grateful.
Thank you to Tina, Brad, Michael, Jessica, Neise, Mama, Papa, Dick and Teresa--you guys are my rock. I cherish your support and love--even more so now that I’m constantly far away. It’s hard for me to miss so many special family moments, but I thank you for making efforts to stay in touch and keep me involved. Thank you to my entire family (on both sides) for continuing to stay involved AND support my career. Not many adults receive this attention and I am grateful for your continued love, interest, and encouragement.
Thank you to the friends who have stood the test of time. It’s an incredibly difficult mutual obligation to maintain a friendship over years and miles. Thank you to my pookie Tyler, my boo Stiffler, my pedro Kristin, my girl Angie, my wife Jen, my posse Amanda and Jason, as well as my NYC/life coaches Sean, Hoagy, Nicole, Erin and Tiana.
I’d also like to thank the MANY wonderful teachers I’ve had. Having a teacher as a parent and experiencing the job periodically myself, I know how difficult and time consuming (yet still rewarding!) the job can be. I received incredible educations both at
Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation and
Ball State University. Both schools allowed me to explore everything I wanted, receive quality educations, and offered me very personalized training and opportunities. Thank you specifically to Mrs. Hamm, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Wiseman, Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Lockwood, Mrs. Walter, Mrs. Peron, Mrs. Ramga, Ms. Williams, Ms. Wilson, Ms. Ingram, Mrs. Brooks, Mr and Mrs. Stadler, Mrs. Wendleboe, Mr. Loomis, Mr. Cambell as well as Eddie, Ron, Harold, Wendy, Karen, Dwandra, Jonathon, Darrell, Michael D., Bill, Beth, Alex, Jodi, Sarah, Michael W., Lou Ann, Doris, Michelle, and Audra. You all invested your time, talents, energy and efforts. I will continue to share your training and pass on your support as I go along my own journey. Thank you to the Lilly Endowment, Hancock County Community Foundation, Indiana Elks, and Ball State University specifically for investing dollars into my education and future.
I would also like to thank the many non-theatre employers I’ve had. While I cannot list them all, I want to thank the following specifically for giving me trust and responsibility--in addition to financial security! Thank you to
Blue Seas, Loggerhead Coffee, BSU-T&D and
Music Theatre International. It’s a rare blessing to have some ownership and control as a young employee. Thank you for giving me the honor of management.
I’ve been lucky enough to literally travel the world doing what I love--creating theatre. While it’s a tough and unstable career, I feel it is my way to give back to the community and world at large. Thank you to all the INCREDIBLE theatres and companies I’ve worked for--especially to
NETworks and the creative team of
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast for the past nine months!
I have learned so much and grown from all of my life experiences. However, I would not have received the scholarship or job opportunities if it hadn’t been for the people I’ve encountered and mentioned here. (Please forgive me for any oversights or misspellings!)
I wanted to officially announce that I am ending my time with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and returning to NYC on 11/8. I am very proud to have been associated with this show and company--it was a dream come true. I would like to thank NETworks, Disney, Rob, Matt, Sam and Connor as well as the cast and crew for all they have given me. I have grown and developed significantly throughout my time with the show. I look forward to my next challenge and want to thank everyone for this incredible opportunity. I will (finally) be signing with
McDonald Selznick Associates, continue my studies with
Susan Eichhorn et al, and seeking my next project to “incite, inspire, motivate and provide.”
Looking forward to the next 25 years!
(((LOVE)))
Tony
