The Choice to Be Creative

For this entry, Sarah and I wanted to do something completely different … it’s a candid interview about picking a career in the arts. Sarah: What made you want to make performing a career? Dean: I value expertise. I value doing the best job that you can do. And the opportunity to perform as a…

A State of Bliss

It’s weekends like this past one in Palm Springs where I’m reminded why I do what it is that I do. During “Dissertation on the State of Bliss,” I got to explore this character, this man, who was created purely through lyrics, through the songs that he was singing. The work I had done on…

Tom McCall Elementary School Rocks

“I don’t have a question,” said the boy, a First Grader who was standing up in front of an entire school assembly filled with teachers and students, grades kindergarten to 5th. It was the “Question and Answer” portion of the music assembly at Tom McCall Elementary School and so far, I’d gotten questions that ranged…

7 Broadway Shows in 6 Days

In my concert, “Give My Regards to Broadway,” I share some personal stories about how this magnificent American art form has shaped my life. My first trip to Broadway came courtesy of my high school drama teacher and her husband.  In 1976, we saw 7 shows in 6 days: “The Fantasticks,” “Pippin’,” “My Fair Lady,”…