Broadway director's own story inspired the unlikely cast of "Once On This Island"

[@katpiercemusic]

I saw it on Sunday. It is the first show I've ever been to where there was a standing ovation in the middle of the show (Mama will provide)... and I've seen Hamilton. The waterworks started for me within the first 5 minutes. There is something truly special about this show. I want to see it again SO HARD!

[@climbinguphill]

His Spring Awakening changed my life. I love everything about him.

[@jacobbelow4136]

Ginny Weasley And let's not forget his performance as Quasimodo!

[@jgorge2702]

What a great guy. I saw this show in NYC and was absolutely blown away. And a special thank you and blessing to his dear grandparents, for believing in him even though they didn't really understand him. I think its important to be comfortable with knowing we don't have to understand everything, but lets try to accept it.

[@evae.7696]

Doesn't Michael Arden sing himself, as in Hunchback? I love him sharing his story, that's amazing

[@CJH71587]

Classic from 2018! ❤️‍🔥

[@alysonkumor3729]

I wouldn't be who I am today without Michael Arden's work. Spring Awakening changed my life. Once On This Island gave me hope that things can get better again. It was the most beautiful show I've ever seen. His shows have always arrived at the right times in my life, when I needed to see them the most. Now I'm going to college to study theater directing and hopefully one day I'll be able to give someone else the same experience that his work gave me. If he's reading this, thank you for sharing your light and your vision with the rest of us. It means more to me than I can tell you.

[@azrielapap9294]

I love and respect Michael Arden so deeply. I hope if he ever reads this comment, he knows that he's a lighthouse for me, as a transgender actor pursuing a career at the moment.

[@zendegy]

best of luck to you. i wish you success!

[@TheFanaticFein]

Honestly this is amazing. I respect him so much as a director and ever since I saw Once on this Island, I’ve dreamed that my first show would be directed by him because he would give me the chance. I am personally not transgender but I feel like I’m a lot like Alex in which I wanna play so many female roles and I know that I’m capable but it’s a matter of broadway allowing me to prove it. Honestly, I’ve been listening to the Bombshell soundtrack and I always fantasize Michael directing the broadway version and casting me as Marilyn but why can’t Marilyn be a 6 foot tall man, when he can completely capable. We NEED more directors like this man, pioneering a path for less desired actors. I can’t thank you enough.

[@NairAthul]

I totally get it. I've always really connected to Elphaba and would love to play the part. I think nayone who can manage the score and convincingly portray the character should be allowed irrespective of gender.

[@alexxander5039]

what a big heart this man has.

[@remyfacade]

He was amazing in Bare. So talented

[@alonglongkumer2964]

One of my favorite People from Broadway. This many has so much depth!!

[@BlueMarvel21]

I AM SO SICK of watching videos on KZbin that make me tear up. THE FEELS!!!! :-)

[@rocknroll20024]

He better win the tony award

[@cecefernandes5657]

Micheal Arden has directed some of my favourite Musicals and he is such a role model of taking leaps of faith. Simply wonderful person💗

[@Dreamlillie_95]

OMG Unique! 😍

[@jc-1231]

Michael Arden is amazing.

[@beyonce2ify]

What an amazing amazing man.

[@oliviamichel780]

I love how the director is white and is directing a play full of minority’s especially in our society rn

[@bigmass4792]

As it should be.. black people need a white man to lead them

[@oliviamichel780]

No sir, they do not. Stop living in the 19 th century. I was saying it was good that someone appreciated minority's until u went and ruined it with ur derogatory comment

[@bigmass4792]

@@oliviamichel780sorry I was just being sarcastic.. your comment is very ambiguous. Come to think of it Black producer/directors are still very rare.. and they typically only direct a black dominated cast too.

[@tealdolphin3029]

Why am I crying

[@patriciajune5]

I didn’t know that one of amazing actors was a guy I would of never known

[@abigailr.7487]

💛💛💛

[@richaelpedrodasilva3281]

Alex perfect