• Essays, Prose

    Are we being honest about the truth?

    I think it’s important to tell the truth. Very important. I think our leaders should be honest and should be held to high standards. I am guessing pretty much everyone agrees. My…

  • Essays, Prose

    Bridges, not walls

    Who is your neighbor? I grew up in Bolivar, Missouri, a small town in the Ozarks. Almost every single one of my neighbors was white. Nearly all were, or at least claimed…

  • Essays, Prose

    Immigrants!

    Today, the first text message I sent was to a Turkish man. Then I emailed a German. And at 1.30, I’m going to play tennis with an Israeli. I don’t know that…

  • For the stage, Musical Theatre

    Outside In

    Love in the Dark Music by Aleksandra Weil Lyrics by Emily Roller Book by Orian Israelsohn October 16, 2015 – Dixon Place Worry Noise Dirt Heat, curated by Lane Dombois, dissembles human…

  • Anecdotes, For the stage, Operas

    American Opera Projects

    “How did you end up in opera?” “Long answer or short answer?” “Real answer?” “I have no idea.” *** I’m honored and a little frightened to join this group of talented composers…

  • Essays, Prose

    Love

    For many years now, I have lived in communities that are accepting of homosexuality and that support gay rights almost unequivocally. But I grew up in a community that was not. Not…

  • Musical Theatre, Operas, Prose

    Esther

    Esther Music by Miky von der Nahmer Libretto by Emily Roller Esther is a musical adaptation of the Book of Esther that explores the relationship between power, oppression, and religion. When Queen…

  • For the stage, Musical Theatre

    TFA: Teach for A While

    Teach for A While I’ve written essays, short stories, and a novel. But I continue to feel compelled to try to find some way to communicate the absurdity of my teaching experience. There’s…