In the spring of 2026 I had the pleasure of being approached by powerhouse director Lesli Johnson to play Rhys Thurston in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s Appropriate. At the time I had no prior knowledge of the show, but I sure was in for something special!

The show focuses on the dysfunction and turmoil of a reconnecting family after the passing of the grandfather, and getting to dive into the relationship that Rhys has with his family, and more specifically his mother Toni was incredibly rewarding. Rhys is someone struggling with newfound sobriety, guilt, internalized homophobia, and is truly yearning for connection. He wants to be seen and understood, but is too scared to bridge the gap that divides him from Toni.

While the play does not necessarily end on a happy note, I found the experience of bringing this character to life so special. Getting to craft Rhys’ facade as a stoic young adult hiding from vulnerability was quite the exercise, and one I am very proud to have taken on.

Photos by Steven Ross.