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When the Lights Are Bright Again: Letters and images of loss, hope, and resilience from the theater community Hardcover – November 1, 2021

by Andrew Norlen (Author), Matthew Murphy (Photographer)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 47 ratings
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It began as an artist’s desperate desire to express himself inside a worldwide pandemic, but in one year’s time it has grown into a theater industry and country-wide outlet for healing, grief, justice, and hope in the theater community.

The Covid-19 pandemic revealed what a world without live performance looks and feels like. This book captures a small fraction of the powerful and transcendent internal heartbeat that never went away within the theater community. When the Lights Are Bright Again immortalizes the stories, struggles, and successes of an industry that was the first to be shut down and one of the last to return.

Andrew Norlen weaves more than 200 letters from Broadway theater veterans, devout theatergoers, teenage dreamers aching for their day in the spotlight, long-time ushers, designers, creatives, and countless other arts workers with a brand-new, breathtaking photo series by Broadway photographer Matthew Murphy.

Not only has the creation of this book allowed the theater community to grieve and express themselves in a new way, but for every copy purchased, a portion of the profits will directly benefit The Actors Fund. This book will continue to help support arts workers to thrive and receive financial stability for decades to come with every copy sold.

When The Lights Are Bright Again is a love letter to the arts community and every theatergoer, but, above all else, it is a meditation on the human experience. There is something for every broken, tired, and angry soul inside this book: hope.

There is light in all of us—there always has been!

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    240 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Applause
  4. Publication date
    November 1, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    8.79 x 0.77 x 11.38 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1493066595
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1493066599
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

post pandemic, pandemic stories, post pandemic stories, theater essays, theatre essays

A love letter to the arts community

There is something for every broken, tired, and angry soul inside this book: hope.

books for theater, books for actors, theater lover book, theater history, broadway history

Dear Cameron,

When the lights are bright again you will weep tears of joy. This year has been so challenging and yet so rewarding. I’ve always been a person who prides themselves on having many other interests other than theatre… I never wanted my career to be my identity. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do… this year really reminded me how MUCH I love it… This community is unlike any other and all of us who are lucky enough to work in the theatre industry know that.

theater actor essays, broadway actor essays, actor experiences, life of actors, acting life

Dear Elizabeth,

When the lights are bright again, I hope you will really, really take in the preciousness of every live audience. I hope you will be able to hug your castmates and hold them tightly—and that you do it often. I hope you buy stock in waterproof mascara (you’re going to need it!). I hope that watching and performing in live theatre can once again give you a vessel to process your deepest unnameable feelings… I hope the harmony you’ve so missed creating with other voices is a theme which vibrates beyond singing, beyond the stage, and beyond your work in the theatre.

inspirational, inspirational theater, inspirational broadway, inspirational essays

Dear James,

So…How are you? It’s been just over one year since the beginning of a change we could not have foreseen. It’s also the day after the 2nd anniversary of your show that made you a principal after 19 years on Broadway… We have lost some luminous lights that we never imagined we would. Yes. That makes my heart heavy at times, but our lights are still connected. When the lights are bright again? That fire that has become embers will be stoked… When that curtain does finally rise—ALL our lights will join and burn brighter than ever before!

inspirational letters, autobiography, autobiographical essays, theater gifts, broadway gifts

Dear Jim,

May I start by saying that you’re looking especially fetching today? When the lights are bright again, I know you will remember the dark days of the past year. Life has ups and downs, and it’s the down times that make the good ones so much more golden… I’m proud that you, and so many like you, not only survived this insanity—but flourished. When the chips were down, you continued to do what you loved most, thanks to the kindness of many. You took your Party to the interwebs and entertained the masses. I know better than anyone you did it as much for yourself, but we’ll keep that to ourselves.

Editorial Reviews

Review

We communicate. That’s what theater people do. We reach out in the dark to illuminate the human condition. Cut off by the COVID lockdown it's amazing, although not surprising, that the theater people in this book still found ways to let the people in the dark know - You are not alone.

About the Author

Andrew Norlen, originally from Troutdale, Oregon, is a New York City-based artist. With a BFA from The Boston Conservatory of Music, Norlen was most recently in the closing tour company of Broadway's Kinky Boots. His podcast, Everyday Heroes, is a space where he elevates female identifying voices. Norlen is the creator of When the Lights Are Bright Again and writer of Defining Brave, his memoir. Follow his journey @Anorlen and AndrewNorlen.com.

Matthew Murphy is a New York City-based photographer specializing in theater, dance, and portrait photography. His work is featured in the books Hamilton: The Revolution, Come From Away: Welcome to the Rock, Dear Evan Hansen: Through the Window, and Jagged Little Pill: You Live, You Learn. He travels worldwide photographing productions and lives in New York with his husband and their two dogs.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Applause (November 1, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1493066595
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1493066599
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.52 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.79 x 0.77 x 11.38 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 47 ratings

About the author

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Andrew Norlen

Andrew Norlen

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From The Met in NYC to international waters sailing the Mediterranean—Andrew has performed for audiences all over the world and on tour across the United States with the Broadway hit Kinky Boots!

Originally from Troutdale, Oregon, Andrew is a New York City-based artist, with his BFA from The Boston Conservatory of Music with an emphasis in dance and directing.

Andrew is the author and creator of When the Lights Are Bright Again: letters and images of loss, hope and resilience. A book of pandemic testimonials from the Broadway and theater community worldwide, published in 2021 by Applause Books.

Andrew is a proud, queer man who strives to normalize the power in authentic vulnerability. His upcoming memoir—Finding Brave, is fueled by his deep desire to champion young adults and teens to build tools, live their truth out loud, and not apologize for who they are.

He is no stranger to success or struggle. The reality of any industry is that both will inevitably come—

but HOW do we cope when our dreams take a new direction?

WHO do we choose to listen to when the road gets rough?

WHERE do we turn when we need to ask for help?

WHAT do we do when we reach the mountain top without a new plan?

An author, an artist and a coach—Andrew travels around the country with "Resilience: the workshop"—to inspire, coach, train, amplify, educate, teach, open up to, level with, demystify and empower the next generation of youth to learn to foster their own trademark to their success and longevity—in both career and this crazy, but beautiful thing called life.

Follow his journey @Anorlen on Instagram

Subscribe at AndrewNorlen.com for updates about his next publications.

For press inquires, sponsorships, partnerships or representation inquiries please visit his website:

AndrewNorlen.Com and the "contact" tab!

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
47 global ratings
EVERYONE NEEDS THIS BOOK!
5 Stars
EVERYONE NEEDS THIS BOOK!
Reading the foreword, already in tears. This book will be healing for those that wrote letters, and those that read them. I believe this will become a book that shows the reality for everyone during this unprecedented time. And it’s beautiful ❤️❤️
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Top reviews from the United States

Julie Ridge
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this so much I’ve bought it several times for gifts
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2023
Verified Purchase
The theater community is my community. The pandemic was devastating for all of us. This book captures the feelings and the hearts. And it reminds us never to forget. Beautifully written, beautifully, illustrated, wonderful read. Spoiler alert, have your Kleenex handy, some tears will be shed.
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Stephanie Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars A TRUE light
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
What a beautiful collection of emotions during a dark and uneasy time in our lives. With true passion, Andrew made his dream a reality with the help of his friends and colleagues in a true community. Whether you're in the industry, or a fan in awe of their talent, this book is a beautiful reminder of the grace, love, talent, and passion of the theater and those who love it. Everyone can relate to at least one person in this book. Every living room needs this as a part of their home.
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Brittany Bohn
5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning time capsule of my community
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is a must have for all theatre lovers and beyond. These are stories of humanity, loss and love during a time when being brave is all we had. Get this book to see inside this beautiful community of show people. The incredible photography and personal letters capture the stories of all cultures of people all over the country. A must for the holiday season. I bought 2 and will probably get more for gifts. Proceeds go to the Actor’s Fund to help those still struggling from loss.
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Gabriel Martinez
5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect gift for the upcoming holidays season
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2021
Verified Purchase
What a beautiful piece to have in your home or to give to a loved one who loved theatre and the people in it. Filled with gorgeous stories of the humans who make broadway what it is, and what it can be! The photography is stunning and it goes perfectly on your coffee table for the right about of theatre specific decor for your home.
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Ardie
5.0 out of 5 stars EVERYONE NEEDS THIS BOOK!
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
Reading the foreword, already in tears. This book will be healing for those that wrote letters, and those that read them. I believe this will become a book that shows the reality for everyone during this unprecedented time. And it’s beautiful ❤️❤️
Customer image
Ardie
5.0 out of 5 stars EVERYONE NEEDS THIS BOOK!
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2021
Reading the foreword, already in tears. This book will be healing for those that wrote letters, and those that read them. I believe this will become a book that shows the reality for everyone during this unprecedented time. And it’s beautiful ❤️❤️
Images in this review
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Lisa Conner
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and meaningful
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2022
Verified Purchase
Great tribute and fundraiser for an industry that needs us more than ever to show up and support them. Get this book!
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Lisa Conner
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and meaningful
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2022
Great tribute and fundraiser for an industry that needs us more than ever to show up and support them. Get this book!
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Janet R.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is a very beautiful tribute to all the good in life. The letters from these amazing humans are heartwarming!
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Casey
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2021
Verified Purchase
Just beautiful
I didn’t want it to end, I could just keep reading and reading.
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