In Praise of Patrick Page

Why has no one been talking about this?

Many of us on the BWW forums are quick to jump on bad things said by our favorite stars, and it's gotta go both ways!

I worked with Patrick Page during my internship- he was performing "The Pears of Anjou" (from REX) in our fundraising concert. I was so thrilled to meet him because he'd just started his run as Frollo (one of my favorite musical villains of all time). He was a delightful man backstage and even shared some Hunchback lore with me.

We became Facebook friends, and our paths crossed the following year when I got to see him perform "Hellfire" at the Broadway Villains Party (glorious)! Now just when I thought he couldn't be any cooler, he pens this essay and my respect levels hit a fever pitch.

As an advocate for folks on the spectrum, I'm very happy that Patrick is being open with his own neurodivergent experience; this benefits everybody, and I am proud to call him a colleague.

---

Patrick's words have given me so much comfort in knowing that I'm not alone. I hope that I get to shake his hand someday soon and let him know how wonderfully poignant his outreach to those of use who suffer from clinical depression has been. His essay on depression, which I read earlier today, gave me the courage to open up about my own illness to my greater friend group in a way that I've been struggling to do for a long time.

It feels so nice to see a successful artist say "it's going okay, I have it too."

I don't know if you'll ever read this, Mr. Page, but thank you for continuing to struggle and thank you for your bravery in sharing your struggle with us. It is truly changing people for the better.

---

Updated On: 6/9/18 at 12:59 AM

What a beautiful article.

I’m so pleased he had the courage to write this and I hope, as he intends it might help some of the people who read it.

I didn’t think I could like him in anymore than I did but I have even more respect for him.

I don’t suffer from depression personally but I have people in my life who did. It’s a horrible, despicable and wicked illness. We’ve come a long way in terms of society understanding the illness but we still have a long, long, long way to go. I applaud this talented and intelligent man for speaking out and helping to normalise this.

My love and thoughts go out to anyone on this board who suffers with this illness and I wish you the very best with your journey.

Wow, thank you Patrick! I had the pleasure to interview him during Spider Man's run. Let's spread his message so it can hopefully reach and help others.

This is, I think, mostly a reprint of an essay he wrote several years ago. However, as a depressive myself, and an admirerer of his work and career, I found it incredibly brave and inspirational.

He penned a similar essay in the aftermath of Robin Williams’s death. I pull it up on my phone every time I feel myself beginning to take the plunge down the rabbit hole of emotions. Both are beautifully worded and they resonate.

---