Why is it that when the author of this work inserted himself in his work, I enjoyed it, but when others do the same thing in books, I do not? Because even though this production explores familiar coming of age as a young artist themes, there is a vulnerability in casting himself as the narrator and imagining how difficult it could be to confront his younger self for choosing art over family/love. The cast of Passing Strange is insanely versatile and moving. Even in the world of art and youth, there are consequences for momentum as beautifully examined in my favorite song, Keys. Out of the entire cast, I did have initial doubts about Daniel Breaker’s early portrayal of the narrator, but as it continued, he worked. The production explores issues of identity as an American, a West Coast native, a black person, an artist, “real”ness. Superb!