I once had a family friend named Andrew. He introduced me to Puff Daddy, Usher, and Triple Five Soul apparel. He also had a brilliant mind for medicine. Rutgers University literally created an award in chemistry, so they could give it to him.

While he was in medical school, I asked him how he did so well in his studies. His answer was simple:

The first musical I remember listening to was Miss Saigon. My mother played the cassette on weekends, and we listened to it dozens of…