The Civility of Albert Cashier: A Life-Changing Musical in Burbank

On October 17, 2017, Asher Phoenix experienced a transformative moment while attending a musical based on the life of a Civil War veteran. This performance, which delved into themes of identity and courage, resonated deeply with Phoenix, who had recently portrayed a character that allowed him to express his own identity as a transgender individual. The musical's powerful message prompted Phoenix to confront his own struggles with authenticity and acceptance in a rural Kansas environment where the queer community was largely unrecognized. The pivotal moment in the show was Albert Cashier's final number, which inspired Phoenix to embrace his true self. Following the performance, he engaged in meaningful conversations with friends about his experiences as a nonbinary person, marking a significant turning point in his life. This was the first time he requested the use of they/them pronouns, a crucial step in affirming his gender identity. Two months later, Phoenix visited Los Angeles for the first time, and six months after that, he fully embraced his identity. The impact of the musical extended beyond entertainment; it opened his mind to the possibilities of living authentically. Phoenix reflected on how Cashier's life story mirrored his own experiences of coming out to a conservative family, highlighting the importance of representation in art. Ultimately, Phoenix hopes that others who feel lost or confused can find solace and inspiration in the story of Albert Cashier, just as he did. He believes that exposure to such narratives could have significantly altered his upbringing and fostered a more accepting environment for his identity.