As a special treat this week, Pro Inventor Peggy Brown took some time to interview her fellow Pro Inventor, Brad Ross, about his Off Broadway Musical! It will run 25 performances from January 30 to February 22, making it an excellent entertainment option during New York Toy Fair.

Peggy: Hi Brad! Thank you for taking time to discuss your work as a toy and game inventor! For starters, what are some products you have on the market?

Brad: Some of my products currently on the market include... 

• BrainBolt Handheld Memory Game from Educational Insights
• SCRAMBOOZLE Puzzle Ball from Learning Resources
• Gib Gab from Fat Brain Toys
• Bug Out Card Game from Outset Media
• Tick Tack Bumm COLOR FLASH from Piatnik

...and many others! I also have a major new game coming out this NYTF but I can't say more than that!

Peggy:  Tell us about this stage musical you have opening Off-Broadway in New York City.

Brad: This is a stage musical called JUST DESSERTS: A Musical Bake-Off that will be playing from Friday, Jan 30 - Sunday, Feb 22 at AMT Theater, 354 West 45 Street, New York City. It's not far from Javits!   

It's a musical cooking contest.  The tag line is CHOPPED (TV show on The Food Network) meets A Chorus Line!

I'm the composer and co-producer. Tickets available at: https://www.amttheater.org/justdesserts

Peggy: Can you tell us a little bit about your musical career?

Brad: I've written all kinds of music: Pop, Broadway, Jazz, and Kids music. I actually got into the toy industry through my music. Someone heard one of my kids songs and thought it could inspire a toy line. I was introduced to Maureen and Laurie Trotto and we developed it into a toy line that was optioned by Hasbro!  

Peggy: Can you draw any comparisons between show business and the game and toy business?

Brad: Yes!  Both involve coming up with a good idea, creating a working prototype or demonstration, pitching it to potential companies or producers, and getting thumbs up or thumbs down!

Peggy: What is it like juggling two careers?

Brad: I love it because both careers are creative and a creative life is satisfying, rewarding and fulfilling. I enjoy ping-ponging between the two careers. I never get bored!

Peggy Brown is a toy and game inventor, author, playwright, and more.