Broadway Dreamer Finds Joy in 90 Sq.Ft. NYC Apartment

Most people would complain about a 90 square foot apartment with no bathroom, but James Densley turned his micro living space into a viral celebration of following your dreams.

The New York-based musical theatre composer posted a tour of his Hell's Kitchen apartment that's smaller than many walk-in closets. His "bedroom" is a loft bed with storage underneath, paired with a sink so tiny it could fit in a dollhouse and a mini fridge that barely holds leftoads.

The bathroom situation? He shares one with everyone on his floor.

Instead of griping, Densley treated viewers to the attitude of a Broadway protagonist in an "I want" song. He showed off his compact sofa where he composes music, his candle warmer, and LED mood lighting with genuine enthusiasm.

His favorite feature is the window view of fire escapes. "I feel like every aspiring musical theatre writer needs a view reminiscent of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim," he joked, referencing the legendary composers. "Can't you just see Tony and Maria out here?"

The comments section filled with negativity. People called it a jail cell, questioned his sanity, and wondered why anyone would pay to live in what one person called "a closet."

Densley's response revealed the real story. He explained that his wife and two children live elsewhere because they couldn't afford the city together, but they're only a short, cheap flight away.

Sunny's Take

What makes Densley's story special isn't the tiny apartment. It's his crystal-clear understanding of what matters to him.

He's studying at Berklee in a city filled with fellow creatives. On moving day, he spotted Christopher Jackson (the original George Washington in Hamilton) sitting on his building's stoop. These moments fuel him more than square footage ever could.

"Ultimately, at the end of the day, I have what I need," Densley said in his follow-up video.

He's not ignoring New York's housing crisis or pretending his situation is ideal. He's simply choosing to focus on the fact that his life aligns with his values, which is harder to achieve than most people realize.

Living in alignment with what you truly want often requires sacrifice. Sometimes that sacrifice looks like sharing a bathroom with strangers or living apart from family temporarily. The question isn't whether those sacrifices are hard (they obviously are), but whether they're worth it to you.

Densley found his answer, and his joy is the proof.