My two loves have always been the theatre and spirit.
I began my professional career acting in the longest running revue in world history, Beach Blanket Babylon, where I spent three years, including a Royal Command Performance for Queen Elizabeth II, with Mary Martin and Tony Bennett. After eleven years in San Francisco, where not only did I have constant work in theatre, but I also enjoyed modeling (fashion and commercial), TV, and Commercial work. In fact by the time I left San Francisco I had a National, Regional and many local commercials under my belt. Since moving to NYC in 1992, I have performed all over the country in Regional theatre's, Summer Stock, eight Off Broadway shows, and seven seasons with the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players at New York City Center where I was also the dance captain for all that time. I have been nominated three times for a San Francisco Bay Area Critics award and won two awards, The Bay Are Theatre Critics and The Dean Goodman Award for the role of Albert in Bye Bye Birdie, as well as The Bay Area Theatre Critics award for the Best Ensemble Cast, for Wonderful Town, where I played the role of Wreck. Favorite Roles include, Billy Crocker (also nominated for BATCA), Jesus, Lancelot, Pedro, The Scarecrow, Wreck, Will Parker (Nominated for a Ginny Award), Tommy Albright and Albert Petersen.
As a writer I have written over 25 plays. This was my chance to start putting into words the principals that I had practiced for years as a means to bring light to some very dramatic situations and stories. Most of my plays are socially challenging, spiritually inspiring, and hopefully entertaining. Three of my plays, Not in Our Town, No Man Can Serve 2 Masters, and FAL$E PROFIT$ have been produced by the Genesius Guild, NYC. No Man Can Serve 2 Masters was recently produced as an AEA showcase by Third Eye Theatre Company. My plays Restoration, and Freedom Summer were produced by the Hansberry Project, NYC, and my musical Synchronicity had a BMI reading as well at Seven Angels Theatre Company and is available on CD. A reading of On Hold was produced at the Houseman Theatre through Playwrights Kitchen Ensemble and starred seven time Tony Nominated and twice winner, Frances Sternhagen; Tony nominated Douglas Sills, and was directed by Scott Schwartz. My Christmas show ran three months at La Comedia theatre in Dayton Ohio. Michael has also been hired twice to specifically write for other people one, a film script, working title F.E.A.R. and the other a one man show entitled Bad Connections. Recently his political stinger "One Nation Under___?" enjoyed a reading at NYC Manhattan Plaza. Other favorites include, Who's Sorry Now?, VOWS, What are the Odds? Fire Island, Miracle on the Hudson and Boy's Night Out. I have produced two Benefit concerts of collaborator Tim DiPasqua's music, one for Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS, which at that point was the most money ever raised for BCEFA for a cabaret show, and both won the 2001 Backstage Bistro Award for. The second, for breast cancer, in Marin County, CA. One major highlight was a 24 hour notice to sing at Carnegie Hall a number from his musical Synchronicity again with collaborator Tim Di Pasqua. You can hear Michael on two different recordings, Synchronicity, and Purpose of Love.
Recently, I decided to start my own Theatre Company, Third Eye Theatre Company, where I serve as the Artistic Director. www.thirdeyetheatreco.com. As you can see from the title, again a continuation of merging theatre and spirit. Our goal is always to inspire, which actually means in spirit.
In my spare time, between performing, writing, and Third Eye, I work as a life coach/spiritual counselor, and perform wedding ceremonies, hopefully, for many happy gay couples. This is where it all comes together, my writing, acting and spirituality.
I feel very blessed to witness how my two loves continue to manifest in my life. Peace...