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| Lobby | On the Record | Backstage | Screen |
From Shakespeare's tragic hero Romeo to his arch villian Don John to rebel French
poet Arthur Rimbaud...
From British rockers Ian Ware (tv series Fame); Tommy in Broadways'
The Who's Tommy to German transexual rock
diva Hedwig in Hedwig & the Angry Inch..
From perfoming alongside rock legends Pete Townshend and Bob Mould..
to writing, composing and fronting his own bands ..
Michael Cerveris, an impossibly versatile performer is leading what he has described
as a "schizophrenic career"
One might say...an amazing journey ..
The journey began in Maryland. Growing
up in an artistic household, his father a University Professor of Music and
his mother a modern dancer -- music has always been an integral part of Michael's
life. He recalls, "My first memory of growing up was listening to my father
play piano." He and his younger siblings were each required to learn one
instrument. First showing an aptitude with the violin, Michael was encouraged
to try cello. His personal love of rock & roll would ultimately win out
and he began playing guitar at age 10, taking formal lessons for a year and
teaching himself by ear during the rest of his childhood.
He was introduced very early to performing. "When the university where
my Dad taught needed a little kid for their productions I was often the kid
they used. The first time I was ever on stage was about 2nd grade -- as one
of the prince's little friends in "The Caucasian Chalk Circle." So
when you start out your theatrical career with Brecht at the age of 7 or 8 you
know you are in for the long haul."
His father's university position necessitated
that the family move often, finally settling in Huntington, West Virginia
which he considers his home town. This made it difficult to make friends. Spending
his last two years of High School at Phillips Exeter Academy, Michael says
"I always felt I was on the outside, a fringe member of every clique. It
wasn't until I got a small part in a play, 'The Comedy of Errors,' that
I found a place where I felt I knew at least as much as the people around me.
In the theater, I felt at home".
Attending Yale University, he had the opportunity
to study voice with Blake Stern from the music school who had him singing German
lieder and Italian songs.
Upon graduation, he went to New York, where
he waited tables, dressed windows at F.A.O. Schwartz and played extras in soap
operas between auditions.
He then traveled across the country participating in repertory theatre productions.
He performed lead roles in classics such as Romeo and Juliet
and A Midsummer Night's Dream as well as many cutting edge
contemporary plays like Sam Shepard's Tooth of Crime and
Total Eclipse by Christopher Hampton.
(left:
Michael & Madeline Potter in Abingdon Square)
In 1986, he was cast as British Rocker Ian
Ware in the acclaimed television series Fame.
Bringing great poignancy as well as a sense of humor to the role, Michael was
also able to display his singing, dancing and finely tuned guitar skills in
a variety of musical styles including ballads (After Dark),
classic (Rock and Roll Will Stand) and punk rock (No
Feelings), vaudeville, country, jazz (Private Eye)
and showtunes.
Never one to miss an opportunity, his time off camera was spent sitting with
the writers, directors and producers absorbing the entire process.
Ian's Girl: "After
Dark" real
audio real
video
Go Softly Into Morning: "Private Eye"
real audio
(at right: in Fame)
When the series ended the following year,
Michael continued appearing in guest roles on series such as Quantum
Leap, The Equalizer and 21 Jump Street. His endearing
portrayal of father-to-be, Bobby Krull on the HBO series Dream
On perfectly showcased his natural comic ability. He also went
onto movies including the science fiction thriller Steel and Lace and
the comedy Rock and Roll High School Forever.
(left: in Dream On)
During this period, he never strayed far
from the theatre stage, which he still believes is the most satisfying, purest
acting experience. And in 1992, Michael originated the role of Tommy in the
World Premiere of Tommy at the La Jolla Playhouse in California.
Learning to ride a bronco pinball machine and sommersault gracefully high above
the stage on wires was only the beginning. Michael conducted research into Autism,
listened to music and ultimately looked into himself, creating a brilliant heartrending
portrayal of the blind, deaf, dumb "pinball wizard".
(right: Michael as Tommy)
His electrifying performance was embraced by audiences and critics alike. Tommy
author Pete Townshend was so impressed he asked Michael to perform with him
at special appearances during his "Psychoderelict" tour. They were
also often spotted in unannounced performances around New York City. It was
this role that finally led to his debut on The Great White Way.
He earned a Tony Nomination for Best Featured Actor and won the Theatre World
Award. His first CD recording also earned the show a Grammy for Best Original
Cast album.
" Tommy" on Tony
Awards 1993 real
video mpeg
(high bandwith only)
"Pinball Wizard" on CBS
This Morning real
audio
After triumphing nightly on Broadway, Michael
continued to return to his first love -- composing and performing his
own material. He asked fellow musicians Alice Ripley, Shannon Ford and John
Jinks to join him and together they formed the alternative rock group lame.
Playing first for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, they continued at
a number of clubs, NYU and had a regular slot at Sin-E, an Irish coffeehouse
in New York. "The Band gives me as much energy as it takes from me -- just
to have another creative outlet."
"Tenth Grade" on
Break a Leg '93 real video
'96 real
audio
"Individual" Live @ Wetlands mp3
real audio
"Sleepwalking" '96 real audio
mp3
With breathless whispers building to achingly beautiful wails, Michael created
an intimate soundscape littered with unforgettable images ("eyes like the
eyes when a baby wakes"/ Brynn ) and often biting prose ("where
I go bridges burn/your open wounds deserve salt"/ Individual).
Images in wildly upbeat songs were just as striking and appropriately comical
("I want to write your name on my shoes"/Tenth Grade), ("wish
I had an ocean in my bathtub where I could wash away my worries"/What
I have). Dues were also paid to some of their rock influences with covers
of The Ramones' "Sheena is a Punk Rocker" and "Frank Mills"
from Hair. Led by Michael's agility, passion & guitar prowess lame
engaged audiences in a rousing sometimes dizzying release of emotion.
He took Tommy to Germany
for the European premiere for two years after that, continuing to play outside
the show at festivals and clubs in the Frankfurt area with a German incarnation
of lame. Like their American counterparts,
German fans were quickly won over by his artistry, energy and his compassion
which extended on and offstage. After 1,403 performances as Tommy, when the
curtain fell on the final performance in Offenbach, upon Michael's initiative,
the cast reunited one last time for a special benefit open air concert with
all proceeds going to "Tommy Hall" - a therapeutic center for physically
and mentally challenged children.
"I'm Free" live
Tommy Benefit Concert Offenbach, 1996 real audio
mpeg (high bandwith only)
"Once a Child" lame
Live @MTW ''96 real audio real video
"Behind Blue Eyes" (written
by Pete Townshend) live
Germany real audio
real
video mpeg (high bandwith only)
At last, he returned to the Broadway stage
in the Original Cast of Titanic in 1997. As ship designer Thomas
Andrews, he provided the moral center of the drama. His stunning performance
of "Mr. Andrews' Vision" every night allowed the audience to experience
the anguish, fear and despair of the doomed passengers.
"Mr. Andrews' Vision"
real
video real audio
(left: David Garrison, John Cunningham & Michael
in Titanic)
Michael continued to work outside his role
in Titanic in various other theatre projects. He performed
a reading of The Wild Party for the Manhattan Theater Club
and joined cast members of the Scarlet Pimpernel in a reading
for a new rock version of Romeo and Juliet orchestrated by
Terrence Mann. He went on to participate in a reading for new musical comedy
called Joe! with fellow Titanic
cast member Brian d'Arcy James. On May 10th and 17th,
he narrated two benefit concerts of Chess
for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.
On May 11, 1998, NY audiences once again were able to see and hear him
off Broadway when he rejoined original "lame" band
members in an exciting reunion performance at the Wetlands Preserve in Manhattan.
(right: Michael as Hedwig)
After completing 501 performances as the
designer of the fateful ship, Michael returned to his love of rock -- first
for a limited four week run taking over for writer and star John Cameron Mitchell
as lead in the smash Off Broadway musical Hedwig
and the Angry Inch and then performing in the most celebrated rock
venues around the world with alternative legend Bob Mould on his final electric
tour - the Last Dog and Pony Show.
Traveling throughout the US, Canada and UK on an exciting yet relentless schedule
did not slow him down. With characteristic stamina and spirit, he followed the
tour with a flurry of projects: spending time in Glasgow and Germany -- attending
a charity dinner for "Tommy Hall", playing bass on a new cd for rock
group See Saw and looking into the long anticipated possibility
of releasing his own material.
(left: Stephen Trask and Michael in Hedwig)
In 1999, Michael stepped back into the role (and heels) which stirred audiences
the previous summer - Hedwig.
Kicking off the New Year right with a highly charged concert at Radio City,
he stomped the stage, rattled the roof, sprinted up the stairs into the upper
Mezz of the famous Hall and even took the time to show off a few new guitar
licks.
"Midnight Radio"
live @ Wetlands real video
"The Origin of Love" Live real audio
"Substitute" Live
@ Wetlands, NY - mpeg (high bandwith only) real video
with Michael,
John Cameron Mitchell, Miriam Shor, Kevin Cahoon & Lisa Datz
"Pretty in Pink" Live
@ El Rey Theater, LA mpeg (high bandwith only) real video
"The Origin of Love"
Live @ Vynyl Club, LA - real audio
with Michael, John
Cameron Mitchell, Miriam Shor, Stone Temple
Pilots
Performing the role for eight months in New
York, Michael took Hedwig to other
venues including Irving Plaza, Bowery Ballroom, the Wetlands and then ultimately
from East Coast to West -- opening in Hollywood.
The show, "a tour-de-force with the emotional impact of a tornado"
called on all of Michael's skills as an actor and musical performer. The
New York Times raved "Cerveris is...capitvating, mesmerizing and enthralling".
Variety elaborated, "Michael Cerveris delivers a superb performance
in this polished, energetic mix of monologue, rock concert, German-style cabaret
and downtown performance art. ...Cerveris' physical and vocal versatility is
outstanding, and he delivers with equal authority exuberant rock songs and softly
ironic monologues."
Backstage West declared Michael a "musical theater national treasure"
and later presented him with the 1999 Garland Award for his performance.
After leading Hedwig to a spectacular Hollwood size opening
- producers quickly began sending him movie and television scripts. His first
choice was a quirky action comedy - The Mexican.
He said, "It's a great script and a nice, small, but memorable role."
The movie also starring Julia Roberts, James Gandolfini and Brad Pitt opened
in 2001. At the same time, Michael also coordinated the makers and producers
in preparations for bringing the überdiva Hedwig across the Atlantic for the
UK premiere in September of 2000.
During his time in Europe he recorded two musical
projects. The first is a collaboration with Charlotte
Hatherley, of rock group ASH. Michael says , "It's all new and really cool."
Then - after several visits to lay the groundwork - Michael returned to
studios in Glasgow to record his long awaited first album of his own songs under
the band name Retriever.
This album, hinterlands, includes new versions of songs previously only
heard in concert as well as compositions he wrote during the previous year.
In March of 2002, he co-starred on the new FOX TV series, The
American Embassy. Although FOX only showed four of the six episodes
filmed during the Mid-Season, it received many terrific reviews and inspired
viewers to start a campaign to the save the show.
Within the very week following the cancellation of the series, organizers of
the hugely anticipated celebration of the works of Stephen Sondheim at Washington
DC's Kennedy offered Michael the lead role in Passion.
Judy Kuhn (Les Miserables, Chess) as Fosca and Rebecca Luker (Phantom, Secret
Garden) as Clara rounded out the "trio of glorious lead actors"--Baltimore
Sun. The show was immediately hailed as the highlight of the entire Celebration
and Michael was singled out as not only for his extraordinary performance but
also for making the notoriously difficult show heartbreakingly accessible. The
New York Times raved: "In Eric Schaeffer's splendidly confident restaging
of "Passion," Mr. Cerveris gives a performance of such emotional transparency
that it hurts. It's the sort of performance that makes you ask where he's been
all our lives...And you start to regard the brooding "Passion" not
as an anomaly in the Sondheim canon but as its Rosetta stone."
Michael continues to write and record
for next exciting project hellbaby.
Michael's extensive career on the boards has made him the consummate performer.
Whether he is donning the masks of comedy and tragedy or loosing his inner passion
for rock and roll, the transformation is seemingly effortless, the result breathtaking.
His commitment to his craft is complete.
His joy of performance is contagious.
And he reaches his audience on every emotional level,
touching their hearts and minds, flooding their souls with inspiration.
And the journey continues...
Theatre
2002 (7/18 - 8/23) Passion - Washington DC - Sondheim Celebration
2000 (9/8 -11/10) Hedwig and the Angry Inch - West End premiere 1999 (10/31 -12/19) Hedwig and the Angry Inch - West Coast premiere Hollywood 1999 (1/6/-8/7) Hedwig and the Angry Inch - Off Broadway 1998 (7/8-8/3)- Hedwig and the Angry Inch - Off Broadway 1997 - Titanic, Broadway original cast 1995 - The Who's Tommy European premiere in Germany 1993 - The Who's Tommy on Broadway
1992 - The Who's Tommy at La Jolla Playhouse
Bands
hellbaby (2002)
Retriever ('99-2001)
Lame ('94-'98)
LiveDog98: Bob Mould Band Live Forum, UK
Losers' Lounge Tribute to Brian Wilson, (Westside Theatre, NYC 1/24 &26/02)
performed "God Only Knows"
"And the Beat Goes On" Concert Series (The Bottom Line, NYC 7/14/01)
performed "Who Loves the Sun"
Loser's Lounge Tribute to Paul Williams (Westside Theater, NYC 6/8 & 16/01)
performed "You and Me Against the World"
Love Me Or Leash Me: 50 Simple Ways to Keep Me a Happy, Healthy and Well Behaved Companion".
Michael has written a piece about his beloved dog Gibson for the book. Now available from Black dog and Leventhal Publishers,
the book includes a photo of Gibson taken by Charlotte Hatherley along with many other photos by 'Petographer' James Dratfield
and words of wisdom for any dog owner looking to make their happy pet even happier.
Some of the proceeds will go to benefit of animal organizations.
Club Makeup (El Rey Theater, CA 5/5/01)
Monthly celebration of glam & glitter at the El Rey Theater. Tribute to Andy Warhol. performed "Young Americans"
Club Makeup (El Rey Theater, CA, 3/4/00)
Monthly celebration of glam & glitter at the El Rey Theater. Fashion Show.
Broadway Barks (Shubert Alley, NYC 7/26/99) "L’Histoire du Soldat" (Arizona State University West, 5/7-9/99) as the Soldier CD: Blue Lava Style (Germany, 11/98) performed bass with See Saw Hedwig & the Angry Inch in Concert The Last Dog and Pony Show World Tour - (9/10/98 - 11/6/98) Lame Reunion Concert (Wetlands Preserve, Manhattan/ 5-11-98) Chess Benefit Concerts (John Houseman Theatre, NY/5-10/17-98) as Narrator Joe! (Lambs Theatre, NY/5-4-98) as Joe's Dad Romeo and Juliet (NY,4/98) Reading as Tybalt & Prince The Wild Party (Manhattan Theatre Club, NY/4-98) as Burrs
Tokyo Pop - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Hedwig & the Angry Inch DVD documentary (2001)- includes footage of Michael performing as Hedwig in NY, LA & London The Mexican (action/comedy/2001) Lulu on the Bridge (drama/1998) Strangers (drama/1991) as "John" A Woman, Her Men & Her Futon (drama/1991) as "Paul" Steel and Lace (sci-fi/suspense/1991) as "Danny" Rock & Roll High School Forever (comedy/1990) as "Eagle Bauer" Tokyo Pop (musical comedy/1988) as "Mike"
Series: The American Embassy as "Gary Forbush", 2002
Fame as "Ian Ware" Season 5, 1986-87
Guest Appearances:
Popped In/Crashed Out (10/20/01) as himself
The show is part chat and part quiz show. Celebrities recline on sofas while Phil Alexander (editor of rock music magazine Kerrang!)
tests their knowledge of pop music and videos. Aired on ITV Friday October 20th after midnight.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (5/17/01) as "Syd Goggle"
Dream On "And Bobby Makes Three" (8/18/93) as "Bobby" Quantum Leap "Glitter Rock" (4/10/91) as "Nick" 21 Jump Street "Back to School" (10/20/90) as "Ray" The Equalizer "Race Traitors" (6/29/89) as "Nick Kaminsky" "Last Call" (3/23/88) as "Frankie" Leg Work "The Best Couple I know" (10/17/87) as "Johnny Dark" The Tracey Ullman Show (5/17/87) "Vive La Difference" as "Vic"
Doubletake (TV movie drama/1985) as "Gary Prine"
Interviews
The
Journal, 8/18/02,
Michael discusses Passion
AJ Forum - 5/9/02; Michael discusses The
American Embassy and Passion
Time Out London - 8/23/00; Michael
discusses Hedwig in London
CheckOut.com interview -12/13/99;
Michael discusses Hedwig in LA
Morning Becomes Eclectic - 11/9/99;
Michael is interviewed as both himself and Hedwig
A Change of Part - 11/9/99; Michael discusses
Hedwig in LA
Backstage West - 10/21/99; Michael
was featured on the cover and interviewed about Hedwig in LA
Yale Daily News - 10/5/99; Michael speaks with
students at Yale University
NY1 Interview - 8/2/99; Michael discusses
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Fresh Air - NPR - 4/26/99;
Michael discussed Hedwig
Idiot's Delight - Vin Scelsa 2/7/99-
; Michael & original cast of Hedwig discuss the musical
AJ - 12/20/98; Michael discusses the Concert
in Radio City and reflects on the past year
NPR - 9/30/98; Michael & Last Dog and Pony
members discuss tour
Another Journey - Michael's journal from the Last
Dog & Pony Show
Another Bio - amusing autobiography written
by Michael for Last Dog & Pony Show
In Theater - 7/10/98; Hedwig and the Angry
Inch
Musicals - April/May 1998; German interview with
Michael about Titanic & Tommy
Playbill Online- Feb 1998; while performing Titanic
in NY Michael answered fans questions
Flatiron News - 1997; Titanic, love of rock and
roll; Gibson and putting down roots
Good Day NY- April
1997; Titanic and upcoming Tony awards
Playbill Online
- April 1997; researching role of Titanic & previews
New York Magazine - April 1997; Titanic
Elle Magazine - 1997; Titanic & Thomas
Andrews
A few of Michael's favorite things
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung - profile
before his 1250 performance as Tommy
Sounds of Frankfurt - July 1995; after concert
in Germany to promote Tommy
Backstage on Broadway - 1994;
Michael discusses his rock group Lame
Playbill Online -
1994; while performing Tommy in NY - Michael answered fans questions
CBS This Morning - 1993; interviewed about
Tommy & performed "Pinball Wizard"
E! On Broadway - 1993; Michael's dressing
room with Murray- "the Pinball Lizard" & more
Kidsday -August 1993; interview with Michael
and fellow Tommys
Show Music Magazine - Fall 1993; profile and interview
about the release of Tommy on CD
Manhattan Spirit - July 1993; profile and
interview post Tony Awards
Vin Scelsa Interview - 1993; interview with
Michael, Des MacAnuff & Buddy Smith
US Magazine Profile - May 1993; Michael Cerveris
is noted as rising talent after La Jolla
Much Ado- Oct 1992; Michael discusses role
in Much Ado about Nothing
Star Magazine - Michael is interviewed
about his role in Fame
Articles
Review of Breeders Concert in Washington
DC; 8/9/02; Michael makes special guest appearance
Amazing Journey - Official
Web Archive for Michael Cerveris
info@michaelcerveris.com
