William Michals

William Michals made his Broadway debut as “The Beast” in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, performing opposite Andrea McArdle, Deborah Gibson and Toni Braxton, and later returned to play Gaston in the same production. His career has continued in such roles as Javert in Les Misérables, Billy Flynn in CHICAGO, Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha, Harold Hill in The Music Man, and the title role in Phantom. A recipient of the prestigious Anselmo Award, he also earned recognition by Chicago’s “Jeff” and the National STAR awards for his portrayal of Chauvelin in the recent national tour of The Scarlet Pimpernel opposite Douglas Sills.
Not only has William played the great houses of the nation, from Broadway’s fabled Palace Theatre, to LA’s Ahmanson and D.C.’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, but he’s also entertained in New York’s finest rooms, including the Rainbow Room, The Four Seasons, and the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza. Casino dates, like the recent concert at the Foxwoods Resort, will continue to be a part of his calendar. Michals regularly appears with the country’s leading orchestras, including the San Diego, Utah, and Hartford Symphonies, recently returning to Peter Nero and the Philly Pops for another sold-out evening of “Broadway Showstoppers”.
He has sung The National Anthem for major league sporting events from coast to coast, and enjoys the rare distinction of performing for the joint leadership of the House and Senate inside The United States Capitol. Symphonic performances of "The House I Live In" and John Williams' "America, The Dream Goes On" have garnered the praise and admiration of many D.C. notables, especially Sen. Orrin Hatch (himself an accomplished songwriter). Mayor Rudy Giuliani personally called upon William to open the December 11, 2001 memorial service at Ground Zero with a solo, a cappella rendition of "Let There Be Peace On Earth", which has been rebroadcast worldwide over network TV, CNN, National Public Radio, and the Internet.
William’s credits extend into the operatic world, in New York, Boston, and in recitals at the Aspen and Tanglewood Music Festivals. Favorite roles include Figaro and the Count inMozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Escamillo inBizet’s Carmen, Marcello in Puccini’s La Bohème, and the dark Hunding in Wagner’s Die Walküre. In spring 2005 he’ll star as Danilo in the upcoming Opera Memphis production of Lehár’s The Merry Widow. Audiences across the country have recently enjoyed his Captain von Trapp in The Sound Of Music, and his rendition of Billy Flynn in Kander & Ebb’s CHICAGO - once again starring opposite Deborah Gibson. TV appearances include "Law and Order", "All My Children", and "Guiding Light."
Following the success of his live CD, william michals broadway in concert, William is now collaborating with some of the extraordinary creative talents behind Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, and Charlotte Church, fusing the myriad of musical styles with which he has been associated – while providing the true baritone sound “Classical Crossover” has so far lacked. His growing fan club counts members from Europe, Canada and the United States, and several websites, including www.WilliamMichals.com.
With a varied career on stage, in concert, and in the studio, William Michals continues to live up to the moniker “America's Baritone”.
Links
Click here for the PDF version of Mr. Michals' press kit.Click here to visit Mr. Michals' website.
Photos
Sound clips
Some Enchanted Evening (MP3 format)