michael is indeed a really great person both on and off the stage. i had the pleasure of meeting him after both performnaces of swimming in the shallows that i saw recently. he is a total sweetheart, and when you talk to him, he puts out his hand for a hand shake and says .." hi im michael!" so adorable, as if i didnt know who he was!!
Michael has recently become one of my most favorite people, as I've had a few opportunities to meet him. He is JUST as sweet as he seems; I can certainly attest to that. He's an absolute doll - lovely personality, approachable, easy to talk to (yes, I just said that I found someone easy to talk to!). I took a friend of mine to see Swimming in the Shallows a bit ago - mind you, this friend is a HUGE Michael fan. Michael stayed to chat with him a bit, even though he had friends waiting, and was extremely gracious, shook hands, etc. A total class act.
Agree that Michael is a doll in person. I saw him at the Kennedy Center singing some songs for "A century of american Musicals" and then got the chance to talk with him after. He seem embarassed when I told him I now know why so many people rave about him, but he was very thankful and appreciative, and we took a picture, and I was wearing a Wicked shirt b/c Stephen Schwartz was there so he commented on it and we talked a bit about liking Wicked.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
I met Michael after a performance of "Pippin" here in L.A. and was dying to take him home after only a moment or two of casual chatting..."orientation" be damned. Cute, friendly, smart, and genuinely modest, that kid. There's no way he's from this planet, my friends.
He told me he loves California. And I happen to love him IN California. He wears us so well, he HAS to come back. Come back to us, Michael!
Michael is such a sweetheart!!! An AMAZING performer and on top of that soooooooo nice and soooooooo sweet!!! He always likes to introduce himself whenever he meets people, it's cute!!! If you guys haven't seen "Swimming In The Shallows" yet I suggest getting over to the theatre ASAP to see it, it's sooooooo good!! I've seen it twice already and I just may have to go back one more time before it closes on Sunday hehehe....
ok i just must put my two cents into this thread! He is ADORABLE. And the friendliest person ever at the whole stage door experience. I really feel that he is alot more genuine then any other performer i have ben a fan of.
i heart him
...and still you hold on, to every old song... - Adam Pascal
Just read this article on Michael and his co-star Logan in "Swimming In The Shallows" it was a pretty interesting article to read. In case anybody else would like to read it, here's the link http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/6282
Michael is a beautiful soul- I appreciate his gracious personality immensely- He is truthfully concerened with his fans and even takes the time to talk to you and personlize your exeperience at any performace of his that you may attend! I have met him several times and on each occasion, he remembers me and aks how school is going (as I go to Perf. Arts School) ect. Its really fantastic to have actors out there that genuinely care about the people that support them in their career
"I need to know that someone out there cares...Are you there?"
Yes Michael's next Big Step is the Tharp/Dylan Project which opens in San Diego at the end of Jan. I'm pretty sure he is signed witht the William Morris Agency (they ain't dumb) So Footloose you could write to Him there. And He is as sweet and wonderful as everyone says! The world is a better place for Him. Love that Man.