THE MAN: MICHAEL CAVANAUGH

The bright lights and fast pace of New York City were not enough to persuade Broadway actor and Tony Award® nominee Michael Cavanaugh to stay. He wanted to come home to Cleveland. In fact, when this Movin’ Out star heard that the show was on the road to his hometown, he requested and was granted a three week leave-of-absence from Movin’ Out in New York.

For as long as he can remember, Michael Cavanaugh has been singing. Growing up in Middleburg Heights, Michael recalls being shy about singing before an audience. As young as four years of age, he would shut himself away in the bathroom and belt out songs when he thought no one could hear him. But his Mom heard every note and realized that her son had a special gift. With her loving encouragement, Michael was convinced to take his act out of the bathroom. His first “public” singing experiences were entertaining at family gatherings.

Michael Cavanaugh

Michael is the youngest of four boys. His older brothers were all musically talented and played instruments. Having so much music in the house inspired Michael to learn to play an instrument of his own. His earliest inclination was to take up the drums, but his parent’s vetoed the idea citing the obvious noise factor. They did, however, provide an alternative. When he was seven, his parents bought a piano and Michael’s musical destiny began to unfold. It was love at first sight. He couldn’t keep his hands off the piano. Although he had yet to have any formal musical training, he was soon playing popular songs by ear and making up melodies of his own. Michael’s parents wisely decided it was time for their youngest son to have piano lessons. A few months later, Michael was told by his piano teacher that he had perfect pitch, a gift elusive to many of the world’s most talented musicians.

Michael Cavanaugh

His performing career began early. By the time Michael was ten, he had already formed his first band. They performed “Jumping Jack Flash” on stage at the Fifth Grade talent show and from that moment on, Michael was hooked. His professional career began at age 12 when he joined a band started by his older brother, Tom, called “The Difference.” Throughout Michael’s teenage years, The Difference played local nightclubs in the Cleveland area. As Michael was well under age, his parents had to be there every night. By the time he was 16 and attending Midpark High School, he had already gained a reputation as a local phenomenon. Ironically enough, at one of his first talent shows, Michael performed Billy Joel’s hit, “Piano Man.”

When Michael was 18 he met the love of his life, Karin. After dating for a few years, Michael and Karin married in 1993. In 1994, Michael was offered a job in Orlando, Florida at a piano bar called Blazing Pianos. It was an opportunity for Michael to make a fulltime living doing what he loved best and he and Karin packed up and made the move to Florida. In addition to Michael’s solo gig, he performed in a unique three-piece piano group called “Jammin’ Pianos.” They performed at events for the PGA, Senior PGA and NASCAR as well as many others. During this period, Michael also concentrated on his own songwriting and released his first CD of original songs. All in all, Florida turned out to be a great time for Michael. His constant performing helped him develop killer chops and an extensive repertoire. It was also where he and Karin celebrated the birth of their son, Matthew.

In January 1999, Michael received an offer he couldn’t refuse – a job in Las Vegas, performing nightly at the famed New York-New York Hotel and Casino. Michael performed three sets a night and his repertoire got stronger and stronger, but most importantly, Michael loved performing in the intimate atmosphere of the club.

Michael was enjoying great success in Las Vegas, but knew that there was still more he wanted to accomplish. Michael’s talents impressed Dean Gorden of Sunbeat Artists, an artist manager. Michael signed a management deal with Sunbeat Artists and things really began to take off. One of the partners in Sunbeat, Max Loubiere, also worked with Billy Joel and still does. Max brought Billy to see Michael perform at New York-New York and, after an hour of listening, Billy was inspired to join him on stage for a few songs. Michael describes this as the highlight of his musical life.

Things really started to move quickly after that. Max introduced Michael to Tommy Byrnes, Billy Joel’s longtime musical director and guitar player for 13 years. Tommy was in the process of assembling the band for a new musical based on the songs of Billy Joel and was looking for a musician to front the band. After hearing Michael, Tommy was sure he had the right guy and flew Michael to New York to audition. The audition went very well and Michael was offered the musical lead in what later became the smash Broadway hit, Movin' Out. Michael has received rave reviews for his work, as well as a 2003 Tony Award® nomination for Movin’ Out.

Somehow, through all the major life and career changes, Michael still finds time to work on his own material and recently recorded some of his original songs with Grammy Award® winning producer, Phil Ramone.

A SPECIAL TREAT FOR CAVANAUGH’S HOMETOWN
The city of Middleburg Heights and Midpark High School are receiving some special treatment from Visa presents Movin’ Out star Michael Cavanaugh. On February 9, one of the only days Cavanaugh has off, he volunteered to return to his alma mater to perform for the students and to hold a meet and greet.

As if this were not enough, February 20 is Middleburg Heights Day at Playhouse Square Center. Officials from the city including the mayor and the Rotary Club will attend the performance and another meet and greet session after the show. Michael is thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the city that gave him such a great start.