Biographie
Over the past 20 years, Michael Ball has built a highly successful and diverse career in both the West End and concert arenas, collaborating with some of the most influential musical theatre composers of the 20th century.
After graduating from the Guildford School of Acting, he made his professional debut in "Godspell," portraying John the Baptist/Judas. His breakthrough role came as Frederick in Gilbert and Sullivan's "Pirates of Penzance." In London's West End, he originated the roles of Marius in "Les Miserables" (his West End debut) and Alex in "Aspects of Love," a role he later reprised on Broadway. Michael also portrayed Raoul in "Phantom of the Opera" and Giorgio in Stephen Sondheim's "Passion." In 2001, he performed a one-man show called "Alone Together" at London's Donmar Warehouse, which told the story of a performer's life through song, accompanied only by a pianist. This performance was recorded and released on DVD in 2002. Following this, he originated the role of Caractacus Potts in the stage adaptation of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."
In May 1992, Michael represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest with "One Step Out Of Time," finishing in second place. After Eurovision, he launched a recording career, releasing 18 albums over 13 years and touring extensively across the UK. Four of his concerts were released on DVD: "Musicals and More," "Live At the Royal Albert Hall," "This Time It's Personal," and "Live in London."
He returned to "Les Miserables" twice—first in 1995 to reprise Marius for the 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, and again in 2004 to portray Jean Valjean in a special performance for Queen Elizabeth II and French President Jacques Chirac at Windsor Castle.
In 2004, Michael toured Australia with five sold-out concerts and then gave his first U.S. performances in Salt Lake City, Utah. In October, he brought back his "Alone Together" show at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, as part of the "Singular Sensations" series.
The year 2005 proved busy and eventful. In February, he made an unexpected return to the London stage in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical "The Woman in White," stepping into the role of Count Fosco after Michael Crawford fell ill. Following a month-long UK concert tour in early summer, he recorded his 19th album, titled Music. In September, he debuted at the New York City Opera as Reginald Bunthorne in Gilbert and Sullivan's "Patience" at Lincoln Center. In November, he returned to Broadway after 15 years to play Count Fosco in "The Woman in White.
