By Bonny Burrows
Residents shouldn’t be surprised if they see stage royalty Michael Cormick wondering down Pakenham’s main street- his family are locals.
The original Beast of musical production Beauty and the Beast, Michael’s just as at home on London’s West End as he is in a Pakenham coffee shop.
“I was out there yesterday celebrating Mother’s Day with the family,” Michael said, speaking to the Gazette via phone on 15 May.
“And I’ll be back there in a couple of days again.”
Born in Doveton, schooled in Dandenong, Michael, one of eight siblings, now splits his time between Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom.
Despite the punishing schedules, the leading man hasn’t forgotten his roots.
The friends he created as a child remain to this day and he has fond memories of his childhood in South East Melbourne.
“Pakenham is a big part of my life, I have a lot of associations with Paky,” he said.
Michael’s career, which began at the age of 14, spans theatre, television and music.
In 1983 he played Alan ‘Ellen’ Farmer in cult Australian television series Prisoner, which was followed by appearances as Don Andrews on Sea Patrol, David on Reef Doctors, Preston Walker in City Homicide and Paul Kruger in Bluebird.
His first solo album was released in 2011 to coincide with his starring role in the Australasian tour of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Theatre productions include Calamity Jane, Cats, Grease, Into the Woods, Les Miserables, Romeo and Juliet and The Phantom of the Opera, among others.
His role as Beast in Beauty and the Beast on London’s West End is perhaps his most famous and which soared him to international acclaim.
He has also performed in some of Europe’s most prestigious concert halls and for Queen Elizabeth and has won a string of awards for his work.
But in a change of scene, he is next month returning home to perform with leading lady and close friend Rachael Beck at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on 2 June.
You and I will see Michael and Rachael reunite to belt out their theatre hits from their expansive careers and the many times they shared a stage.
Michael said he was looking forwarded to performing to a local audience.
“It’s a whole section of vignettes from different shows. Essentially, audiences get a run-down of 10 to 12 shows for the cost of one,” Michael said.
“It’s the first time we will be doing the show, and will give us an opportunity to play lots of different characters, which is great fun for us.”
Les Miserables, Chicago, West Side Story and Into the Woods are just some of the productions that will feature in the jam-packed performance full of emotion.
“There will be a lot of laughter and dramatic moments,” Michael said.
“We’ve known each other for 28 years; I’m the godfather to her daughters, so there’s a connection on stage which is really easy.
“There’s particular warmth between us which allows us to perform both the romantic and comedy moments.”
It’s performing with friends such as Rachael that keeps Michael sane as he juggles a hectic workload which shows no sign of slowing down.
As well as the You and I tour, Michael is wrapping up his stint as Ernst Ludwig in Cabaret, ending 28 May.
The production, set in 1930s Germany during Adolf Hitler’s rise to power, has received mixed reviews from critics; however the consensus is Michael, as a sinister Nazi, brought a welcomed authenticity to the show.
Michael described Cabaret as “an iconic piece of musical theatre”.
He said it was particularly relevant, in today’s times, perhaps more than ever.
“All we have to do is look at what is happening in the world today,” Michael said.
Later this year he will take to the stage in Jesus Christ Superstar as Pontius Pilate for The Production Company.
The 1970s rock opera is the musical interpretation of Christ’s last days from the perspective of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot.
The musical has wowed audiences across the globe through various interpretations for more than 40 years.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun, audiences will love it,” Michael said.
Despite the busy schedule, Michael has promised to return home to his family, “as often as I can”.
You and I, starring Michael Cormick and Rachael Beck will be performed at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Friday 2 June at 7.30pm.
Tickets are $49 per person, $45 for concession holders, or $42 per person for a group of six or more.
To book, visit Cardinia Shire Council’s website.
