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Ben Michael loves applying his “logical, brainy” makeup to his professional pursuits, believing that doing so bolsters the brilliance of a project and augments his artistic sensibilities. The 28-year-old has found a perfect platform for his approach through “Passion,” Stephen Sondheim’s beloved brainchild that finds his character, an army captain named Giorgio, altering his perceptions of self-awareness and affection.
“He is simple in his complexity,” the Dickinson Square West inhabitant said of the commended composer and lyricist, the recent recipient of the inaugural Master Storyteller Award from the Arden Theatre Co., a 13-time producer of his efforts. “There is enviable intelligence in the material, especially within ‘Passion,’ where we have a seemingly confident individual questioning the value and ultimate sincerity of his aspirations and desires.”
The 1994 Tony Award winner for Best Musical enlists Giorgio as the paramour of a married woman, Clara, and the burgeoning obsession of an ailing outcast, Fosca, with South Philly inhabitant Liz Filios, with whom Michael appeared in a winter production of “Into the Woods,” another Sondheim work, in the latter role. The actor, whose pursuit of the assignment began in January 2014, is handling his duties through June 28 yet knows his participation will have durable repercussions, particularly because the script offers a musical theater anomaly.
“So many shows feature downtrodden figures who rise to prominence or at least have some positive breakthrough that influences the rest of their lives,” the Arden rookie revealed. “Giorgio initially feels he knows everything, and what he comes to learn, primarily through Fosca, is that thoughts require modification. His realizations become powerful reminders that we shouldn’t shut ourselves off to accepting change and that we should see our shifts in thinking not as damning but encouraging.”
Michael also opined that the opportunity to become acquainted with renowned director Terrence J. Nolen has provided a pleasant complement to his respect for Sondheim. He credits the overseer with establishing great rapport among the cast and contends that the camaraderie has made his own “Have a good show, and have fun” instructions to his peers even more delightful utterances.
“It can be odd to say ‘Have fun’ when working on such a heavily emotional musical as ‘Passion,’ but in the end, that sense of joy in having this opportunity stands out as a driving force,” he said. “I look at what I’m doing, and it’s a flawless match for my interest in seeking out and working with willing and open people.”
The Hatboro native has always classified himself as one such individual. Beginning his journey as a second grader, he entered into the theater world with zero apprehension yet did not see it as his calling until nearly a decade later.
“It felt right to me, but I took some time away from that life,” Michael said, noting that a Flourtown-based production of “Les Miserables,” in which he played Jean Valjean, keyed his epiphany. “Soon enough, though, it all became clear.”
Minus a lengthy tenure within the field, he felt that having a virtual blank slate would help him to “soak everything up.” Coveting a conservatory program to further his curiosity, he matriculated at Syracuse University, where his immensely valuable training intensified his individuality while strengthening his infatuation with bettering fellow practitioners’ concepts and portrayals.
“Nobody forced me to fit into a mold, and everybody spoke about the importance of finding out who we are,” Michael said. “There was such an engrossing emphasis on the foundations of acting, and those lessons still prove as compelling as they did when I was a student.”
With his New York adventure complete, he returned to his Montgomery County hometown but would not remain there long, as his skill set and dedication made him a frequent hire and an even more ambitious presence.
“For the first six months after graduation, I had a whirlwind of luck,” Michael said of his immediate opportunities, which included employment through the Bristol Riverside Theatre, the Nice People Theatre Co., which took him to the United Kingdom for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the Maine-headquartered Theatre at Monmouth. “There was a growth period, too, and I’d say that for the last two or three years, I’ve started to consider myself as an artist even more intensely.”
As he approached that mindset and since has initiated that immersion into his discipline, others entities like Troika Entertainment, for whom he did a national tour of “Fiddler on the Roof,” Theatre Horizon and The Walnut Street Theatre have secured his services. Like his stint in New York, his Philadelphia adventure, which commenced in January ’13, has proven insightful and fruitful, especially with respect to strengthening his craft.
“The culture here focuses on what works for the performers, and that’s very enlightening,” Michael mused, adding that he, as someone with intense emotions, feels compelled to offer his thoughts and feelings while fulfilling a contract. “There are a lot of great people here, and I’m always thrilled when I feel the joy and happiness that they have for one another.”
He has often observed that stance through “Passion” and believes that his interpretation of Giorgio not only lets him give and receive applause but also provides an answer to the inquiry that will serve as the title of an upcoming podcast.
“I’m going to call it ‘So Now What?’” he said, noting his inspiration comes from wondering how performers, especially those his age, can best reinvent themselves not just to remain relevant but also inspired. “I know I can play roles, so I feel it’s time to broaden the horizon.”
As for a reply to his podcast, he will travel to North Carolina for a fall production of “Into the Woods” and would certainly not mind adding a Broadway credit.
“I want to test the waters,” Michael said. “I want to make more connections and have even more fun.” For tickets, call 215-922-1122, or visit ardentheatre.org.
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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