Have you ever seen a movie where the "small town" musician gets their big break when a famous rock star notices them at a dive bar? That's exactly what happened to Michael Cavanaugh! We caught up with piano-and-vocal talent Michael Cavanaugh ahead of his performance with the Symphony January 6, 7 & 8. Read below to learn more about his rise to fame.
Houston Symphony: You were handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the Broadway jukebox musical Movin' Out, inspired by Joel’s own songs. How did that happen, and what was the experience like?
Michael Cavanaugh: To make a long story short, I was introduced to Billy Joel's tour manager, Max Loubiere. At the time, I was working at the New York, New York Dueling Piano Bar and Max decided to surprise me by bringing Billy Joel to hear me. After he watched for a bit, he got on the other piano, and we both jammed together for a bit. That was the night that led to me getting the lead role in Movin' Out on Broadway.
HS: What was the creative process behind energizing the stage presence of Billy Joel?
MC: There actually was no character that was Billy Joel in the musical. The Broadway show was a true fusion of a musical concert, and a story told through both song and dancing. I just had to be myself onstage, which was great. Some people say that I sound a lot like Billy, and that's funny because I don't try to sound like him, but it's probably because he was my musical hero. The songs come out close to the same way that they went into my brain, but I do put my own spin on them.
HS: How is performing on Broadway different than what you do now?
MC: I would say that in a lot of ways, performing on Broadway and performing with the symphony it has a lot of similarities as far as the level of detail, the level of preparation, and the professionalism. It's a very different experience, but those things are all the same. I do get to interact with the audience much more now than I did on Broadway, and I love being able to do that. I also have the ability to be more creative in my Symphony and Performing Arts Center shows. You'll see some of that. 😊
HS: What is your favorite part about performing with symphony orchestras like the Houston Symphony?
MC: We intentionally wrote our charts to feature (at different times) the band and the symphony. It's an amazing blend of taking two different musical worlds and combining them into something amazing. Many of these songs lend themselves well to orchestration, and it's like we're putting the songs on steroids when an orchestra is there with the band.
HS: The show you'll be performing with the Houston Symphony is The Music of Elton John and Billy Joel. How did Elton John come into the mix, and why pair the two together?
MC: It's a logical fit. They both are piano players, toured together, and are iconic parts of the American Rock and Roll Songbook. When I first met Billy Joel, he was touring with Elton John so I met Elton John because of my connections with Billy Joel. They also have a lot of the same fans. The Music of Billy Joel was the first symphony show we launched more than 10 years ago, followed by our Elton John show two years later. We have played with the Houston Symphony several times, and they asked us for a customized show to combine both, which isn't one of our official shows, but we were happy to do this for the Houston Symphony.
HS: Is there anything in the show that audiences should keep an eye (or ear) out for?
MC: This show is a high-energy show that the audience can sing along to. However, there are a few fun surprises sprinkled throughout as well. There is a medley that's a departure from what you would expect from an orchestra that is a crowd pleaser and a few other fun surprises.
Don't miss the iconic hits of two classic rock legends on January 6, 7 & 8! From "Rocket Man" to "Piano Man," Michael Cavanaugh delivers electrifying renditions of the songs you know and love. Tickets selling quickly!
