Michael Heitzman is a gifted director and writer, who happens to be one of the funniest humans I know! His eclectic, creative background includes playing baritone horn, singing in his high school chorus and performing in plays and musical theater, his college double major of theater and telecommunications and his post college internship at Mary Tyler Moore Enterprises, as production assistant for television writers and producers. Michael believes that his variety of experiences as actor, musician, dancer, television script writer, even ‘temp’ for a head hunter allowed him to speak the multiple languages necessary to direct successful collaborative processes.

Michael most recent, critically acclaimed production of 42nd Street at Drury Lane Theater in Chicago, captured his vision of seeing this classic show through a contemporary lens, representing our vibrant melting pot, with ethnic diversity, gritty choreography and creative innovations.

Other recent productions Michael has directed include: Legally Blonde, Big River at Sacramento Music Circus, and Beauty and the Beast, Shrek The Musical and Disney’s The Little Mermaid at North Shore Music Theater for which he was nominated for seven of Boston’s IRNE Awards, including Best Director. Michael will be directing the following upcoming productions: Newsies at California Musical Theater/Sacramento Music Circus and Beauty and the Beast at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.

For the last 8 years, Michael has been the Resident Director of the Lucille Lortel Awards, celebrating excellence in Off-Broadway productions.

He is also the director and co-writer of VICES, which was nominated for 8 Jefferson Awards, including Best Director.

A 2009 Dramatist Guild Fellow, he and longtime writing partner Ilene Reid are co-writers of the Grammy-nominated song “Throw That Girl Around” from the Broadway musical “Swing!”  Michael and Ms. Reid are currently working with director/choreographer Josh Rhodes on their new musical “Solana”.

Michael and Ilene, along with David Holcenberg, wrote the musical "Bingo", which had a successful off-­Broadway run and continues to have numerous productions both nationally and internationally. You may have previously heard my conversation with Michael’s husband, David Holcenberg in episode #6. If you haven’t, I encourage you to give it a listen.

Links:

michaelheitzman.com 42nd Street review: Chris Jones, critic for Chicago Tribune “A Production for the Ages”

heitzmanreid.com

samuelfrench.com

Other Credits: Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast" (associate director, Moscow, Paris, Amsterdam) Disney’s "The Little Mermaid" (associate director, Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO, Dallas Summer Musicals, 5th Avenue)