Michael J. Moritz Jr. Explained

Michael J. Moritz Jr.
Occupation:Theatrical Producer, Music Producer, Music Director, Pianist, Entertainment Entrepreneur

Michael J. Moritz Jr. is a Grammy Award nominee,[1] Tony Award winner,[2] an Emmy Award winner, American theatrical producer, record producer, music supervisor, music director, arranger, Broadway music supervisor, performer and pianist.[3] [4] Michael's work as a pianist, music director and arranger is featured on many recordings in the pop and musical theatre genres.[5] [6] Michael is on the Board of Directors for The Angel Band Project.

Early life

Michael is originally from Youngstown, Ohio.

Career

Most recently, Michael received the 2019 Tony Award for Best Musical as a co-producer for Broadway's Hadestown and the 2017 Emmy Award for Audio for his work on From Broadway with Love: A Benefit Concert for Orlando. He also received both TONY and Olivier award nominations as a co producer for Broadway/West End's . Other notable Broadway producing credits include Big Fish, A Night With Janis Joplin, On The Town, and The Velocity of Autumn.[7] Michael has musically directed 200+ theatrical productions throughout the US and UK. Known as the ‘Musical Director to the Stars,’ Michael has received high praise for his music direction and performance piano work in both Broadway and Pop arenas. Michael was seen on the Broadway stage as on-stage piano and vocals in A Night With Janis Joplin. In 2017, Michael was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work as audio engineer for the DVD release of the show.[8] Michael has music directed, produced and performed with notable performers including Stephen Schwartz, Sara Bareilles, Carole King, Bernadette Peters, Audra McDonald, Sean Hayes, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Matthew Broderick, Andrea Martin, Rosie O'Donnell, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Alice Ripley, Sarah Jessica Parker, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Porter, Len Cariou, Tommy Tune, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jessie Mueller, Kimiko Glenn, Orfeh, Rosie Perez, Kelli O'Hara, Lillias White, Carmen Cusack, Andréa Burns, Keala Settle, Marc Shaiman, Frank Wildhorn, Micky Dolenz, Tituss Burgess, Ace Young, Diana DeGarmo, Michael Cerveris, Norbert Leo Butz, James Monroe Iglehart, Aaron Tveit, Tiffany, Brandi Carlile, Richard Kind, Lena Hall, Robin DeJesus, Andrea McArdle, Chip Zien, Billy Magnussen, MacKenzie Mauzy, Lilla Crawford, Jeff Goldblum, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Laura Osnes, Lesli Margherita, Michael Cerveris, Christopher Sieber, The Muppets, Sesame Street, Ahrens and Flaherty, Linda Eder, Mary Testa, Julia Murney, Nikki Blonsky, Claybourne Elder, Melissa van der Shyff, Bobby Steggert, Capathia Jenkins, Christine Ebersole, Mimi Bessette, Phillip Boykin, Vince Oddo, Ben Hope, Randy Rainbow and Krystal Joy Brown.[9]

Broadway productions

West End productions

Australian productions

Touring productions

Awards and nominations

2019 Tony Award for Best Musical [16]

2019 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Broadway Musical [17]

Discography

Release Date Title Role
January 15, 2013Norbert Leo Butz - "Memory and Mayhem: Live at 54 Below" [21] Music Director, Pianist, Vocalist, Producer, Arranger
July 26, 2013"When I Grow Up Broadway's Next Generation: Live at 54 Below" Music Director, Pianist, Producer
September 5, 2013Aaron Tveit - "The Radio In My Head: Live at 54 Below" [22] Producer, Mixer
September 26, 2013"Matilda the Musical" Original Broadway Cast Recording Associate Producer
November 15, 2013Bebe Neuwirth - "Stories In NYC...: Live at 54 Below"[23] Producer, Mixer
December 6, 2013Sierra Boggess - "Awakening Live at 54 Below"[24] Producer, Mixer
February 7, 2014"From Broadway with Love: A Benefit Concert for Sandy Hook"[25] Pianist
March 25, 2014Jarrod Spector - "A Little Help From My Friends: Live at 54 Below" [26] Producer, Mixer
June 3, 2014 Ahrens & Flaherty - "Nice Fighting You: Live at 54 Below"[27] Producer, Mixer
September 9, 2014Shapiro Sisters - "Live Out Loud: Live at 54 Below"[28] Music Director, Pianist, Producer
October 19, 2014"The Angel Band Project: An Evening With Norbert Leo Butz"Music Director, Pianist, Vocalist
December 15, 2014"Peter Pan Live!"[29] Executive Producer
March 3, 2015"On the Town" New Broadway Cast RecordingProducer, Mixer
May 5, 2015"" Original Off Broadway Cast Recording[30] Producer, Mixer
May 19, 2015"Side Show Added Attractions: Live at 54 Below"[31] Producer
June 23, 2015Danielle Hope - "Bring the Future Faster: Live at 54 Below"[32] Producer, Mixer
September 18, 2015Isabela Moner - "Stopping Time"[33] Music Director, Pianist, Arrangements, Producer
September 25, 2015Micky Dolenz - "A Little Bit Broadway A Little Bit Rock and Roll Live at 54 Below"[34] Producer, Arranger, Piano, Musical Direction, Vocalist
October 23, 2015Melissa Errico - "What About Today: Live at 54 Below"[35] Producer, Mixer
January 13, 2016"The Wiz Live!"[36] Executive Producer
June 3, 2016"Bonnie and Clyde and a Whole Lot of Jazz" - Frank Wildhorn and Friends Live at 54 Below[37] Producer, Mixer
June 17, 2016 "Arlington" Original Cast Recording Producer
June 17, 2016Broadway for Orlando, "What The World Needs Now Is Love"Producer
June 17, 2016 Emily Skinner & Alice Ripley - "Unattached: Live at 54 Below" [38] Producer
September 9, 2016Norbert Leo Butz - "Girls Girls Girls Live at 54 Below" [39] Music Director, Pianist, Vocalist, Arrangements
November 18, 2016"You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown" 2016 Off Broadway Cast Recording[40] Producer, Mixer
December 2, 2016Carmen Cusack - "If You Knew My Story: Live at Feinstein's/54 Below" [41] Producer, Mixer
December 2, 2016Charles Busch - "Live at Feinstein's/54 Below" [42] Producer, Mixer
December 16, 2016"From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert for Orlando" (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray)Producer, Music Director, Conductor, Mixer, Editor
December 6, 2016 "I Have A Voice: Broadway Kids Against Bullying" - Charity Single Producer, Music Director, Mixer
January 20, 2017"A Dog Story" Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording [43] Producer
January 27, 2017Shapiro Sisters - "Time Reveals" (EP) Producer, Mixer
March 23, 2017Artists for the Arts - "With A Little Help From My Friends" (Single) [44] Producer, Mixer, Choral Arrangements, Pianist
August 18, 2017Orfeh & Andy Karl - "Legally Bound: Live at 54 Below" [45] Producer, Mixer
September 29, 2017Patti LuPone - "Don't Monkey With Broadway" [46] Producer, Mixer
May 11, 2018Lesli Margherita - "Rule Your Kingdom"Producer, Mixer
September 28, 2018"Tonya & Nancy: The Rock Opera" Concert Cast RecordingProducer, Mixer
September 28, 2018"Session Girls" Concert Cast RecordingMusic Director, Producer, Mixer
March 1, 2019Mimi Bessette - "Lullabies of Broadway: Act II"Piano
Aug 20, 2021My Marcello - concept recordingProducer

Philanthropy

Michael is active with The Angel Band Project, a non-profit organization that supports victims of sexual assault through music therapy and outreach, both as a music director and board member.[47] [48] He is also active with the No Bully Organization.[49] [50] Michael also produced the track "What the World Needs Now Is Love" for Broadway for Orlando.[51] He played the piano during the live performance of the song on "Maya and Marty" on June 21, 2016.[52] In 2018, Michael served as music director and conductor for "From Broadway with Love: A Benefit Concert for Parkland," a benefit concert following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.[53]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2021-11-23. 2022 GRAMMYs Awards: Complete Nominations List. 2021-12-08. GRAMMY.com. en.
  2. Web site: The Latest: 'Hadestown' wins Tony Award for best new musical. 2019-06-10. AP NEWS. 2019-07-04.
  3. Web site: Michael J. Moritz, Jr. Playbill. Playbill. 2016-06-14.
  4. Web site: BWW Interview: Music Director and Broadway Producer Michael J. Moritz Jr. Talks Career, US Coaching Tour, and Music. Clarke. David. BroadwayWorld.com. 2016-06-14.
  5. Web site: Michael J. Moritz Jr. IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information. League. The Broadway. ibdb.com. 2016-06-14.
  6. Web site: Michael J. Moritz Jr. Credits AllMusic. AllMusic. 2016-06-14.
  7. Web site: Michael J. Moritz Jr. – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB.
  8. Web site: https://suncoastchapter.org/files/2017/11/2017_SuncoastNominees.pdf.
  9. Web site: Broadway for Orlando's 'What the World Needs Now' Soars to #2 on iTunes.
  10. Web site: Big Fish - Official Broadway Site. Big Fish - Official Broadway Site. 2016-06-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20160614195416/http://www.bigfishthemusical.com/creative.php. 2016-06-14. dead.
  11. Web site: BEAUTIFUL The Carole King Musical on Broadway Official Site for Tickets Cast & Creative. Beautiful. en-US. 2016-06-14.
  12. Web site: Tony Yazbeck Will Topline On the Town National Tour Playbill. Playbill. 5 May 2015. 2016-06-14.
  13. Web site: Hadestown on Broadway. SpotCo. Hadestown. en. 2019-07-11.
  14. Web site: BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Extends in the West End, Thru Feb. 2017. BWW News Desk. BroadwayWorld.com. 2016-06-14.
  15. Web site: BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL To open in Sydney in September 2017. Photos and Video.
  16. News: 2019 Tony Award Winners: Full List. Libbey. Peter. 2019-06-09. The New York Times. 2019-07-11. en-US. 0362-4331.
  17. Web site: Hadestown Leads the Outer Critics Circle Awards With 6 Wins. Staff. Playbill. 2019-05-13. Playbill. 2019-07-11.
  18. Web site: https://suncoastchapter.org/files/2017/11/2017_SuncoastNominees.pdf.
  19. Web site: Grammys 2015: Carole King musical 'Beautiful' wins. Times. Los Angeles. Los Angeles Times. 8 February 2015. 2016-06-14.
  20. Web site: WINNER – OLIVIER AWARDS 2015 - Beautiful - The Carole King Musical London. 2015-04-17. Beautiful. en-US. 2016-06-14.
  21. Web site: Tony Winner Norbert Leo Butz Will Bring Memory & Mayhem to Orlando's Abbey Playbill. Playbill. 14 January 2014. 2016-06-14.
  22. Web site: Aaron Tveit's 'Radio in My Head' 54 Below Show to Get Live Album!. BWW News Desk. BroadwayWorld.com. 2016-06-14.
  23. Web site: Bebe Neuwirth Solo CD, 'Stories… in NYC: Live At 54 Below,' Released Digitally Nov. 15 Playbill. Playbill. 15 November 2013. 2016-06-14.
  24. Web site: PR: Sierra Boggess Awakening Live at 54 Below (BroadwayWorld.com Board). broadwayworld.com. 2016-06-14.
  25. Web site: Broadway Stars in Concert to Benefit for The 12.14 Foundation. Henderson. Adria. hamlethub.com. 2016-06-14.
  26. Web site: Jarrod Spector's 'A Little Help From My Friends: Live At 54 Below' Released March 25 Playbill. Playbill. 25 March 2014. 2016-06-14.
  27. Web site: Ahrens and Flaherty Set to Release Live at 54 Below Album NICE FIGHTING YOU on 6/3. Brady. Louisa. BroadwayWorld.com. 2016-06-14.
  28. Web site: Live Out Loud: Live at 54 BELOW - 2014 The Shapiro Sisters. castalbums.org. 2016-06-14.
  29. Web site: Michael J. Moritz, Jr. to Take 'US Broadway Coaching Tour' to 15 Cities This Fall. BWW News Desk. BroadwayWorld.com. 2016-06-14.
  30. Web site: Off-Broadway Musical LIBERTY Receives Cast Album; Release Date Set!. BWW News Desk. BroadwayWorld.com. 2016-06-14.
  31. Web site: SIDE SHOW's 'ADDED ATTRACTIONS' Live 54 Below Recording Released Today. BWW News Desk. BroadwayWorld.com. 2016-06-14.
  32. Web site: BWW Exclusive Premiere: Danielle Hope's EPIC 'Disney Medley'; Star Returns to 54 Below Tonight & We've Got a Special Offer. BWW News Desk. BroadwayWorld.com. 2016-06-14.
  33. Web site: Stopping Time - Isabela Moner Credits AllMusic. AllMusic. 2016-06-14.
  34. Micky Dolenz Enchants New York Crowd With Monkees Hits & Cabaret Classics: Live Review. Billboard. 2016-06-14.
  35. Web site: Track Listing Announced for New Live Solo CD from Melissa Errico, 'What About Today?' Playbill. Playbill. 30 September 2015. 2016-06-14.
  36. Web site: Michael J Moritz Jr (@MichaelJMoritz on Twitter). twopcharts.com. 2016-06-14.
  37. Web site: Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes Featured on Frank Wildhorn Live Album Playbill. Playbill. 14 April 2016. 2016-06-14.
  38. Web site: Emily Skinner & Alice Ripley: Unattached – Live at Feinstein's/54 Below — Broadway Records . www.broadwayrecords.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160521025540/http://www.broadwayrecords.com/cds/emily-skinner-alice-ripley-unattached-live-at-feinsteins54-below . 2016-05-21.
  39. Web site: Norbert Leo Butz: Girls, Girls, Girls – Live at 54 BELOW. Broadway Records. 2016-06-14.
  40. Web site: York Theatre Company To Release New Off-Broadway Recording of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN. Swain. Marianka. BroadwayWorld.com. 2016-06-14.
  41. Web site: Carmen Cusack: If You Knew My Story – Live at Feinstein's/54 Below — Broadway Records . www.broadwayrecords.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20170206034149/http://www.broadwayrecords.com/cds/carmen-cusack-if-you-knew-my-story-live-at-feinsteins54-below . 2017-02-06.
  42. Web site: Charles Busch – Live at Feinstein's/54 Below — Broadway Records . www.broadwayrecords.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20161222170824/http://www.broadwayrecords.com/cds/charles-busch-live-at-feinsteins54-below . 2016-12-22.
  43. Web site: A Dog Story (Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording) — Broadway Records . 2017-04-24 . 2017-04-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170425031508/http://www.broadwayrecords.com/cds/a-dog-story-original-off-broadway-cast-recording . dead .
  44. Broadway Stars Come Together for All-Star Single 'With a Little Help from My Friends' to Support the Arts. Billboard. 23 March 2017.
  45. Web site: Orfeh & Andy Karl: Legally Bound – Live at Feinstein's/54 Below — Broadway Records . www.broadwayrecords.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20170825004913/http://www.broadwayrecords.com/cds/orfeh-andy-karl-legally-bound-live-at-feinsteins54-below . 2017-08-25.
  46. Web site: Patti LuPone: Don't Monkey With Broadway — Broadway Records . www.broadwayrecords.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20170913232238/http://www.broadwayrecords.com/cds/patti-lupone-dont-monkey-with-broadway . 2017-09-13.
  47. Web site: The Angel Band Project: An Evening With Norbert Leo Butz by Norbert Leo Butz on iTunes. iTunes. 19 October 2014. 2016-06-14.
  48. Web site: The Angel Band Project: An Evening With Norbert Leo Butz. microsoft.com. 2016-06-14.
  49. Web site: No Bully brings Broadway Against Bullying to New York City No Bully. nobully.org. 2016-06-14.
  50. Web site: BWW Interview: Nicholas Carlisle and Erik Stangvik Talk BROADWAY AGAINST BULLYING. Clarke. David. BroadwayWorld.com. 2016-06-14.
  51. Web site: Broadway for Orlando Benefit Single | Idina Menzel. 2016-06-22. https://web.archive.org/web/20160626183348/http://idinamenzel.com/broadway-for-orlando-benefit-single/. 2016-06-26. dead.
  52. Web site: Broadway's Best to Sing "What the World Needs Now is Love" on Maya & Marty | TheaterMania.
  53. Web site: Theater Stars and Students Unite at From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert for Parkland, USA. Vogue. 17 April 2018. en. 2019-07-11.

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