“This was a seminal moment in my life – my dad took me to see the original production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at the Palace Theatre in 1973. I thought it was just amazing, so powerful. The idea of using rock music to tell the story of Jesus was incredible.” Michael Ball
That day in 1973 was the birth of a dream for Michael Ball, a dream that would surpass his wildest expectations. As the 12-year-old boy sat in the darkened theater with his dad Tony, watching Paul Nicholas depict Jesus Christ in a new and novel way, Michael found his destiny. Of course he couldn’t foresee what was to come for him: Working with Paul Nicholas in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE in 1985. Originating the role of Marius at the tender age of 22 in the legendary musical LES MISERABLES. Launching a recording career which produced dozens of hit albums. Starring roles in the West End and Broadway. Two Olivier Awards. Nor could he know that he would one day call the composer of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Andrew Lloyd Webber, his friend and would star in many of ALW’s mega-hits. And we can’t forget about Michael’s wildly popular radio career at the BBC, a job he loves …
“Hello, my lovelies. Thank you for a fabulous show, Nicki! Let’s kick it off in a world of our own.” And, yes, he plays the Seekers “World of our Own,” the perfect song to get the energy going on this Sunday morning. “Welcome to the Michael Ball Show!” That’s the first time Michael has said that, at least since I’ve been doing recaps the past 2 years. Interesting. Maybe he wanted to say and hear the title of his current show before it disappears. Whatever the reason, I loved it!
Michael & Ste are playing some great old hits – the Monkees “I’m a Believer” and Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark.” Keep it coming …
On the Ball. The first contestant is Louise, who will be playing against her sister, and these 2 are COMPETITIVE. She’s hilarious right out of the gate, bringing on a streak of giggles from Michael. Michael helps her with hints during the questions, enjoying his own cleverness (Oh, you do make me laugh, Michael). Next up is Louise’s sister Claire, who is also hysterically funny and keeps Michael laughing. She is so adept at nailing her sister in hilarious descriptions, and Michael loves every minute of it. If Claire wins, Louise will be forced to clean out cupboards that are full of spiders – families of spiders! (My worst nightmare!!!). However, karma gets her when she goes absolutely blank on one of the most important questions – and it’s all downhill from there. In the end, Michael tries to play mediator between these 2 dueling sisters … and fails. Later, Michael reminds everyone that there are only a few more chances to play On the Ball. “Oh, I’m going to miss On the Ball.” He will. You can hear it in his voice.
Orna comes on, and Michael immediately says he’s going to miss her, too. We will all miss Orna and the special connection between the two of them. I’m sensing today that it’s becoming real for Michael, the changes that are coming, and that he’ll miss so many aspects of this magnificent show he created from scratch with Ste Softley. Both men deserve kudos, and the steady growth of listeners around the world is a testament to their success.
Sam Tutty won an Olivier at age 22 for Best Actor in a Musical for DEAR EVAN HANSEN, one of the youngest to ever win the prestigious stage award. This remarkable actor is now starring in the West End production of TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK). I love the promo: “This is a very special wedding cake that needs special handling – be careful not to drop it!” Sam begins by describing the show he’s doing, which sounds like so much fun but is also moving and heartbreaking. This young man with a decidedly rich voice speaks intelligently about his craft and is obviously talented. He’s also incredibly humble. Michael and Sam have some laughs while discussing reviews – whether to read them or not read them. In fact, they have a lot of laughs, their connection strong. Sam Tutty is someone to keep your eye on. I adored what he said this morning when Michael asked how he felt about musicals: “I love acting through song.” Now who does that sound like? “You are someone to know, young man,” Michael says in closing.
Paul Nicholas has had a vast career on the stage, in film and in television. He’s probably best known for his role in the 1983 sitcom “Just Good Friends,” for which he was nominated for Best Comedy performance. Nicholas began his career as a pop singer, then moved into musical theater, appearing in HAIR and playing the lead role in the West End’s JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, a production that dazzled 12-year-old Michael Ball and sent him on his own career path. Ironically, Paul and Michael ended up working together in one of Michael’s first shows, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE in Manchester in 1985. After “Good Friends” ended for Paul, he returned to musical theatre as an actor, producer and director. His most recent TV role was Gavin Sullivan in “EastEnders,” and he’s about to star in FAULTY TOWERS in the West End. Michael opens the segment by playing “You’re Simply the Best.” How perfect! Michael Ball & Paul Nicholas are just incredible together – they’re 2 friends who’ve known each other forever, know how to tease each other, can almost finish each other’s sentences and speak their own language. We, the audience, are flies on the wall and happy to be there to listen. Michael tells a funny story about Paul during PIRATES OF PENZANCE. I won’t give it away so you can hear Michael tell it – you know what a great storyteller he is. Ultimately, Michael pays tribute to Paul, how supportive he was when Michael was young. It’s where Michael learned kindness and to ‘pay it forward.’ This is one of those interviews that belongs in the vault of the greats for Michael Ball.
And that’s a wrap as the shows wind down to the finale for THE MICHAEL BALL SHOW. Today was a good one, touching on both the past and the future …
Every fan has a favorite Michael Ball song. For me, it’s ‘Gethsemane’ from JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. It’s this song where Michael the actor and Michael the singer fuse in an explosion of brilliance that should be shown to every musical theatre student across the globe, because THIS IS HOW IT IS DONE. It is the quintessential performance, chillingly real, eloquent in its stillness as Michael remains rooted in place. Michael’s tortured soliloquy invites us inside the character of Christ, making us feel the man’s confusion, his fear as he questions what is about to happen, which is his imminent death. And when Michael Ball brings this masterpiece to its heartbreaking conclusion, we can see his exhaustion, see the exertion it took to put himself into the role he once watched as an awestruck kid from a seat in the audience. I firmly believe this performance was born that day in 1973, so it’s lovely (to use one of Michael’s favorite words) to see his history come full circle today with guest Paul Nicholas. Yes, Paul has been on Michael’s show before, but it was apropos to invite him back as THE MICHAEL BALL SHOW nears its conclusion and Michael gets ready to begin a new era on the radio.
From the birth of that dream long ago, Michael Ball’s career fell into place as he worked hard and followed the path that brought him great success and profound happiness. He is where he should be, where he was destined to be. His story is as unique as the man himself, and it will continue far into the future. That long ago child who sat next to his dad at the Palace Theatre, spellbound, still lives in Michael, keeping him forever young and anxious to embrace whatever tomorrow brings …
A few weeks ago I almost added a video to the recap to demonstrate my point, then decided against it. Today I’m following through with a video. It’s familiar to most of you, but is there anyone out there who gets tired of watching Michael Ball at his very best?