New Jersey Stage Issue 55 | Page 26

ing the Broadway production of “Amazing Grace” and the first na- tional tour of “The Book of Mor- mon,” was applauded by critics for her performance in Christo- pher Demos-Brown’s “American Hero” at George Street last season. She is a theater-arts graduate of Alabama State University where she was mentored by actress-aca- demician Tommie Stewart. “It was Dr. Stewart,” Michelle said, “who really built up my con- fidence to just trust that I could “I’ve always been attracted to ballet and classical art and opera,” Michelle said, “and whenever my mother would take me to those events, I never saw a reflection of myself on the stage. I knew that had to be a bed on which I built this show—not just a bullet point. Anybody of any ethnicity who is denied their talent or their sexual identity—it’s really a stripping of a soul. I think anybody can identify with that.” Michelle, who has a substantial track record on the stage, includ- NJ STAGE - ISSUE 55 INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 26