New Jersey Stage Issue 70 | Page 15

like, “What happened to Michael McDermott?” in 2011 and “Michael McDermott is still here, which is an accomplishment” in 2015. “I think I would have been a dif- ferent person,” he said upon think- ing about life without that early success. “I think you’re a delu- sional kid when you first start out and then all these things start hap- pening - things that you dream about. I was like, ‘Well that was easy!’ And it’s like mom was right I am special! Then you realize you’re not special at all. That’s a very hard, bitter pill for somebody. And as quickly as it came it was taken away. Had it been longer the downward spiral could have been way worse.” But long-time fans never gave up on him. In fact, over 320 fans pledged nearly $50,000 in a Kick- starter crowdfunding campaign to provide him the backing to make What In the World… The campaign included seven who pledged $1,000, three more who pledged $2,000, and even one backer who pledged $5,000 - a Watch Michael McDermott perform on Late Night With Conan NJ STAGE - ISSUE 70 INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 15