MICHAEL MINARIK was born and raised a stone's throw from Washington D.C. in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Fairfax County.  Family anecdotes from Michael's childhood are typically tales of his endearing performances while trying to entertain family and friends (including all the strangers Michael would say "Hi!" to much to his mother's terror!).  In his early years Michael would coax his sister to sing along with him to anything that had a lyric.  Years later in a newspaper interview Michael stated that his singing was so incessant that his sister told him that he was tone deaf (hoping he would fall silent for even a moment). The ultimate irony being that she herself struggles to carry a single vocal note. 

As the all American kid, Michael played baseball, soccer, football and basketball after school while beginning to take on roles in school performances of any kind as early as 6 years old.  Michael can honestly say his Shakespearean career began over 20 years ago!  From Michael's first introduction to musical theater at the age of 12 he was 100% committed and involved.  This passion carried through to high school and from his first audition freshman year it wasn't long before he was not only involved but becoming a standout in the highly regarded musical community. Upon graduation from high school Michael attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg VA and was again a standout as one of the shining stars in JMU's many and varied theatrical and musical groups.

Certainly one who has a hard time sitting still, Michael filled every minute of his university days double-majoring in Public Relations and Business while not only keeping up his vigorous performance schedule but finding time for volunteer work and also playing rugby and volleyball for JMU. Then the first of many pivotal moments in his theatrical career occurred as Michael's journey took him on a magical turn when his audition at an open casting call gave him the opportunity to leave school to join the National Tour of THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER.   Michael spent the next year criss-crossing the country as he sang the "Phantom Duet" and "The Music of the Night"  ending the tour with recording star Michael Bolton, who joined the cast at the end of the tour. Directly after THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER tour Michael accepted the starring role of The Phantom in the National Tour of Kopit and Yeston's PHANTOM.

After two national tours Michael was hooked.  He made the decision to pursue his professional career in musical theater and never returned to JMU. Michael decided to plant his roots on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and give this dream the shot it deserved. Never one to proceed without a backup plan, Michael promptly secured a New York Real Estate License with hopes of bringing in needed income should the acting jobs dry up without warning.

And the journey continues.  From the first moment that Michael made the commitment to himself to see where his heartfelt hope  might take him he has been acting ever since (on stage and off).  National tours, readings  workshops, regional theater, summer workshops and performances, off-Broadway and finally, Broadway itself (Les Miserables).

Michael has produced critically acclaimed Cabarets (First Look), and Off-Broadway shows (The Scene), as well as adding credits for assistant directing and choreographing at regional theaters (Gateway Playhouse) and creatively contributing to projects still under construction.

Always a lover of words spoken or written, Michael reads voraciously (a needed pastime when on tour buses for countless hours straight, weeks on end) and his soul food are pages found in works such as The Tao of Pooh, Atlas Shrugged or The Count of Monte Cristo.  These volumes, and countless others, provide the wisdom, encouragement, or the simple escape after a long day in rehearsal.

Where this journey is headed next may be a Divine secret but Michael has plans to start his own production company.  His focus will center on producing off-Broadway as well Broadway shows. Michael will also be resuming his Cabaret performances (FIRST LOOK) while promoting new and upcoming talent.

 Michael would like to thank his one mom, 2 dads, one sister, 2 brothers, one dog, and the Man upstairs.

-written by Anne Minarik (his big sister)