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Michael Falzon (actor)

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Michael Falzon
Michael Falzon, photograph by Gavin D. Andrew
Background information
Born(1972-05-16)16 May 1972
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Died23 June 2020(2020-06-23) (aged 48)
Australia
GenresMusical Theatre
Swing
Occupation(s)Singer, actor, producer
Years active1994–2019
Websitewww.michaelfalzon.com

Michael Falzon (16 May 1972 – 23 June 2020) was an Australian musical theatre/rock tenor[1] actor, and producer, who ran his own production company, Good Egg Creative.[2]

Primarily known for his roles in We Will Rock You, Rock of Ages, and Hedwig and The Angry Inch, his career encompassed intimate cabaret performances including Michael Falzon and Trio,[3] and Michael Falzon – Plugged In! through to arena performances in Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds, both in Australia and in Europe. He performed in the Queen/Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You throughout Australia, Asia and Europe, and was the first 'Galileo' outside the UK (Melbourne, 2003) as well as the first in an arena production (Dublin O2 Arena in 2010). Falzon was also known for TV and film roles including the cult short film Computer Boy.[4] He performed with symphony orchestras around Australia, and in 2013 joined the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra to record I Dreamed A Dream: The Hit Songs of Broadway for ABC Classics[5] and in 2016, featured on the cast recording of Atomic (The New Rock Musical) singing the role of physicist Leo Szilard. He appeared in the Australian leg of The Music of Queen: Rock and Symphonic Spectacular in Sydney and Perth.[6] Falzon was producer (through his company Good Egg Creative) and a founding member of Swing on This.[7]

Biography

[edit]

Falzon was third of six children born to a Maltese father and an Australian mother.[8] His family moved to Brisbane from Sydney in his early teens.[9]

He attended Kelvin Grove High School in Brisbane, known for its drama department, where he was an active member of the school choir and musical productions.[3] Upon graduation, he intended studying English and Psychology at University of Queensland, but deferred to focus more on performance.[citation needed]

He credited the Harry M. Miller arena production of Jesus Christ Superstar, starring John Farnham and Jon Stevens in 1992, as inspiring him to a career in musical theatre.[3] Falzon had the opportunity to perform in Jesus Christ Superstar, playing the role of Judas at AIS Arena in Canberra in June 2015.[10]

Falzon listed his first leather jacket as one of his favourite possessions. He wore the jacket to his successful audition for We Will Rock You.[11]

He took the role of Galileo in the Edinburgh Playhouse production of We Will Rock You in part because he had not been to Edinburgh before and wished to see the city.[12]

In 2019, Falzon was diagnosed and began treatment for a rare and aggressive form of germ cell cancer, causing him to cancel all appearances for the remainder of the year.[13]

Falzon died from cancer on 23 June 2020, aged 48. He is survived by his wife, violinist Jane Cho.[14]

Early career

[edit]

Falzon started singing professionally in Brisbane with VocalPoint, an 8-part group specializing in close harmony, and performing both nationally and internationally. It was through his work with VocalPoint that he was invited to audition for The Pirates of Penzance[9] in 1994, in which he was cast. Falzon's appearance in the QPAC and EssGee Entertainment production marked the start of his professional career and he toured with the company to New Zealand.

He returned to EssGee as a sailor in HMS Pinafore, understudying the role of Ralph, after performing in Hello Dolly in 1995 for The Gordon/Frost Organisation. Falzon also toured internationally with the Really Useful Company production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.[15]

Both HMS Pinafore and Pirates of Penzance were recorded for DVD.

In 2000 he starred in the short film Computer Boy, a parody of the successful film The Matrix for Abe Forsythe. Falzon played the role of Neo, and won a Melbourne Underground Film Festival[16] for Best Actor. He styled the character after The Matrix's actor, Keanu Reeves's portrayal of Ted from Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.[17]

During this period, Falzon began a production company (SMA Productions)[18] with entertainer colleagues providing event entertainment packages all over the world. He split his time between performing and managing his production company Good Egg Creative.[9]

Early theatre roles

[edit]
Production Role Company Location Date
The Pirates of Penzance[9] U/S Frederick Opera Queensland & Essgee Entertainment Australia, New Zealand 1994
Hello, Dolly[9] U/S Ambrose Kemper GFO / Adelaide Festival Trust 1995
HMS Pinafore[19] Sailor U/S Ralph Rackstraw Opera Queensland & Essgee Entertainment Australia, New Zealand 1997
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat[20] Joseph cover Really Useful Company & Ascot Group Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand 1998/99

Theatre

[edit]

2003–2005

[edit]

In 2003, Falzon was cast in the lead role (Galileo Figaro) for the Australian production of We Will Rock You.[21] The show had opened in the West End in 2002, and was followed by Melbourne in August, 2003 (the first production outside the UK)[22] before touring the rest of Australia in 2004/2005. Featuring the music of Queen and book by Ben Elton, the production allowed Falzon to combine his love of rock music with his career as a stage actor.[23] He starred alongside Kate Maree Hoolihan as Scaramouche, Amanda Harrison as Oz, Jason Chong as Brit, Robert Grubb as Pop, Annie Crummer as Killer Queen and Ross Givern as Khashoggi.[24][25] Of the experience, Falzon said

"To work with these guys and have them have faith in you to be able to tell the story and channel Freddy (sic) Mercury for people that love his voice and his music, its very humbling and tremendously exciting." – The Sunday Times, 8 December 2013[26]

We Will Rock You toured in Melbourne (7 August 2003 – 4 March 2004 Regent Theatre), Perth (27 April – June 2004 Burswood Theatre) and Brisbane (27 July – 25 September 2004 QPAC), before finishing in Sydney (9 October 2004 – 13 March 2005 Star City Lyric Theatre). Falzon left the touring production at the end of its Australian run[27] only to return to the role of Galileo in Japan after Peter Murphy (who had since taken over the role) badly injured his knee.

2006–2008

[edit]

In 2007 Falzon was cast as the Artilleryman in the Australian and New Zealand tour of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds- Alive on Stage.[28] The only touring company outside Europe[29] included album alumni Chris Thompson, and Justin Hayward in their original roles, and was supplemented by the addition of Falzon (Artilleryman), Rachael Beck (Beth) and Shannon Noll (Parson).[30] The cast performed against a towering 30-foot Machine Fighting Machine and the holographic head of narrator Richard Burton, as well as musical talents of the 48-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings and 10-piece Black Smoke Band, conducted by composer Jeff Wayne.[31]

After five weeks rehearsal, he donned lashes, a mini-dress and knee-high boots as "Hedwig Schmitt" in John Cameron Mitchell's glam rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch for David M Hawkins (Showtunes).[32] He was supported by co-star Lucinda Shaw as Yitzhak[33] during the highly successful 2008 Brisbane and Sydney run.[34]

2009–2011

[edit]

Falzon returned to the role of Galileo again in 2009/10 for the UK tour of We Will Rock You, replacing Alex Gaumond, and performing opposite Sarah French-Ellis as Scaramouche and Brenda Edwards as Killer Queen.[35] He performed at both the Edinburgh Playhouse from 4 November 2009 to 9 January 2010[36] and at the Dublin O2 Arena.[37]

In 2010 he returned briefly to Australia from London, for a one-off concert performance of Adam Guettel's Floyd Collins.[38] Falzon played the role of Homer opposite Peter Cousens as Floyd,[39] under the musical direction of Anne-Maree MacDonald.

He joined the 2009 Harvest Rain Theatre Company production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, in the role of an Elvis inspired, Robbie Williams influenced Pharaoh.[40]

Falzon returned to The War of the Worlds in 2010 for its European tour, this time creating two new roles, that of an astronomer (William Rowland, teamed with Lily Osborne as Vera May)[citation needed] at the commencement of the musical, and during the epilogue as NASA controller Marvin Krauth (voiced by Jerry Wayne). The 20 date arena tour of the UK and Europe included Amsterdam, Dublin and Manchester along with London's Wembley and O2 arenas.

Returning permanently to Australia in 2011 for Rock of Ages, Falzon starred as the quintessential 80's rocker, creating a character, that brought "sexual charisma to monstrously vain Stacee Jaxx", according to the Herald Sun.[41] The character being a pastiche of bad boy rockers from the 80s, he drew on several iconic rock bands for inspiration including Bon Jovi, Van Halen and Whitesnake for the role.[23] Rock of Ages also starred End of Fashion front man Justin Burford as Drew and Amy Lehpamer as Sherry. Rock of Ages played in Melbourne and Brisbane in its eight-month run.[42]

2012–2019

[edit]

In 2012 Squabbalogic and Darlinghurst Theatre[2] premiered the Adam Gwon penned chamber musical Ordinary Days, with Falzon originating the role of Jason in Australia.[43] Directed by Grace Barnes and under the musical direction of Paul Geddes, the show starred Rachael Beck as Claire, as well as Erica Lovell (Deb) and Jay James-Moody (Warren). Set in New York, Ordinary Days was sung entirely acoustically, with the sole support of Geddes on piano.[44]

In The Production Company's Green Room Award winning[45] 2012 re-imagining of Chess,[46] he "created an ominous presence as The Arbiter (the bare-chested Chess referee) and his solo number brought the house down with his ability to engage an audience." Aussie Theatre, 24 August 2012[47] Directed by Gale Edwards and featuring music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and lyrics by Tim Rice, Chess starred Alinta Chidzey, Bert La Bonte, Mark Dickinson, Martin Crewes, Silvie Paladino and Simon Gleeson.[48] As with all The Production Company ventures, Chess ran for 10 performances at Melbourne's Arts Centre, from 18–26 August 2012.[49]

Falzon returned to the UK in November 2012 to reprise his 2010 role in the stage production of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds.[50] A complete New Generation of not only the stage production, but the seminal rock album from which it came was announced 11 November 2011.[51] Academy Award nominee Liam Neeson led the cast in the holographic role of The Journalist, replacing Richard Burton, with Will Stapleton, Jason Donovan and Ricky Wilson taking roles on stage.[52] This production was filmed at London's O2 Arena on 15 December and released in cinemas through Universal Pictures.[53]

On 25 September 2013 it was announced that he would play scientist Leó Szilárd in the world premiere of Atomic.[54] With a book and lyrics by Danny Ginges and Gregory Bonsignore; and music and lyrics by Philip Foxman, this musical explores the relationship of the scientist and the woman he loves against the moral dilemma of building the ultimate weapon. Falzon stated that a motivating factor in his decision to accept the role, as well as the contemporary rock score (composed by Philip Foxman), was the opportunity to create an entirely new, unestablished character.[55] Atomic is to be directed by Damien Gray and star Falzon as Leo Szilard with Bronwyn Mulcahy as Trude Weiss Szilard; David Whitney as Enrico Fermi; Simon Brook McLachlan; Blake Erickson; Lana Nesnas and Christy Sullivan. Its premiere season was from 16 to 30 November 2013 at NIDA Parade Theatre in Sydney.[56] Atomic was recast for its Off Broadway debut the following year, however Falzon was called to New York to record the cast album.

Falzon returned to theatre in 2015 to play Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at AIS Arena Canberra opposite Luke Kennedy as Jesus.[57] His performance was described as "riveting, commanding the stage and traversing the fine line between villain and victim. It is a tour de force performance that compels engagement." (Peter Wilkins, Sydney Morning Herald)

Theatre
Production Role Company Location Date
We Will Rock You[32] Galileo Phil McIntyre, Michael Coppel, Queen, Tribecca Australia 7 August 2003 – 13 March 2005
We Will Rock You Galileo Michael Coppel Presents, Amuse Japan Tokyo, Japan 27 May 2005 – 24 August 2005
Best We Forget – The Wharf Revue[58] Various roles Sydney Theatre Company Sydney 15 June 2006
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds[59] The Artilleryman Jeff Wayne /Michael Chugg Arena Concert tour Australia,
New Zealand		 8–29 September 2007
Hedwig and the Angry Inch[18] Hedwig Showtunes QPAC Brisbane,
Karnac Playhouse, Queensland,
Metro Theatre, Sydney		 8 October-18 November 2008
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat[60] Pharaoh Harvest Rain Brisbane 18–22 March 2009
We Will Rock You[61][62] Galileo Phil McIntyre, Queen, Trebecca Edinburgh Playhouse,
Dublin O2 Arena		 4 November 2009 to 9 January 2010
20 to 31 January 2010
Floyd Collins Homer Meredith Shaw City Recital Hall Angel Place; 3 May 2010
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds William Rowland/Marvin Krauth Live Nation UK/Europe arena tour 24 November 2010 – 18 December 2010
Rock of Ages Stacee Jaxx Newtheatricals Melbourne, Brisbane 9 April – 4 December 2011
Ordinary Days[63] Jason Squabbalogic/Darlinghurst Theatre Sydney 19 January – 19 February 2012
On the Twentieth Century[64] (staged reading) Bruce Granit Neglected Musicals Sydney 5 March 2012
Chess the Arbiter The Production Company Melbourne 18–26 August 2012
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds The New Generation – Alive on Stage![65] William Rowland/Marvin Krauth Live Nation UK/Europe arena tour 29 November 2012 – 7 January 2013
Atomic[66] Leo Szilard Dreamingful Productions Sydney 16 – 30 November 2013
Jesus Christ Superstar Judas Sneddon Hall & Gallop in Association with PeeWee Productions AIS Arena Canberra 2 – 7 June 2015
Evita (musical)[67] Magaldi Opera Australia Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House
State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne		 13 September – 3 November 2018
5 December 2018 – 27 January 2019 (extended to 6 March 2019)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street * Adolfo Pirelli TEG Life Like Company Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney

Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne

13 – 16 June 2019

20 – 23 June 2019

  • Falzon was forced to withdraw from this production due to ill health, which was later discovered to be cancer. He was also due to appear in The Production Company's Thoroughly Modern Millie in August.[68]

Concert

[edit]
Falzon mentoring at the Greenroom Project, the Arts Centre, Gold Coast in July 2013

Since the beginning of his career, Falzon has performed in concert many times as both a featured artist and as a soloist. This has included a gala performance of Side By Side By Sondheim for Enda Markey featuring a cast of outstanding Australian musical theatre stars and special guest Ruthie Henshall[69] (continuing on as the male vocalist in the touring version of the revue). He has performed Live at the Basement[70] with his own band as well as a show in the Sydney Musical Theatre Cabaret Festival in 2012. He headlined Wickedly Showstopping with former Wicked star Lucy Durack.[71] Falzon performed in concert with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra in June 2013 for TSO goes to Broadway with Trisha Crowe and Guy Noble, which coincided with the launch of the musical theatre compilation album I Dreamed A Dream: Hits Songs of Broadway.[72] He was also a frequent guest performer for dignitaries including former Olympic gold medallist Betty Cuthbert[73] and CHOGM heads of state including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.[74] As a former cast member of the Wharf Revue, Falzon performed at the Sydney Opera House 40th Birthday Concert. He again performed at the Sydney Opera House supported by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, this time with Mig Ayesa, Amanda Harrison and Carly Thomas-Smith for three performances of "The Music of Queen – Rock and Symphonic Spectacular" in Sydney, followed by a further three in Western Australia.[26] The concert series began on 7 February 2014 followed by two performances on 8 February, before three performances in Perth, Western Australia (Joondalup Resort,[75] Riverside Theatre[76] and Boardwalk Theatre)[77] with the Perth Symphony Orchestra from 13–15 February. All three of the Opera House performances sold out and the Perth shows were at capacity,[78] including an 8000 person event for the City of Joondalup at the Joondalup Resort.[79]

Whether it's the gay community, Variety, breast cancer support – it doesn't matter. If it's something I believe needs support I'll always get behind it and in the end all I'm doing is singing some songs and that's not a huge commitment on my part. — Falzon to Star Observer, 20 April 2008[80]

He was a keen supporter of many charities,[80] having performed at associated fundraisers including Light The Night,[81] Hats Off!,[82] Twisted Broadway,[83] Variety and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

As part of The Rat Pack's Back – an act he co-created and produced internationally – Falzon has appeared at a variety of venues including private events around the world and a sold-out performances at Perth Zoo,[84] Crown and Jupiters Casinos, Twilight at Taronga, as part of Australia's Fire and Flood Benefit for the British Red Cross,[85] at London's Palace Theatre (in the wake of the 2009 natural disasters affecting the east coast of Australia), and alongside Jonathan Pryce, Judi Dench and Alfred Molina for Swing on a Star in London.

Falzon performed works by Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach based around the album Painted From Memory[86] in concert with fellow musical theatre star Bobby Fox at City Recital Hall in Sydney on 24 September 2014 and toured the east coast of Australia in 2015.[87] Falzon approached Fox in 2014 with a view to recreate the iconic 1998 album because, in his words, "it's very much written from the heart and experience and it resonates so deeply with people. Because of the lyrics and because you can hear that hurt, you get all the emotions. And with Bacharach and Costello it's not just the lyrics; there are the clever arrangements that take you there anyway" (Michael Falzon to Bernard Zuel in the Sydney Morning Herald, 20 September 2014).[88] Painted From Memory was produced by City Recital Hall and directed by Jonathan Biggins with musical director Isaac Haywood.

Falzon, with Luke Kennedy, Ben Mingay, Matt Lee formed Swing on This, for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. They were later joined by Rob Mills.

Concert
Concert Producer Location Date
Michael Ball[15] (Featured Vocalist) Lyric Theatre Sydney 2001
Showstoppers[89][90] Sydney Symphony Orchestra Sydney 2 – 4 November 2006
LTN: Light The Night[91] Leukaemia research Sydney 13 November 2006
Live at the Basement[74][92] Michael Falzon Sydney 22 November 2006
Up Close and Musical[93] Kookaburra Sydney 4 August 2007
Gala Concert[94] Kookaburra Melbourne 8 September 2008
ASO on Broadway[95] Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Festival Theatre Adelaide 7 March 2009
West End's Sunday Best Australia's Fire & Flood Benefit Tuckerbox British Red Cross London 29 March 2009
Michael Falzon at Chinatown Shanghai[96] Chinatown Shanghai 30 July 2010
Hats Off![97] OZ Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights Aids (OSCEFA) Sydney 21 February 2011
Hats Off![98] OZ Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights Aids (OSCEFA) Melbourne 28 August 2011
Rob Guest Endowment Concert[99] as part of the cast of Rock of Ages ANZ Trustees Foundation Melbourne 10 October 2011
Capella Under the Stars with Macy Gray[100] Capella Hotel Singapore 31 December 2011
Hats Off! To the Freaks[101][102] OZ Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights Aids (OSCEFA) Sydney 13 February 2012
Wickedly Showstopping Dubbo 13 April 2012
Side by Side by Sondheim[103] Enda Markey The White Ribbon Foundation Sydney 20 April 2012
Twisted Broadway Benge Group Sydney 2 July 2012
Michael Falzon and Trio[46] Sydney Musical Theatre Cabaret Festival Sydney 31 August 2012
Side by Side by Sondheim[104][105] Enda Markey Canberra 21–22 September 2012
Sunday in the Apartment[106] Australian Business UK Soho 30 September 2012
Michael Falzon Plugged In[107] Slide, Sydney 17 October 2012
LTN: Light The Night Leukaemia research Sydney 22 October 2012
Side by Side by Sondheim[108] Enda Markey Geelong Performing Arts Centre 5–9 November 2012
Premiers Concert: Live From Studio A – A Celebration of Australian Music[109] Paul Venables / NSW State Government NSW Sydney Entertainment Centre 18–19 March 2013
TSO Goes To Broadway (with Trisha Crowe and Guy Noble) The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Hobart and Launceston 20 and 22 June 2013
Twisted Broadway[110] Benge Group Sydney 19 August 2013
Concert For Knowlesy[111] Slide, Sydney 26 August 2013
Sydney Opera House 40th Birthday Concert (as part of the Wharf Revue) Sydney Opera House 27 October 2013
LTN: Light the Night (as part of the cast of Atomic)[112] Leukaemia research Sydney 28 October 2013
The Greatest Hits of Queen (with Sydney Symphony Orchestra) North Street Music and Good Egg Creative Sydney Opera House 7–8 February 2014
The Music of Queen (with Perth Symphony Orchestra) North Street Music Joondalup Resort;
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre;
and Mandurah Performing Arts Centre		 13–15 February 2014
Painted From Memory Good Egg Creative, Asia Theatricals and City Recital Hall City Recital Hall, Sydney, New South Wales 24 September 2014
Adelaide Christmas Proms (with Rachael Beck)[113] Adelaide Festival Centre and Sportsmed SA Adelaide Festival Centre 12–13 December 2014
Premier's Seniors Week Gala Concert – Viva Las Vegas[114] NSW State Government Qantas Credit Union Arena 17–18 March 2015
The Music of James Bond with Kate Ceberano, conducted by Guy Noble[115] Western Australian Symphony Orchestra Perth Concert Hall 10–11 April 2015
Painted From Memory[116] Good Egg Creative, Asia Theatricals et al QPAC, Brisbane
Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Hayes Theatre, Sydney
Melbourne Recital Centre		 10 June 2015
12–13 June 2015
18–20 June 2015
2 July 2015
Strictly Gershwin with Rachael Beck, Alexandra Flood, Luke Kennedy, Queensland Symphony Orchestra[117] Queensland Ballet QPAC, Brisbane 27 May – 4 June 2016
The Music of Queen:Rock and Symphonic Spectacular[118] Asia Theatricals, Good Egg Creative and Andrew Wyke Sydney Opera House;
Hamer Hall, Melbourne		 18–19 January 2017
21 January 2017
The Music of James Bond with Kate Ceberano, conducted by Guy Noble[119] City of Joondalup Western Australian Symphony Orchestra Joondalup Resort 16 February 2017

Producer

[edit]

As part of corporate entertainment company SMA Productions[84] and then as managing director of Good Egg Creative,[2] Falzon has been involved in the creation of many internationally successful acts, including The Rat Packs Back[120] and String Diva. Falzon became founding director of Good Egg Creative LTD,[121] in 2009, after selling his interest in SMA Productions (Australia and UK).

Good Egg Creative currently operates in both Australia and the UK, and has been involved in The Music of Queen: Rock and Symphonic Spectacular,[26] in Perth and Sydney, with return performances at the Sydney Opera House and The Arts Centre Melbourne in January 2017.[118] With Asia Theatrical, Falzon and Good Egg Creative produced Swing on This for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.[122] as well as Painted From Memory in conjunction with City Recital Hall and Asia Theatricals. In 2015, Good Egg Creative co-produced Kurt for Hayes Theatre Cabaret Festival, starring Justin Burford and focusing on the music of Kurt Cobain.[123]

Other performances

[edit]

Television

[edit]
  • In January 2013, Falzon filmed a six-part sitcom for Ben Elton and BBC1,[124] entitled The Wright Way (originally titled Slings and Arrows) which aired in late April/May of that year.[125] He was cast in the role of Kyle, an Australian fitness trainer and partner of the title character's ex-wife (played by Kacey Ainsworth.)[citation needed]
    • Conkers Bonkers – S1 Ep2, aired 30 April 2013[126]
    • Lethal Swing Back – S1 Ep3, aired 7 May 2013[127]
    • Curbing the Kerb – S1 Ep5, aired 21 May 2013[128]
    • The Deadly Receptacle – S1 Ep6, aired 28 May 2013[129]
  • As part of the cast of We Will Rock You, Falzon performed on RTÉ's The Late Late Show with Dr Brian May and Roger Taylor, Friday, 15 January 2010 in Ireland.[130]
  • He was reported to be in contention to host The Singing Bee,[131] the position eventually going to Joey Fatone[132]
  • He was cast in the guest role of Jose De Sousa for three episodes in the penultimate season of long running Australian drama Blue Heelers.[133]
    • "Too Close" – season 12, episode 37, aired 19 October 2005[134]
    • "Promises, Promises" – season 12, episode 38, aired 26 October 2005[135]
    • "Slaying the Demons" – season 12, episode 39, aired 2 November 2005[136]
  • As part of the cast of We Will Rock You, Falzon performed at the opening of the Australian Rules Football Grand Final, 2003 at the (approx) 90,000 person capacity MCG, and aired nationally on the 10 Network Australia.[137]
  • He has performed for Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane as well as The Good Friday Appeal in Melbourne.
  • Falzon appeared as part of Swing on This on Channel 9 Gold Telethon in 2015, an annual fundraising event for Sydney Children's Hospital, and in 2016 at the similar Good Friday Appeal fundraiser for The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. The latter event was televised on Channel 7.
  • Swing on This, including new member Rob Mills, performed at Carols in the Domain, an event televised live on channel 7 and with a live audience estimated at 80,000 people.

Film

[edit]

Recordings

[edit]
  • Atomic (The New Rock Musical),[143] in the role of Leo Szilard for Dreamingful Productions, released January 2016
Little Fire
The Force That Lights The Stars
A Risk You Take
Where Is Home
One Day
Greater Battle
The Atom Bomb Is Here 1945
Only Numbers
What I tell Myself
Stars; Les Misérables[147]
All I Ask of You; The Phantom of the Opera with Trisha Crowe
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables; Les Misérables
Bring Him Home; Les Misérables
  • Michael Falzon EP (Falzon/Kempster/Hosford/ Stace/Field, Rockcandy Music and Hyperactive Music, 2007)[148]
Frail
She'll Be There
Signs of Life
Rockstar
Some Days
Too Close – s12 Ep 37 Aired 19 October 2005
Promises, Promises – S12 Ep 38 Aired 26 October 2005
Slaying The Demons – S12 Ep 39 Aired 2 November 2005

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Award Category Production Role Year Result
Melbourne Underground Film Festival Best Actor Computer Boy Neo 2000 Won
Mo Awards Best Performance – Lead Actor (Musical) We Will Rock You Galileo Figaro 2004 Nominated
Helpmann Awards[152] Best Male Actor in a Musical We Will Rock You Galileo Figaro 2004 Nominated
Green Room Awards[153] Best Male Artist – Featured Role Rock of Ages Stacee Jaxx 2011 Nominated

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Andrew Dempster (27 August 2012). "The Production Company's CHESS: The Musical". Vulture Magazine. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  2. ^ a b c "From showstoppers to stripped-back charm". Smh.com.au. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  3. ^ a b c Jacqueline Bublitz (1 August 2012). "This Is Your Brain on Musical Theatre". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
  4. ^ "Computer Boy". Film Tied. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
  5. ^ "I Dreamed a Dream: Hit Songs from Broadway". Universal Music Australia Pty Limited. 2013. Archived from the original on 8 October 2013. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  6. ^ "Australian Music of Queen: Rock and Symphonic Spectacular". BrianMay.com. 3 January 2014. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  7. ^ "Adelaide Cabaret Festival Review: Swing on This". Glam Adelaide. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  8. ^ Helen Musa (12 September 2012). "Side by side with Falzon | Canberra CityNewsCanberra CityNews". Citynews.com.au. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  9. ^ a b c d e Diana Simmonds. "Q & A With Michael Falzon". Retrieved 14 January 2013.
  10. ^ Helen Musa (7 April 2015). "Superstar stars named for June arena shows". CityNews. Canberra City News. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
  11. ^ Peter Barrett (9 August 2003). "My Favourite Thing – Michael Falzon, Performer, Leather Jacket". The Age. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  12. ^ "May and Taylor join in finale in opening of Queen musical spectacle". The Scotsman. 10 November 2009. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  13. ^ Kathy McCabe. "Sweeney Todd star Michael Falzon undergoes urgent treatment for aggressive cancer". The West Australian. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  14. ^ Ward, Mary (23 June 2020). "Musical theatre star Michael Falzon dies aged 48". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 23 June 2020.
  15. ^ a b "Principals Galileo Michael Falzon". WWRY Tour LTD. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  16. ^ "MUFF 2000 Award Winners". Melbourne Underground Film Festival. Archived from the original on 27 April 2013. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  17. ^ "Section One: "New Australian and International Cinema"". Melbourne Underground Film Festival. Archived from the original on 9 September 2009. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  18. ^ a b Vaughan Mayberry (6 November 2008). "Giving an Inch". The Cairns Post. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  19. ^ "AusStage". AusStage. AusStage. Retrieved 14 January 2013.
  20. ^ Wang Ling (19 May 1998). "Webber's Musical Joseph Tours To Hong Kong". Playbill. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
  21. ^ "We Will Rock You (Melbourne) Press and News 1". Retrieved 21 March 2013.
  22. ^ "Melbourne gets Queen musical". Fairfax Digital. 13 March 2003. Retrieved 3 April 2013.
  23. ^ a b Sally Browne (23 October 2011). "Culture:The 80's rock on in musical". The Sunday Mail (Qld). Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  24. ^ Stage Credits, including We Will Rock You Australia tour – Robert Grubb website
  25. ^ Rebecca-Anne do Rozario. "We Will Rock You (review)". Project Muse. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  26. ^ a b c Kristy Symonds (8 December 2013). "He Will Rock You". The Sunday Times. p. 97.
  27. ^ Bernard Zuel (9 October 2004). "We Will Rock You (Preview)". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  28. ^ Tracey Bond (30 September 2007). "War of the Worlds in Auckland". Fairfax New Zealand Limited. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  29. ^ "Tour 2007 AUS/NZ". The War of the Worlds. Ollie Record Productions. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  30. ^ Richard Jinman (10 September 2007). "They've landed ... and they're really scary". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  31. ^ Michael Gadd (9 May 2007). "Shannon Noll to make theatrical debut". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  32. ^ a b "Hedwig and the Angry Inch | Showtune Productions". Australianstage.com.au. 13 October 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  33. ^ "Hedwig and the Angry Inch". Sunshine Coast Daily. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  34. ^ "Hedwig and the Angry Inch @ Metro Theatre". Live Guide. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
  35. ^ Robert Dawson Scott (12 November 2009). "Queen of shows rocks Edinburgh". STV. Retrieved 24 March 2013.
  36. ^ Rory Reynolds (10 November 2009). "Queen legends wow fans with performance at musical". Dead Line. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
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