Mike Schwitter graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2012 and joined the cast of the national tour of The Book of Mormon. He made his Broadway debut in 2014 as Lewis in the Tony winning revival of Pippin, he also understudied the leading role of Pippin. Cincinnati audiences may also remember him from Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati’s acclaimed production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal.
Follow Mike on Twitter @mikeschwitter and Instagram @mikeschwitter
If you want to take the Actor Hub Musical Theatre Challenge please get in touch
A song from the first musical you saw/heard
When I was a baby, my dad used to sing “The Wells Fargo Wagon” from The Music Man to me when I would fall asleep.
I didn’t know what musicals were, but that’s the first song I consciously remember ever hearing. I still love that show today.
A song from your latest musical obsession
I’ve been listening to The Bridges of Madison County on my commute, and I think one of the more overlooked moments/voices in the show is Whitney Bashor’s “Another Life.”
It’s catchy, simple, beautiful, and her voice is so controlled and incredible.
A song demonstrating how underrated you think a musical is
There’s a lot to choose from this show, but I love the music in City of Angels
As soon as you listen to it, you feel like you’re in the world of the show. Jazzy, noir, cinematic, sexy.
Great songs for women in there.
A song which can make you cry
Mama, A Rainbow.
A song which makes you laugh
“Rags” from Rags
Not because it’s supposed to be funny, I just think it’s hilarious there’s a song called Rags.
The musical you’d kill to be in
NEWSIES!
I’ve had so many friends in that show and I love it every time I see it. I grew up with the movie and each song gets my blood pumping and I cheer like a little kid after each song.
Also I’m assuming if I’m in it I’d magically be able to dance like that too, so that would be a great plus.
A song sung by your favourite female character in a musical
“The Life of the Party” sung by Kate in Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party
A song sung by your favourite male character in a musical
“You And Me But Mostly Me” sung by Elder Price in The Book of Mormon
A song from the musical you know all – or nearly all – the lines to
Run Freedom Run!
I’ve done Urinetown twice, so I think I know all those words at this point?
Your guilty pleasure musical
Not sure if I really feel guilty about it but I really love the music in The Little Mermaid
I’m a huge Disney fan and the songs they added to that production were beautiful (If Only, One Step Closer, HER VOICE??).
The musical which made the most impact on you
Next to Normal is my favorite musical, and I was lucky enough to do the regional premier as Gabe (my favorite character of all time).
It was the first time I saw how much impact a show could have on audiences who might be dealing with similar issues in their lives.
I’m glad there’s music and characters that now give voice to people dealing with mental illness. Sharing that awareness with audiences was when I first knew that is why we do what we do.
A song you could listen to all day.
“Til I Hear You Sing” from Love Never Dies
Basically anything Ramin Karimloo sings I could listen to all day.
A song by your favourite musical composer
I love “Out There” by Stephen Schwartz.
Every song he writes is beautifully sweeping, and the stakes are so high.
The character you’d kill to play
I’d kill to play Burt in Mary Poppins
He’s pure fun and joy. And the ‘forbidden love’ moment at the end with Mary really rounds him out and makes you feel for him.
The character you’d kill to play – if you were the opposite sex
Amneris in Aida
She seems really superficial but you find she actually has a lot of depth. A
nd the costume changes? Strongest Suit?? Forgedaboutit!
A song which inspires you
Kind of a weird answer but I love “Il Mondo Era Vuoto” from Light in the Piazza
Even in another language you know what this guy is singing about. It’s like “Maria,” “On The Street Where You Live,” etc.
Love at first sight.
It makes you feel like anything is possible.
The musical you’ve seen over and over
When my older sister was in her high school’s production of 42nd Street, I saw it four times. And then on Broadway that year!
The character in a musical you can most relate to
This is really cliche but Pippin in Pippin
I feel like I’m at a point where I’m figuring out what to do next with my life and feel like there’s no time to do any of it, but I have to remember to trust the universe and enjoy the moment.
That was really helpful for me to learn this fall working on that show.
A song from your favourite musical
“I Am The One” from Next to Normal
Your favourite song NOT from a musical
My favorite warmup song in the shower is Lady Gaga’s “Gypsy.”
Big thanks to Mike for taking the Actor Hub Musical Theatre Challenge.
Mike Schwitter – Let It Go
Mike Schwitter sings “Let It Go” at Broadway Sessions on April 17th, 2014.
If you want to take the Actor Hub Musical Theatre Challenge please get in touch
