🎭 Michael Cicirelli Returns to the CSJ Stage in a New Role – Director!

Center Stage Jackson is proud to shine this month’s spotlight on someone whose journey with us began nearly two decades ago! Michael Cicirelli is a multi-talented performer, producer, and now director of our upcoming production The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Michael’s roots with CSJ go back to 2006, when he joined the ensemble in Scrooge: The Musical under the direction of the legendary Ann Holt. From there, he became a familiar face on the CSJ stage until 2015, with a highlight performance as Sir Robin in Spamalot. After nearly a 10-year hiatus, Michael is thrilled to return to CSJ! However, not as an actor this time, but as the director of one of our most anticipated productions of the season.

Reflecting on his time with CSJ, Michael shared a standout memory: being cast as the title role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by director Denise Weber. “That show will always be a favorite,” he says. “It’s a role I’ve returned to multiple times throughout my life, but each time I find something new, something unforgettable. It’s a gift.”

While Joseph holds a special place in his heart, Michael also looks back fondly on other standout roles: Chip in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Stride in Jekyll & Hyde, and more recently, Charles – the hilariously un-dead “dead guy” in a professional production of The Play That Goes Wrong. “This is my first professional straight play, and I’ve loved every chaotic, pratfall-filled second,” he laughs. “And with Hunchback rehearsals in the evenings and performances on weekends, it’s been a beautifully busy season.”

Outside of theatre, Michael’s talents keep surprising us. Not only has he been singing since childhood, but he also discovered in high school that he has perfect pitch, a rare gift possessed by only about 1 in 10,000 people. “I thought all musicians could just do that naturally!” he admits.

When asked about a dream role he hopes to take on someday, Michael doesn’t hesitate: Bobby in Company. “As someone who recently got married, that character’s journey hits differently now,” he says. “It’s such a raw and reflective role about love, expectations, and the imperfections that come with meaningful relationships.”

Above all, Michael believes in the power and purpose of community theatre. “It’s a space for growth, creative fulfillment, and meaningful connections,” he says. “There’s magic in seeing people of all backgrounds come together to create something that speaks to the heart of a community. That’s why I’m here.”

We’re so grateful Michael is back with us and bringing his creative vision to life with Hunchback. We can’t wait for audiences to experience his work and we’re excited to see what’s next in his CSJ journey!