Michael Serrecchia, Director
Michael Serrecchia is a familiar name to many inside and outside of the theatre community. From his phenomenal Broadway experience to his work today as a director in the DFW area, he has made a permanent impact on theatre in America. Here’s more about this charming and talented artist!
How long have you been involved in theatre?
I have been earning my living in the theatre since 1969. Although I did my first musical in High School in 1965. [Editor’s note: Michael’s theatre career includes being in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line, a detail he modestly leaves out!]
How long have you been involved with Pegasus Theatre?
This is my 4th glorious year. [Editor’s note: Previous shows directed for Pegasus are XSR:Die!, Rehearsal For Murder!, and Another Murder, Another Show!, then this year’s Death is a Bad Habit! It’s been an awesome collaboration!]
Any favorite moments so far with Pegasus that stand out for you?
Of course, the first time I saw the curtain rise and the whole “living black & white” experience just took my breath away. Then years later as I watched the curtain rise on the first LB&W I got to direct… it was the same heart stopping feeling. (And I knew what was coming.) Then there was the year I made it onto the Tee-Shirt. That was exciting too. (I’m wearing it now).
You recently directed Death Is a Bad Habit! for Pegasus Theatre. Tell us something interesting about that experience, perhaps something you especially liked about it, or a favorite moment?
It was the first “new” LB&W I have gotten to direct and the process was exciting and amazing… casting before the script was complete, waiting for each new set of “pages” … and then the arrival of the “Black Pages” and the excitement of watching the cast reading them for the first time unveiling the villain. It was an awesome moment. The whole process was unique and challenging and extremely rewarding.
What do you do when you aren’t working with Pegasus?
I am very lucky to actually make a living as a free lance director. So I go from one project to the next, and hope to get asked back to Pegasus. [Editor’s note: And we hope he says “yes” each year!]
Looking back at all your experiences, who would you say has influenced you the most in your theatrical career?
The great Jazz teacher Luigi taught me how to live through dance. Michael Bennett taught me how to create and edit. Fred Ebb & John Kander taught me how to sing a song and tell a musical story. Chita Rivera taught me professionalism and inspired passion. Barry Manilow taught me how to pull at heartstrings. Rock Hudson taught me how to be a gentleman.
What comes next for you?
I am in rehearsal for Love, Loss and What I Wore at The Contemporary Theatre of Dallas, I am also in pre-production for Kind Lady at Mainstage-Irving and As We Lie Still for CTD on its way back to NYC. Then, another glorious Pegasus show.