MICHELLE DAWSON
Biography
Michelle’s career on BROADWAY has spanned a wide range of roles. She last appeared on Broadway in SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK as the standby for Arachne, Aunt May and Emily Osborne . Michelle was also part of the Broadway cast of MAMMA MIA! In which she performed the lead roles of Donna and Rosie and was part of the ensemble . She appeared in Frank Galati’s production of RAGTIME starring as Evelyn Nesbit. Her debut in a leading role on a Broadway stage took place in Hal Prices historic revival of SHOWBOAT where she frequently performed the role of Magnolia. Michelle made her Broadway debut in CYRANO, as the understudy for Roxanne and as part of the ensemble.
Her BROADWAY NATIONAL TOURS include MAMMA MIA! In which she starred as Donna for nearly two years and prior to that , as Tanya for a year. Michelle was in the 1st National Tour of THE SECRET GARDEN performing as Alice and covering the roles of Lily and Rose. She was a part of the cast of THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER. Other Tours include the production of SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, starring as leading lady Milly( under the direction of Scott Schwartz and produced by Paper Mill Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre, and Theatre Under The Stars) and the National Tour of ANNIE playing Grace Farrell.
Michelle also originated the role of Evelyn Nesbit in the Chicago company of Ragtime .
Michelle is a member of BROADWAY INSPIRATIONAL VOICES, directed by Michael McElroy.
Michelle has performed leading roles in many of the best know Regional Theatres in the United States. Most recently played the role of Helen in The musical Fun Home at Baltimore Center Stage. She won a MAC award for Best Actress in a Musical, honoring her portrayal of Aldonza in the ground - breaking, award winning Arizona Theatre Companys’ production of MAN OF LAMANCHA. This marks Michelle’s 5th production of LaMancha. She has been fortunate to star as Donna in MAMMA MIA! In the first Regional Theatre production of this show after ending its historic Broadway run. This production was followed by another one in the same role at Westchester Broadway Theatre, and as Tanya at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera . She starred as Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde under the direction of Bob Cuccioli at the Westchester Broadway Theatre (twice!) and again at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Michelle has performed in 15 shows at Westchester Broadway Theatre including Performing the roles of Elsa in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Candy in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER , Glinda in THE WIZARD OF OZ, Nancy in Oliver, Mary Magdalene in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Julie Jordon in CAROUSEL and Maria in WEST SIDE STORY. Other performances at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera include Rizzo in GREASE and Petra in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Michelle was Eva Peron in EVITA at the Pioneer Theatre, Salt Lake City. Michelle has also performed at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago as Elise and Annie understudy and the nightclub singer in FIRST WIVES CLUB. Irene Molloy in Hello Dolly at Gateway Playhouse.
Her Television credits include 2009 TONY AWARDS where she was a featured performer. Michelle represented the state of Vermont in MISS AMERICA where she won a most - talented award and scholarship . Michelle has made guest appearances on LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and ALL MY CHILDREN.
Michelle was born and raised in Vermont. She received a BFA from Carnegie - Mellon University . She resides in historic Tappan, NY with her husband Chris Cardona, a violinist, and their son Ryan.