NR: And you got to be here for the opening in November.

MH: Yeah.

NR: So, you actually walked into something that was completely historic. That must be unbelievable for you.

MH: It is. It's amazing. It's an incredible story in terms of my getting into this show because I was originally going to cater for this show, last New Year's Eve. I came home from Minnesota a day early. I was going to stay for New Year's and then I thought I would cater instead. I got off the plane, got into my house, checked my messages and there was a message from the booking agent, who said, "Michael, I had to take you off the job because of such and such..." So, I was crushed and I wasn't able to work this party. I was really hoping to work this party. It was up in the lobby. So, I thought "I'll have to try and see that show sometime" because it would have been a great experience to work and to sort of schmooze and meet these people. Then, later I got a job in Florida. I went down and did a show and I came back and I was feeling good. I had just worked so now I could treat myself to a show. I came to see Titanic because I had a callback for it but it was sold out at TKTS. So, instead I came here. I saw the show and I didn't really like it. But, I was absolutely astounded with Doug's performance because almost a year earlier I had read an article he had put in "Backstage" for all of us young people to read. It said, "You know, keep with it. Musical theater can really be a solid acting experience, and if you find the reality in the role you can really be an actor and singer at the same time." I thought, "Eureka." So, I stayed afterwards and I wanted to meet him. I wanted to say, "Thank you so much for giving us such a great performance and I'm very inspired." But he never came out, so I left, but I thought, "Oh, I've got to meet this guy sometime. I've definitely got to come again." I went away and I did this show, Robber Bridegroom, and I did a similar role to Percy sort of in terms of disguises. And I thought of him when I did the role. It was like he was with me. Then I came home and had an audition for the very show that had been with me in my mind for so long, and I got the part. First day of rehearsal I told Doug this whole story. I finally got to meet him and I was playing his body double, of all things. It was a very ironic, synchronous and "planets aligned" sort of thing.

NR: That's great. He must have loved the story.

MH: Yeah, he did. So as far as that spilling into the thrill of being in the show, it all happened with such a bang that I wrote for days after that in my diary. It was very cool.

NR: Has any of your family come to see it?

MH: Yes.

NR: What did they think?

MH: They loved it.

NR: Did you know anything about the League when you got here?

MH: No, I didn't.

NR: What do you think now?

MH: I think it's great, I really do. I think it's a great foundation for getting the word out there that we have a show right here. You know, it can be a little obsessive, but that's great. Some people spend their money on peanut butter and movies, you've got your entertainment. But if you want to come and see this show, and as a result, get other people interested because of the hype and really make a connection with the actors, and be inspired by the whole thing. And, vice versa, we're very inspired. (I am at least, I can't speak for anybody else.) I was there once - I still am, what am I saying? I was young and totally starry eyed - I still am! It's great that we can inspire them and they can inspire us.

NR: What do you enjoy doing in your off time?

MH: I love running, going for runs in Queens where I live, in the park. In Central Park sometimes, just walking and running. I like to work out. I like physical activity and athletic stuff. Reading a good book is nice. Just chilling and reading a good book. Cooking, making a great dinner and spending time with my girlfriend, going to movies.

NR: What do you want to do in the future?

MH: Do a Broadway lead.

NR: That's a good goal. Good luck. Thank you.

MH: You're welcome.

I had a lot of fun speaking with Michael. I have to admit that I cringed when he talked about how he used to be young and starry eyed, but then he corrected himself. (If he used to be young, I shuddered to think what they made me!) But, he's a wonderful presence on stage and his height does make him easy to find in the ensemble numbers. So, the next time you're at Pimpernel, just look for the tallest soldier and you'll find the guy who, for one fateful day in October '98, stuck his head in the guillotine so the star didn't have to.

Questions suggested by:

Joanna Morton-Gary, Carolyn Peters, Lois Colpo, Thom and Colleen Rosati, Mark McGrath, Susan Cassidy, Dani Biancolli, Kelly Honig, Jan Kolb

Interview conducted and photographs by Nancy Rosati.