photos by Timothy Norris
by tony reverditto
George Michael, in my opinion, is one of the greatest singers of all time. I saw him perform with Wham! on March 5, 1983 on American Bandstand. They were literally an overnight sensation. He sang “Young Guns” with Andrew Ridgeley, and they both wore matching leather jackets, white tees and rolled up jeans. At the time, their backup singers were Helen “Pepsi” DeMacque and Shirlie Holliman. The ladies had joined shortly after the guys debuted, and it only took four weeks for the foursome to get a record deal. A few years later, I saw George Michael perform solo in the Faith Tour 1988.
He would go on to have a remarkable career with some of the most beautiful songs ever written. His life with would be plagued with drug abuse as well as relationship and health issues. These struggles did not prevent him from continuing his career, until his untimely death on Christmas Day 2016. He died at the age of 53, devastating his fans.
The Life & Music of George Michael, a concert-style show, chronicles the amazing journey the of one of pop’s most influential performers. The show spans four decades of music and includes blockbuster hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go,” “Freedom,” “Faith,” “Careless Whisper” and “Father Figure.”
“This event honors George Michael’s career and will be a celebration for his fans,” said producer Ralph Schmidtke of Quatro Entertainment. “Over the years, George’s popularity has continued to grow, and The Life and Music of George Michael will give fans a glimpse of his life and reminisce on many of the songs they have come to love.”
George Michael had 10 No. 1 songs on the U.S. Singles Chart. He won two Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards, three American Music Awards and four MTV Video Music Awards. On November 3, 2023, he was inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame.
Rory Phelan plays and sings the songs of the younger George Michael. The RAGE Monthly caught up with him on the national tour to talk about what it is like to portray this pop legend.
You have an incredible body of work in musical theatre. When did you first realize you had an aptitude for singing and performing?
I actually fell in love with the world of performing quite late. I always dreamt of being a rugby player. Then when I was 20, I started thinking of other avenues in life. A friend recommended I try acting and singing, and then it all happened. I auditioned randomly at my local performing arts school where I sang and acted for the first time, and I haven’t looked back since!
How did you land the role of George Michael? Did they hear about you or did you hear about the role? And what was that process like?
I first heard about the role when my agent sent me the audition information. I was on tour in the UK at the time in a show called Club Tropicana, funnily enough. And I was called in to sing a few George Michael songs and I got to meet the creative team. Instantly, I fell in love with the project, and after a few callbacks I was over the moon to be cast in the show. We initially workshopped the concept in Vancouver in 2019.
George Michael has one of the best voices in music history. What aspect of channeling George came the most naturally to you?
I loved how much of a showman George was. Especially when he performed with Wham! and all the way through the release of his Faith album. The way he danced and sang to the crowds just amazed me. I love having the opportunity to do this and getting the audiences involved throughout the show is my favorite thing.
What has been the biggest personal challenge in portraying such an icon?
George’s voice. He has one of the most iconic voices ever. This was a huge thing for me to try and take on. I have spent hours listening to each note of his songs and trying to emulate them anyway that I can. This was the biggest challenge, but something I have loved and embraced.
Which is your favorite song to sing in the show and why?
It has to be Faith. I have known this song since I was a kid and it is always the first song that comes to my head when I want to sing. Getting the chance to sing and dance this each night is just incredible.
Your co-star, the accomplished Craig Winberry, plays older George. How did you two align your nuances and portrayals?
From the moment we first met it was clear that we both shared the same love for George’s music and career. Craig has the most incredible voice and stage presence. We really got to spend time together and see how we could bring to life George’s catalog of music. I get to start the show in the early years with the energetic songs of Wham! Before we transition through George’s life, and Craig and I get to bring to life his incredible ballads and signature songs from his later career.
This is such a profound and compelling tribute to a legend whom we all miss. What message or feeling do you hope audiences go home with?
We want audiences to go home feeling like they have spent the evening celebrating the life of George. He was an icon not only because of his great music but also because of his incredible life and the message of love and kindness that he promoted throughout his career. We want audiences to dance and sing each number with us and feel like they are transported to one of his original shows.
The Life and Music of George Michael will play at Balboa Theatre in San Diego on Sunday, January 28. sandiegotheatres.org / 619.615.4000. Then the show will be at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, February 2. cerritoscenter.com / 800.300.4345