-----Original Message----- From: mflynch <[log in to unmask]> To: Date: Thursday, April 15, 1999 1:39 AM Subject: This is the end... >Dateline: Troy, NY >April 15, 1999 > >At the end of his 7,837th continuous performance in the long-running >docu-comedy "Everyday In NY State Parks with Michael", the lead actor >announced today that the curtain will close on his final appearance on May >26th. He will be featured in a new show, currently in dress rehearsal, that >will open in Boston on June 1st. > >Michael was hired by Commissioner/Broadway producer Orin Lehman as a >bit-player in 1977. He opened to modest notice as the "HPF Grants >Reviewer". Over the years his role grew until he held one of the lead >positions in the Field Services Bureau production. The most recent >production, staged at Peebles Island State Park, featured sets designed by >Michael. > >Most recently Michael played the roles "Senior Coordinator" and >"Preservation Engineer" (a role he created.) Current producer of the >situation-drama, child-star Bernadette Castro, will oversee the revamping of >the show, which, he assures will go on. Quoting Joni Mitchell, Commissioner >Castro remarked "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone." > >Reached for comment in his dressing room after today's performance, the >ever-opinionated actor said "The cast has always been wonderful to work >with. Working with this crew has strengthened my character over the years. >I certainly can say the show was never dull. I've have really enjoyed my >time here, but I've played this character long enough and I'm going to try >my luck on the big stage. It's an honor to be called up to "The Show" and >I'm excited about the opportunity." > >After moving his entourage of family and cats, Michael will open his new >play in the Boston arena at the Harrison Gray Otis House, managed by the >Society for the Preservation of New England antiquities (SPNEA). There he >will assume the role of "Vice-President for Preservation Services" >overseeing a cast of 25 who care passionately for 35 house museums in 5 New >England states. > >Prior to joining the "Michael in Parks" show, his wife Susan worked in the >properties department at SPNEA from 1972 to 1977. Michael was a frequent >audience member during that time and knows the House and its supporting cast >well. A limited engagement run of the current show will continue at >Peebles Island two or three days a week through the end of May. A final >farewell performance will be staged on payday, May 26th. > > > >