Michael Bush, Artistic Director

MICHAEL BUSH was most recently the director of artistic production for the Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City. He was associated with MTC for over 25 years and helped artistically guide more than 150 new plays and musicals, including the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning PROOF, and DOUBT, and the Tony Award winning LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! , and where he most recently directed BASED ON A TOTALLY TRUE STORY. He was instrumental in the rebirth of the O'Neill's Cabaret and Performance Conference, and has served as its artistic director since 2005. Last season, Mr. Bush directed THE STORY OF MY LIFE at Toronto's CanStage, and MURDERERS for The Philadelphia Theatre Company. He is directing the upcoming production of STORMY WEATHER for The Prince Music Theatre, also in Philadelphia. Mr. Bush directed the New York Music Theater Festival productions of THE BALLAD OF BONNIE AND CLYDE (2005), and Grammy Award winning songwriter Marcus Hummon's WARRIOR (2006), starring Deven May (Theatre World and Ovation Award-winner for Bat Boy: The Musical) and Marla Schaffel (Tony Award-nominee for Jane Eyre). During his tenure as producing artistic director at Charlotte Repertory Theatre (2002-2004) he presented Hilary Swank in THE MIRACLE WORKER, Penny Fuller in THE GLASS MENAGERIE, and directed Emily Skinner in the 20th Anniversary production of PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES. He also directed and co-wrote the book for the musical LET ME SING starring Andre DeShields and Marla Schaffel, which was co-produced with George Street Playhouse and Charlotte Repertory Theatre. Over a decade ago, Mr. Bush originated MTC's winter cabaret gala, AN INTIMATE NIGHT, where he has directed and featured many of the top names in cabaret today, including Rosemary Clooney, Nancy LaMott, Laurie Beechman, Leslie Uggums, Mary Claire Haren, Christine Ebersole, Lilias White, Audra McDonald, Sam Harris, James Naughton, Melissa Errico, Patrick Cassidy, and Rita Moreno.