Description
A graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, Michael Leamon began playing piano and providing music direction for musicals in college. After evolving from community theatre to professional summer stock productions and dinner theatre, he soon became the rehearsal pianist for Yul Brynner’s final go-round in “The King and I.” Also an experienced composer, Michael wrote music for two theatre pieces and a Dr. Seuss TV series featuring Jerry Springer as a narrator.
Following a seven-month run of “Forever Plaid” at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square in 1996, he became the house pianist–five nights a week–at the former fine-dining establishment Classics, which went on to become the only Five-Diamond restaurant in Ohio. In late 2007, Michael was chosen as the alternate Pianist for “Forbidden Broadway” at the Hanna Theater in Cleveland.
Although show tunes are his first love, he enjoys playing many musical genres by sight and by ear. He loves requests and knows thousands of tunes by heart. From George Gershwin and Cole Porter to Billy Joel and Elton John, Michael can truly read the room.
Photo by Genevieve Nisly Photography
