Conversations: Producer Michael Cassel
About the session
This session took place on Tuesday 8 December 2020, 6-7pm AEDT.
Hosted by Callum Francis, this in depth conversation with noted commercial producer Michael Cassel is not to be missed. This pre-recorded session will be screened exclusively for registered attendees and will cover a range of topics that are pertinent to the future of music theatre. Michael Cassel will discuss initiatives and processes that reflect values of inclusion at the Michael Cassel Group, and will give viewers an insight into how these values support and result in producing high quality, innovative and meaningful shows.
This is followed by an interview with Callum Francis hosted by Jayde Kirchert, talking about his exciting new initiative, ‘We The Industry’.
Anyone interested in producing, creating opportunities for new music theatre or passionate about the future of the industry will find this conversation inspiring and enlightening.
About the speakers
- Michael Cassel
Michael Cassel is an internationally recognised producer and entertainment executive. He formed his company, the Michael Cassel Group, to produce and present the world’s greatest musical and theatrical productions, live entertainment experiences, marquee events and concert attractions. Current productions include the first international touring production of the world’s #1 musical, Disney’s The Lion King, which has enjoyed triumphant seasons in the Singapore, Daegu, Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Bangkok and Hong Kong.
Michael is the Executive Producer of the Australian premiere production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child playing exclusively in Melbourne at the Princess Theatre. The record-breaking play is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions.
In March 2021, Michael will produce the Australasian premiere of the landmark, multi-award-winning musical Hamilton at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.
Previous productions include the triumphant 19-month Australian and international tour of Les Misérables, the Helpmann Award®-winning Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, the 10th Anniversary Tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the Australian premiere of Cyndi Lauper’s acclaimed Kinky Boots and the Australian and Asian tour of Singin’ in the Rain. Concerts and events include the outdoor stadium spectacular The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, the opening celebration of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and tours including Celeste Barber, Lea Salonga, Tina Arena, Rita Wilson and Darren Criss. Broadway and West End co-producer credits include DreamWorks’ The Prince of Egypt, Pretty Woman: The Musical and The Cher Show.
In addition to his theatrical interests, Michael exclusively represents former Australian Prime Minister, The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, former Olympian and global sporting administrator, Lord Sebastian Coe CH, KBE, Channel Nine’s Liz Hayes, and media personality, Sami Lukis.
During his ten-year tenure with Disney Theatrical Group, the live entertainment division of The Walt Disney Company, he produced the company’s Broadway stage productions, including The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, AIDA, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid and High School Musical. Michael also supported Disney on Ice and Disney Live! licensed to Feld Entertainment, in international markets.
Michael began his professional career working with Australia’s foremost entertainment entrepreneur and celebrity manager, Harry M. Miller.
Michael lives in Sydney with his wife Camille and their children Eveleigh and Vaughn.
- Callum Francis
Award winning British actor Callum Francis is best known for his portrayal as Lola in the hit musical KINKY BOOTS for Broadway, the UK and Australia.Callum opened in the Australian tour of KINKY BOOTS direct from the original London production at the Adelphi Theatre where he understudied the role. He subsequently won the 2017 Helpmann Award for Best Male Actor in a Musical and the Green Room Award for Male Lead in a Musical.
Callum's West End credits include Cameron Mackintosh's London revival of Miss Saigon, Disney's The Lion King, Ghost and Naked Boys Singing. Internationally Callum has toured with HAIR the Musical and opened the Shanghai Culture Square with Ultimate Broadway.
Callum trained at Laine Theatre Arts, Epsom, UK, graduating in 2010.
Callum was delighted to tour Australia with KINKY BOOTS and fell head over heels with the country which he now calls home.
Callum will soon be appearing as COLLINS in RENT at the Sydney Opera House.
W: https://callumfrancisofficial.com/
IG: callumf
A recording of the conversation with Jayde & Callum is available below. The conversation between Michael & Callum is not available.