Fantastic World of Michael Crawford DVD Due Nov. 11; New Concert in the Works & Lloyd Webber Birthday Poem

Tony-winner Michael Crawford's official web site is listing much news about the star including the upcoming November 11 release of The Fantastic World of Michael Crawford on DVD and a reported one-man show in the works. The star's most recent concerts have included the addition of new songs, video material and biographical bits as of late as the first tastes of what's said to be a brand-new show.

Also, Michael, currently in California working on his new show, recorded a surprise birthday message for Andrew Lloyd Webber's 60th birthday, which was shown at his "Birthday in the Park" concert celebration in Hyde Park, London, on September 14th. Click here to watch that video. 

Press notes about The Fantastic World of Michael Crawford state "Get to know the man behind the mask! This engaging program by filmmaker Tony Palmer offers an intimate profile of Michael Crawford, known to many Broadway fans for his mesmerizing performance in the title role of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera." His life and career are reviewed, revealing how the multitalented British actor became a force to be reckoned with in the United States."

Juggling both film and stage careers, Michael Crawford had established himself as one of the stage's finest leading men long before he opened as “the Phantom” in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera beginning one of the most widely acclaimed and memorable performances in theatre history. Few stars are as widely connected to a single role as Crawford is to “the Phantom.” His Los Angeles and Broadway performances earned an astonishing catalogue of critical recognition including the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and the Los Angeles Dramalogue Award and Drama Critics Award.

Since leaving Phantom after nearly four years in the role in London, New York and Los Angeles; Crawford has become a multi-platinum recording artist and one of the worlds' most sought after concert and stage performers, playing to sold-out venues around the globe. In addition to his recent concert work, stage credits in London and on Broadway include Billy, Flowers for Algernon, Black Comedy, Dance of the Vampires and Barnum.

Michael Crawford's most recent theatrical appearance took place in 2004, originating the role of Count Fosco in  Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Woman in White, for which he won both the Variety Club, and WhatsOnStage.com awards. 2005-2006 saw the star performing in numerous sold out concerts in the United States, Australia and New Zealand as well as an appearance at the record breaking performance of The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.

Film and television work include Hello, Dolly! starring Barbra Streisand, directed by Gene Kelly, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Knack, The Jokers, How I Won the War with John Lennon, The Games, Hello and Goodbye, Alices Adventures in Wonderland and Condorman.

Crawford's solo recording career includes "Michael Crawford Performs Andrew Lloyd Webber," "A Touch of Music in the Night," "On Eagle's Wings," "Michael Crawford in Concert," "Songs from the Stage and Screen," "With Love, A Christmas Album," and "Michael Crawford: A Disney Album."

Visit Crawford's official charitable fan association at www.mcifa.com for more information.

Photo of Michael Crawford by Genevieve Rafter Keddy