This is just a brief look, a touch, a tribute ( not a complete bio of Michael's.) Michael Warren Powell was a multi-talented, major force in the American Theater. As an actor he was a pioneer of the experimental theatre movement at Caffe Cino, toured Europe with LaMaMa Troupe, as well as performing in several off Broadway shows and on Broadway. In NYC'S Circle Repertory Theater, alongside Marshall Mason, Lanford Wilson, & Tanya Berezin, Michael continued acting, and dazzled his fellow artists with his stunning imaginative direction. Michael's uncompromising, dedication to theatre and his insightful vision as a director, quickly evolved to his most prominent contribution to American theater as Artistic Director of Circle Rep Lab from 1987 to 1994. Under his invigorating leadership, the Circle Rep Lab members staged plays every week, presenting over 300 new plays developed in workshops with artists such as Terrence McNally, William Fichtner, Michael Imperioli, William Hoffman, Lanford Wilson and many more. He directly influenced and inspired some of America's most talented theatre artists, including the renown, award winning actor/director Joe Mantello. He continued his work, founding The LAB Theatre Company in 1996, with whom he electrified NYC with his ALL DAY SUCKER. a production of short plays by LAB playwrights with LAB actors, that lasted "all day". In this event, Michael acted in my play, FIRESCAPE with Marylouise Burke, directed by Jude Schanzer and he directed WHAT I MEANT WAS by Craig Lucas as the finale play at midnight. The ALL DAY SUCKER took place at The Circle in the Square. The line went all the way around the block from Bleecker Street while people waited for a chance to get into the full house, all day and into the night. It was a grand celebration of theater and a highlight of Michael's career as an artistic director.
One of my highlights in theater was working with Michael under his direction of my play THE CAMPBELL SOUP KIDS with Brian Tarantina in the Circle Lab. His incredible vision of staging introduced me to the unlimited innovative use of space and visuals that insightful direction can bring to a play. As actors, Michael's direction brought Tarantina and I to heights that surprised us both and encouraged us to break through conventional boundaries. It was a collaboration in exploring emotinal truths inspired in pure joy.
From 1991-2001, Michael served as founding charter member of The Cape Cod Theatre Project and served on the Board of Directors, and mentored the Last Frontier Theater Conference. Michael was also responsible for much of the success of the New York State Summer School of the Arts. Michael was Professor of Theater, Directing Faculty, at Rutgers from 1995-2000.
This does not include Michael's awards, many names that he worked with and so many more of his credits.
But while Michael's credits are impressive, it is what occurred behind the scenes in the world of theatre that gives Michael Warren Powell's value on this earth such a breadth of abundance that is incomparable to prestige, financial wealth or fame.
Michael was a river of inspiration in the New York Theatre Community. He influenced and nurtured so very many artists and was beloved and admired by each and every one of them.
Every - one - of - us.
We wear your smile in our hearts Michael. Thank you for our beautiful creative family! Thank you thank you a million times over! With deep gratitude and love, Cyndi Coyne
