It’s time to get caught up on Broadway Star Grant Norman! I bet not very many people are aware that Grant Norman actually got his start in the performing arts industry as a dancer! That’s right, Grant trained and performed with a dance company in North Dakota for four years before even breaking into the musical theatre scene. After his first starring role as Paul in Carnival Grant decided it was time to move elsewhere and see what might happen with his singing. After working with many regional theatres all over the country (including several in Florida) and studying singing in Central Florida Lyric Opera's Resident Artist Training Program, and having great success, Grant decided it was time to take the plunge and move to New York City.
“Coming to NYC was intimidating." says Grant. "I thought I was going to be overwhelmed by the amount and quality of talent. I realized upon arriving and going to a few auditions, that I fit in here. I wasn’t able to find that out for myself unless I took the plunge and came to New York.”
After moving to the Big Apple in 1991, Grant was cast in two legendary shows: Miss Saigon and The Phantom of the Opera.
About getting hired to work on Broadway Grant says, “There is only one way to know if you can work on Broadway, and that is to come to New York and give it a try. It's true, many try, and few realize their dreams, but you don't want to say you never tried.”
Playing the Phantom was both a huge honor and challenge for Grant. “When I joined on to the National Tour, it was still just 1 year old and was hitting cities for the first time. It was quite a sensation! Always a great buzz in every city, and quite a lot to live up to. What a wonderful character to play.” Grant starred in Phantom for two full years on Broadway, in London and as part of the National Tour, during that time playing both male leads - Raul and the Phantom.
So what is the Phantom up to now? Lots!
Artist SPOTLIGHT
Broadway Star
Grant Norman
By Christina Bell
Central Florida Lyric Opera Newsletter
Opera "Hi NOTES!"
July 2009
Re; Encore: Broadway On Tour with Grant Norman
Grant is currently working on a run of the show Funny Girl (the show that made Barbara Streisand famous) just outside of NYC. He enjoys being able to work close to the city and come home at night, as he and his wife have just started their family. On Easter of this year, Grant and Dawn welcomed their daughter Sophie Rose! “She is truly a beautiful little baby and such a good one too. My wife and I are blessed to have her.” beams Grant of his little girl.
In addition to playing Nick Arnstein in Funny Girl and being a full time dad (as if that’s not enough), Grant recently filmed several episodes of the show Law & Order: CSI and SVU. Grant comments on breaking into the film scene after so many years on stage, “I always enjoy doing TV work and look forward to the next project. It's amazing how you can continue to learn about your craft year after year.”
As is always the case with a career in the arts, you can never be too certain what opportunities are in store for you and what your future holds. This reality has been no mystery to Grant Norman. He has always been aware of the uncertainty and difficulty that his career path has held and has had a spectacular career despite that fact. Grant comments on his future, “I still enjoy acting and singing, and feel like I'm better at it than I have ever been. I continue to audition and look forward to that next project, without too much emphasis on what I might be doing 1 to 2 years from now. I've been very blessed to have worked consistently for as many years as I have. I count my blessings, and move on to the next audition.”
And we look forward to continuing to hear and see what is in store for this great star!
This season, Maestro Doherty will bring Grant Norman back to Central Florida for a series of concerts entitled, "Encore: Broadway on Tour with Grant Norman".
This show, which is part of our 2009-2010 Opera Series, will take place in February at all of our Main Stage venues. Grant Norman returns this season along with the Music Live Ensemble of singers to bring a second stunning tribute to the music and drama of Broadway! Grant Norman began his career in Music LIVE’s Resident Artist Training Program, studying voice with Music LIVE’s Artistic Director, Maestro Bill Doherty. He skyrocketed to fame in New York City starring on Broadway in New York and London in Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon and Beauty and Beast in the roles of Gaston and The Beast. This is another “must-see” for music lovers of all ages. Accompanied by Maestro Bill Doherty.
Central Florida Lyric Opera
