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An unlikely Jersey boy raised in Oradell, Harrington Park and Kinnelon, Michael has surveyed the New York theater and arts scene for 30 years. In addition to his 17 years as a writer-reviewer for The Star-Ledger and its Newhouse News syndicate, Michael previously was an editor and reviewer for Back Stage and was senior editor of both Theatre Crafts and Lighting Dimensions magazines. A three-term President of the New York Drama Critics' Circle, Michael is a longtime essayist for the Best Plays annual series and has served on numerous awards panels. Lately he has been interviewing celebrated designers for the New York Public Library's Theatre on Film and Tape archives. He devised the Fred Astaire musical tribute "I Won't Dance," which enjoyed cabaret, off-Broadway and regional success. Michael resides in West New York and spends considerable time in Cape May.