“Freedom: The George Michael Experience” takes place at Hunters Wilton Manors on Thursday, February 22 at 7pm (Doors open at 6:30pm). FREEDOM is an electrifying and immersive musical event celebrating the life and iconic songs of one of pop music’s brightest and sexiest stars. Conceived and performed by New York pop singer/songwriter Todd Alsup, this upbeat “club music cabaret” weaves historical multimedia clips and 20 of George Michael’s unforgettable hits while tracing the arc of his turbulent life. Todd Alsup is a Yamaha-endorsed, Out Music Award-winning singer, songwriter, pianist, and producer. He has released three critically acclaimed studio albums of original songs and slew of successful singles. Todd also conceived and performs in “Elton Undressed: Todd Alsup Sings Elton John.” Both of these shows were sold out hits this past summer at Provincetown’s legendary Crown & Anchor. Queer Guru recently called Todd “one of the most successful headliners performing each summer in PTown.”
At what age did you begin performing?
I have been performing since birth. Seriously I was like singing on the top of my lungs obsessed with music as long as I can remember. It got more focused when I was 11 and I took piano lessons where someone could guide my frantic creative energy.
What was your first professional gig?
The summer between my sophomore and junior year in high school I was hired for the Oakland County Parks and Recreation traveling summer music show. It was very cheesy, but I did get paid.
When did you know performing would be your career?
Not until late as I really resisted it. I couldn’t wait to get out of Michigan and strategized to get into college in NY to begin this life. I got into early admission in NYU. I started off as a music education major. Then in my second year I auditioned for the show. I started off to be in Musical theater and then realized that may not be for me, so I decided I wanted to write and record and perform my own music. Things kind of took off from there.
You are a singer, songwriter, pianist, and producer, is there one you like more than the others?
At different points I am grateful for each and I am always grateful that I can jump around. Somedays I love producing and some days I love arranging, but singing will always be my top love. It feels instinctive and visceral to me since I was a baby.
Do you have a favorite song or performer to perform?
I could not possibly pick one. However, there is one song of mine that I am particular proud of and that is my love song to my city and it’s called “Manhattan.”
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Intense, passionate, and thoughtful.
What do you do for fun?
After Covid who knows, but I do like to cook and love going to the movies and biking.
You won an Out Music Award…How did that feel?
Shocking, and amazing and it was really validating.
Expect to come and move because his music is undeniably danceable and it makes people dance, but also to be moved as it tells a very thoughtful story of his life. The goal is to enjoy his music but shed light on his humanity. People are often very revved up and shaken after the show as its indicative on how hard it was to be a gay man in the 80’s and 90’s.
(January was my debut in Wilton Manors and it was sold out, and that’s why we added this second show).
If people can’t make this show on or just want to see more of you, you have another show, Elton Undressed: Todd Alsup Sings Elton John, coming up on Tuesday, March 5th at Hunters. Tell me about that show?
It’s quite different in terms of the feel. George Michael is very immersive. Elton John was the first person I looked at and dissected his music when I decided to be a song writer. His songs are very bizarre, and they have a lot of odd elements compared to other pop songs. I wanted to create a show that showed my love and playing and singing those songs and showcase what makes his songs so special. People of all ages know his songs. This is a much more personal intimate show as it’s about me and my growth as a songwriter, and how Elston was a rule breaker. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a super fun show as people love these songs.
For more information on Todd, go to Toddalsup.com or check him out on social media at Instagram.com/toddalsup or Facebook.com/ToddAlsupOnline.
To purchase tickets for “Freedom: The George Michael Experience,” go to: https://tbopproductions.thundertix.com/events/220896?only_one=true
