 Imagine a major production with the celebrity talents of Neil Diamond, Bob Hope, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Cosby, Howard Stern, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Dr. Ruth, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin and Joan Rivers, just to name a few, and an outstanding finale sung by none other than the Chairman of the Board himself, Frank Sinatra! Now imagine that this major production is performed by just one person, in about 15 minutes. Impressive? To say the least.
Looking at him, it's hard to believe that Rick Michel, with his youthful appearance and well-toned and tanned physique, has been slugging it out in the comedy circuit since the late '70's. Watching him perform, though, one can see that his toils in the industry have paid off considerably. Rick's performance is well-choreographed, incorporating props, puppets, music, and a good deal of costume changes that happen in front of the audience with the helpful assistance of exceptional timing and a strip of Velcro. Impressive? Must be seen to be believed.
 Upon meeting Rick Michel, You are handed a very eclectic business card. The front of his card is in full color with a "cartoonized" Rick in thought surrounded by the vision of the celebrities he impersonates, with the title "Inside the Mind of Rick Michel." On the back of the card, a sharp contrast of simple black and white with a simple statement: "Rick Michel Makes An Impression." Impressive? Certainly.
Coincidentally, Rick Michel is as animated, if not more so, as his business card. He greets people with as much charisma as he has on stage. Even when the grueling performance schedule is over, he still offers a smile and a joke or two, to all those who happen by his way. Just walking through a hotel with him, he is barraged with waves and "how ya doin's" from the hotel staff, whom he treats with the same respect he gives to his peers and notable performers and celebrities he meets. In fact, he houses a literal " Hall of Fame" in his own home, which consists of pictures of all the famous, and not so famous, people he's met. It's obvious by the candid poses of the celebrities he's known, that Rick not only "makes an impression" in his work, but in his personal dealings as well. Many of the autographs that adorn his famous photos read more like the crazy inscriptions in a high school yearbook, written by your best friend. Impressive? Definitely. Since 1981, Rick's Charismatic and personable style has won him the unique opportunity to work with some notable producers such as Jeff Kutash, Jean Ann Ryan, Sid and Marty Krofft, and recently Donny Moore, Greg Thompson and David Cassidy just to name a few as well as adding his name to the list of actors who have graced the stage in the musical "Grease."
Of his 40-something years performing impressions, roughly since he was seven years old, Rick
 concedes that the last ten years have been the most exciting. Having been told by Neil Diamond's mother, after a show, that his impression gave her chills. Getting to work along side John Byner, Mickey Rooney, and Sherman Hemsley, as the voice of some of the Krofft puppets. Sharing the spotlight with Rich Little. Performing his impression of and for Bob Hope, Gerald Ford, and Frank Sinatra. Being asked by Steve Allen to join the original Tonight Show cast on stage during the reunion show, as Steve's Special guest. Entertaining American troops in Korea in a Bob Hope-style road show. Opening for Bobby Collins, John Pinette, Rita Rudner, and George Wallace. Playing a schizophrenic lifeguard-killer on Baywatch ( a role that was written for him.) Making appearances on Entertainment Tonight, America's Funniest People, and the Larry King Live Show. Serenading Debbie Reynolds with his best "Sinatra." Periodically guest starring in Dick Feeney's "Viva Las Vegas".
 In 1999, David Cassidy (The Partridge Family fame) saw Rick perform at the Nevada Governor's Ball, doing his impression of Frank Sinatra with a 22 piece orchestra. Cassidy asked Rick to be the understudy for a show he was producing at the Desert Inn, "The Rat Pack is Back". Not only did Rick fill in for the Sinatra part but he also acted the Dean Martin and Joey Bishop role as well. The show reopened in March of 2000 at he Sahara Hotel in which played the role of Dean Martin for it's 25 month run.
Rick has performed his Dean Martin role for other shows. "The Tribute, Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean" and is continued to work for Cassidy on the road.
The future holds so many possibilities for this talented artist, that it's hard to pinpoint what direction Rick Michel's career will go next. It's a safe bet through whatever he does it will be impressive.
Rick Michel Makes An Impression?
You'd better believeit! |
