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Michael Raabe

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BIO

Originally from South Dakota, Michael has graced the stages of Busch Gardens, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and numerous regional theaters. He is an in demand vocalist/accompanist/music director for many theaters and cabaret artists in central Florida including the award winning freeFall Theatre.

In 2014 and 2015, Michael music directed and did additional arrangements for the Off-Broadway hit DISENCHANTED!

In Summer 2023, freeFall Theatre produced the World Premiere of "OZ: A New Musical" about the life and work of L. Frank Baum with music by Michael, book by Eric Davis, and lyrics by Michael & Eric. This is the first original musical by the songwriting team. A cast recording is coming this fall!

Michael is a member of the band "RETROTASTIC!" and his cabaret shows have played to sold-out crowds including "THE PURSUIT OF SNAPPINESS" and his collaborations with Sara DelBeato "The BETTE Set - A Musical Journey to MIDLER Earth," "RING-A-DING-DING!" and "TOO DARN HOT!"

He has also been a vocal director/arranger for shows at Busch Gardens and has worked around the world for Event Show Productions, Wizard Studios, and Club Med Resorts.

Michael's musical influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Jamie Cullum, Blossom Dearie, Sinatra, Mel Torme', and Steve and Eydie.

Videos

News


HIMSELF AND NORA, TELL ME ON A SUNDAY Included in freeFall 2025/2026 Season
by Emmy Rice - Jun 21, 2025

A classic comedy-thriller from the celebrated author of Rosemary’s Baby, the return of a beloved Christmas tradition, a rarely produced gem from Andrew Lloyd Webber, a cautionary look at the life and world of Anne Frank, a musical romance about writer James Joyce and his muse, and an all-new jukebox musical lampooning a classic 80s fantasy film makes up just some of the exciting programming Tampa Bay audiences can experience for as low as $29 a month.
Previews: THE HOUSE OF FUTURE MEMORY at FreeFall Theatre
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - Jun 2, 2025

With 'The House of Future Memory,' freeFall reimagines Shakespeare’s iconic “Seven Ages of Man” monologue as an interactive performance blending music, improvisation, audience input, and AI.
Casting Announced For FreeFall Theatre's THE HOUSE OF FUTURE MEMORY
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2025

freeFall's all-new interactive production, The House of Future Memory, opens June 13, 2025. Based on Shakespeare's “Seven Ages of Man” monologue from As You Like It, this surprising and innovative performance will bring together the talents and imagination of the actors with the dreams, fears and desires of the audience to create a unique evening of storytelling and theatre that can only happen once. freeFall's 2024/2025 Season Finale is reminiscent of the classic “Choose Your Own Adventure” books from the 80's! 
Review: Hannah Benitez's Hilarious FOR CLOSURE at freeFall
by Peter Nason - May 10, 2025

In our tightknit theatre community, word of mouth matters most. Local shows live and breathe on it. Some shows can sell themselves—especially big musicals with falling chandeliers or anti-Nazi von Trapp singers.
FOR CLOSURE! From Playwright Hannah Benitez Playing At FreeFall This Spring
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 27, 2025

For Closure! by acclaimed playwright Hannah Benitez arrives on the freeFall stage for its world premiere on April 11. This contemporary farce set in the small Florida coastal town of Gulfpalm is a hilarious and satirical look at the foibles and hypocrisies of modern life.
FOR CLOSURE! Cast Announced At Freefall Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 17, 2025

Rehearsals start this week for the world premiere of For Closure! by acclaimed playwright Hannah Benitez. This contemporary farce set in Florida's Gulf Coast is a hilarious and satirical look at the foibles and hypocrisies of modern life.
Review: Stephen Sondheim's ROAD SHOW at freeFall
by Peter Nason - Feb 22, 2025

Sondheim deserves the best, and that's what freeFall has certainly delivered!
Photos: ROAD SHOW In Rehearsal At freeFALL
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2025

See photos from inside rehearsal for Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s much-traveled musical Road Show, directed by freeFall Artistic Director Eric Davis. The show is the fifth Sondheim musical produced by the company.
Cast Set For FreeFall's Production of Sondheim and Weidman's ROAD SHOW
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025

Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s much-traveled musical Road Show is directed by freeFall Artistic Director Eric Davis and is the fifth Sondheim musical produced by the company.
OZ: A NEW MUSICAL Original Cast Recording to be Released This Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2024

The original cast recording of OZ: A NEW MUSICAL will be released. OZ: A New Musical explores the genius of L. Frank Baum and his complicated relationship with his most famous creation, the Land of Oz. Learn more bout the musical!
Review: A WORLD PREMIERE ABOUT THE MOTHER OF ALL MUSICALS WITH FABLE: A FABLE ABOUT A MUSICAL FABLE at FreeFall Theatre
by Drew Eberhard - Aug 11, 2024

Doug Devita’s Fable makes its World Premiere as it anchors center stage right in the heart of St. Petersburg, to tackle the story of the Mother of all musicals. Fable tells the story about the creative differences and feuds that arise following the mounting of yet another revival of Gypsy. In the story Gypsy Rose Lee, June Havoc, and their mother June Hovic are seen at different points in their lives, and how they come to terms with the mounting of Gypsy. Featuring original music & lyrics by freeFall’s Resident Music Director Michael Raabe, and featuring the talent of an incredible Company of performers, Devita’s Fable is a beautiful masterclass in sisterhood, family, and truth above all else.
Previews: FABLE at FreeFall Theatre
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - Aug 9, 2024

'FABLE' offers a fresh perspective on Ethel Merman, focusing on her most exaggerated and stereotypical personality traits. 'We get to see how she may have engaged in the creative process knowing full well that she's walking into this project already a bankable star.'
Cast Set For FABLE at freeFall Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Jul 23, 2024

Ready or not, shh, here comes June! You’ve heard of The feuds between Capote and his Swans and Bette vs. Joan, but nothing will prepare you for the story of June Havoc, Gypsy Rose Lee and the making of one of Broadway’s most beloved properties. 
Review: Think Tank Theatre's YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at freeFall
by Peter Nason - Jun 8, 2024

Happiness, sheer happiness!
YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN to Open at freeFall Theatre in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 28, 2024

Experience the beloved characters of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN in a delightful production opening in June at Freefall Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Feature: YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN OPENS JUNE 7TH at ThinkTankTYA/freeFall Theatre
by Drew Eberhard - May 28, 2024

ThinkTank Theatre and freeFall Theatre are teaming up to present You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 16, 2024, with a preview performance on Thursday, June 6.
ThinkTank Theatre And FreeFall Theatre Present YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 11, 2024

Join ThinkTank Theatre and freeFall Theatre for a performance of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN.
Review: Societal Consciousness in A Political Era With GOD BLESS YOU, MR. ROSEWATER at freeFall Theatre
by Drew Eberhard - Mar 4, 2024

God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater is Kurt Vonnegut’s fifth novel and was published in 1965. Its Post-Modern Satire context paved way for Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, arguably his most well-known work. In the novel, Vonnegut highlights the life and times of the consciously-bound multi-millionaire Eliot Rosewater.
Casting Set For FreeFall's GOD BLESS YOU, MR. ROSEWATER
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2024

Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, pays homage to Vonnegut's witty humor and energetic dialogue with an infectious score by the Oscar-winning team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Tampa Awards; Voting Ends 12/31
by BWW Awards - Dec 26, 2023

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Tampa Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

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