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Michael Lee Stever

Birth Place: Medford, Oregon

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Michael Lee Stever BIO

Michael Lee Stever is an American film director, cinematographer, producer, writer, and actor - shooting and editing projects in both New York City, and Los Angeles. Stever originally set his sights on a career in journalism. At seventeen he produced his first film at Sacramento High School, nearly twenty years would pass before finding himself behind the camera again.

During those twenty years, Stever worked successfully as a full time actor, singer & dancer. Theater and screen credits include the role of Joe Hardy in NETworks national tour of Damn Yankees, Diesel in a Berlin-based Broadway production of West Side Story under the direction of Alan Johnson, a stint at Brisbane Australia's 1988 World Expo, singing & dancing on the world's largest stage in Donn Arden's Reno-based epic, 'Hello Hollywood, Hello' several shows at the prestigious Paper mill Playhouse, and singing in New York city's historic Radio City Christmas Spectacular. He also had the good fortune to star opposite film/theatre legends Betty Garrett and Carole Cook in an Oklahoma based production of 'Arsenic And Old Lace.' In 1998 Stever made his television debut in an episode of the Robo-Cop inspired science fiction series, 'Super Force.'

Stever put his acting chops on hold in 2001 & devoted himself exclusively to writing and video production. This also marked his return behind the camera where he worked for nearly three years with Rick McKay as Unit Production Manager on the critically acclaimed documentary, 'Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There.' An avid 'King Kong' lover from the time he was six, It was on the set of 'BGA' where Stever met and was befriended by none other than Fay Wray. 'BGA' was Wray's last film. After Wray's passing in 2004, Stever spent an exhilarating stint researching & unearthing a tremendous amount of archival data on her for the documentary, 'Fay Wray: A Life.'

Stever's first independently produced documentary, 'Saturday Nightmares; The Ultimate Horror Expo!' screened in New York City in October 2010 to solid reviews, and is now available on DVD & pay per view. 'Saturday Nightmares: The Movie' focuses on the now historic George A. Romero family reunion which took place at the legendary landmark Jersey City Loews Movie Palace and features the likes of Adrienne Barbeau ('Creepshow'), actor John Amplas ('Martin'), make up effects wizard Tom Savini ('Friday The 13th'), and filmmaker Roy Frumkus ('Document Of The Dead').

His recently completed documentary short films, 'Resurrecting Carrie' featuring Academy Award nominee Piper Laurie and 'Jan Broberg's Guide To Thespians, Sociopaths & Scream Queens' featuring Elijah Wood were both chosen as 'official' selections at numerous film festivals, and genre expos. In early 2012 he finalized principal photography on the music video, 'Don't Come A Knockin' for talented singer/song writer Dwight Thomas Vaughn. In June of 2011, he finalized principal photography on his first narrative comedy/drama, the independent feature 'Checking In,' based on the Fringe Festival award-winning play by Brian Hampton.

His exclusive featurette on Stephen Schwartz's first ever opera, 'Seance On A Wet Afternoon' can be viewed at BroadwayWorld.com along with other multi-media exclusives he's produced.

Stever also served as the official camera man for The Drama Desk Awards for nearly 10 years & has had the honor of directing & filming the likes of Vanessa Redgrave & Debbie Reynold's induction into The Friars Club in NYC.

Most recently, he served as co-cinematographer on the critically lauded 2018 documentary, 'Every Act of Life' which chronicles the ups and downs of legendary, recently departed playwright, Terrence McNally.

Michael Lee Stever Videos

Michael Lee Stever News


Photos: The Mabel Mercer Foundation Celebrates Opening Night Of The Cabaret Convention


The cast and patrons of The Mabel Mercer Foundation gathered with artistic director KT Sullivan at the Algonquin Hotel for an elegant after party celebrating the first night of the Cabaret Convention.

Stu Richel Brings VIETNAM...THROUGH MY LENS to Metropolitan Playhouse This Month


In honor of Vietnam Veterans Day, Metropolitan Playhouse welcomes Stu Richel for one week only March 29 - April 2, 2023, presenting his solo-journey into and through Vietnam as a combat photographer. 

Video: Watch Lost Footage of Broadway Greats in ON THE STEPS OF THE SHUBERT


Broadway veteran Kurt Peterson appears in On the Steps of the Shubert, a video commemorating the 50th Anniversary of 'Sondheim: A Musical Tribute'. Narrated by Kurt from the steps inside Broadway's Shubert Theatre in the rear orchestra where he sat beside Stephen Sondheim that evening, the video just debuted online in celebration of the event's 50th anniversary and you can watch it in full.

50th Anniversary of SONDHEIM: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE Will Be Celebrated in Commemorative Video


Broadway veteran Kurt Peterson will appear in On the Steps of the Shubert, a video commemorating the 50th Anniversary of “Sondheim: A Musical Tribute”, the first celebration of Stephen Sondheim's work, originally presented at the Shubert Theatre, Sunday, March 11, 1973. 

Photos: DON'T LET CHRISTMAS PASS YOU BY Benefiting BENJAMIN HOUSE Plays Chelsea Table + Stage


Eric Michael Gillett brought his usual stellar starry cast to the cabaret stage in his annual BENJAMIN HOUSE HOLIDAY BENEFIT concert, this year at Chelsea Table + Stage, and Helane Blumfield was on hand with her Nikon.

Interview: Goldie Dver of SWEET BEGINNING at The Laurie Beechman Theatre


Goldie Dver has been in the business of music and enertainment for years, but 2022 is her year for a SWEET BEGINNING.

Tickets Now on Sale for West Coast Premiere of BROKEN STORY at The Sherry Theater


Tickets are now on sale for the West Coast Premiere of Broken Story by Cyndy A. Marion (You are Perfect at The Actors Company), directed by Tamara Rappart (USC New Works Festival; Playwrights’ Arena New Pages Lab). The production will be presented by New York City’s White Horse Theater Company in association with 134 West at The Sherry Theater.

Cast Announced for the West Coast Premiere of BROKEN STORY at The Sherry Theater


New York City’s White Horse Theater Company in association with 134 West will present the West Coast Premiere of Broken Story by playwright Cyndy A. Marion, directed by Tamara Ruppart, at The Sherry Theater November 4-27.

Photos: See Liz Callaway, Tovah Feldshuh & More on the Red Carpet of the American Songbook Association Gala


American Songbook Association recently hosted the Third Annual Gala to honor Stephen Schwartz on Monday, May 9 at 7:30 PM. Schwartz - the Oscar, Grammy and Tony-winning composer and lyricist of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell and more - received the 2022 ASA Lifetime Achievement Award.

BWW Exclusive: Dawn Derow Releases Music Video From Album MY SHIP: SONGS FROM 1941


Dawn Derow's hit cabaret show has been laid down in the recording studio, and the first music video has been released in a Broadway World exclusive.

Karen Mason Releases New Music Video for 'We Never Ran Out of Love (We Just Ran Out of Time)'


KAREN MASON has announced that the new music video for the song “We Never Ran Out of Love (We Just Ran Out of Time)” is available today, Monday, December 13. The video is edited by Michael Lee Stever. It was the recipient of the 2020 “Jamie deRoy Songwriting Award” from The ASCAP Foundation, given to its songwriter Paul Rolnick.

Photos: Inside The 13th Annual DANCERS OVER 40 Legacy Awards


Dancers Over 40 returned to 'live' events this Fall with the 13th Annual Legacy Awards and Holiday Dinner on Monday, December 6, 2021.

SPEAKOUT: PROTEST PLAYS AND MORE Virtual Festival to be Presented by MultiStages


MultiStages will present 'SPEAKOUT: Protest Plays & More,' a virtual festival of multicultural multidisciplinary commissioned works, live on June 21 and recorded from June 22 to 25. The program is a 90-minute turntable of short plays, dance works and poetry exploring the essence of protest and activism.

BWW Feature: Remembering The 35th Bistro Awards One Year After The Shutdown


It was a joyful event, filled with humanity and celebration. A year later, the laughter still rings the ears of the guests... and the hearts.

Winners Announced For The 2020 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards!


This year, the BroadwayWorld Cabaret awards were thrilled to be able to celebrate streaming events from all across the globe thanks to the innovation of the Cabaret community during the pandemic - and we look forward to celebrating the return of NYC Cabaret with you all in 2021.

LAST CHANCE To Vote For The 2020 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards!


Voting ends THIS WEEK for the 2020 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards - which are back bigger than ever, celebrating the best in local theatre of the past decade! Check out the local nominees, cast your vote, and support live theatre entertainment in Cabaret!

Final Week Left To Vote For The 2020 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards!


These are the final weeks to vote for the 2020 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting will run through December 31. Winners will be announced in January!

Just 3 Weeks To Vote For The 2020 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards!


There's just two short weeks left to vote for the 2020 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting will run through December 31. Winners will be announced in January!

Just 3 Weeks To Vote For The 2020 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards!


The BWW Cabaret Awards honor exemplary performers and productions in New York from October 1st, 2019 to September 30th, 2020. Nominees in all categories excluding Special Event - Solo and Special Event - Multiple needed to have performed all or the majority of their shows (at least two of three shows) during this eligibility period.

BWW Feature: And The Nominees Are... BEST FILMED SHOW, PRESENTED FROM ARCHIVAL VIDEO


The Broadway World Awards for Cabaret have new categories this year to acknowledge artists who shard their whole shows online. These are the shows nominated by fans for their work and their generosity.

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