Projects
Michael has been very fortunate to have two parallel careers: one as a composer/lyricist and writer and the other as a musician and conductor. You’ll find information on all of that below, but if you’re specifically interested in one or the other, click on your choice below to jump directly there.
Composer/Lyricist
An award-winning writer, Michael’s unique style blends clever lyrics, catchy music and witty dialogue that make him a favorite of actors and audiences alike.
Whether writing for a Christian boyband, magical puppets or any number of characters just trying to make it through life, Michael has always been drawn to engaging and unusual stories. He enjoys writing for the stage, screen and recording studio where he’s been privileged to have his songs brought to life by a diverse group of performers including Chita Rivera, Kelli O’Hara, Andy Karl, Telly Leung and many more. Check out just a few of his projects below - including links to all the places you can listen and learn more!
Altar Boyz
Book by Kevin Del Aguila
Music and Lyrics by Gary Adler and
Michael Patrick Walker
Altar Boyz tells the hilarious story of a Christian boyband on the final night of their “Raise the Praise” tour. Will Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham still be together when the curtain comes down or will the surprising secrets they’ve been keeping put the band asunder? The winner of the 2005 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off Broadway Musical, Altar Boyz garnered Michael (with Gary Adler) Drama Desk nominations for both Outstanding Music and Lyrics - 2 of the 7 nominations the show received including Best Musical. The original production, choreographed by Christopher Gattelli and directed by Stafford Arima, closed on January 10, 2010 having played 16 previews and 2,032 regular performances making it the 9th-longest-running Off Broadway production of all time!
Dog and Pony
Book by Rick Elice
Music and Lyrics by Michael Patrick Walker
Dog and Pony is a romantic musical comedy about the nature of the perfect collaboration. Mags and Andy are a screenwriting team with a track record of hits and a professional relationship that’s firing on all cylinders. But when Andy’s marriage hits the rocks, forever single Mags wonders if she wants to rewrite more than their latest draft. This totally original musical is a witty and irreverent look at what happens when “will they or won’t they?” collides with “damned if they do and damned if they don’t!”
Out of Context
The Songs of Michael Patrick Walker
Out of Context is a collection of thirteen original songs assembled from musicals in development, cut and stand alone material and one old favorite that’s been completely re-imagined for this album. A wonderful introduction to the music and lyrics of Michael Patrick Walker, Out of Context features stellar performances by Michael Arden, Natalie Venetia Belcon, Peter Friedman, Noah Galvin, Lisa Howard, Cheyenne Jackson, Andy Karl, Telly Leung, Andy Mientus, Anne L. Nathan, Kelli O’Hara, Kerry O’Malley, Jim Stanek, Kate Wetherhead and Rachel York all backed up by an amazing band of Broadway musicians – including Michael himself on piano.
So Much To Say: Songs for Everytown
So Much To Say is a collection of 11 original songs written by some of New York’s finest composers in response to the wave of gun violence across the United States. Michael’s contribution, Stand For Change, is a powerful anthem, brilliantly sung by Shayna Steele as a defiant cry for everyone affected by this epidemic. Proceeds from the sale of this album benefit Everytown for Gun Safety.
Johnny and the Sprites
When Johnny moved into a house in the woods, he had no idea his backyard was the gateway to Grotto’s Grove, the home of the magical Sprites and their friends! This wonderful collection or the best songs from Seasons 1 and 2 of the Emmy-nominated TV show let’s you sing along with Johnny, Gwen, the Sprites and the Fuzzies – even some of their special guest stars! Featuring 19 of the fantastic original songs written for the series by Michael Patrick Walker, Stephen Schwartz, Mark Hollmann, Bobby Lopez and more!
Carols for a Cure
Great music for a great cause!
Benefitting Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS, these annual albums feature holiday songs performed by Broadway and Off Broadway shows. Michael contributed several original songs to Volume 8 and Volume 9 alone as well as with collaborators Gary Adler and Phoebe Kreutz.
The Battery’s Down
The Battery’s Down! was a hit web series created and written by Jake Wilson. Playing a fictional version of himself, Jake struggles to navigate the highs and lows of the theatre world with the help of his colorful group of friends and original musical numbers! The Season 1 CD features the songs written for each episode by today’s best and brightest musical theatre composers including Michael, Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey, Jeanine Tesori, Dick Scanlan, Laurence O’Keefe and more!
LOOKING For SOMETHING YOU DON’T SEE?
some shows, recordings or sheet music not listed above might be available
Use the contact form to send a message and we’ll tell you if and where you can find it!
musician
Throughout his parallel career as a theatre musician and conductor, Michael has performed extensively in the pit orchestras for many Broadway, Off Broadway and touring musicals.
He brings his dedication, musicality and experience to every show he works on, whether as the music director, substitute musician or anywhere in between. Take a look at the playbills from just some of the shows he’s worked on and peruse his resume below
Follow Michael on The Socials!