Multi-talented rising star to perform in Westlake

Mike Cefalo, center, starred as Cosmo Brown in “Singin’ in the Rain.” Cefalo will perform at Porter Library on Feb. 16.

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For a fourth year the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council is sponsoring “Catch a Rising Star: Baldwin Wallace Music Theater in Recital.” On Tuesday, Feb. 16, BW Music Theatre major Mike Cefalo presents a musical program that showcases his innate talents, his polished skills and a love for his art form. Cefalo will perform at 7 p.m., at Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road.

Jazz standards and music of the '40s and '50s have a special appeal to Cefalo. He enjoys performing songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Frankie Valli and other “amazing artists” of that era. But all aspects of theater, singing, acting and dancing, specifically tap dancing, are to his liking. “Performing for me is just as much about telling a story as it is to entertain anyone and everyone,” he said.

Last summer Cefalo had the opportunity to use his multi-talents when he was cast as Cosmo Brown in a production of “Singin’ in the Rain” at the Park Playhouse in Albany, New York. Originally, the part was made famous on film by Donald O’Connor. Cefalo’s other stage appearances include “A Chorus Line,” "Saturday Night Fever," “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Carrie: The Musical."

Albany’s Times Union newspaper gave Cefalo’s 2015 performance this review:"The very best thing about 'Singin' in the Rain' at Park Playhouse is Michael Cefalo as Cosmo Brown. ... Cefalo, who's still a college student and was found during a group audition, gives a star-making turn as Cosmo.”

Cefalo said he was drawn to theater at a very early age and describes it as “the most joyous part of my life.” The Pittsburgh native, who was attracted to Baldwin Wallace University by its music theatre program, said he is from a “wonderful and gigantic Italian family.” 

The Feb. 16 Westlake performance, which provides an opportunity to enjoy this young, talented, trained performer, is offered free by the WWAC, embodying its mission to provide the community with an enhanced and broadened cultural life that will promote awareness, education and involvement in the arts.