Steve Withers
Encyclopedia
Steven Withers is an American pianist
.
, California
, graduated from Point Loma High School
in 1978. He studied composition and piano performance at the University of Cincinnati’s College/Conservatory of Music (CCM) for five years before beginning his professional career. For several years in the 1990s Mr. Withers could be found at the piano on stage with the stellar cast of Forever Plaid in their record-breaking run at the Theater in Old Town. During this same time he served at the Principal Accompanist of the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego under the baton of Gary Holt, one of the founders of the GMCSD. In 1998 he toured extensively with Michael Crawford
in Mr. Crawford’s solo show, playing keyboards with the on-stage orchestra. Performances included dates at Radio City Music Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and an appearance on The View with Barbara Walters. Steven can be heard on the live CD recorded that summer, In Concert: Michael Crawford. After playing in the bands for both Jane Eyre (La Jolla Playhouse
) and The Full Monty (Old Globe) Mr. Withers moved to Manhattan (2000–2004) where he played keyboards for both those Tony nominated shows and recorded the Jane Eyre Original Broadway Cast album. He played piano for the workshop of Ragtime creators Flaherty and Ahrens’ A Man Of No Importance with Richard Thomas and Faith Prince, which later opened at Lincoln Center. Steven music-directed workshops in London and New York of Daddy-Long-Legs, a new show by Jane Eyre creators Paul Gordon and John Caird, and continues to work as scribe for Paul Gordon’s work, including three new shows in development: Emma, The Circle, and The Front. He recently accompanied When Pigs Fly at San Diego’s Diversionary Theatre, the third oldest LGBT theatre in the United States
, and will be the Music Director for Diversionary’s upcoming Christmas show It’s A Fabulous Life! in November 2006. Steven is thrilled to be back in San Diego with his (nearly) life-long love (13 years and counting,) Marc d’Hondt, Executive Director of Stepping Stone of San Diego, Inc., the award winning addiction recovery facility for Gays and Lesbians, and to be accompanying the glorious singing of the Gay Men's Chorus of San Diego
.
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
.
Biography
Withers, a native of San DiegoSan Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, graduated from Point Loma High School
Point Loma High School
Point Loma High School is a public high school in the San Diego Unified School District in San Diego, California. It is located in the Loma Portal neighborhood of Point Loma. The school serves the neighborhoods of Point Loma and Ocean Beach. In addition, students who live in Mission Hills may...
in 1978. He studied composition and piano performance at the University of Cincinnati’s College/Conservatory of Music (CCM) for five years before beginning his professional career. For several years in the 1990s Mr. Withers could be found at the piano on stage with the stellar cast of Forever Plaid in their record-breaking run at the Theater in Old Town. During this same time he served at the Principal Accompanist of the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego under the baton of Gary Holt, one of the founders of the GMCSD. In 1998 he toured extensively with Michael Crawford
Michael Crawford
Michael Crawford OBE is an English actor and singer. He has garnered great critical acclaim and won numerous awards during his career, which covers radio, television, film, and stagework on both London's West End and on Broadway in New York City...
in Mr. Crawford’s solo show, playing keyboards with the on-stage orchestra. Performances included dates at Radio City Music Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and an appearance on The View with Barbara Walters. Steven can be heard on the live CD recorded that summer, In Concert: Michael Crawford. After playing in the bands for both Jane Eyre (La Jolla Playhouse
La Jolla Playhouse
La Jolla Playhouse is a not-for-profit, professional theatre-in-residence on the campus of the University of California, San Diego. -Background:...
) and The Full Monty (Old Globe) Mr. Withers moved to Manhattan (2000–2004) where he played keyboards for both those Tony nominated shows and recorded the Jane Eyre Original Broadway Cast album. He played piano for the workshop of Ragtime creators Flaherty and Ahrens’ A Man Of No Importance with Richard Thomas and Faith Prince, which later opened at Lincoln Center. Steven music-directed workshops in London and New York of Daddy-Long-Legs, a new show by Jane Eyre creators Paul Gordon and John Caird, and continues to work as scribe for Paul Gordon’s work, including three new shows in development: Emma, The Circle, and The Front. He recently accompanied When Pigs Fly at San Diego’s Diversionary Theatre, the third oldest LGBT theatre in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and will be the Music Director for Diversionary’s upcoming Christmas show It’s A Fabulous Life! in November 2006. Steven is thrilled to be back in San Diego with his (nearly) life-long love (13 years and counting,) Marc d’Hondt, Executive Director of Stepping Stone of San Diego, Inc., the award winning addiction recovery facility for Gays and Lesbians, and to be accompanying the glorious singing of the Gay Men's Chorus of San Diego
Gay Men's Chorus of San Diego
The Gay Men's Chorus of San Diego , was an organization of gay male performers, their friends, family, and those who supported GMCSD's mission. GMCSD was founded in the early 1990s...
.