Michael announced to M.C.I.F.A. members that he is in the early planning stages of a new PBS special and concert tour, hopefully for 2008, though the timing is uncertain. Based on enthusiastic audience response in Long Beach and Lake Tahoe to the new songs and video bits he had added to the concert, he will be creating a brand new show, centered around this and other biographical material.

In Long Beach, he 'premiered' a new version of "It Only Takes a Moment" (from "Hello, Dolly!), orchestrated by Larry Blank and accompanied by a background of images from the movie, which generated an audible "Oh, my gosh - I didn't know that was HIM!" reaction from the audiences at both Long Beach and Tahoe. At the the end of the concerts, prior to his "Papa" encore, he added a lovely rendition of "Other Pleasures" which he dedicated to his daughters, Emma & Lucy. Images of the girls growing up, taken from his private family albums, were projected behind him, and the audience reaction was overwhelmingly appreciative, with wave after wave of applause reaching the stage.

Michael Performs 2 Sold-Out Concerts to Open Cerritos Arts Center Season and Celebrates at MCIFA Members' Only Event

Michael Crawford performed 2 high-energy, sold-out concerts on Saturday August 19th and Sunday August 20th at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center for very enthusiastic audiences. The occassion marked Michael's 3rd time at the Arts Center; his first appearance was taped for the Emmy-nominated PBS Special - Michael Crawford in Concert. On Monday, August 21st, at a Members' Only Event, Michael celebrated the success of the two concerts as well as the 15th anniversary of the Michael Crawford International Fan Association, which supports his career and lends a helping hand to children's charities around the world including the Free Arts Foundation (United States), The Sick Children's Trust (England) and The Lighthouse Foundation (Australia). For this weekend alone, MCIFA members raised more than $16,500!

Spending more than 2 hours with members, Michael also participated in a champagne toast to celebrate the organization's success. Members: check the Member's Only Area for additional photos and coverage.
Photos by Genevieve Rafter-Keddy (bottom) and MCIFA (top)

Michael Appears at Opening of Sick Children's Trust New Extension

Michael visited the Acorn House in Cambridge to mark the opening of the new extension to the house which is now complete and ready for use. We will have full coverage and photographs of his visit in the next issue of Notes. M.C.I.F.A. members generously supported the campaign, achieving the highest 'Platinum Brick' level of donors, and will be honored on a glass plaque at Acorn House.
Cambridge Evening News: Crawford's cracker of a present to unit

---

Photo by Genevieve Rafter-Keddy

Michael Attends Record-Breaking Phantom

January 9th was a Phantastic night on Broadway with many MCIFA members in attendance for the special event. Michael acknowledged the presence of many members outside the theatre as he emerged from his car smiling and waving along with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.

At the close of the show, the cast paid tribute to passing Cats with a humorous ode featuring many cast members past and present sans Michael. Andrew Lloyd Webber, Hal Prince, Cameron Mackintosh and Gillian Lynne all spoke thanking one another and paying homage to Maria Bjornson and Steve Barton.

Andrew noted that although Sarah couldn't make it, they did have a very special guest, and Michael emerged to a thunderous ovation. In tears, he immediately went and hugged current Phantom Howard McGillin and noted that it was his first time seeing the show, and that it was just as magic from the audience as from the stage. He gave kudos to the current leads and cast, and then noting that it was the 18th Anniversary of the show's first Broadway preview that he needed to thank Hal, Cameron and Andrew for giving him the opportunity to help create such a wonderful character that also changed his life. He then commanded the opera managers to "let the celebration begin," and with a booming "gooooooo..." Confetti and balloons fell on the cheering audience. A wonderful end to a magical night, and a great moment for the original and our favorite Phantom!

---

New Interview with Michael Crawford

BroadwayWorld.com is running an extensive interview with Michael Crawford, timed with his return to New York for THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA gala events.