Michelle Sharman’s “Universal” Appeal
Upon hearing the phrase “living my best life” you might consider Australian Michelle “Shelly” Sharman. This singer/songwriter/performer tours the world for enthusiastic audiences. She has written hit songs, earning plaques from Billboard to back this up. You’re just as likely to find her collaborating with artists like Vassy and Afrojack (also known for his work with Madonna, David Guetta, and others) as on stage in Las Vegas or in Japan. Perhaps the biggest obstacle for Sharman is finding enough hours in the day for her numerous creative endeavors. Learning to embrace the unexpected journey with passion has been key for Shelly as she communicates, “It wasn’t my plan to leave Australia. When I first went to Japan to work with Universal, it wasn’t the expected outcome to spend more than a decade away, performing across the planet and writing hit songs…but I’m definitely happy about it. A friend of mine showed me very early in life how to hone one’s talent into greatness. This has always served to steer my path and allowed me to achieve things only dreamed of.”
The joke which so many successful artists is that their “overnight success” is years, even decades in the making. Sharman’s ascension began at Universal Studios Japan in productions like “Universal Monsters Live”, “Bride of Frankenstein”, “Funky Frida”, and the “Triwizard Spirit Rally.” While the themes ranged from monsters to the funky 70’s and even a Harry Potter theme, the requirements of her were always exceptional singing with constant movement; the ideal training ground for a contemporary music artist. Shelly returned to Australia but Universal beckoned her back to assume roles as a choreographer and director. In addition to sharing her knowledge, her new position afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with musical director Todd Schroeder. Named BroadwayWorld’s “Musical Director of the Year” in 2013, Schroeder has served as MD for countless Hollywood stars and theater legends from Liza Minnelli to Grace Potter, Sir Tom Jones, Beau Bridges, and more. Shelly relates, “On a creative level, Todd and I are well matched when it comes to writing songs and creating ideas for shows. I love writing with him because If I have an idea for something he will immediately play the piano underneath it. He can bring any vision to life when he plays that damn piano!” Todd concurs, “Michelle exudes confidence, passion, and patience in every situation. She uses these to create an environment where she can shine as well as those around her. This is the kind of ability that makes other talented people long to work with her.”
Universal Parks & Resorts welcomes nearly 50,000,000 visitors every year from all over the world. These numbers dwarf even the biggest of concert tours by major artists. For Sharman, this has given her the opportunity to create and gauge how different people and cultures receive and react to her performances and the music she creates. One might describe it as “musical entertainment CrossFit.” It’s been an informative and expanding experience for this Aussie talent who states, “The attendees react differently for sure! Japanese audiences are very polite and respectful people. They love to clap and get involved in the show. I have found the fans in the USA are not shy though. They will get up to dance, clap, and join in. In Australia, to get a standing ovation after a performance is the highest honor and it is not given unless it is warranted. Sweden is home to some of the world’s best songwriters. I would not have been exposed to that if I had not gone there. Traveling has exposed me to the next step in life. Each destination has given me the next clue. The next person I was supposed to meet, the next job I was supposed to get, the next creative outlet I was supposed to be exposed to and take part in.”
