Actor and writer Michael Aronov transformed his inner conflict between the many facets of his personality into Manigma, a one-man show that deeply explores and celebrates the polarity and individuality of each character.
About Michael:
His diverse look, intensity and multi-ethnic background have allowed him to be a chameleon on stage and screen. From the classics to contemporary cinema, Michael Aronov continues to carve out a career that celebrates the rich character work of the sixties and seventies.
He received The Elliot Norton Award - Best Actor for his work in originating the lead role in Mauritius at The Huntington Theatre, in Boston. Most recently Michael was in Europe firing up the stage as Stanley Kowalski in the classic - A Streetcar Named Desire. He also originated the role of "Leo" in Terrence McNally's world premiere of Unusual Acts of Devotion, in Philadelphia. Previously he was in LA under the direction of Estelle Parsons in Salome, starring Al Pacino. His collaboration with Parsons began with their work together at The Actor's Studio. That production was one of the final stage ventures for the late great Joseph Chaikin. A revered pioneer in Experimental Theatre and the off-Broadway world, Joe Chaikin took Michael under his wing after their first introduction in Sam Shepard's New York premier of The Late Henry Moss, at The Signature Theatre. Aronov maintained his relationship with The Studio working on Strindberg's Playing With Fire, directed by another Academy Award winner, Lee Grant. He extended his passion for the classics at The Actor's Studio with a Chekhov intensive by Oleg Tabakov - The Moscow Art Theatre.
Along with his stage success, Aronov continued to find a balance with film and television. From complex troubled characters on "Life on Mars", and "Threat Matrix", to cocksure troublemakers in "Lipstick Jungle" and "Without a Trace", Michael kept his roles vibrant and varied. He made several appearances in the "Law & Order" franchise, worked with the late Bruno Kirby in Barry Levinson's "The Beat", among various episodes on "Spin City", "The Game" and "All My Children." He gave a shockingly polar portrayal in two Sundance Film Festival favorites: Hedwig & the Angry Inch and Lbs. The latter film showcased his unique level of immersion into a role as he lost nearly fifty pounds to reflect the authentic downfall of a charismatic Italian/American addict. Amexicano, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, also reflected another complete transformation - a brick of man who serves as a catalyst in facilitating the union of the two cultures in the film.
Residing in New York, Michael Aronov continues to push the envelope on the stage. He played opposite Annabella Sciorra as her wildly dreamt-up "Conquistador" in MCC's production of Spain at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. To sold-out houses, Aronov shook up theatergoers with his controversial solo-show Manigma, playing six flawed and fantastic individuals searching for solace and change. The enigmatic actor also earned raves for his darkly visceral portrayal of Jean in Strindberg's classic Miss Julie at the landmark Cherry Lane Theatre; a dangerous and flamboyant Dionysus in Chuck Mee’s The Bacchae 2.1; and Edgar in an award-winning production of King Lear.
He has been honored nationally with a Level 1 Award for Acting by the NFAA in association with the ARTS; an IRNE Award nomination for best supporting actor, MA; The Greer Garson Award in Dallas, TX; and in culmination of his work he was the 2004 recipient of The Individual Grant Award by the Belle Foundation, "exhibiting exceptional talent and potential for achievement in the arts."
For more information, please visit: www.manigma.net