METROPOLIS INSIDER: Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is proud to welcome home our favorite Jersey Boy Michael Ingersoll, along with his adorable wife Angela. The pair are set to serenade MPAC audiences Saturday, June 22, with their hilarious and heartwarming concert My Baby Just Cares For Me. In anticipation of the big night, we caught up with Michaelangela (can we call them by their celebrity couple name?) at home in Los Angeles to collect some juicy facts you may not know.
1. Their stars are in alignment.
“Hey, Baby. What’s your sign?”
Michael is a Libra. Keyword: Balance.
Libra is a diplomat, oozing with social charm, who seeks harmony. This devoted partner is a great communicator and sensitive listener. He is creative and quick to grasp ideas. Ruled by Venus, everything he touches has a hint of romance. Yet because Mr Balance laboriously weighs all sides of an issue, everything is a big freaking deal and he is totally stressed out. Don’t be so judgey, Libra; you can’t please everyone. Famous Libras include Ed Sullivan, John Lennon, George Gershwin, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Angela is a Leo. Keyword: Courage.
Ruled by the Sun, Leo shines brightly. She loves being the center of attention, expressing a child-like zest for life. The big-hearted Lioness is brimming with compassion, generosity, and a fierce sense of loyalty. Lucky Leo has impeccable timing and exudes a style all her own. Sound like a handful? Sure is. Major newsflash, Leo, YOU ARE NOT ALWAYS RIGHT. Now please stop cutting other people off in conversation all the time. Famous Leos include: Lucille Ball, Mae West, Gracie Allen, and Madonna.
2. They may be able to break into your house.
You know the Ingersolls are no strangers to the Metropolis stage, but how well do you really know them?
Sure, they appeared here in the hilarious musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Heck, you may even remember that was Michael’s last show before he was cast in the life-changing mega-hit…
JERSEY BOYS! He played over a 1300 performances as Nick Massi of The Four Seasons to sold out crowds in San Fransisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
You probably even recall that during his Jersey Boys tenure, Michael dedicated his Monday nights off from his busy Broadway in Chicago schedule to launch his solo concert right here at Metropolis. The show was wildly popular, full of surprises, and sold out 18 command performances. In addition to entertaining, Michael and Angela offered free workshops to students and raised ten of thousands of dollars for Metropolis Youth and Operational Programs. All this goodwill seems pretty philanthropic, but we suspect ulterior motives.
You see, eventually former Mayor Arlene Mulder got in on the act. Mulder joined Michael on the Metropolis stage during one these concerts and declared him Arlington Heights Adopted Son. She then presented him with a KEY TO THE CITY. You may wonder, “What exactly does this key open?” “How well do I really know this guy?” “Has my security been compromised?” Only time will tell, Dear Reader.
3. Michael is one more reason Public Television rocks.
Following his massive success in Jersey Boys, Michael rallied a few of his fellow Four Seasons to start his own band, Under the Streetlamp. The group is hailed as America’s favorite retro rock sensation, and they’ve got the numbers to prove it. Streetlamp’s breakout concert special on PBS has been seen by over 100 million viewers nationwide. That’s 1 in 3 Americans! But it’s just the beginning. The crooners are currently polishing their moves in preparation for their second PBS special. And you could be a part of the show! Stay tuned to Streetlamp’s website and Facebook Page for your chance to attend the September filming.
4. Angela kissed Theo Huxtable.
Thank goodness for Second City Hollywood.
That’s where Angie’s childhood dream came true. Malcolm Jamal Warner, famed for playing the hilariously naive son Theo on The Cosby Show, stopped by to guest host one of Angela’s sketch comedy shows. Her mission: To write a sketch in which she could steal a peck from the crushable sitcom star. Mission: Accomplished. Hey, if it happens onstage it’s not cheating.
5. They are diehard sports fans.
“How many days is it till Football Season?” is a common refrain uttered in the Ingersoll household. For desperate sports junkies like these, life is measured in two columns: Ws and Ls. Blinded by their faith in gladiatorial heroes, the incorrigible couple actually mark the passage of time by what professional sporting event is being televised. Daily routines revolve around “Tip-Off” times. Weekly assessments of ball clubs’ accomplishments, or “Divisional Rankings” sway moods. And months of this addictive behavior escalate into a cyclical epidemic known as “Playoff Fever.” The very well being of these sorry souls is inextricably linked to the outcome of a meaningless game.
Sadly, so-called “Fantasy Sports” are just as vital. That’s right; a pretend version of an already meaningless game actually excites these people.
But seriously folks, Michael had the great honor of throwing out the first pitch for the Cubs at Wrigley Field! Watch his perfect strike, and booth interview here: http://michaelingersoll.com/comcast-sports-network/
6. They are lovers of animals.
One day Michael will adopt the Greyhound of his dreams. But for the last ten years, the Ingersoll family has been comprised of beloved kitty companions. Meet them here:
Mr Styx – Definitely Michael’s guy. Sticky is a terribly handsome, big-boned Tuxedo. But don’t let his good looks fool you… he’s a bit of a grumpy cat. It’s just that Mr Styx is very set in his ways. But earning the trust of such a curmudgeon pays off. He’s an excellent snuggler.
Ella the Cat – Angela’s angel. This sweet little black kitty may have been the runt of her litter, but you wouldn’t know from her regal presence. Ella was a confident, graceful lady; the ultimate lap cat. She was the supreme procurer of body heat. She was extremely intuitive and kind. Ella lost her battle with cancer earlier this year and is deeply missed.
Birdie – Introducing the newest member of the family, Little Bird! This orange tabby is an irresistible charmer who delightfully chirps his way through the day. Tirelessly playful and affectionate, he always wants to be the center of attention. With such an innocent personality, he may just be the cutest cat that has ever lived.
7. They are lovers of travel.
Here are a few of their favorite destinations:
Ponte Umberto I, Rome.
Cafe du Monde, New Orleans.
South Bank, London.
Gros Islet, St. Lucia.
8. There is only one thing Michael will brag about.
Surprisingly, it is not his Second Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do .
It’s his cooking. Nothing makes Michael happier than spending hours upon hours devising a menu, shopping for the perfect ingredients, and lovingly preparing a thoughtful meal. He knows he’s good, and doesn’t hesitate to prove it. Sorry, Moms, but the Thanksgiving Turkey has been taken over by the next generation. Michael’s bird is just better. His secret? BRINE.
9. There is (pretty much) only one thing Angela will brag about.
Surprisingly, it is not her multitude of acting awards.
It’s her technical savvy. When not engaged in life upon the wicked stage, Angela can often be found alone, mumbling to herself, eyes glued to a laptop. She is a self-taught web designer and digital artist. Angela’s perfectly happy to spend hours upon hours snuggled up with a good Photoshop project. She can probably help you with your computer-based woes. To her it just makes sense. Angela understands that the internet is a series of tubes, and that those tubes are filled with cats.
10. What do they miss most about Chicago?
It’s not the convenience of public transportation. Mmm… french-fry warmer.
Or the magnificence of local museums. RAWR!
Or the elegance of world-class dining. Oyster shooter, anyone?
It’s the people. Like this colorful guy at Lincoln Square’s Oktoberfest. Or the friendly staff at the Melrose Diner in Boystown. Or the random stranger named Luis who pulled over to fix Angela’s flat tire that one time on Irving Park. Every corner of Chicagoland is populated with decent, dedicated folks.
“We’ll be seeing you soon, friends!” -Love, The Ingersolls
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