MICHAEL LEE BROWN: From Broadway to Songwriting

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

 

Host: John Chisum

 

Guest: Michael Lee Brown

 

Episode Title: MICHAEL LEE BROWN: From Broadway to Songwriting

 

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Song Revolution, John welcomes singer, songwriter, and Broadway actor Michael Lee Brown, best known for his four-year run in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. Michael shares his unexpected journey into the NCS studio, his early beginnings in music, his transition from musical theater to singer-songwriter artistry, and the faith-filled moments that shaped his path. He opens up about the disciplines of acting, the joy and challenge of writing authentically, and why storytelling matters now more than ever. This episode offers inspiration for any creative searching for clarity, direction, and renewed passion in their craft.

 

Episode Topics:

• Michael’s early exposure to music and his family’s creative influence
• The road to Dear Evan Hansen and the meaningful moments that confirmed his path
• What it took to perform as Evan, Connor, and Jared
• Lessons learned from repetition, preparation, and total immersion in a show
• How audience feedback shaped his understanding of the show’s impact
• Life after Broadway and navigating the post-pandemic creative landscape
• Michael’s songwriting process for pop and musical theatre
• Writing from personal truth versus writing from a character’s perspective
• John’s coaching advice on emotional authenticity in songwriting
• The heartfelt inspiration behind Michael’s song “Bob’s Town”
• New music, teaching, and what Michael hopes for in the next season of his career

 

Key Highlights:

• A meaningful Broadway breakthrough:
Michael reflects on years of walking past the Music Box Theatre, imagining himself on that stage, long before Dear Evan Hansen moved there. He later discovered a ring used in his first rehearsal was engraved with the Lord’s Prayer—one of several moments that affirmed his steps.

• Becoming the only actor to play all three major male roles:
Michael shares the strategy, training, mental discipline, and repetition required to perform Evan, Connor, and Jared at different times throughout the show’s run.

• The emotional weight and reward of the work:
Letters, conversations with fans, and powerful audience reactions reinforced the deep impact Dear Evan Hansen had on people of all ages.

• Songwriting as a window into the soul:
Michael describes his usual melody-first writing approach, how musical theatre requires a different process, and the tension between writing catchy songs versus revealing more vulnerable personal truth.

• The power of story in “Bob’s Town”:
Michael explains the inspiration behind the song, which honors a man named Bob and the small town that lovingly supported him. The story underscores the beauty of simple kindness and everyday humanity.

• Looking ahead:
  Michael is actively auditioning, writing new music, teaching voice and acting, and preparing to release more songs in the coming year. 

Resources & Links:

Connect with Michael Lee Brown:

https://www.michaelleebrown.com/

Learn more:
Visit NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com for songwriting resources, coaching, and community.

 

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Join the NCS Community for coaching, resources, and connection

https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community

 

Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025

 

Sign up for Free First Monday Songwriting Training
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training

 

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https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-collective/