Steve Barton Talented actor, singer and dancer. Date of Birth: 26.06.1954 Country: USA

1. Steve Barton Biography
2. Early Life and Education
3. European Career
4. Breakthrough and Success
5. Later Career and Legacy

Steve Barton Biography

Steve Barton (1954-2001) was a talented actor, singer, and dancer. He performed on the stages of numerous theaters in Europe and the New World. His most famous roles include Munkustrap in the original production of "Cats" in Vienna, Raoul in the original cast of "The Phantom of the Opera," the Beast in the European premiere of "Beauty and the Beast," and Count von Krolock in the world premiere of "Tanz der Vampire."

Early Life and Education

Steve was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA on June 26, 1954. From a young age, he dreamed of the theater and began taking piano lessons despite his family's modest means. He later moved to Texas and attended the University of Texas, where he studied acting. On the advice of his teacher, Steve also pursued serious dance training. In 1972, he met his future wife, Denny Berry, in a class at Ballet Austin. Steve participated in over thirty productions with the university troupe and Ballet Austin. He eventually became an Honorary Member of the Texas University Education Council, and the Steve and Denny Barton Presidential Theatre Scholarship in Utah was named in their honor.

European Career

In 1977, Steve and Denny left Texas to pursue their careers in Europe. Steve's European career began in Switzerland, where he performed in American musicals at the Stadt Theatre in St. Gallen. He collaborated with major theater companies in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, playing roles in shows such as "West Side Story," "Godspell," "Romeo and Juliet," "The Fantasticks," "The Threepenny Opera," "Oklahoma!," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Evita," "Guys and Dolls," and "Camelot." Despite not speaking German initially, Steve quickly learned the language without an accent.

Breakthrough and Success

Steve's breakthrough came when he was cast as Munkustrap in the Vienna production of "Cats" in 1983. His dancing impressed renowned British choreographer Gillian Lynne, who also recognized his singing and acting talents. Following this success, Steve played leading roles in musicals such as "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Guys and Dolls," and "La Cage aux Folles" at the Theater des Westens in Berlin. It was during this time that Gillian Lynne invited him to audition for the role of Raoul in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical, "The Phantom of the Opera." Steve's portrayal of Raoul in the original London production won critical acclaim and solidified his status as a talented performer. He went on to play Raoul on Broadway and in Los Angeles, and also played the Phantom on Broadway for a year in 1990. His performances in "Cats" and "The Phantom of the Opera" were featured on platinum-selling cast recordings.

Later Career and Legacy

From 1988 to 1998, Steve Barton appeared in various productions, including "Anastasia Affair," "Six Wives," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "The Red Shoes," "Kiss Me, Kate," and "Mirette." In 1995, he released his first solo album, "Living Water," for which he wrote the lyrics. He also had television appearances in American soap operas "The Young and the Restless" and "Another World," as well as a leading role in the European television movie "Tatort." Steve was set to play the role of Jason in the Greek tragedy "Medea" at the Pittsburgh National Theatre in 2002, but his untimely death in 2001 abruptly ended his promising career.

Steve Barton's talent and contributions were highly regarded by both fans and critics. Andrew Lloyd Webber described him as having a strong voice, charm, and acting talent that were vital to the success of "The Phantom of the Opera." Steve Barton will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and audiences who had the privilege of witnessing his performances.