MICHAEL MALIAKEL & LESLEY NICOL

In this clip, Maliakel invites us backstage with Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir, and describes how this stunning production sets a new standard for Christmas celebrations.  

He shares what makes it different from a traditional Broadway show, and explains how Choir Director, Mack Wilberg made his experience into a singer's dream come true!

“This truly epic Christmas has set an unattainably high bar for Christmases to come. I think I was nervous about feeling dwarfed, but being up there singing with them feels supportive. We are all in this together. I hope this will inspire people to think about those who have less than they have, to reach out and be of service, to be generous, and I hope that our music does that." – Michael Maliakel

Michael Maliakel is currently starring as the title role in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway. An award-winning Indian American actor and singer, Michael was recently featured in two PBS concert specials—“Broadway’s Brightest Lights” alongside Broadway luminary Megan Hilty and “An Evening with Lerner and Loewe.” He recently made his Kennedy Center debut in the critically acclaimed production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard starring Tony Award–winner Stephanie J. Block. Michael has toured North America with the 25th anniversary production of The Phantom of the Opera. 

Other stage highlights include Anything Can Happen in the Theater: The Musical World of Maury Yeston (off-Broadway debut); Leonard Bernstein’s MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers; Georg in She Loves Me (PlayMakers Repertory Company); and the record-breaking world premiere of Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding (Berkeley Repertory Theatre). Michael lives in Connecticut, where he and his wife welcomed a beautiful baby girl last year.

Beloved actress Lesley Nicol narrates the true story of Hugo and his wife hosting a Christmas feast for impoverished children, as actors and dancers bring the story to life on stage.

Watch as Nicol takes us behind the scenes of Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir, comparing it to her past acting roles. She describes her journey narrating the true story of Victor Hugo and his wife hosting a feast for impoverished children, highlighting the incredible teamwork involved. 

Nicol also reflects on what resonates most deeply with her from this unforgettable experience.

“When he says ‘Aimer, c’est agir,’ which is ‘to love is to act,’ it’s just beautiful. As a performer, the thing that strikes me is the amazing teamwork that is happening from every angle, as everybody is absolutely working with each other as one, and the commitment of the crew and everybody backstage is at 100%. It’s a group collective decision to make this wonderful experience for people. It’s kindness in action.” – Lesley Nicol

Lesley started her musical career in the West End of London in Jesus Christ Superstar. She also starred in Mamma Mia!and Our House. Her television career in the UK has encompassed both drama and comedy, including Blackadder, Shameless, Inspector George Gently, Hancock and Joan, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. She played Mrs. Patmore in ITV’s hugely successful Downton Abbey, and her film work includes the multi-award winning East Is Eastand its sequel, West Is West. 

In the US, she has appeared in episodes of Raising Hope, Hot in Cleveland, Once Upon a Time, Supernatural, The Boys, The Odd Couple, and The Catch. Most recently, she appeared onstage in the West End in the critically acclaimed The York Realist at the Donmar Warehouse and as Miss Hannigan in Annie at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto, Canada.