Author, Motivational Speaker, Actor at Fitzgerald Productions, Inc.
From Cincinnati City Schools’ stage to record-breaking Broadway actor
Alton Fitzgerald White has performed a record-breaking 4,308 performances as King Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King” on Broadway. But before the bright lights on Broadway, White was a rising star in the Cincinnati City School District.
“It was at those wonderful schools that I was given excellent guidance, attention and a strong foundation for a bright future in whatever I chose to pursue as an adult,” White said, specifically referring to Frederick Douglass Elementary, People's Junior High School and The School For Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA).
After graduating from SCPA in 1982, White went on perform in many Broadway roles including The Color Purple (Mister), Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker Jr.), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Ken), Miss Saigon (John), Tommy (Hawker) and West End: Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Ken).
He also become a motivational speaker and author. His most recent book, “My Pride, Mastering Life’s Daily Performance,” is an inspirational biography filled with secrets to fulfillment and joy in everyday work and life.
Additionally, White has performed concert dates all over the world, including music from his critically-acclaimed Disney My Way!, a CD full of re-imagined Disney classics. Disney My Way is available on iTunes and autographed copies of both his CD and his book are available at www.altonfitzgeraldwhite.com. You may also visit White’s website to view his TEDx Talk, performance videos, recordings and updates, or you may opt to follow him on Facebook, @WhiteAlton on Twitter and @Alton2459 on Instagram.
Educational Inspiration
“Jack Louiso, the artistic director at The Cincinnati School For Creative And Performing Arts has had the most enduring effect on me and my career,” said White. “Many of the lessons he instilled in me as a high school student continue to guide me as a professional, working artist. He taught me the importance of preparation, discipline and the flexibility needed todeal with change(s) that may turn out to be even more beneficial than my original plan.”
Giving Back
“One of the things I’ve done to give back is write a book, “My Pride: Mastering Life's Daily Performance,” recently published by Disney Editions about my experiences growing up in Cincinnati and how public schools and the arts literally saved my life as a kid,” said White. “It is important to remind students that they are their own best resource and that anything is possible with hard work, discipline and passion. I also go back to my alma mater as often as I can to do workshops, talk backs, and Q & A's to share what I learn as my journey continues. Giving back and passing on knowledge and experience is extremely important and wonderfully fulfilling.”
Current as of 4/19/2024 12:37 am