Mr. Mistretta is a seasoned performer with a wide range of experience in various mediums, including Broadway, television, film, and cabaret. His extensive background has taken him to both coasts, where he has appeared in major productions such as Evita and Sunset Boulevard, as well as the Ace Award-winning Sweeney Todd, in which he played the role of Pirelli.
One of his most notable roles was in the 1982 production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which starred Angela Lansbury and was filmed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The production was directed by Terry Hughes, who is also known for his work on The Golden Girls.
Mr. Mistretta's performances have earned him numerous awards, including the Helen Hayes Award, the Boston Theatre Critics Award, and the St. Louis Theatre Critics Award. He has played a diverse range of characters, such as Gus/Growltiger in 'Cats', Uncle Grahame in 'The Fix', and the Phantom in Ken Hill's version of the American premiere of 'Phantom Of The Opera'.
In addition to his stage work, Mr. Mistretta has also appeared on television and in film. He has worked on the team for Law & Order and has appeared in a New York Knicks commercial directed by Spike Lee. He has also performed in the innovative production of Cabaret, which was directed by Rob Marshall and Sam Mendes and took him on tour across the country and to Tokyo and Broadway.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Mistretta has spent most of his professional life between there and Los Angeles. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre and a Bachelor of Science degree in Radio/TV from Ithaca College. He has also given a lecture/master class series that was well-received throughout the country and enjoys coaching acting in New York.
Throughout his career, Mr. Mistretta has had the opportunity to work with many notable actors and directors, including Lauren Bacall, Madeline Kahn, Kevin Kline, Mandy Patinkin, Patti LuPone, Bob Gunton, Glenn Close, George Hearn, Dyan Cannon, Audra McDonald, Mary Louise Parker, Mareitte Hartley, Faith Prince, and Angela Lansbury. He has also worked with directors such as Chris Columbus, Edward Zwick, Dick Wolf, Spike Lee, Terry Hughes, Trevor Nunn, Rob Marshall, Sam Mendes, and Hal Prince.
