Paul Louis Lessard is a passionate performer, musician, and educator currently based in the Pacific Northwest.
Originally hailing from Okemos, Michigan Paul grew up as the youngest in a family of six and was surrounded by their family’s love of music, theatre, dance, literature, art, and travel. They trained at The Interlochen Arts Academy, The London Dramatic Academy and received their BFA from The University Of Michigan in Musical Theatre.
With over 25 years as a professional performing artist, Paul has appeared at Music Theatre Of Wichita, The Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Portland Center Stage, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Northern Stage, Maine State Music Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, Palm Beach Dramaworks and Wagon Wheel Theatre. Paul originated the role of Albert de Morcerf in Frank Wildhorn’s American premiere of THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO at Pioneer Theatre Company. In NYC he's appeared at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center (I AM HARVEY MILK with Kristin Chenoweth) as part of Broadway Backwards at The Minskoff Theatre, singing back-up for Lisa Howard at Birdland and numerous other performance venues including Joe's Pub, Rockwood Music Hall and Le Poisson Rouge. He can be seen in the film Easter Mysteries directed by Broadway's Daniel Goldstein. They also worked as the lead vocalist with Regent Seven Seas touring North, Central and South America. Paul is a recipient of the “Outstanding Individual Performance Award” for their work in the New York Musical Festival.
They most recently made their Broadway national touring debut in the 50th anniversary production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR direct from London’s West End in the role of Herod. This production re-opened the Broadway Series in 2021 at Portland’s Keller Theatre. Their performance garnered positive international acclaim including mention in The LA Times, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post and The Toronto Star.
Paul is also a certified yoga instructor, having recently completed their training at The Yoga Space NW here in Portland.
Photo by Michael Kushner Photography
