He objects!
Just ask Matthew Friedman

By Rita Charleston
For the Times

While in court representing his clients, Matthew Friedman kept his true career goals to himself . . . until the day he got the news he had waited for so long.
Raised on Long Island, Friedman graduated from Hofstra University and Hofstra Law School. Then the multi-talented singer-composer-instrumentalist settled for being a lawyer, just in case his real dream never materialized.
By day, he stood in the courtroom. But on weekends he took any gig that came along, like playing at weddings, to display his musical side and style. And one night fate stepped in and he found himself playing at the wedding of entertainer Billy Joel.
"What a weird twist of fate. I think I just happened to be at the right place at the right time," said Friedman, who caught the eye of several people, including Michael Cavanaugh, the man who was playing Joel the "Piano Man" in Movin’ Out on Broadway.
In fact, Cavanaugh was so impressed with Friedman’s talents that he asked if he’d be interested in doing the national tour of the show.
"I told him not only was I, but I’d drop my law career like a bad habit," Friedman happily explains.
And sure enough, while in court one day, arguing a motion in front of a judge, Friedman got a phone call — and the news — that would change his life forever.
"When the call came, I asked the judge if I could have ninety seconds for a life-or-death phone call. He gave me five minutes," Friedman said. "When I found out I was chosen for the lead in the show, I gave four days’ notice, and in no time at all I was on tour with this great show."
An extraordinary blend of dance, rock and theater, Movin’ Out has garnered rave reviews everywhere it moves. In addition to a 2003 Tony award for each of its creators, the show received the 2005 "Best Musical" award, as well as the 2005 and ’06 "Best Choreography" awards, from the Touring Broadway competition.
Friedman, in the lead as the Piano Man himself, spent 2006 performing the role of Billy Joel for the First National Tour of Movin’ Out. He now continues in the role at Harrah’s in Atlantic City through Aug. 21.
Featuring 24 songs by Billy Joel, the show follows the story of lifelong friends through two turbulent decades that change them and the world around them forever. Songs like It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me, We Didn’t Start the Fire and Pressure all come together to weave a musical backdrop that complements Twyla Tharp’s innovative choreography.
Tharp has explained that the story is told without language. "The movement and the action tell the story. The experience, the emotional resonance, comes from action rather than language," the choreographer said.
For Friedman, not being a lawyer anymore is an incredible thing. "You don’t realize how much you dislike something until you’re able to get away from it," he said. "My job now, playing in front of full houses and getting to do the music I grew up on, the music that I love, the music of Billy Joel, is fabulous. Nothing can beat that."
Of course, Friedman added, Billy Joel can be a tough act to follow.
"There’s a lot of pressure on me night after night because Joel is such a phenomenal singer and piano player, and here I am supposed to be him," Friedman explained. "But it’s an honor to do this role. Getting to emulate my idol is awesome."
Had this opportunity not come his way, Friedman said, he’d probably still be practicing law today. But now that his dream has come to pass, he said he’s just going to "ride this wave as long as possible and see where it takes me."
"I’m so glad I made this change in my life. And if the music business dries up for me, I can still go back to the law again . . . although, to be sure, it was never my passion." ••
For times and ticket information, call 1-800-736-1420.