[citation needed] Born in Buffalo, New York, Ragusa graduated from Holy Angels Academy and was just a few credits shy of receiving a business degree from Erie Community College when she toured the campus at Niagara University and decided to follow her dream, transferring as a theatre major.
[2] She has been involved with Born for Broadway, a benefit of song helping fund spinal cord injury research and supporting individuals with paralysis.
[17] In 2014 she performed the role of Alice Bean at Avery Fisher Hall in a one night concert of Titanic[18] and was also featured as Madame Theodore in the Susan Stroman directed World Premiere production of Little Dancer at The Kennedy Center.
[19] Beginning in November 2021, Michele originated the role of Austin in Flying Over Sunset, at Lincoln Center, conceived, written, and directed by James Lapine.
[22] In addition to Broadway theatre and symphony orchestras[23] she works extensively in regional theatre[24] She has co-starred with Tony Award winner Roger Bart, renowned award winning actress Elaine Stritch,[25] Robert Cuccioli[26] and American Idol Justin Guarini[27] Studio album Original Cast recordings Other appearances