Franc D'Ambrosio and Liz Callaway bring extensive Broadway credits to Webber revue
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Franc D'Ambrosio craves a trip to the Strip District, "where I expect I'll gain 10 pounds," while fellow New Yorker Liz Callaway is hoping to catch a game at PNC Park "despite what the Pirates did to the Mets here [in New York]."
The Phantom and Grizabella, among other names they have been most associated with in their careers, will try to fit in those excursions amid rehearsals and the Pittsburgh CLO production of "Love Changes Everything," a revue of Andrew Lloyd Webber hits with the CLO orchestra and ensemble onstage at the Benedum Center opening Friday.
With Mr. D'Ambrosio and Ms. Callaway, the other vocalists are Kevin Kern, whose Broadway credits include "Wicked," "The Wedding Singer" and "Les Miserables," and Laurie Gayle Stephenson, New York veteran of "The Secret Garden" and "Phantom of the Opera." All have toured with concert productions of Sir Andrew's music.
Mr. D'Ambrosio had come to be known as the Iron Man of the Mask, having played the Phantom on the road for more than six years and 2,400 performances. He gave Pittsburgh its first look at the show while touring in 1993. The Bronx-born performer studied at Italy's Vocal Institute of Lucca and, while there, with Luciano Pavarotti. He also played the adult Anthony Vito Corleone in "The Godfather Part III."
- Where: Benedum Center, Downtown.
- When: Friday through July 14. 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
- Tickets: $20.75-$65.75; pittsburghCLO.org or 412-456-6666.
In all his travels, which include 80 concerts a year, he has kept a soft spot for Pittsburgh, where he studied with the late voice coach Lorenzo Malfatti. While he's here, he will reconnect with the Evancho family, whom he became acquainted with through Jackie's uncle, Matt. Mr. D'Ambrosio said Mr. Evancho has invited him to participate in a theater course at Point Park University.
First Published July 7, 2011 12:00 am
