Franc D'Ambrosio

Biography

Called "The Iron Man of The Mask", Franc D'Ambrosio was awarded the distinction as the "World's Longest Running Phantom". This accomplishment was immortalized in a cemented hand ceremony and Franc retained this title for over a decade. D'Ambrosio's resume also includes an Academy Award Nominated film, an Emmy Award Nominated television show, four time Tony nominated Broadway show, Two Grammy Considerations, and a National Theatre Award Nomination. Early in D'Ambrosio's career, Paramount Pictures sent five talent scouts on an exhausting two year international search. That search ended when they discovered D'Ambrosio in the chorus of his first Broadway show. Francis Ford Coppola immediately cast D'Amborsio as Anthony Corleone, the opera singing son of Al Pacino in Coppola's seven time Academy Award nominated film "Godfather III." Franc had the honor of starring in the film and also sing the Academy Award winning theme song, "Speak Softly Love" (Brucia la Terra) both in the film and on the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. This performance of the award winning song so impressed the late Luciano Pavarotti that it led to an invitation - which was quickly accepted - for him to study with the legendary tenor at his home in Italy. So began this varied and impressive career. After his note worthy run as "The Phantom Of The Opera" D'Ambrosio caught the eye of Barry Manilow. Manilow personally selected him to create and star as the male lead, "Tony", in the pre-Broadway tour of "Copacabana". The show enjoyed a successful year long tour. His performance earned D'Ambrosio his National Theatre Award nomination for Best Male Performer in a Musical. D'Ambrosio has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe and South America with his critically acclaimed one man shows: "Franc D'Ambrosio's Broadway - Songs From The Great White Way", (debut 2004) and "Franc D'Ambrosio's Hollywood - Songs of The Silver Screen"(debut 2007). D'Ambrosio is also a frequent guest artist with many major American orchestras and symphonies (Pop Series). With the success of his national and international tours, D'Ambrosio has joined the ranks of the famed Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman as only a handful of Phantom alumni to successfully crossover to solo careers. Recognized for his vibrant voice and legato singing, D'Ambrosio was invited by the Olympic Champion Brian Boitano to perform as a Special Musical Guest in the skater's NBC special "Brian Boitano's Skating Spectacular". The TV special starred D'Ambrosio and "American Idol" runner-up Diana De Garmo. D'Ambrosio also joined Boitano in his next TV special, "The 2005 Tribute to Movies on Ice." Franc starred as Special Musical Guest with Michael Bolton and "American Idol" Kimberly Locke. His performance of "Music of the Night" skated to by Boitano, received the evening's only standing ovation . While continuously touring with his popular one man shows, D'Ambrosio found time in 2008 to co-star with Dorothy Hamill in the critically acclaimed "BroadwayOn Ice", produced by Bietak Productions, Inc. D'Ambrosio rounded out the busy year (2008) starring with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra in a spectacular New Years Eve performance. D'Ambrosio's next creation was "I'll Be Seeing YOUZ... A Bronx Boys Musical Perspective of World War II". The show features more stories from Franc's colorful family and popular war songs from 1939-1946. The show debuted in April 2010. D'Ambrosio's latest creation is "Christmas In New York". This show shares colorful stories of the city in the Christmas season and is filled with favorite Christmas tunes ranging from the silly - "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" - to the sublime - "Ave Maria". The show debuts in December 2011. Franc D'Ambrosio is also involved in teaching his craft to young artists. In addition to spending summers in Italy, lecturing for the University Of Cincinnati's College-ConservatoryOf Music (at their famed Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca, Italy) he also works with the Cherubini Music Conservatory in Florence Italy and American University in Washington DC. Franc also participates in numerous lecture series for such prestigious institutions as the New Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, and the American Academy Of Dramatic Arts in New York City. While touring the country, D'Ambrosio makes himself available to local school outreach programs across the US and Europe. He offers both lecture and master class formats.