College of Fine Arts and Design

Oct 1, 2012

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Broadway Tonight Series will present Broadway’s “Phantom” Franc D’Ambrosio in a concert titled “Franc D’Ambrosio’s Hollywood – Songs from the Silver Screen” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 in UCO’s Mitchell Hall Theater.          

D’Ambrosio is best known for his impressive portrayal of the “Phantom” in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical “The Phantom of the Opera.”  He was awarded the distinction of the “World’s Longest Running Phantom,” an accomplishment that was immortalized in a cemented hand ceremony.          

D’Ambrosio is also known for his role as Anthony Corleone, the opera singing son of Al Pacino and Diane Keaton in Francis Ford Coppola’s Academy Award-nominated film “Godfather III.”           

D’Ambrosio will weave stories from his youth in the Bronx with marvelous songs from the classic movies of the silver screen such as “Singing in the Rain,” “As Time Goes By,” “Pennies From Heaven,” and “Somewhere in Time,” among others.  The UCO Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ralph Morris, Ph.D., will accompany D’Ambrosio.          

“Franc is a very personable, outgoing and charming performer.  His show is definitely going to be something special,” said Greg White, Ph.D., director of UCO’s Broadway Tonight series.          

“Our students, both musicians and musical theatre performers, will gain a lot of insight into what it is like to be a professional performing artist.  Franc is so charismatic and genuinely cares about educating the next generation of performing artists.”          

In addition to D’Ambrosio’s performance, UCO’s Broadway Tonight 2012-2013 season includes special performances by Tom Wopat, best-known for playing “Luke Duke” in the “Dukes of Hazzard,”and world-renowned modern dance company Pilobolus.          

During D’Ambrosio’s visit he will lead a music theatre master class for Central music theatre students.          

A reception is scheduled following the performance, offering audience members a chance to meet D’Ambrosio.          

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling the Mitchell Hall Theater box office at (405) 974-3375.

For a complete listing of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events and performances including Broadway Tonight Series performances, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/events.