'People's Tenor' Celebrates Italian Heritage Month at Palace

World-renowned “People’s Tenor” and musical heartthrob Michael Amante will perform everything “From Pavarotti to Broadway” when he is joined by Connecticut’s own soprano, Marissa Famiglietti, to celebrate Italian-American Heritage month at the Palace Theater on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 8 pm.

Affectionately known as the “People’s Tenor,” Michael Amante has been crowned the “Prince of High C’s” for his remarkable ability to hit and sustain with ease one of the highest notes of a tenor’s voice. Singing since the age of five, he is gifted with a greater than four octave range and is considered a most versatile performer for his ability to sing in a variety of languages, including Italian, Spanish, Polish, French, German and Latin.

With a combination of good looks, romantic charm and emotionally charged singing, Amante has wowed audiences everywhere. He regularly records and performs in a vast array of styles, including Classical, Italian Art, Pop/Rock, Gospel and Broadway with a flair, finesse and finely crafted artistry that put this virtuoso vocalist firmly in his own class. Also known as “the Voice of the Mets” for singing opening and playoff games at the former Shea Stadium and the new Citi-Field, Amante has been hailed as “The Fourth Tenor,” by Regis Philbin, and deemed “The next Mario Lanza” by artist Tony Bennett.

Joining Amante on stage is Waterbury resident and soprano Marissa Famiglietti, who is scheduled to perform as a duet partner on several of Amante’s 2010 concert engagements. A frequent and versatile concert artist, Famiglietti was most recently heard in the role of Marguerite in Faust, conducted by legendary tenor Perry Price, with The Hillhouse Opera Company. Ms. Famiglietti made her debut singing the role of Suor Genovieffe in Suor Angelica with the Opera Theater of Connecticut, where she recently returned to sing the role of Annina in La Traviata this past August. Famiglietti’s recent appearances in Connecticut include Soprano Soloist in the Mozart Requiem with Musica Sacra at the Shrine of St. Anne, Guest Artist at the Waterbury Chorale’s Favorite Catholic Hymns at the Basillica of the Immaculate Conception, and the Pavarotti Tribute Concert at the Silas Bronson Library.

Before the performance, a 6 pm pre-show dinner will be held in the Poli Club, located on the mezzanine level of the theater. Dinner is $40 per member and $50 for non-members, which includes tax, service fee, coffee and tea. A cash bar is also available. Seating is limited and reservations may be made when purchasing tickets through the Box Office.

Tickets for Michael Amante: “From Pavarotti to Broadway” can be purchased by phone at 203-346-2000, online at www.palacetheaterct.org, or in person at the Palace Theater Box Office, 100 East Main Street in Waterbury. Groups of 20 or more qualify for discounted rates and should call the Group Sales hotline at 203-346-2002. For more information on becoming an EPASS member, contact the Box Office at 203-346-2000.