July /August 2012
(As seen in PMc Magazine, 2012)
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1: Who am I?
I am MaryAnne Piccolo. The name is ethnic, not instrumental. Many
people call me Map for short. Most of my friends affectionately call me
just Mappy.
2: What do you do and what project are you currently working on?
I am a performer. I am a character actor predominately working in
musical theater. I just finished a run of the zany rock n’ roll roller
skating musical Xanadu which ran this summer in Park Slope. My niche is
really in contemporary and edgy pop and rock musicals. With that being
said, I am also a vocalist and have my hands in many pots outside the
musical theater world. I am working on some really exciting projects
with a few musicians including a demo for a new musical. I am also a
teaching artist. For my next project, I will be joining forces with the
incomparable Mike Greco and his band Tribute. We will be fronting a
Fleetwood Mac/ Stevie Nicks tribute band. I am so pumped to be on board
for this because the talent and musicianship involved are tremendous.
It’s a vocalist’s dream to get to sink your teeth into material like
this, not just because of the fantastic melodies, but for the
storytelling demanded by a catalogue like this.
3: Where are you from and where are you going?
I was born and raised on Lawn Guyland as they say, or rather I say. I
moved to New York City in 2001 and soon after, I hit the road for work.
Between touring and regional gigs I have performed in I think around 43
states, Canada, and Europe. I would say one of my favorite contracts
was playing at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. It was wild. Where am
I going? Onward and upward I hope, while conquering anything that may
be in my path.
4: Who is your biggest hero?
I have two heroes: my parents. In their own ways they both taught me
that hard work and dedication can pay off and that any goal is
obtainable. You just have to figure out your journey to get you there.
5: What book is your bible?
I honestly do not have a book that I live by, and I don’t really read
for pleasure much anymore as I am half way through graduate school and
most of my reading is for research. But if you want a wild read I
recommend
I’m with the Band: Confessions of A Groupie.
The book is a memoir by Pamela Des Barres recounting her escapades of
the late 1960′s and early 1970′s. And if you really have time on your
hands, you can follow it up with
Take Another Little Piece of My Heart: A Groupie Grows Up where she ends up living alone with her two cats, Dupi and Tupi.
6: What are some things you love? And some things you hate?
I love my family and friends. I also love singing, dancing, laughing
so hard I almost pee, really good iced coffee, fashion in the 1970′s,
killer boots, bunnies, and anything black leather fringe. I hate people
with a sense of entitlement.
7: What is your raison d’être?
My reason for existence is to create art that inspires people to live
the best life they can. As a teaching artist, I use a phrase with my
students: aspire to inspire!
8: What is your favorite color?
Paint it black!
9: Who is your favorite comic book superhero?
I was never really into the whole comic book superhero deal as a kid.
As a very young child I did however watch WWF (now known as WWE) with
my uncle, and I was obsessed with it. I think it was because it was
very theatrical; the props and costumes back then were fantastic. It was
also around the time of the birth of MTV and almost every WWF wrestler
had a theme song and music video. I knew them all, owned the record,
and had special choreography to each song. If I had to pick a favorite
athletic-fantasy-man-in-a-crazy-outfit-from-my-childhood it would
undoubtedly be
The Ultimate Warrior. He was just badass.
10: What is your favorite NYC hot spot?
I would have to say my favorite party in NYC is
Breedlove’s Magic Monday.
Over the years it has changed venues a few times, but it has finally
made its home at Tammany Hall. It’s always a blast with different guest
performers and artists each week, but you can always count on being
crooned to by your host with the most, Breedlove. Breedlove and I have
been friends for over ten years. He is my family and literally one of
the most talented giving beautiful people you will ever meet.
11: What turns you on?
Con Edison if I pay my bill on time.
12: What would the last question of this questionnaire be if you were the one asking?
I would probably ask something like what is your favorite beauty
secret or regime that you swear by? I feel like you never know what
tricks people have up their sleeves and if it helps me not get wrinkles
or sleep better I want to know the tricks.
—
MaryAnne Piccolo is a New York City based artist. She is a woman of
many hats, and all of them fabulous. She is a professional in theatre
world with credits that include a variety of regional work,
international gigs and a 1st national tour. She is a stand out amongst
her peers not only because of her edgy look and rock infused vocals, but
she has comedic chops to spare. As a vocalist, MaryAnne’s versatility
allows her to cross over genres with great ease. Although she is
classically trained and specializes in musical theatre, her heart is all
rock n’ roll. MaryAnne is also a freelance teaching artist who works
with up and coming young artists as well as working professionals. Her
teaching artistry is deeply rooted in story telling, narrative,
justification, and empowerment. She aspires to inspire her students to
take control of their art, own it, love it, live it and change lives
with it. For more information on current productions, events, or
private coaching please visit www.maryannepiccolo.com.
LINKS:
Facebook Page
Twitter: @MaryAnnePiccolo
MaryAnne Piccolo’s Site
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Questions by PMc Magazine
Edited by Ceara Maria Burns
Photography by Veronica Ibarra
Design by Jillian Mercado
Contact Jillian Mercado if you’re interested in becoming a “Who Am I?”
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Caption:
MaryAnne Piccolo, 2012, Photography by Veronica Ibarra
