WARSAW — “Iron Man of the Mask” Franc D’Ambrosio brings his program, “Franc D’Ambrosio’s Broadway: Songs of the Great White Way“ to Rodeheaver Auditorium as part of the Lakeland Community Concert Association series at 7 p.m. Nov. 14. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased by calling Grant Magner at (574) 453-2177

Franc D’Ambrosio is best known as the “Phantom” in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award winning Musical, “The Phantom Of The Opera.” Affectionately known as “The Iron Man of The Mask,” he was awarded the distinction as the “World’s Longest Running Phantom.” This accomplishment was immortalized in a cemented hand ceremony and retained this title for a decade.

Mr. D’Ambrosio is a welcomed and frequent guest artist with many major American orchestras and symphonies (Pop Series). With the success of D’Ambrosio’s national and international tours, he 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. He has been continuously touring for 11 years.

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 talent scouts discovered him in the chorus of his first broadway show. This ended an exhausting two year international search for the perfect Anthony Corleone. Francis Ford Coppola immediately cast D’Ambrosio as the opera singing son of Al Pacino in Coppola’s seven-time Academy Award nominated film “Godfather III.” Franc had the honor of sing the Academy Award winning theme song, “Speak Softly Love” (Brucia la Terra) both in the film and on the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. D’Ambrosio’s performances of the theme song have garnered over one million hits on YouTube.

After his impressive run as “The Phantom Of The Opera” D’Ambrosio caught the eye of Barry Manilow, who 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. The performance earned D’Ambrosio his National Theatre Award nomination for Best Male Performer in a Musical.

Recognized for his vibrant voice and legato singing, D’Ambrosio was invited by Olympic Champion Brian Boitano to perform as a Special Musical Guest in the skater’s NBC special “Brian Boitano’s Skating Spectacular”. D’Ambrosio also joined Boitano in his next TV special, “The 2005 Tribute to Movies on Ice”, starring as Special Musical Guest with Michael Bolton. His performance of “Music of the Night” skated to by Boitano, received the evening’s only standing ovation. D’Ambrosio spent two weeks in Brazil during 2014 touring as Special Music Guest with “Superstars of Skating” playing to arena size audiences.

D’Ambrosio also toured Mexico in December 2014 as Special Music Guest with “Broadway on Ice.” D’Ambrosio has also previously co-starred with Dorothy Hamill in the critically acclaimed “Broadway On Ice.”

D’Ambrosio also starred in the Louisiana Lyric Opera’s successful production of “Miss Saigon.” The National Italian American Foundation featured D’Ambrosio as their special guest artist for the prestigious 2011 Spring Gala — an event co-hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinse.

Franc D’Ambrosio’s passion for teaching his craft to young artists leads to Italy each summer. He teaches at the Accademia Vocale Lorenzo Malfatti in Lucca, Italy. He has lectured for the University Of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory Of Music (at their famed Spoletto/Italy). He also works with the Cherubini Music Conservatory in Florence Italy and American University in Washington DC.

D’Ambrosio also participates in numerous lecture series for such prestigious institutions as the New Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, the famed Julliard School NYC 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. While in the area, D’Ambrosio will conduct vocal masterclasses at Warsaw Community High School Friday, Nov. 13.