Atlantic City Weekly

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“Rising star” is a term bandied about rather casually in this era of instant stardom via viral videos on the Internet. However, there are still some performers who take the old-fashioned approach. Just such a talented rising star is Marc Antonelli, whose background includes high school musical theater, the Boston Conservatory and the acclaimed Berklee College of Music.

Along the way, with the help of various vocal coaches, he honed his repertoire of opera, jazz standards and a side of rock ’n’ roll.

Just 23-years-old, Antonelli began his Atlantic City singing career last April as a regular at the Tango’s Lounge in the Tropicana. By October he was given a chance to play the Tropicana Showroom with a show called One On One With Marc Antonelli. He did so well, the casino offered him a chance to repeat and expand his headliner showcase this winter. Unknown to Irresistible: The Music of Marc Antonelli opened this week. Atlantic City Weekly had the chance to ask Antonelli about this career and his hopes for in the future.

How did you get started singing and who are your musical influences?

I participated in musical theatre in high school and a chance meeting with opera singer Martina Ferrante instilled a love of singing. From that moment on, the torch was lit. Many other individuals influenced me also: Enrico Caruso, Mario Lanza. Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Frank Sinatra, Josh Groban, Steve Perry, and Michael Buble.

For someone who has never heard you perform, how would you describe your musical style?

Eclectic. My repertoire includes opera, classical ballads, rock and roll, jazz, and pop.

You were first given an opportunity to sing in the Tropicana Showroom last October. How is this new show different?

“Unknown to Irresistible” is rich and complex. It runs the gamut of musical genres. The show offers songs from Frank Sinatra, to pop hits such as Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Man Without Love,” to the songs of the greatest tenors of our time – Mario Lanza, Luciano Pavarotti, and Andrea Bocelli.  Additionally, it includes songs from Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera.  Broadway dancers and background vocalists enrich the experience. The show is versatile, hip, and, at times, edgy.

What excites you the most about all this?

Everything! I am honored to perform at the Tropicana and in the same city as such greats as Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Rosemary Clooney, and Elvis Presley. What more can a guy ask?

What are your hopes for your career in the future? 

Voice has the power to move people. I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to do that. My hope for the future is that God continues to extend that privilege to me.

‘Irresistible’ Marc Antonelli
Back in July 2003 when the Borgata opened, an unknown singer became the first performer to headline at the casino’s Music Box. I had never heard of him, but after a few songs I knew Michael Buble was a special talent destined for stardom.

Marc Antonelli is not quite at the same level that Buble was in 2003, but he certainly has the potential to make his mark in the musical world. The biggest compliment I can give Unknown to Irresistible: The Music of Marc Antonelli is that it lives up to the title. Antonelli is indeed a special talent and his new show at the Trop showcases both his talent and his unpretentious and likable personality.

Backed by two musicians, Jon Pruitt and Kit Worton, with two background singers and four excellent dancers, Antonelli presents an evening a swinging jazz standards, opera, pop and a little rock ’n’ roll. Besides his musical accompaniment, he stood in front of a video screen that illustrated his various songs, be it pictures of Ol’ Blue Eyes when he did “Come Fly With Me,” or various chessboards when he sang “Anthem” from the musical Chess. Sometimes the video background was as simple as the sheet music for the song, but it all worked without distracting us from Antonelli’s vocals.

The show was nicely balanced. Jazz standards like “Cry Me A River” and ‘Come Fly With Me” were followed by a dash of Engelbert Humperdinck pop (“A Man Without Love”) and the soaring tenor and emotionalism of “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables. Later in the evening a medley of pop and jazz tunes — "Save the Last Dance For Me," “Sway” and “It Better Be Tonight” was followed by the big finish paying tribute to his passion for opera, “Nessa Dorma” from Puccini’s Turandat and “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera.

In between songs Antonelli presented just enough banter with the crowd to get a feel for his background, his unpretentious and humble mindset, and his rooting interests in football. Unfortunately on this night, the Boston native got the bad news from New York Jets fans in the crowd that his New England Patriots were going down.

I’ll bet the standing ovation he received at the end of his performance took the sting out of the loss.

Marc Antonelli
Where: Tropicana Showroom
When: Now to Feb. 26. Showtimes: Mon. 8pm; Tues. 3:30 & 8pm; Wed. 3:30pm; Sat. 9pm; Sun. 3:30 & 7pm
How much: $25