Franc D'Ambrosio first caught the public's eye when he was cast as Anthony Vito Corleone in "The Godfather Part III," in which the young singer/actor gave an impressive performance as the son of mobster Michael Corleone (Al Pacino). In this final chapter of the legendary saga, Anthony eschewed the mafia life, choosing instead a career in opera. D'Ambrosio mesmerized moviegoers with his incomparable pipes. He recalls his "Godfather" co-stars with great fondness.
"It was my first audition for a film," D'Ambrosio said in a phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter while on tour. "Pacino, Diane Keaton and Eli Wallach took me under their wing. I got tutored by the best."
D'Ambrosio has since received worldwide acclaim for his long stage run in "The Phantom of the Opera." He melted hearts in San Francisco when he sang "The Music of the Night" during Phantom's five-year San Francisco run. He said that although making "Godfather" was a positive experience for him, his heart remains on the stage.
"I enjoy the process of stage work more than film work," said D'Ambrosio. "The creative aspect of film is left up to the editor and director, not the actor. If the actor gives four different takes, it's the director who picks the take and creates the overall arc of any character. When I do stage work, I'm the one who makes the arc of my character."
D'Ambrosio has also enjoyed a successful career as a solo cabaret performer. A few years back he toured the country in Franc D'Ambrosio's Broadway. He's played to sold out crowds at Feinstein's at the Nikko, where he returns on November 17 in a brand new show. With "I'll Be Seeing Youz: A Bronx Boy's A Musical Perspective of World War II," D'Ambrosio promises "a funny show filled with well-known standards and irreverent songs from the Second World War period."
The singer said that he'll be performing numbers that are associated with both men and women. He'll be performing from the perspectives of both genders. Some of the better known tunes the audience will hear include "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square," a Bing Crosby medley, and of course "I'll Be Seeing You." In between songs D'Ambrosio will share stories about his colorful Italian family.
"It'll just be me and Stephanie Lynn Smith, my pianist," he said. "She makes her piano sound like a band!"
D'Ambrosio said that he won't be wearing any period costumes.
"Maybe a hat," he said, "and a few props. Sometimes less is more when what you have is working so well."
Having lived in San Francisco for five years during "Phantom" 's lengthy run, D'Ambrosio said he feels like the Feinstein's gig is a homecoming.
"There's nothing like San Francisco in terms of culture and diversity," he said. "San Francisco is the only place I know of where your hairdresser might be straight while your plumber is gay."
D'Ambrosio turns out to be a man of many talents. He's also an accomplished painter and enjoys his twin careers.
"I love painting," he said. "I've had a few solo shows and I sell a fair amount of paintings. It's the way I know how to relax."
Though he often does abstract work, D'Ambrosio's canvas style can change from painting to painting.
"I paint whatever comes to mind," he said. "I put a palate of colors on the canvas and go for a ride. Sometimes it's abstract, sometimes it's a face. It's a huge discovery project."
D'Ambrosio is currently represented by ArtHaus, which he tells us is the number one contemporary gallery in San Francisco.
Whether he's singing, acting or painting, Franc D'Ambrosio is living his dream. He said he was looking forward to returning to Feinstein's. It's his tenth gig in the iconic room.
"I just love it here," he said, referring both to Feinstein's and city he now views as his second home.
Franc D'Ambrosio performs "I'll Be Seein' Youz, a Bronx Boy's Musical Perpsective of World War II," including stories from his family life. $35-$55. November 17, 8pm. Feinstein's at the Nikko, Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.francdambrosio.com www.hotelnikkosf.com/feinsteins