New video: Renée Marino ’04 comes home to Wagner

New video: Renée Marino ’04 comes home to Wagner

On May 7, the Wagner College Theatre welcomed home one of its own, Renée Marino ’04, who is starring in the Clint Eastwood production of “Jersey Boys,” which is being released next month. Marino came back to Grymes Hill to accept the 2014 Alumni Key Award from the Wagner College Alumni Association. She talked about her career, gave advice to the current Wagner College Theatre class, and answered questions from the audience.

Watch the complete program:


And watch the trailer for "Jersey Boys," opening June 19:

 

Louis Siani ’51

Louis Siani ’51

Louis-SianiLouis Siani is a New York City based artist, educator, musician and entertainer playing piano in nightclubs, big bands and events all over the world for more than 70 years. Mr. Siani began playing in small clubs in the area at only 16 years old and has played with the elite of the music world. He went on to gain fame and recognition in some of the legendary New York clubs such as The Blue Note.

After the war and serving in the Navy, Siani continued his education receiving his Master’s Degree (and beyond) in music education at Wagner College, in Staten Island, New York. He worked for the Board of Education teaching band and orchestra for 31 years while also maintaining his music business at the Richmond Music Studios. Mr. Siani also was the musical director and orchestra leader for various New York productions including the Miss America preliminary pageants throughout the area.

The Louis W. Siani orchestra has become iconic in the Staten Island and New York City areas. Mr. Siani has provided musical services for legendary New York restaurants and also generations of families; first playing at weddings and then continuing on for anniversaries and important family events decade after decade. Mr. Siani is also a well-established professional for corporate events, executives, theater, film and notable celebrity affairs. Mr. Siani’s reputation as a talented and consummate professional endears him to his devoted clientele.

Mr. Siani continues to travel throughout the world. He was the entertainment for the Amtrak executive excursions between New York and Quebec over the years. He has played clubs in Ireland, where he was joined by his vocalist wife for their classic tribute to the American Songbook. Most recently, Siani was performing in Positano, Italy at some of the most popular restaurants in the tony resort area.

In addition to his music career, Mr. Siani is also a talented painter as well, with his work displayed at exhibits throughout the area, including a returning spot at Sailor Snug Harbor’s annual art show. A devoted Navy man, he continues to donate all his many talents to entertaining veterans at events and rehab facilities. Siani is a life long learner who continues his Italian lessons every week and continues to play and spread his passion for American made music and will be on tour with his tribute show, “The Golden Age of the Broadway Musical.”

Jenny Kelly ’13

Jenny Kelly ’13

jenny kelly headshotA native New Yorker, Jenny Kelly was born in Staten Island and raised in Rockland County.

In her early years, Jenny nurtured a love of music and performance by studying piano and flute, and taking part in various high school and community theatre productions. In 1990, Jenny made Staten Island her permanent home, and New York City her infinite playground.

After taking nearly 15 years off to tackle life and raise a family, Jenny decided it was time for a return to college and to theatre. At thirty-something, she enrolled at Wagner College to pursue a degree in theatre, and graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Theatre Performance & Speech, and a minor in Religious Studies in May 2013.

Some of her performance credits include "Next to Normal" (Diana), "RENT" (Joanne), "Into The Woods" (The Witch), "Benches" (Joyce), "Love, Life...Lyrics" (Maria), "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" (Madame la Marquise de Merteuil), and "Lysistrata" (Stratyllis).

Matthew Hosmer ’13

Matthew Hosmer ’13

M.Hosmer-2 fixed red croppedMatthew Hosmer is a 2013 Wagner College graduate. Some of his favorite performance credits include "The School For Lies" (Oronte), "Urinetown" (Tiny Tom), and "My Fair Lady" (Cockney Quartet). He has also appeared Off-Broadway and is featured on two original cast recordings. In addition to performance, Matthew also works as a music director. Past credits include "Zombie Prom" (WCT), "John & Jen," "Next to Normal," "Hairspray" (asst. music director), and "Little Shop of Horrors" (asst. music director).

Steven Babino ’13

Steven Babino ’13

Steven Babino (without name)Steven is a 2013 graduate of  Wagner College, where he studied both Theatre & Music.  While at Wagner, he toured with the Wagner College Choir, and was involved with the productions of Guys & Dolls, Legally Blonde, Seussical, Cinderella, and Beauty & the Beast.  As a musician and vocalist, Steven has performed on stages around the country, including performing the National Anthem with his brother Anthony at the Richmond County Ballpark prior to The Beach Boys Concert.  Most recently, he provided bass guitar, & lead and backing vocals for the debut album of Sons of Origin, an emerging alternative rock band, which he co-founded with his brother Anthony.  Steven has sung on a national TV commercial for DOVE soap, and is continually performing LIVE at various venues around NYC.

The Golden Age of the Broadway Musical

The Golden Age of the Broadway Musical

The Golden Age of Broadway PosterCreated by Wagner alumnus Louis Siani '51, The Golden Age of Broadway is characterized by uniquely American classics, familiar, sung and whistled by people of all ages. Composers including George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Rogers and Hammerstein are all represented. Often although their work is familiar, it cannot be attributed or put in its place in American history and its cultural significance is forgotten. One might not realize that one great composer; Irving Berlin, was responsible for such classics as “God Bless America”, “White Christmas”, and “The Easter Parade” – all unique Americana penned by an immigrant to New York from Siberia, Russia.

This project is created for a piano and multiple vocalists to recreate the Broadway American Songbook, putting into historical perspective its contribution to American society. Explanations of the role of musicals in their heyday, starting in the 1920’s – a time before television- and through the 1960’s, will unfold as a story told through its musical creations. Mr. Siani's goal is not just entertainment, but an education in putting the familiar in its appropriate context and place in American culture.

Come see this wonderful show during Reunion Weekend 2014!

Featured Wagner Performers

 
Elana Abt '13
Elana Abt is a Chicago native and recent graduate from Wagner College, where she majored in Theatre Performance.  She is one of the featured performers in the revue "The Golden Age of the Broadway Musical" being performed during Reunion Weekend 2014. Regional credits: Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), West Side Story (Consuela), Rocky Horror Show, […]
 
Post Image for Jenny Kelly '13
Some of her Performance credits include "Next to Normal" (Diana), "RENT" (Joanne), "Into The Woods" (The Witch), "Benches" (Joyce), "Love, Life...Lyrics" (Maria), "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" (Madame la Marquise de Merteuil), and "Lysistrata" (Stratyllis).
 
Post Image for Louis Siani '51
Louis Siani is a New York City based artist, educator, musician and entertainer playing piano in nightclubs, big bands and events all over the world for more than 70 years. Mr. Siani began playing in small clubs in the area at only 16 years old and has played with the elite of the music world. […]
 
Post Image for Matthew Hosmer '13
Matthew Hosmer is a 2013 Wagner College graduate. Some of his favorite performance credits include "The School For Lies" (Oronte), "Urinetown" (Tiny Tom), and "My Fair Lady" (Cockney Quartet). He has also appeared Off-Broadway and is featured on two original cast recordings. In addition to performance, Matthew also works as a music director. Past credits […]
 
Post Image for Steven Babino '13
Steven is a 2013 graduate of  Wagner College, where he studied both Theatre & Music.  While at Wagner, he toured with the Wagner College Choir, and was involved with the productions of Guys & Dolls, Legally Blonde, Seussical, Cinderella, and Beauty & the Beast.  As a musician and vocalist, Steven has performed on stages around […]