43
Rust Belt's Marisa Zamary in one-woman show
She's Got a Way
Video
Marisa Zamary talks about her one-woman show with the Rust Belt Theater Company and demonstrates her singing prowess.
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
YOUNGSTOWN
Marisa Zamary is a staple of Rust Belt Theater.
The talented actor-singer has been with the theater troupe since it was founded seven years ago and has appeared in most of its productions.
She has become, as Rust Belt visionary Robert Dennick Joki put it, an MVP.
Theatergoers will get to see more of Zamary in an upcoming solo show.
Titled “She’s Got a Way,” Zamary put together the one-woman musical revue, which will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and again next weekend, at Rust Belt’s chapel theater in the Calvin Center.
The performance will feature popular songs and show tunes, with Zamary bridging it together with between-song commentary.
“It’s 16 songs strung together with a monologue that I wrote myself,” she said. “It stays true to Rust Belt’s mission of presenting only original theater. I talk through the whole thing, including some ridiculous stories about my life and family, and the theater ...”
Zamary said she didn’t want to just do the songs that everyone has heard time and time again. “I included some songs that are not so popular, some really great obscure songs, and blended them in.”
While Zamary can definitely hold her own on stage during a musical or play, the one-woman show is something new to her.
“It’s terrifying and wonderful all at the same time.”
Her show is 90 minutes, including an intermission.
Rust Belt leader Joki explained why Zamary got the honor.
“Each June we choose a local performer to showcase, someone who has been sort of a most-valuable player for the season,” he said. “Marisa began working with me when she was a teenager. In the last seven years, she has done everything from children’s theater to ‘How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas.’ She originated the roles of Judy in ‘Living Dead: the Musical’ and Lenore in ‘Nevermore.’ She not only performs in, but choreographs most Rust Belt theater shows. This is definitely her year.