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| Dominic Fortuna Answers Our Questions | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 8 2009, 10:45 AM (1,100 Views) | |
| evancol | Aug 8 2009, 10:45 AM Post #1 |
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Dominic Fortuna, who plays the role of Vince Fontaine in “Grease” was nice enough to answer some questions for us about himself and his role in ”Grease”, as well as share a little about performing on stage with Taylor. A little background on Dominic: Dominic Fortuna isn’t new to musical theatre and he has worked with some legends! Barry Manilow told him, "Kid, you got great chops!" Dominic, who plays Vince Fontaine in “Grease", does have a voice that can light up a theatre. That’s what he does in the introduction of “Grease” with charisma and a rock ‘n roll vibe that sets the stage for the kids of Rydell High! From his website, www.dominicentertainment.com : Dominic Fortuna has been singing professionally since the age of 13. He was a long time member of the Young Americans musical touring group. Dominic has a commanding stage presence. He knows how to read a crowd and keep an audience involved. He is very personable and he appeals to a wide audience. His performance abilities have been praised in television and large and small stage…” In 1994 Dominic performed at the World Cup Opening Ceremonies at the Pontiac Silverdome alongside Larry Gatlin and Martha Wash. He has also performed along side Dean Martin, Arsenio Hall, Peggy Lee, Les Brown’s Band, Drew Abbott from Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Joe Piscopo and Barry Manilow. He has toured nationally and internationally and performed in Europe in the original Ballet of West Side Story with the Young American’s Song and Dance Company. He also did a Midwest Tour of “Grease” with the American Musical Theatre." One reviewer describes Dominic's performance: "A melodic master who dances between decades and genres with the greatest of ease, Dominic Fortuna forges each of his shows to depict a history of music which is guaranteed to touch each and every generation represented in the audience, reminding us all what first drove us to love our own musical preferences in the first place.” —Scott Sevener, Northern Michigan Writer Reviewing Dominic's 2003 Alpenfest Show In his home state of Michigan, he is active in his own dinner theatre, The Williamsburg Showcase Dinner Theatre, near picturesque Traverse City. Williamsburg Showcase Dinner Theatre And if all of that is not enough to keep him busy, Dominic performs in a variety of groups, as the "Dominic Duo" for smaller, more intimate gatherings, "The Dominic Fortuna Band" for wedding receptions and larger gatherings or "The Big Breakers" is a full show band for larger events like festivals and corporate events. Dominic can even write a special show that is unique for your group or event. In his interview with TTHC, Dominic reveals more about his road to the “Grease” stage via the television realty show, “Grease: You’re The One That I Want.” When he got the call from Broadway, he met Taylor there, and the rest is “Grease” history. If you have met Dominic at any of the “Grease” performances, you know how friendly he is, with a great personality. He is so good in his role, that it is hard not to call him “Vince!” Find out more about Dominic at Dominic Entertainment Dominic Answers Our Questions TTHC....How did you get your start performing? Have you always performed in theatre, or have you performed in other genres? Dominic....I started when I was in elementary school doing talent shows and things like that. I got my first professional gig at age thirteen at a dinner theater near my house called Brownwood. I played at my dad's restaurant as the host and had a band there. Really, my forte is dinner theater. I have one in Williamsburg, Michigan, near Traverse City, and it's a musical review. I also have a few bands, and we do lots of different things. I've done musical theater before, but I actually do other things more often. TTHC: How did you get the role of Vince in Grease? It seems to be the perfect fit. Did you audition specifically for that role or just to be in the play itself? Dominic....I was on the TV show, "Grease: You're the One That I Want," and everything kind of took off from there. When I didn't get Danny, I just thought that was that, and it was a great experience. But a few months later, I got a call from Jim Jacobs, creator of Grease, who asked me to fly out and audition for the part of Vince Fontaine. I jumped at the shot, and we added the warm-up. TTHC...Taylor's portrayal of Teen Angel is so unique and obviously his own. What were your thoughts when you found out Taylor Hicks was cast as Teen Angel? Dominic....I worked with Taylor on Broadway for a couple weeks before we both joined the tour. We actually shared a dressing room on Broadway. So, he actually had the role before I joined the cast. I was excited. I loved his voice on Idol, and I thought it was a great idea to have the Teen Angel be a cameo and so unique. TTHC...How has it been working with Taylor in Grease? Dominic....Taylor's just "one of the guys" in Grease. We have a blast! TTHC...We have seen you at a few of Taylor's shadow shows. What were your impressions seeing him in that type of performance, rather than on the "Grease" stage? Dominic....Taylor has been nice enough to invite me to some of his events outside of Grease and I always love it! I remember the first one I went to one. I was just blown away. TTHC....What are your hobbies when you aren't "DJing" for "Grease?" How do you like to relax? Dominic....I have a home and family in Michigan, and I love to just hang out with them. When you're away for so long, you really cherish the times when you just sit around and do nothing! I am a hunter and fisher, so if we're ever in a city on the water, I always take a fishing trip. I go out to eat a lot...it's kind of hard to relax on tour! :) TTHC...Do you have entertainment mentors or favorites? Who are your legends or heroes? Dominic....I got the chance once to work with Dean Martin and that experience has stuck out in my mind for years! He was so relaxed on stage and off. He just had a cool way of portraying himself as a host, even at just a regular concert, and I've always drawn from that. Other influences are Elvis, Frank Sinatra. Some mentors who I've worked with and become friends with would be Drew Abbot from Bob Segar's Silver Bullet Band and Joe Piscopo. TTHC.....Do you get to select the songs for the warm up routine, or are they chosen for you? Either way, they are great fun! Dominic....Thanks! :) I chose the songs. When I started on Broadway, I got the unique opportunity to kind of just write and direct the warm-up myself. It was one of those, if we don't like it, we'll fix it. Evidently, they liked it! TTHC....What would be your dream role if you could have any role in theatre? Dominic....This might sound funny, but it really is Vince Fontaine and doing the warm-up and everything! I can't imagine anything fitting me so well! I'm living the dream! :) TTHC....Do you know what you will do after "Grease," or is that too far off to begin auditioning and planning for? How can fans keep up with you when "Grease" ends? Dominic....As of now, I plan to go back to Michigan and keep my dinner theater and bands going. Anything can happen, though, and I'm always open to a change in plans! You can keep up with me on my website: www.dominicentertainment.com. We want to thank Dominic for taking the time to answer our questions. Edited by evancol, Aug 8 2009, 10:48 AM.
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| san | Aug 8 2009, 11:53 AM Post #2 |
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Dominic is very friendly off stage. The first time I ran into him in Tucson, I just unthinkingly called him "Vince"!!! And I KNEW his name was "Dominic!" I made a mental note....!! After Taylor's Shadow show at Roxy's, he gave fans a "thumbs up" and said the show was great! Thanks, Dominic, for the interview! All of you ROCK the "Grease" stage! Edited by san, Aug 8 2009, 11:54 AM.
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| RagsQueen | Aug 8 2009, 12:19 PM Post #3 |
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He's such a neat guy! I love his warm up! He & Taylor are may favorite parts and when Taylor interacts with Frenchy! LOL! |
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| san | Aug 8 2009, 12:38 PM Post #4 |
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If you have pictures of Dominic outside the theatre and would like to share them, post here in the thread! We'd love to see them. He and Taylor are occasionally seen out at local eateries as "Grease" tours the country! |
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| mouser | Aug 8 2009, 01:38 PM Post #5 |
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I have not had the pleasure of seeing Dominic in Grease as yet, but my time is coming shortly. Seeing him play Vince Fontaine will be one of the highlights for me. I love when the stage production changes gears and does something unique to the production. The audience warmup is one of those changes as is the expansion of the Teen Angel role. Am always happy to see Taylor's cast mates enjoying his work outside the theatre. All these gals and guys are truly tallented and deserve much praise . Thanks for sharing your thoughts Dominic..............see ya soon. Here he is in action :  credit to broadwayworld.com
Edited by mouser, Aug 8 2009, 01:45 PM.
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| KarinP | Aug 8 2009, 07:12 PM Post #6 |
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Thanks for posting the interview. It was very interesting to read. Sometmes, we forget that there are "real" people behind the stage personnas. Congrats to Dominic for "living the dream" and appreciating it. Best wishes for continued success! |
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| pc325 | Aug 10 2009, 06:40 AM Post #7 |
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Great interview, thanks so much! Really enjoyed Dominic as Vince! |
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| Gr8fulheart | Aug 12 2009, 09:41 PM Post #8 |
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No need to ask him whether he is enjoying life. Its always nice to point out that these are real people doing what they do & are. Great interview & yes, thanx to Dominic for taking the time to share some of his life with us.  |
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| mouser | Aug 24 2009, 05:55 PM Post #9 |
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I thoroughly enjoyed Dominic's performance in Grease. Interesting to note that he chose the music and the banter for the introduction to the show. Would love to see him perform with his band and in another musical some day. |
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