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Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

Formerly

Mark Danni

Theatre
Lecture Topics: Arts & Entertainment, Broadway
Expertise: Broadway History & Local Theatre
Available for in-person lectures in: Naples / Ft. Myers
Available via Zoom?: Yes
To book Mark, e-mail: dan@primetimepresenters.com, or fill out this form here.

Mark Danni is the Founding Artistic Director of TheatreZone, Naples’ professional Equity theatre company, where he has directed and produced over 100 musicals and plays. He also created and runs the theatre program at The Community School of Naples and has directed and collaborated on joint productions with Opera Naples, Gulfshore Opera, and Florida Gulf Coast University. After starting his career as a drummer/percussionist on Broadway for Chicago, Grand Hotel, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Joseph… Dreamcoat, Annie Get Your Gun and Nunsense, he moved up to conduct the national tours of Les Misérables and Barnum. He also toured with The Phantom Of The Opera, 42nd Street, Hair, Evita, Les Misérables and Fame. As a director, Mark’s Off- Broadway directing credits include Aggravation, and What Would Esther Williams Do In A Situation Like This? He has directed many Broadway veterans and celebrities such as Gary Sandy (WKRP In Cincinnati), Andrea McArdle (Broadway’s original Annie), Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line), and Georgia Engel (Mary Tyler Moore & Everybody Loves Raymond). In addition, Mark directed productions of The Medium and The Telephone at Artis-Naples, West Side Story (starring Grammy Award winner Isabel Leonard) at Opera Naples, Brigadoon at Gulfshore Opera, and Sweeney Todd at Opera Roanoke. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Mark attended Baldwin-Wallace University in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a member of The Society of Directors and Choreographers, and the American Federation of Musicians.

I can’t give enough stars. This was wonderful and the questions were thoughtful and answered with the grace and ease of a wonderful presenter.

Parker Life Senior Living attendee after Mark’s “Let’s Put On A Show” lecture

I thought this program was very interesting. I enjoy my local theater and never knew or even imagined all the ins and outs of putting on a show. I would definitely be interested in any other program by this presenter.”

Parker Life Senior Living attendee after Mark’s “Let’s Put On A Show” lecture

This was incredibly interesting & his communication was excellent. Can’t thank you enough for offering this – remarkable & quite an education – bits of advice we can all use day to day.

Parker Life Senior Living Attendee

I could have listened to him for at least another hour. It was a fascinating presentation!

Parker Life Senior Living Attendee

Speaker was great! Presentation thoughtfully included enough time at the end for questions, which enhanced the presentation with additional information. Thank you for thinking of such an intriguing topic in the series!

Parker Life Senior Living Attendee

This was one of the best programs you have had. I think you said programs are not taped, but I think you would have given this one a A+++.

Parker Life Senior Living Attendee

I can’t give enough stars. This was wonderful and the questions were thoughtful and answered with the grace and ease of a wonderful presenter.

Parker Life Senior Living attendee after Mark’s “Let’s Put On A Show” lecture

I thought this program was very interesting. I enjoy my local theater and never knew or even imagined all the ins and outs of putting on a show. I would definitely be interested in any other program by this presenter.”

Parker Life Senior Living attendee after Mark’s “Let’s Put On A Show” lecture

“James Calaski’s lecture on national, regional, and hyper-local history was professional and highly informative. Our patrons were incredibly engaged, the delivery was well-paced and articulate… We’ll be having him back!”

Brianne Colombo
Director
Glen Rock, NJ Public Library

“Your knowledge of the German American Bund and their history is second to none… Your expertise, both from a historical and research perspective and also in the field, enabled us to capture phenomenal footage for our project… thank you for appearing in our film.”

Annette Baumeister
Documentary Film Director ('The American Führer')

“James Calaski’s gifts as a historian, coupled with his innate skills as a police detective, bring a unique perspective to his work. He is thorough in his research, always going to those places where the facts lead. All that, plus Jim’s personable style and good sense of humor make him an ideal presenter for any group event.”

Arnie Bernstein
Author of 'Swastika Nation: Fritz Kuhn and the Rise and Fall of the German-American Bund'

FANTASTIC !!! She is an incredible lecturer. Only wish more time could have been spent on each segment of her presentation. Left me wishing for more. The blend of history and literature was so interesting and informative.

Parker Life Senior Living Attendee after Myra’s American Dreams: The Immigrant Experience In US Literature lecture
Lectures
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Let’s Put On A Show

Mark Danni, the Artistic Director of TheatreZone, will provide the audience with a behind the scenes look at what goes into producing a show. After working in NYC on 6 Broadway shows and completing 8 tours in 9 years, he will share the trials and tribulations he experienced over the years traveling with shows such as The Phantom of The Opera and Les Misérables. After this lecture, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the shows you already love.

The History Of The American Musical Theatre: From The Bowery To Broadway

Mark Danni will take you on a journey from the turn of the century and into the Golden Age of Broadway. He will walk you through how the American Musical came out of Vaudeville, The Yiddish Theatre and Viennese Operetta.

Are you ready to bring Primetime Presenters to your community?

Please e-mail dan@primetimepresenters.com for additional information. We look forward to hearing from you!
dan@primetimepresenters.com