Utica University will soon have the opportunity to watch and listen to Johnny Calabrese, a multi-talented local performer, share his original compositions and lyrics written for the stage from previous projects, alongside his own personal songs from his singer-songwriter soul. Calabrese’s performance is part of the Jackson Lunch Hour Series and will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22 in the Library Concourse.
From a young age, Calabrese felt a strong connection to acting and music, and what art form combines those better than musical theatre? He said that watching the characters, dialogue, story, emotions and music all coming together to create this synergy that is magical is what made him fall in love with the medium. Close to his heart are shows such as The Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, Heathers, Wicked and Hadestown.
Calabrese said finding inspiration from musical theatre greats as Stephen Sondheim’s ability to make music, lyrics and story become one so seamlessly, Jason Robert Brown command of writing on the piano and his chord progressions. Also, from singer-songwriters like Adele, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, Carole King, Burt Bacharach, Joni Mitchell and Billy Joel for their honesty in writing and performing.
“I think I take little pieces from each of these writers as I find my own sound and voice,” Calabrese said.
When asked about his dream career, whether as a composer, musical director or singer-songwriter, he passionately answered “Can I pick them all?” As his interests are multi-faceted, he excitedly hopes to lead a life where all his passions can harmonize with each other.
Calabrese has been hard at work pursuing his goals. While he attended SUNY Purchase, he collaborated with peers on a variety of projects, helped grow their show choir Crescendo, experiencing growth as a writer, musician and person. He said his time there really gave him the foundation and confidence to continue his love for the performing arts. Working with theatre groups such as Brick 2 Theater Company, Rome Community Theater, Proctor High School and Utica University’s Theatre Department.
In 2024 he held a workshop in Strebel Center where participants read the musical he scored in collaboration with Calista Janicki, titled Crystal Clear. Most recently he wrote the opening number and played the piano accompanying the students who performed at the Homecoming Cabaret this past weekend. After just a short five weeks of the students working with him for the cabaret, they raved about Calabrese’s talent and how good of a person he is, saying that they couldn’t wait to be able to work with him again.
Continuing his work with Utica’s theatre department, he is also Assistant Music Director for the upcoming musical American Idiot, which will perform in early December in the Strebel Auditorium.
“Performing original music can feel vulnerable, but it’s also an act of connection.” Calabrese said.
Adding that he is very excited about the opportunity to share his work with the community at the Jackson Lunch-Hour Series and he hopes that you’ll be able to be part of that connection too.
