MARCUS DISCOVERS THE MAGIC OF YOUTUBE...

Yes, it's true, Marcus is finally getting a handle on those newfangled computing-machines and how they functionate: I've learned how to edit videos, upload them to YouTube, and yes, even embed them here, in my blog!!

So, for starters, I'll begin with the long-awaited international debut of myself in a real live (well, pre-recorded actually) "Davey and Friends" episode, as that lovable dalmatian, Davey the Dog. No, it's not quite Shakespeare...or even Sesame Street for that matter...but hey, it's good, clean, somewhat educational doggy hijinks--who could ask for anything more?! To appreciate the full spectrum of my talent (and the very low budget of the show), take note that the script for this episode (and yes, even the soon-to-be-a-classic "Colors Song") was written by yours truly :) So here you have parts 1 and 2 of one of my favorite episodes (more to follow soon, stay tuned!)

[courtesy of the program "Kids Club: Davey and Friends" on "Aprende Inglés TV", and "S.O.S. in Action Theatre", Madrid, Spain]

[courtesy of the program "Kids Club: Davey and Friends" on "Aprende Inglés TV", and "S.O.S. in Action Theatre", Madrid, Spain]

Here's another clip, this time of me singing in Germany a few years ago with talented Mexican soprano Zura Medina (not the best quality video, nor my best performance, admittedly, but a decent clip nonetheless of one of my all-time favorite scenes, without a doubt one of the best ever written for the musical stage):

Marcus Giovanni and Zura Medina performing "Tonight" from WEST SIDE STORY at the Gummersbach Musikfestival in 2005 (near Cologne, Germany)

And one last clip: this is of an old newsreel we dug up of my great-grandparents (paternal), Cosimo and Carmela DiDonato, along with my great-uncles, from when they won the "Irish Sweepstakes" back in 1949...only $40,000, but back then it was enough to get them a decent house for the family in Yonkers--let's hope their luck runs in the family! (Dad, any idea what numbers they played??? :)

AS 2008 DRAWS TO A CLOSE...

...there's a lot to be thankful for. This year's been a pretty productive one for me: turned the big 3-0, successfully finished the Cambridge DELTA (ESL/EFL postgrad) and my Master's Degree in Music Therapy, made my Spanish television premiere as that infamous dalmation, Davey (clips to be posted soon, I promise!), sang in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris with the Spanish Actor's Union Choir, got cast to sing in the chorus of next spring's production of DON PASQUALE in the Teatro Real (Madrid's Royal Opera House) ...and oh yeah, GOT MARRIED!!

Most of all, though, I am thankful for the wonderful family and friends who have supported me along the way. It was great to see so many of you back in NY, and Luz and I really appreciate your sharing these special times with us.

To see the pics from our "2nd wedding" in NY (as well as our "2nd honeymoon" in Puerto Rico! :) and more, click the links below--and HAPPY HOLIDAYS / FELICES FIESTAS / BUONE FESTE to all!!!
https://picasaweb.google.com/106866973565951157311/WeddingDinnerTheSequelNewYork2008?authkey=Gv1sRgCOHp89yiv_vi6AE

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https://picasaweb.google.com/106866973565951157311/PuertoRico2008?authkey=Gv1sRgCPGc0L2Dw-2-nwE