Joseph C. Marcello

Joseph C. Marcello was introduced to Performing Arts at the age of five through productions sponsored by the Police Athletic League in Rochester, New York. His first role was that of MICHAEL in Peter Pan.  Throughout his childhood, dancing, singing and acting played a dominant role in shaping Joe’s character and persona.  His school years were fertile ground for the drama seed to take root.  Accepting roles in everything from Lorca’s, Blood Wedding to Dickens, A Christmas Carol or My Fair Lady greatlyadded to Joe’s theatrical abilities.  He received more specialized stage training by becoming active in local community playhouses such as The Blackfriar’s, Children’s Repertory Theatre Works, and attending summer stock at The Bristol Valley Playhouse in Naples, New York.

Joe’s love of theatre and music led him to a career in Hollywood, CAwhere he formed a singing group called  The Rest Of Our Lives.  The group performed at many of L.A.’s finest musical spots: The Troubadour, The Gregar, The Factory, Ye Little Club of Beverly Hills, Beverly Hilton Hotel Lounge, U.C.L.A. and The Bla Bla Café. Pasadena’s  Ice House was also a favorite spot where the group played to packed houses.  During Joe’s stay in Hollywood he also became active in film work for Sun Productions films, released by A.I.P.  Joe also did studio work as a back up singer for Electra Records doing promos for Max Factor’s Pure Magic through Hall & Lavine Advertising Agency.

Soon, New York City became Joe’s home.  His singing group disbanded and he began a new musical career with a remaining member of his original group.  Together they appeared at Reno Sweeney, The Grande Finale, The Bitter End, The African Room, The Sundowner, Max’s Kansas City, Gypsies, and Catch a Rising Star.  Joe also formed a collaboration with Broadway’s composer and OBIE winner, Gary William Friedman (The Me Nobody Knows and Platinum starring Alexis Smith, The Electric Company [Spider Man theme song]).  With Gary, Joe performed many backers’ auditions for future shows.  He sang for producer, Joseph Papp, and Motown’s, Susanne DePasse.  Joe also recorded commercial jingles for Coca Cola, General Foods and PBS.

When Vineland, New Jersey became Joe’s home, he married in 1977.  Together with his wife, Arlene, they owned and operated The Children’s House, Montessori School of Vineland for several years.  Joe later became a Special Education teacher in the Vineland Public School system where he was the Adviser/Producer/Director of the Polaris Players and Cap ‘n’ Dagger Drama Club.

Joe also joined the acting company of Zaberer’s Dinner Theatre (Charlie Pumpernickel’s) in the Atlantic City suburbs, where he performed in many showsuntil its closing.  Joe has been an active actor and director with various community theatres in the tri-city area and remains so in the present.

Fulfilling a life-long dream, Joe founded his own theatre company in 2000, The Downtown Company Of Performing Artists (COPA).  The company has since put on several musicals and non-musicals, all featuring local talents of all ages.
Acting now as the Executive Artistic Director of the Landis Theater Performing Arts Center , Joe looks forward to continuing his career in theatre for many years to come.