Artist Spotlight - Jack Marra
HarmoNNY Performing Arts Community is proud to spotlight Jack Marra, an exceptional young talent and a current board member. At just 18 years old, Jack's passion for musical theater and dedication to the arts have already made a significant impact on our community.
Jack recently graduated from Watertown High School and will be attending SUNY Geneseo in the fall to study musical theater. Choosing SUNY Geneseo felt right to Jack after a stressful decision-making process that involved another school as well.
Exposed to musicals since the age of three, Jack's love for the arts runs deep in his family. His mother, Ticia Aumell, is the founder and director of Stage Notes, an organization that teaches high school students how to sing and participate in musicals. Jack has been a part of Stage Notes for four years and has also participated in Stage Notes Jr, where he performed in productions like "Elf". His talents have also graced the stage in Lyric Theater productions, most recently as his role as Jack Kelly in “Newsies”.
At Watertown High School, Jack was an active member of the band and wind ensemble. He started on percussion prior to high school but eventually switched to the French Horn at the request of a teacher due to a surplus of percussionists. Jack has enjoyed the challenge. He has also played the trumpet in the jazz band but now primarily focuses on the French Horn and hopes to continue playing it in college.
In addition to his instrumental talents, Jack has been involved in Watertown High School musicals, chorus, and select choir.
Among his favorite performances are Watertown High School’s production of "Spamalot," where he and his best friends played the Knights of the Round Table, and "Guys and Dolls," which was staged by Stage Notes last summer.
This July, Jack will be starring as Barry Glickman in Stage Notes' upcoming production of "The Prom." The show will be held on July 18th, 19th, and 20th at the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown, with tickets available at Kinney Drugs on Washington and Coffeen Street, as well as at the door. The performances start at 7 PM and will feature a pit band composed of high school students and adults. Jack's role as Barry Glickman, a failing Broadway star who travels to Indiana with other failing stars to help a girl who can’t attend prom with her girlfriend, promises to be a highlight of the show.
Reflecting on his preparation for the role, Jack shared that memorizing lines can be challenging, especially with a busy schedule that included his recent graduation. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in performances, stating, “The hardest thing to do is to make it feel authentic… It’s hard to make it feel like it’s [really] two people talking.”
We are incredibly proud of Jack’s achievements and excited to see his future contributions to the world of musical theater. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and the transformative impact of the performing arts.
