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Interview with Corinne Mammana
A Jazzy Disney Songbook Concert
Sellersville Theater
April 1, 2022
Hi Corinne, thank you for taking the time to talk with me for The Valley Ledger. Please tell us how you got started?
C.M.- I was always singing around the house when I was younger. I would perform plays in my basement, making up songs, then that progressed into theater. I was involved in musicals when I was younger, and then I did musical theater in high school. I went to college to study voice and musical theater. Everything evolved into something else, and then when I graduated, I did musicals so I would audition for Broadway and local stuff in the Philly area, where I’m originally from. Probably about ten years ago, I was invited to sing two jazz standards at the Lafayette Bar, and from then on, I was hooked on the jazz genre. From musical theater to jazz.
You will be appearing at the Sellersville Theater, what can the audience expect, and what are you expecting from the concert?
C.M.- The audience can expect to hear reimagined Disney songs, everything from the classics from the 30’s like Snow White to Cinderella, and modern-day Disney songs from Frozen, and I guess in the middle there would be The Little Mermaid. It’s an intimate venue so, it’s a 300-seat theater, and it’s historic. What am I expecting? I’m expecting to have fun, and connect with the audience. I want to celebrate all things Disney and have fun during this crazy time in our world.
Did anyone inspire you professionally or was there anything specific from Disney that inspired you?
C.M.- I started doing themed concerts, and self-producing my own. I did Christmas city concerts in Bethlehem, and I did jazzy Christmas songs. I did a Norah Jones concert, doing all of her stuff and talking about her musical life. I added Disney after that. I grew up with the Disney songs and I wanted to put my spin on them. Everybody knows Disney but not everybody likes jazz, or understands it. I wanted to bring the two together and maybe reach a broader audience.
This is something unique to me. I grew listening to a variety of genres of music. This is something different. I think people will love this.
C.M.- Yes, I hope that people think that way too.
Do you plan on releasing a new album or some of the Disney songs you’re doing?
C.M.- I’m thinking down the line that might be fun to do, an all-Disney album. That’s a good idea you have there. I’m working on recording Christmas music right now. I released two albums thus far, and I do write my own my music but I’m not working on any of that.
That’s great to hear that you write your own music.
C.M.- I wish I did it more, I’m really inspired by songs that already exist and recreating them. That really inspires me but every so often, I have to write a song and then I do.
What’s your favorite moment at a concert or an event?
C.M.- It’s a feeling you get when everyone is locked in, the musicians are locked in, the audience is locked in to. I like looking at people when I sing so, to have them look back at me is always a nice moment. I like to connect with people.
What do you want to say to everyone that will be attending your show?
C.M.- I would say, I hope that you all come out and enjoy a Friday night at a beautiful venue, and forget about the craziness in the world. We can experience great music together.
Did you take away anything positive creatively in 2020?
C.M.- It made me more flexible, that’s for sure. When the pandemic hit, I had big plans for my album that I did end up releasing in April of 2020. I was forced into the virtual world. Creatively it made me more flexible.
Thank you so much Corinne. It was so great to talk to you. I know so many people are looking forward to your show. Thank you.
C.M.- Thank you so much.
Corinne Mammana
http://www.Facebook.com/corinnemammanamusic
https://www.instagram.com/corinne_music
https://www.st94.com/events/a-jazzy-disney-songbook-concert-ft-corinne-mammana
