By Joanie Cox-Henry
Photo by J. Noah Wiley
When Lisa Maci takes the stage at Arts Garage on Dec. 29, she'll bring more than just a tribute show to the iconic catalog of Celine Dion. She'll be sharing a lifetime of musical passion. A native of central New Jersey, Maci's musical odyssey began early, with vocal training at 11 and musical theater roles that set the stage for her remarkable career.
"This project has been huge and was silently in the works for a long time," Maci reveals. What started as a spontaneous risk—throwing "All By Myself" into a disco show—has blossomed into a full-blown Celine Dion celebration that's been over a year in the making.
After getting to know J. Noah Wiley, who is the production technical director at Arts Garage, Maci says the idea for a Celine Dion-inspired show began to take flight. "I have had the blessing of being in Noah’s circles for a long time. I talk to him a lot about music," Maci adds. "He’s very influential to me. He just makes things happen. He has been a coach and he is a beautiful guide."
The Vocal Challenge
Maci is candid about the show's intensity. Celine Dion's music is not easy to sing. Celine Dion is renowned for her extraordinary vocal range and technical prowess. As a soprano, she typically spans approximately four octaves. Maci has been diligent about rehearsing so she can deliver each song with power and grace. "We have at least two rehearsals a week," she shares. "This has been in process for over a year. Now it has sparked intrigue, and here we are."
The show calls for unceasing stamina, which Maci has also been building upon.
"My greatest challenge is it's all back to back with no break," she describes. "The endurance has to be there."
Part of that preparation, she adds, requires focusing on sleep, hydration, and doing daily vocal exercises. "If you can't give that power, you have no business stepping in that ring," she declares—a sentiment that captures both her dedication to Dion and her own artistic integrity.
And it wouldn't be an authentic Celine Dion tribute show without some spectacular showstopping fashion! "I have three costume changes for this show," Maci informs. "Angela Kobelin is the seamstress I have been working with. She built the dresses for this show. She’s an amazing designer! I’m very blessed with that. We also have a lot of visuals and beautiful stage design."
A Stellar Band of Veterans
Backed by a powerhouse band including the dynamic Raymond Dellechiaie (lead guitar), Robert Sherber (bass), who has a master’s degree in Jazz Performance from FIU, the highly talented and accomplished Rich Corricelli (drums) who has performed with The Pitbull of Blues Band and many others, and the Robert Lankenau (backing vocals), who is the founder and lead male vocalist of the 80s tribute band Rubixx. Maci promises an unforgettable journey through Dion's iconic catalog.
Fans can look forward to stunning renditions of "My Heart Will Go On," "The Power of Love," and "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" and many other hits. This show promises an evening that will transport audiences straight into the heart of Celine Dion's musical legacy.
"I'm so proud of my entire band, and everyone involved who has been working so hard on this show," Maci adds. "We all are full heart in on this. We all care about this equally and I want to thank Marjorie Waldo and Arts Garage for the opportunity to present this show. Music is where my heart beats and this show is going to be epic."
Ticket Details
Date: Dec. 29, 2024
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: Arts Garage
Prepare for an evening of nostalgia, extraordinary vocals, and a tribute that promises to be nothing short of magical.
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