Updated: September 13th, 2008
Her connection with both audience and her material - serving as a conduit for
the feelings and thoughts expressed in the show- was amazing. Quite honestly,
I have never heard the very familiar "If I Loved You" done quite as well! Several
song pairings were surprising - and perfectly performed. And when it comes to
a ballad, no one does it better than Maria on songs like "A Quiet Thing." Truly
someone ready to make her mark on the cabaret scene, Ms. Ottavia is a
performer to watch - and catch when she makes her next appearance.
Stu Hamstra, Cabaret Hotline
I was born and raised in New York - Brooklyn and Staten Island. I
come from a family of musicians, dancers and comedian's (mom's
side). My Father's side was more "practical" they were more
Business oriented . At a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a
performer. My parents were very supportive. However, at the same
time they tried to encourage me to find a "Backup plan". I wanted to
be a "Dramatic Actress", a Soap Opera Goddess! I was determined
to win a role on 'All My Children'. The casting people knew my
name by heart. How could you not know me, I was determined to be
"Seen" by one of the casting people. Oh, I was seen alright! My
head shots were filed under "G". Get the picture?
Eventually I was an extra and under five in television and film.
Appearing on many episodes of 'Law & Order' (1990) I played one of
many dead bodies lying in the freezing cold weather off Riverside
Drive, did 20 takes of a bombing scene and I had to scream on cue
every time and throw myself on the ground (Oh to be a SAG
Member), and my favorite, 'The Siege' (1999) lying in the middle of
Times square with fake blood on my new ball gown, my face and my
newly highlighted hair. Who knew I was going have to die, again?! I
thought those days were over!
Check out this link: www.imdb.com/mariaottavia
With the encouragement of my acting coach: the late Sandy Dennis,
to whom I am very grateful for her encouragement and support, I
began studying voice. Ms. Dennis thought I should open my options
and look into the nightclub scene. I began my training with a Jazz
pianist , Hal Schaefer, and in 1988, hit the cabaret circuit:
The Rainbow Room, NYC
Don't Tell Mama, NYC
Danny Skylight Room, NYC
Eighty Eights, NYC
I performed my shows and worked with the best of NYC Cabaret.
I remember singing "Twinkle Twinkle little star" at 5 years old, in my
bathroom (great acoustics!) into my favorite pink porcelain hairbrush.
Now I actually make a living using a real microphone. It's amazing
how dreams can come true. And indeed they have, beyond my
expectations!
One never knows the power of our choices and the discoveries we
make along the way.
I am extremely proud to be a Resident Volunteer Cantor at St.
Patrick's Cathedral. Since the events of 9/11, I am active with many
church ministries. Every year I sing at many services for my friends
and colleagues who lost their lives on 9/11.
Thank you for visiting my web site. I will keep you up to date on up
and coming events.
God bless you!
Maria Ottavia
come from a family of musicians, dancers and comedian's (mom's
side). My Father's side was more "practical" they were more
Business oriented . At a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a
performer. My parents were very supportive. However, at the same
time they tried to encourage me to find a "Backup plan". I wanted to
be a "Dramatic Actress", a Soap Opera Goddess! I was determined
to win a role on 'All My Children'. The casting people knew my
name by heart. How could you not know me, I was determined to be
"Seen" by one of the casting people. Oh, I was seen alright! My
head shots were filed under "G". Get the picture?
Eventually I was an extra and under five in television and film.
Appearing on many episodes of 'Law & Order' (1990) I played one of
many dead bodies lying in the freezing cold weather off Riverside
Drive, did 20 takes of a bombing scene and I had to scream on cue
every time and throw myself on the ground (Oh to be a SAG
Member), and my favorite, 'The Siege' (1999) lying in the middle of
Times square with fake blood on my new ball gown, my face and my
newly highlighted hair. Who knew I was going have to die, again?! I
thought those days were over!
Check out this link: www.imdb.com/mariaottavia
With the encouragement of my acting coach: the late Sandy Dennis,
to whom I am very grateful for her encouragement and support, I
began studying voice. Ms. Dennis thought I should open my options
and look into the nightclub scene. I began my training with a Jazz
pianist , Hal Schaefer, and in 1988, hit the cabaret circuit:
The Rainbow Room, NYC
Don't Tell Mama, NYC
Danny Skylight Room, NYC
Eighty Eights, NYC
I performed my shows and worked with the best of NYC Cabaret.
I remember singing "Twinkle Twinkle little star" at 5 years old, in my
bathroom (great acoustics!) into my favorite pink porcelain hairbrush.
Now I actually make a living using a real microphone. It's amazing
how dreams can come true. And indeed they have, beyond my
expectations!
One never knows the power of our choices and the discoveries we
make along the way.
I am extremely proud to be a Resident Volunteer Cantor at St.
Patrick's Cathedral. Since the events of 9/11, I am active with many
church ministries. Every year I sing at many services for my friends
and colleagues who lost their lives on 9/11.
Thank you for visiting my web site. I will keep you up to date on up
and coming events.
God bless you!
Maria Ottavia
