Updated: August 8, 2009
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. At a very young age, I knew I wanted to
perform. 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
Tavern on the Green, 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
perform. 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
Tavern on the Green, 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
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