'World's Longest Running Phantom' returns to 'World's Greatest County Fair'

Franc D'Ambrosio, known for the longest-running portrayal of the Phantom from Andrew Lloyd Weber's The Phantom of the Opera, will be making a return appearance at the 2009 Clay County Fair.

D'Ambrosio will perform two shows in the Events Center Grand Ballroom on Saturday, September 19, at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., with a meet and greet from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The famed Broadway performer grew up in the Bronx, New York in a family of bakers. After completing high school, D'Ambrosio attended the Hartt School of Music where he had the opportunity to study at the famed Vocal Academy of Lucca in Italy. There, he was personally invited to study under legendary tenor, Luciano Pavarotti.

He first made his Broadway appearance in the revival of Sweeney Todd. While in the production, D'Ambrosio was discovered by director Francis Ford Coppola and cast to fill the role of Anthony Corleone in The Godfather III movie. Additionally, D'Ambrosio sang the theme song, "Speak Softly Love", which garnered an Academy Award for Best Score.

Shortly after his role on the big screen, D'Ambrosio was cast to play the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. He spent six years playing the part and brought in over 5 million people to the theatre. For the role he earned the title, "The World's Longest Running Phantom" after completing over 3,000 performances including a national tour and the San Francisco run.

Following his reign as the Phantom, D'Ambrosio returned to New York to work in a group developing the off-Broadway production of Valentino.

D'Ambrosio's next project focused on his solo-career with the one-man show, "Franc D'Ambrosio's Broadway". With the success of the 150 city tour, a CD was released and earned a Grammy consideration for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album in 2005.

"Franc D'Ambrosio's Hollywood", his latest touring show, features a humorous, nostalgic look at America's "Dream Factories" and the songs they immortalized.

Further announcement on tickets for the D'Ambrosio performances will be released at a later time. The 2009 Clay County Fair will be held September 12 -- 20.