Newspaper Article:

Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)
May 23, 2004

Yes, Virginia ... Rich Markzewski is on his way
Young Worcester singer-dancer takes a big first step

by Richard Duckett

Tomorrow, 18-year-old Rich J. Marczewski of Worcester will be starting his first professional job as a dancer.

He's a singer/dancer cast member in a show that performs traditional German dancing and entertainment at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va.

He'll be back in Worcester by the end of August, but the visit to Williamsburg is a good first step for someone with dreams of a career as a dancer. "It's a very nice place for a first job," said Jo Ann Warren of the Jo Ann Warren Dance Studio, who has been watching Marczewski's progress for the past seven years. Warren has seen several dancers at her studio go on to professional careers on New York stages and national tours. She believes that Marczewski can, too. "Oh yes, he's all there. His heart's in it too, and passion."'

It was seven years ago that he danced in his first show. On a dare.

Marczewski acknowledged that he had never thought about dancing until a show was about to be staged at St. Mary's Elementary School where he was a sixth-grade pupil. Warren was the show's director.

"I got dared to do it. My friend said he would do it if I would,'' Marczewski recalled during an interview in the friendly and familiar space of the Jo Ann Warren Dance Studio at 321 Grafton St.

So he did. "I saw everyone dancing and I started to dance.'' Almost immediately something happened. "I was hooked,'' he said.

What did he like about it?

"That I was noticed. People were looking at me.''

Did Warren immediately notice that Marczewski could have some special innate talent as a dancer?

"I did,'' she said emphatically.

That was many hours of practice ago. Maczewski, who is from the Vernon Hill area of the city (his late grandfather, Alexander, was an accomplished musician who came to the United States from Poland), estimated that he spends about 18 hours a week at the dance studio during a school week. He is graduating from Holy Name Central Catholic High School, and works part time at Widoff's Modern Bakery. During his senior year at Holy Name, he was "Napoleon,'' the high school's mascot. At Widoff's, co-workers call him "Muda.'' Holy Name students have also voted Marczewski "class clown.''

Back at the dance studio, he is also a class assistant.

"He is a wonderful role model for everyone, especially all our male dancers,'' Warren said.

There's something else about him that helps to get an understanding of his quiet determination and grasp and enjoyment of living.

He has cystic fibrosis. In his typically engaging but down-to-earth way, he doesn't talk about that much unless prompted.

Warren noted, "He does not let this hold him back nor does he use the illness as a crutch."

"It never affected me. I do what everyone else does,'' he said matter-of-factly. "When I was little I was sick, but then they put me on the right medicines and I was healthy. And all this physical activity keeps me healthy for some reason.''

Warren said, "It's amazing what he does. He works very, very hard."

When Marczewski goes for medical checkups, he said he is given a form to fill out which includes the question, "How long can you exercise."

The boxes for responses go up to a maximum of 20 minutes. "I write `eight hours,' '' he said.

Marczewski auditioned for the Busch Gardens job when they held tryouts in December at the Worcester Crowne Plaza. People auditioning had to sing and were taught a dance routine which they then performed in groups.

Did Marczewski think he had made a good impression?

"No,'' was the straightforward reply. He felt he might have been hampered because he had recently injured his foot.

However, two months later a representative of Busch Gardens telephoned his home and asked if he would like to sign a contract.

"Yes,'' was the response.

But the person saying yes wasn't Marczewski, it was Theresa, his mother.

"I didn't really know. She forgot to tell me,'' he said.

Still, all was well two days later when he did get the news.

"I said `cool.' ''

This year Marczewski has won the titles of Mr. On Stage America, Mr. Dance Ovations, and Mr. Star Title Performer at various competitions.

"It's an art, but not a lot of people know how much you have to put into it,'' he said of dancing. "You just can't go into a room and start dancing. You have to train. When I leave the studio I'm covered in sweat.''

But, evidently, he's also happy.

When he gets back from Busch Gardens he plans to attend Quinsigamond Community College and study business administration. Staying in Worcester will also provide a good base from which he can go to auditions for shows, he said.

He's been taking singing lessons to enhance his professional performance profile. His preferences lean toward modern dance and musical theater.

But first things first...

Now that he's turning professional, what can he expect at Busch Gardens beginning tomorrow?

"He has to live on his own,'' said Warren. Much as Marczewski loves his family, this point did not appear to faze him too much. He was smiling.

"He has to be on time. Know his routines. They take notes every show. He'll perform with a live band. He'll have to learn German dances and speak German."

Again, this did not appear to be a problem.

"I'm excited more than nervous,'' Marczewski said. And so are the many people rooting for him.