Paying Tribute is an engaging and dynamic narrative
mini-series from Nicholas Arnold, telling the story of his journey as a Jerry Lewis impersonator in Toronto. The series also features the stories and journeys of four other nostalgia-based entertainers.
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Through Paying Tribute, Nicholas has demonstrated a natural ability for journalism, audio production, scripting, interviewing, and talent outreach in an impressive personal project that attracted an impressive display of talented subjects below:
FEATURING:
Jason Allin
He is most recognized as an icon of the silent film era, often associated with his popular "Little Tramp" character; the man with the toothbrush mustache, bowler hat, bamboo cane, and a funny walk. Considered one of the most pivotal stars of the early days of Hollywood; Charlie Chaplin's Little Tramp is one of the world's most recognizable icons from vintage film footage and every bit as relevant today.
Since 2005, Jason Allin brings the essence and the magic of this enormous presence to life with every shuffle, nod, smile and giggle as if it never left. A professional television and stage actor playwright, Jason Allin is not new to embodying the likeness of "The Little Fellow". Jason has written and starred in his one-act, one-man stage show titled "CHAPLIN: About Face" commissioned by Talk Is Free Theatre in Barrie, Ontario and later remounted and self-produced at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario.
Now, Jason is an accomplished filmmaker specializing in Chaplin style films that are filmed and premiered around the globe.
Jason's performance of Chaplin's Tramp is ever changing and has evolved to gain worldwide attention being an important part of annual celebrations in India, performing in England, USA and Canada. Jason has perfected a formula set by Charles Chaplin for creating silent films. Jason's fresh addition to the formula includes pop cultural and world views that may not have existed 100 years ago, but maintains the familiar essence and romance of the Chaplin silent film era.
A Baltimore native, Matt was introduced to the classics of the American pop canon almost by accident. “I was always drawn to dynamic entertainers, who could physically convey their passion to an audience. I was drawn to the funky stuff from Michael Jackson and James Brown, but at the same time, I was captivated by the dexterity and energy of performers like Gene Kelly, and Dick Van Dyke. Growing up in an Italian family, the great Italian-American singers – like Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Dean Martin – were always present. I was never truly aware of their existence in my life, but at about 19 years old they all fell right into my lap – and thank God they did.”
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By age 16, Matt already had a wealth of experience under his belt and knew exactly where he was heading. He performed in school plays, community events and local theatrical productions. His drive and determination led to his first professional job, when at age 16 (a senior in high school), he was cast in Ken Davenport's Off-Broadway hit The Awesome 80's Prom. Working with a cast and crew of Broadway veterans, he racked up some invaluable chops in learning the ins-and-outs of show business. It would also parlay Matt into his signature tribute to Michael Jackson, which he has since performed for thousands upon thousands worldwide.
Matt Macis
Crystal Stark
The international performer and American Idol semi-finalist got her start singing in her home town of Tucson, Arizona. Her early teachers included famed soprano Faye Robinson and jazz legend Jeff Haskell. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a degree in Music Education, she auditioned for Season 5 of the cultural phenomenon American Idol – along with 100,000 other contestants. Crystal made the top 44 and, although her Idol journey stopped there, she forged a close friendship with season runner-up Katharine McPhee and joined Katharine’s national tour as a back-up singer.
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Today, Crystal enjoys a full performance calendar that reflects the diversity of her wide-ranging talents. In addition to fronting the Crystal Stark Band which plays at venues around Arizona and for corporate functions, she sings with 80s cover band 80s and Gentlemen, vocal trio Triple Threat, the Tucson Pops Orchestra, and Big Band Express, among others. Crystal performs regularly with concert production company Lonely Street Productions, with whom she also traveled to New Orleans for a performance of “Celebrating Elvis” at the famed Mahalia Jackson Theatre. Her newest show, “To Ella with Love” – produced with Khris Dodge Entertainment, is a one-woman tribute to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald in which Crystal scats, sings, and shows off her instrumental chops.
Dan Kamin
Dan Kamin performs worldwide for theatres, colleges and symphony orchestras. On film, he created the physical comedy sequences for Chaplin and Benny and Joon, and trained Robert Downey, Jr. and Johnny Depp for their acclaimed starring performances--Downey was nominated for an Oscar, and Depp for a Golden Globe Award. He also created Martian movement for Tim Burton's Mars Attacks! and played the wooden Indian come to life in the cult classic Creepshow 2.
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Dan wrote "Charlie Chaplin's One-Man Show", revealing the secrets of Chaplin's comic art. Hailed as a breakthrough work, the book boasts a preface by another Chaplin fan, Marcel Marceau. Dan's new book, The Comedy of Charlie Chaplin: Artistry in Motion, updates his earlier book and features an account of how he trained Downey for his Oscar-nominated performance.