Interview: Candice Guardino and ITALIAN BRED at NJ Venues

Candice Guardino will visit New Jersey this summer after successful shows in NYC, LA, and Chicago where she received rave reviews and played to sold-out crowds. July 30th is her Asbury Park NJ debut at the Paramount Theatre, followed by Morris Museum's Bickford Theatre in August. A new take on solo shows is exactly what Candice does and it's not to be missed.

Candice Guardino was born in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, was raised on Staten Island, and now splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City. Candice made a name for herself on the New York theatre scene with her outrageously revealing one-woman show, "S.O.S." which ran at Stage 72 and The Laurie Beechman. She is being called someone who "Stuns!" and is "Redefining Solo Performances" by The Chicago Stage. Los Angeles raves for Candice's Italian Bred comedy, that's based on true life events and told through the eyes of a little girl growing up Italian. Candice slips in and out of multiple family characters while sharing the stage with virtual cameos of Emmy winner Leslie Jordan ("Will and Grace"), Mario Cantone ("Sex & the City"), Steve Schirripa ("The Sopranos"), and Vic DiBitetto ("Mall Cop 2.") Candice has also written several sitcoms, stage plays, screenplays, and shorts. Candice has studied with UCB, Second City, The Pit Improv and has a BA in Theatre.

When did you first realize you were destined to be a performer?

My mom said I was about 3 years old when she couldn't get me off the stage at my first Dance Recital. As I continued to perform I realized I felt the safest on stage, which is funny cause I'm kinda shy in person.

Important mentors?

My parents. They're constant love and support is inspiring. Also, the amazing Lorraine Bracco, she's a wonderful friend and mentor. She been in the business for a while and has so many experiences to draw from. She gives me such great advice and I'm so grateful!

Why is "Italian Bred" such a unique audience experience?

Well, it's just me up there and my goal is to become these characters, tell these true stories about real people and take you on a journey about growing up. It's an emotional rollercoaster full of laughs (cause my life can hilarious and embarrassing with some tears) I hope you leave the theatre feeling changed somehow. I miss watching TV shows, Movies and live theatre about the real heroes in all our lives... our family. Yes, my show is revealing and that's a challenge, but the positive effect it has on so many people is what makes it so rewarding!

How has the show evolved over time?

Italian Bred started out as a 20 minutes stand up set where I explored the characters. I wanted to see how t the audience responded. I headed to the Laurie Beechman in NY as a featured cabaret show, then to a limited run at St Lukes Theatre in NYC, now, it's a full-on theatrical experience with several virtual Celebrity cameos that join me on stage!

Tell us a little about life on the road as you tour with the show.

Life on the road is always fun because you see different places! I also get to experiences how the audience reactions to my show from city to city.

Why are you looking forward to the upcoming runs in NJ?

I'm so excited to perform this show in NJ because it feels like I'm coming home. My family now lives in NJ and with my extended family. But mostly because this show connects with all east coasters instantly!

For the future?

You never know what can happen - but right now I'm really enjoying this ride and that I get to perform for such amazing audiences!

Anything else you want BWW NJ readers to know?

I'd love you to come out and see the show and let me know what ya think! I love meeting audience members after and hearing their own family stories!

For tour dates, visit: www.candiceguardino.com

Candice Guardino will appear in Morristown, NJ at The Bickford Theatre at Morristown Museum on Saturday August 5th at 8:00pm and Sunday August 6th at 2:00pm.For tickets, call the Box Office at 973.971.3706.

You can follow Candice Guardino on social media: Facebook @CandiceGuardino https://www.facebook.com/CandiceGuardinoOfficial/; Instagram @CandiceGuardino https://www.instagram.com/candiceguardino/; Twitter @CandiceGuardino https://twitter.com/candiceguardino

Follow "Italian Bred" on social media: Facebook @ItalianBred https://www.facebook.com/ItalianBred/; Instagram @ItalianBredShow https://www.instagram.com/italianbredshow/; Twitter @ItalianBredShow https://twitter.com/ItalianBredShow

Photo credit: Courtesy of Candice Guardino