Photo Flash: Justin Guarini Hosts A Masterclass At Landmark on Main Street

In anticipation of his From American Idol to Broadway concert on March 2, Justin Guarini conducted a Master Class at Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington on Wednesday, January 25 - sharing stories and lessons learned during his struggling actor days, his journey to become the first-runner up on American Idol's first season and subsequent career stops including TV and film appearances and Broadway roles.

Guarini discussed his early background with the audience that included music and theater students and community members. He described how he discovered early in life that he had an affinity for music and that his love of music extends to all music – Broadway, Pop, Opera, Classical, etc. He grew up with a foot in the entertainment business (his mom was an early CNN reporter; his dad a politician; his second cousin is Samuel L. Jackson; after his parents divorced, his father dated Gladys Knight), so taking the path to a career in the entertainment industry was always clear in his mind. Similarly, he reflected on some roads not taken – including the choice he had to make when he was offered a part in Broadway's The Lion King the same week he was to leave for Hollywood for the then-unknown entity called American Idol.

Audience members had the opportunity to ask questions that were shaped by the decisions they have coming up regarding education and auditions. Guarini answered and encouraged participants to believe in themselves and work very hard to achieve their goals. He also discussed his upcoming project next month: Ghost Brothers of Darkland County and how excited he is to work with the play's writer (Stephen King); music composer (John Mellencamp) and director (T Bone Burnett).

He sang his American Idol audition song and ended with two selections sung to self-accompanied guitar: Hank Williams' "I am so Lonesome I Could Cry" and Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me."

Justin Guarini returns to perform his full concert on Friday, March 2. Tickets and information available at www.landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Photo credit Ilene Silberstein

Justin Guarini

Justin Guarini

Justin Guarini