Duross

February 6, 2019

SURPRISE, IT'S EARLY!! GRAB YOUR COPY NOW!!

😍💔😍💔😍💔😍💔😍💔😍💔😍💔😍💔😍​

http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/HVD

"Ahhh, Valentine’s Day.
A day of love, romance, chocolates, and fluttery feel-good things.
There are some who celebrate this day with all their heart…

And then there are those that don’t.

Valentine’s Day.
A day of broken hearts and bad memories.
A day that some are better off without.
People getting all lovey-dovey can just GO AWAY.
(The chocolates can stay though *wink*)

This collection of 40 poems is a glimpse into a hurt soul, and a reminder that for some, Valentine’s Day is anything but “happy”."

October 13, 2018

Sacandaga Musical Theatre and Sacandaga Valley Arts Network presents:

​

REDNECK REVENGE: A MURDER MYSTERY DINNER SHOW

​

It's the annual picnic at the trailer park--*ahem* excuse me--"mobile home" park, and tensions are high when Momma Wanda invites her mysterious "cousin" to join them.

Follow these dysfunctional rednecks as they stir up trouble and try to uncover the truth of who "Bobbie Jean" really is. Is Junior really as "special" as he claims to be? Will Jethro stay faithful to his beer-drinking baby-mama, Lurlene? And what exactly is in store for the park's residents? Whatever it is, it might be just enough to drive someone to MURDER!!

​

***RESERVATIONS REQUIRED***

​

November 2, 2018 @ Inn At The Bridge, Northville. Dinner: 7 PM, Show: 8 PM

Call: 518-420-9591

​

November 3, 2018 @ The Moose Club, Johnstown. Dinner: 7 PM, Show: 8 PM

Call: 518-725-3897

​

November 4, 2018 @ The Alpine Grille, Wells. Dinner: 4 PM, Show: 5 PM

Call: 518-684-0314

​

November 10, 2018 @ Harold's Restaurant, Gloversville. Dinner: 7 PM, Show: 8 PM

Call: 518-775-9881

​

All Tickets: $30 per person (includes dinner, dessert, coffee, and the show)

September 30, 2018

Hey Everyone!!

​

Trying to get back into the swing of things here, but here's some highlights of what I've been up to this year:

​

February

I once again joined up with Sacandaga Musical Theatre to perform in our annual Hot Night, a dinner-variety show, this time evoking a Saturday Night Live vibe!!

May

I went on a cruise to the Bahamas!! I hadn't been on a cruise, let alone a full-length vacation, in several years, and it was such an amazing experience. A week went by way too fast.

June

I performed in my first vocal recital since starting voice lessons a year ago, and I really wish I could tell you that I did well... but unfortunately the lyrics evaded me in more than one song :/

However later that month I celebrated the one year anniversary of my very loving relationship, which was a huge deal for me after having only ever been in one serious one, and then just having a chain of unrequited feelings, heartaches, and a horrendous life-altering heartbreak within the five years after that ended. #bookfuel

July

I went to Broadway to see my all-time favorite musical, Once On This Island, and had the cast sign my copy of My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy: the book that the show is based on!!

I also got my very first paid acting gig in the form of a historical Colonial wedding re-enactment from Walter Edmonds' Drums Along the Mohawk where I portrayed the groom.

August

I filmed all my scenes in another movie in 3 HOURS called Ghost Stories (check out my ACTING PAGE for more info)

COMING SOON

This upcoming Tuesday I shall begin rehearsals for Sacandaga Musical Theatre's annual Murder Mystery Dinner Show to premiere in November (more details TBA).

Book-wise, I'm a snail. I haven't really been writing a lot lately, however I have come up with a few new story ideas, such as a Little Mermaid reimagining called Pretty Little Siren, a Beauty and the Beast reimagining called Bleeding Heart, and a Poison Ivy (DC Comics/Batman Villain) origin story reimagining called Poison. #allaboutthosereimaginings lol. I've actually been pretty obsessed with Poison Ivy lately. I'm even going to be the male version for Halloween this year. Already tested out the costume when I went to Saratoga Comic Con this past April, and it was a blast!!

​

Anyway, such exciting things have happened this year, and there will be much more to follow, I'm sure!! Until next time!! ^_^

December 11, 2017

Hey Guys!! My newest movie Dark Road is finally out!!

​

Here's the link for it!!

​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G_OETOOFnk

April 4, 2017

Hey Guys!!

Soooo sorry I haven't updated this in awhile. Since my last post:

-I have been crowned Mister Spirit of the Empire State and made several titleholder appearances.

-I filmed 3 movies: Cataclysm (a vampire film, which is now available on YouTube), Drive (a story about one man's personal discovery), and 27 Matches (a docudrama about the American sex-trafficking industry).

-I performed in Spamalot, which is the musical stage adaptation of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

-I have aided in the creation of a new drama group called Standing Ovation Productions, which are currently putting on cabarets featuring local talent, and hopefully this year we will start putting on bigger productions.

-I was in a murder mystery dinner show called Trouble at the Tropicabana, which is a spoof on I Love Lucy!!

-This year, I have been in 2 projects: an '80s-themed dinner variety show called Hot Night in the '80s, and another indie film called The Man With No Pants.

​

Writing-wise, I'm slowly but surely coming up with more material for my books. Unfortunately I did not achieve my end-of-the-year deadline for My Heart For Your Blood, so that's on me. However I will not quit. I know a lot of people are excited for these to come out, so I WILL make them happen!! I'm pretty excited too. Some things are taking unexpected turns and coming out spectacular, and I think everyone will enjoy them.

I'll try to update more as things happen. Until next time!! ^_^

June 20, 2016

Hello Everyone!!

I am proud and honored to announce that I have been awarded the title of Mister Spirit of the Empire State 2016, as first-runner up to Mister Spirit of New York!!

The Mister Spirit of New York Pageant was a Spirit of the USA Organization fundraiser held on June 12, 2016 at the Gloversville Senior Center in Gloversville, NY. Amongst several other contestants, I also won the award for Best Interview, as well as second place in the talent portion, for which I sang acapella my song "Make Believe", which is part of my upcoming album, Feel.

As Mister Spirit of the Empire State, I will continue to provide my services and support to community businesses and organizations such as the Gloversville Public Library, the Glove Theatre, and the Gloversville Senior Center, as I have done for several years.

My official crowning will take place at the Miss Spirit of New York 2017 Pageant at Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady, NY on July 30, 2016. See the event information below!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/578281422345589/

May 17, 2016

Everybody, meet Shayla!!

Shayla Kilwell is a vampire assassin -- a vampire that assassinates other vampires. She is employed by the underground Nightfall Agency..., and has been led to believe that she is doing the world a great service by picking out the criminal vampires and eliminating them. Little does she know is that the end game is much more sinister.

When Shayla teams up with another vampire, Giulio, on a side-quest for a mystical relic, she discovers that there’s much more to the world than she ever fathomed. Together, they must stop the Agency’s diabolical plan before it’s too late, and Shayla must throw away everything she thought she knew in order to save her race.

The stakes are high and betrayal lurks around every corner. Who can she really trust, and what can she really believe anymore?

COMING SOON

March 9, 2016

**UPDATED: 4/2/16**

**UPDATED: 4/18/16**

Hey Guys!!

Sorry it's been awhile, but a bunch of awesome things have happened/are happening!! I've been quite busy in my creative world. Here's a rundown of what I've been up to:

January

Volunteered at a "Superhero/Princess" Fundraiser Party

-Portrayed Prince Charming dancing with Cinderella, and Flynn Rider singing with Rapunzel.

Got cast in "Drive"

-An independent film.

-Portraying "Federal Agent McGrain".

-Starts filming this summer.

February

Got cast in "Radiant Dark"

-An epic fantasy/adventure independent film.

-Portraying "Drey".

-Starts filming this summer.

Judged the "Miss Mohawk Valley Youth" Pageant and Talent Competition

-Judge #3

Guest Appeared on an episode of Skid TV

-Skidmore College's TV Station.

Attended the "Miss Spirit of the USA" Pageant

-My friend Danielle won the crown.

Went to the first production meeting of "Mean People Suck"

-A brand new webseries.

-Portraying "Nico".

-Starts filming this summer.

March

"Miss Colonial Days" Pageant

-Emcee.

"Miss Colonial" Pageant

-Judge

April

Book Reading

-Amsterdam Library

-Reading from my book, Musings & Emotions.

Book Reading

-Gloversville Senior Center

-Reading from my book, Musings & Emotions.

Fashion Show

-Gloversville Senior Center Fundraiser

-Modeled a couple outfits from Panache Fashions.

May

"Drive" Shoot

-Filming scenes.

I'm still working on My Heart For Your Blood, however I've also started writing another vampire book called Fatal Nightfall. It's actually coming along quite well. So far, this one is going to be a two-book series, but let's just see where it leads ;)

I also have some more exciting news:

I'm planning on producing my very first music album this year!! I've written twelve songs and I can't wait to share them with you!!

So that's what's been going on with me lately. I'll post more updates as more things come about. I'm pretty excited and grateful about how this year is turning out for me creatively.

Until next time!! ^_^

December 14, 2015

Exciting news everyone!!

My ebook Musings & Emotions is now in PRINT!!

Order it here on Blurb for $8.99!! ^_^

http://www.blurb.com/b/6665163-musings-emotions

November 2, 2015

Hey guys, sorry this is late, but SURPRISE!! I'm in another show...and ANOTHER one ;)

https://www.facebook.com/events/384528001756912/

First up is another Murder Mystery Dinner Show entitled DEALT A DEADLY HAND, in which I portray a Steve Irwin-type character who carries around a "special pet". It's showing two nights at two venues (Nov. 8th at the Alpine Grille in Wells, NY, and Nov. 13th at Harold's Restaurant & Lounge in Gloversville, NY). Make your reservations because seating is limited and we're selling out quickly.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1630871147133360/

The second one is MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET at the Glove Theatre, coming the third weekend in December, in which I portray Johnny's Dad, Judge Harper, and sure-to-be-fun Drunken Santa.

Hope you can make them!!

September 19, 2015

https://www.facebook.com/events/959713494046944/

THE FANTASTICKS

presented by

The Glove Performing Arts Center

Gloversville, NY

September 25, 26, October 1, 2 & 3 @ 8:00 PM

Sept 27 @ 2:00 PM

General Admission: $15

Students/Seniors: $12

TICKETS

CALL: 518-773-8255 Ext 25

EMAIL: boxoffice@glovetheatre.org

CAST & CREW
El Gallo - Frank Leavitt
Matt - Michael Camelo
Luisa - Tricia Reilly
Huck - Sonny Duross
Bell - Larissa Groesbeck
Henry - Jack Dowd
Mortimer/The Mute - Chynna Bleyl

Director - Christopher Stefani
Musical Director - Adrienne Sherman
Stage Manager - Miriam Miller

There's always time to remember this romantic fable about a boy, a girl, their two parents and a love that grows with each season.

Talk about a time-proven audience-pleaser! "Try To Remember" a time when this romantic charmer wasn't enchanting audiences around the world. The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in the world, and with good reason: at the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time.

The Fantasticks is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, and their two parents who try to keep them apart. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. The boy and the girl fall in love, grow apart, and finally find their way back to each other after realizing the truth in El Gallo's words that "without a hurt, the heart is hollow".

With its minimal costumes, small band and minimal set, The Fantasticks is an intimate show which may be performed in virtually any space, engaging the audience's imagination and showcasing a strong ensemble cast. Its moving tale of young lovers who become disillusioned, only to discover a more mature, meaningful love is punctuated by a bountiful series of catchy, memorable songs, many of which have become classics.

August 19, 2015

Happy 27th Birthday to me, and Happy 1st Birthday to my website!!

One year ago today I launched this website, and over the year I've done a lot of amazing things. I published my third book (Musings & Emotions), acted in my 40th stage show (Once Upon A Mattress), attended my first ever concert (Wiz Khalifa and Fall Out Boy), went to NYC for the first time and attended my first Broadway show (Matilda), and most recently was part of one of the best shows of my entire acting career which was sold out almost every night (Legally Blonde)!!

Now, I am working on my fourth book (My Heart For Your Blood), which will be my first full-length work as the others were books of poetry, and is expected to be published Winter 2016.

I am also pleased to announce that I am currently in rehearsals for the world's longest running musical, (The Fantasticks), which is coming to The Glove Performing Arts Center at the end of September. Stay tuned for more info.

I want to thank you all for checking up on me every once in a while to see what I'm up to, and I promise this year will hold even more exciting treasures!! Until next time!! ^_^

July 2, 2015

Now that CLUE is over, I shall now continue rehearsals for LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL coming this August!!

I shall be portraying Nikos Argitakos, Sundeep Padamadan, and Harvard Male Ensemble.

https://www.facebook.com/events/747037462073253/

LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL

presented by
Colonial Little Theatre

Johnstown, NY

Directed, Musically Directed, and Choreographed by Justin Newkirk

August 7, 8, 14 & 15 @ 7:00 PM
August 9 & 16 @ 2:00 PM
Admission: $15

**RESERVATIONS STRONGLY SUGGESTED**

To reserve tickets, please call 518-762-4325 or email boxoffice@coloniallittletheatre.org.

Legally Blonde is a musical with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and book by Heather Hach.

The story is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon.

It tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. Throughout the show, no one has faith in Elle and she struggles with peers, professors, and stereotypes. With the help of Emmett, a Harvard alum; Paulette, a self-conscious, yet lovable hairdresser; and a troupe of sorority sisters, Elle quickly realizes her potential, and sets out to prove herself to the world by defying expectations while still staying true to herself.

May 15, 2015

CLUE: THE MUSICAL

presented by

The Glove Performing Arts Center

Gloversville, NY

June 19, 20, 25, 26 & 27 @8:00 PM

June 21 @2:00 PM

General Admission: $15

Students/Seniors: $12

TICKETS

CALL: 518-773-8255 Ext 25

EMAIL: boxoffice@glovetheatre.org

CAST & CREW

Mr. Boddy - Michael Ciaravella

Mrs. Peacock - Charity Buckbee

Professor Plum - Sonny Duross

Colonel Mustard - Bryan Cerny

Miss Scarlet - Chynna Bleyl

Mrs. White - Mark Peek

Mr. Green - Brandon Degroot

Detective - Heather Geier

Director/Choreographer - Andrew Higgs

Music Director - Alyssa Rizzo

Producer - Marc Norton

Vocal Coach - Wendy Adamkoski-Boltash

Stage Manager - Heather Geier

Costumer - Kelsey Norton

The internationally popular board game is now a fun filled musical which brings the world's best known suspects to life and invites the audience to help solve the mystery: who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon?

The audience receives forms to help them deduce the solution from clues given throughout the fun-filled evening. Three audience members choose from cards representing the potential murderers, weapons and rooms. There are 216 possible solutions, and only one hard-nosed female detective is qualified to unravel the merry mayhem.

Comic antics, witty lyrics, and a beguiling score carry the investigation from room to room. Even after the culprit confesses, a surprise twist delights the audience!! This colorful crowd pleaser was devised by the authors of Murder at Rutherford House and other popular interactive entertainments!!

May 8, 2015

Hey Everyone!!

Just wanted to update you all on what I've been up to for the past few months. I know it's been a while.

Alrighty, first off, late last year was to date the busiest I had ever been in my acting career. In the final three months of 2014, I involved myself in FOUR different shows!! One pretty much directly after another. There was "Addams Family" at The Glove, shortly followed by "Almost, Maine" at CLT, with a quick insertion of two viewings of a dinner show called "Polter-Heist" in Gloversville and Wells, NY, and then finally onto "Once Upon A Mattress" at The Glove. After that, save for my next involvement of Sacandaga Musical Theater's annual "Hot Night" themed dinner show the following month, I decided I would take a short hiatus from acting.

Well, that didn't last long.

Try as I might, I just couldn't stay away from theatre for very long. I surrendered to the call, and decided to become involved in stage crew for "The Odd Couple" and "The 39 Steps", both at The Glove, during the months of February and March.

April I managed a brief break from theatre, and ended up spending time with friends as much as I could.

But now it is May, and I am beyond thrilled to announce that I shall be portraying Professor Plum in The Glove Theatre's June production of "Clue: The Musical"!! I am utterly excited and can't wait to see what we create!!

Stay tuned for the event info!!

January 21, 2015

SVAN & Sacandaga Musical Theater present:

HOT NIGHT IN NASHVILLE

hosted by

Sport Island Pub

Northville, NY

DATES: January 23 & 24, 2015

DINNER: 7:00PM

SHOW: 8:00 PM

TICKETS: General: $25 / Seniors & SVAN Members: $23

**Reservations are strongly suggested - this show sells out quick!!

Call 518-684-0314 to reserve your tickets today!!**

Howdeeee!! Grab your cowboy boots and head on down to Sport Island Pub for a Hot Night in Nashville!!

Live music, hilarious sketches, games, and a few surprise celebrity guests make this an evening you don't want to miss!!

November 10, 2014

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS: THE MUSICAL

presented by

The Glove Performing Arts Center

Gloversville, NY

December 12, 13, 19, & 20 at 7:00 PM

December 14 at 2:00 PM

December 21 at 6:00 PM

General Admission: $15

Students/Seniors: $12

TICKETS

CALL: 518-773-8255 Ext 25

EMAIL: boxoffice@glovetheatre.org

A comedic retelling of the classic fairy tale featuring a cast of unforgettable characters!!

A musical full of comedic charm that is great for the entire family!!

If you thought you knew the story of "The Princess and The Pea", you may be in for a walloping surprise!!

Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab?

Or that Lady Larken's love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste?

Or that, in fact, it wasn't the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night?

Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns both hilarious and raucous, as well as romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans!!

Chances are you'll never look at this fairy tale quite the same way again!!

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
Music by Lyrics by MARY RODGERS MARSHALL BARER
Book by JAY THOMPSON, DEAN FULLER and MARSHALL BARER
Presented through special arrangement with Rodgers & Hammerstein.
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Rodgers & Hammerstein.

229 West 28th Street

11th Floor

New York, NY 10001
T: (212) 564-4000
F: (212) 268-1245
www.rnh.com

October 28, 2014

SVAN & Sacandaga Musical Theater present:

POLTER-HEIST

hosted by

Harold's Restaurant & Lounge

176 West Fulton Street

Gloversville, New York 12078

DATE: November 8, 2014

DINNER: 7:00 PM.

SHOW: 8:00 PM.

TICKETS: $30 per person

DINNER INCLUDES: stuffed chicken breast, potatoes, seasonal vegetable, salad, bread, dessert, and coffee.

*******************************

**ENCORE PERFORMANCE**

hosted by

The Alpine Grille

93 State Highway 30

Wells, NY

DATE: November 23, 2014

DINNER: 4:00 PM

SHOW: 5:00 PM

TICKETS: $30 per person

DINNER INCLUDES: TBA

*******************************

Think you have what it takes to solve a murder?

Polter-Heist is an audience participation murder mystery comedy that's sure to get you giggling and give you goosebumps!

Join a cast of interesting characters for an evening at a paranormal convention, where everyone has a secret, and nothing is as it seems.

**RESERVATIONS REQUIRED**

Please call (518) 921-4081 to reserve tickets.

CAST:
Master of Ceremonies - Jessica Paul
Phyllis Lodge - Shelley Murphy
Jim Lodge - Sonny Duross
Janet from Another Planet - Ashley Meilunas
Madame Zelda Von Schpookum - Samantha Hall-Saladino
Professor Lionel Spector - Ashley Olmstead
Dana Skullery - Lauren Roberts
Fox Smolder - Mark Joseph Peek

October 11, 2014

ALMOST, MAINE

presented by
Colonial Little Theatre

Johnstown, NY

October 17, 18, 24, & 25 @ 7:00 PM
October 19 & 26 @ 2:00 PM
Admission: $12

Welcome to Almost, Maine, a town that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States—it’s almost in Canada. And it almost doesn’t exist. Because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it’s just…Almost.

One cold, clear Friday night in the middle of winter, while the northern lights hover in the sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. Love is lost, found, and confounded. And life for the people of Almost, Maine will never be the same.

ALMOST, MAINE: It’s love. But not quite.

CAST:
Pete: Homer Charbonneau
Ginette/Waitress: Terri Storrs
East/Lendall/Randy: Chris Babadelis
Glory: Sierra Lynch
Jimmy/Dan: Jesse Braverman
Sandrine: Susan Sendzicki
Marvalyn: Susan Brooks
Steve/Chad: Brandon DeGroot
Gayle: Michaela Goodell
Phil: Cody Webber
Marci: Genevieve Aldi
Hope: Miriam Miller
Rhonda: Melissa Capone
Dave: Sonny Duross

September 3, 2014

THE ADDAMS FAMILY: A NEW MUSICAL

presented by

The Glove Performing Arts Center

Gloversville, NY

September 26, 27, October 2, 3, & 4 @ 8:00 PM

September 28 @ 2:00 PM

TICKETS

CALL: 518-773-8255 Ext 25

EMAIL: boxoffice@glovetheatre.org

VISIT: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/29125

THE ADDAMS FAMILY features an original story based on the animated series, and it's every father's nightmare.

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family - a man her parents have never met. And if that weren't upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother.

Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before - keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.

On the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's 'normal' boyfriend and his parents, everything will change for the whole family.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY: A NEW MUSICAL
Book by MARSHALL BRICKMAN and RICK ELICE
Music and Lyrics by ANDREW LIPPA
Based on characters created by CHARLES ADDAMS

THE ADDAMS FAMILY: A NEW MUSICAL is presented through special arrangement, and all authorized performance materials are supplied by

Theatrical Rights Worldwide

570 Seventh Avenue

Suite 2100

New York, NY 10018

(866) 378-9758 www.theatricalrights.com

August 22, 2014

I am pleased to announce that I have accepted the role of Mal Bienecke in The Addams Family: The Musical, coming to The Glove Performing Arts Center September 26-28 and October 2-4!! More information to follow soon!!

--JMD--

August 19, 2014

Hey there!! I am thrilled to announce the launch of my new website!! It's a bit simplistic right now, but as things progress, it'll become more abundant with awesome stuff!! If there's anything you think I need to change or fix or add, please message me and I'll do what I can.

Thanks for checking it out!! Til next time!!

--JMD--