Arts & Entertainment

Clinton Theatrical Family Features Six Brothers

Competing for the center spotlight in the family home, these six brothers have grown up through Clinton Family Theater and Morgan School Musicals and are still at it today.

 

Imagine being the only girl in your family with half a dozen younger brothers. If you can't even picture it, just ask Tara Zumpano what her childhood was like.

"I'm the oldest daughter with six younger brothers born into a loud, theatrical, Italian family," said Tara. "Growing up was never a dull moment."

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Her brothers, Mike, Jim, Dan, Mark, Mateo and Stephen have all had either leading roles or cast roles in Clinton productions over the years. Softball was her outlet, but for Tara's brothers, it came most notably through Morgan School Musicals and Clinton Family Theater.  They are the children of Dr. James Zumpano and Mrs. Joyce Zumpano of Clinton.

Two of the brothers can be seen in The Morgan School's spring musical, Once Upon a Mattress, which takes place March 21-24. It features Mateo, 14, as the bewildered Prince Dauntless and Mark, 16 as his overbearing mother, Queen Aggravain.

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Tara describes her family life as "at times claustrophobic, but ultimately a blast. With thin walls, singing became a contagious form of freedom throughout our household. Competing for center spotlight (and usually the last bowl of macaroni) manifested in each of us through structured, public settings."

She credits John Lampe, Morgan Musical and Clinton Family Theater executive producer/director, who noticed her brothers' talents and encouraged each of them to join the cast.

"John is a dear friend to our family and has played a key role in mentoring and developing thousands of young artists throughout the shoreline over the past 25 years. John's dedication has provided a 'literal' platform for fostering talent and actualizing student potential.  Urging through school chorus and local church cantering, John has transformed raw Zumpano talent into polished vocal leading roles throughout their Morgan and Clinton Family Theater careers," said Tara.

Another credit should go to Tara's maternal grandmother, Joyce Gerl, who was a member of the Morgan Choral club and a 1952 Morgan Graduate. She may be responsible for passing down the singing gene.  

Here's a list of productions featuring the Zumpano brothers:

Mike Zumpano, 23, a 2007 Morgan graduate (Fagin, Oliver! 2007) - Clinton Family Theater (CFT) (Nick, Fame 2007, Cain/Shem, Children of Eden 2008, Abner Yokum, Lil' Abner 2010, Young Joe Hardy, Damn Yankees 2012)  Today, Mike attends Liberty University in Virginia and is the sports announcer for the Division I Hockey Team. He's also president of the Lacrosse Club which boasts an undefeated season.

Jim Zumpano, 20, a 2010 Morgan graduate (Charlie Bates, Oliver! 2007).

Dan Zumpano, 18, 2012 Morgan graduate (Buffalo Bill, Annie Get Your Gun 2011, Tevye, Fiddler on the Roof 2012) - CFT (Japeth, Two by Two 2012)  Today, Dan, like his older brother, is a sports announcer.

Mark Zumpano, 16, Morgan junior (Perchik, Fiddler on the Roof 2012) - CFT (Young Joe Hardy, Damn Yankees 2012) and the upcoming Once Upon a Mattress

Mateo Zumpano, 14, Morgan freshman - CFT (Young Abel, Children of Eden 2008) and the upcoming Once Upon a Mattress

Stephen Zumpano, 12 , CFT (ensemble, Children of Eden 2008)


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