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Cincinnati's Mark Panuccio a rising star in world of opera
(WCPO/WCPO.com)
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In the search for weight loss secrets, 9News has found an unlikely spokesperson – an opera singer.
Cincinnati's Mark Panuccio is a rising star in the world of opera.
Panuccio says losing weight has changed his life – and his career prospects. And he wants you to know his secret.
His voice has been called a "lyric beauty."
But while the notes soared, so did Mark's weight.
At more than 300 pounds, Mark was landing roles on stage, but never as the leading man.
"They do not want to see a 300-pound leading tenor falling in love with a 120-pound leading soprano. They just don't," said Panuccio.
"Opera nowadays is a much more physical activity than it ever was 20 years ago," said Panuccio.
Cincinnati Opera's artistic director Evans Mirageas says the stereotype of the overweight opera star is quickly changing.
"Opera singers have to be able to move and you can't move if you weigh 300 pounds," aid Mirageas.
"I worked with Pavarotti for the last 10 years of his career, producing his recordings. I felt so sorry for him because he was still in such great voice," said Panuccio. "But he could barely move."
For Mark, a career in opera has been a bit of a rock-star lifestyle, with invitations to lavish parties – and a lot of food.
"I would go to one of these parties and I would sit there and eat as much as I possibly could," said Panuccio, "drink as much as I possibly could because I didn't know when I'd get another meal like this!"
Then, on a dare, Mark joined Weight-Watchers, and started exercising.
Trainer (sound on tape): "Gonna take your incline up just a little."
Less than a year later, Mark has lost more than 100 pounds.
Panuccio (running on treadmill)
When asked, "Are you addicted?," Panuccio replied, "Completely addicted. This is my drug of choice!"
He's working out with a trainer – and taking this part of his life as seriously as his career.
His face has completely changed. But more than anything, his personal energy has also been enhanced.
Since Mark started stretching his limits in the gym, he's also noticed a big payoff on stage.
Now with the weight loss, it has completely changed the outlook in every general directors eyes. It's quite amazing.
"Just within this last year, I've already been cast for three leading tenor roles," said Panuccio.
Mark is now an inspiration, not only to his audience, but to others who have struggled to lose weight.
"I said, 'I can't do this,' when I was over 300 pounds," said Panuccio. "But now I'm living proof – yes, you can – and everybody can do it."
Mark was ready, and swears it has only made his singing better.
Where weight once helped him force out notes, Mark has now developed muscles.
His last performance at the Cincinnati Opera, "O Sole Mio," earned rave reviews – and a standing ovation.
"This is my passion, this is my soul," said Panuccio. "This is my heart and this is why I'm here.
Mark still attends his Weight Watchers meetings and when he's on the road, his trainer has helped him develop a workout routine he can do at his hotel.
Mark will be starring in "Nixon in China" at the Cincinnati Opera this summer.
