Charles Ancheta wanted to be like Elvis when he grew up.
Minus the swiveling pelvis, the sideburns and the guitar, he's succeeded. He's the King of the Keyboards at American Music Theatre, where he rocks the stage on a Yamaha Grand with his virtuoso piano solos.
Boasting an undergraduate degree in music performance from the University of South Carolina and a master's from the University of Western Sydney, Australia, Ancheta has been making music since he took up the keyboards at age 5.
He has worked as musical director at the historic Dock Street Theatre in Charleston, S.C., and was associate conductor for the "Man of La Mancha" national tour with Jack Jones. He composes, arranges, orchestrates and has produced three CDs featuring his own playing: "Rhapsody," "Inspirational Piano Music" and "Christmas" (
www.charlesancheta.com).
He met his wife through a friend at the AMT box office. Shaileen Ancheta is a graduate of Hempfield High School and worked as a certified nursing assistant at Landis Homes Retirement Community. The Anchetas, married last year, are expecting a baby in January.
A North Carolina native, Ancheta, 32, is the son of Filipino parents. He signed on as musical director with AMT in 2001, and bought a home in East Lampeter Township in 2004.
The best thing about my work: Making people happy by sharing my music. By the audience's applause or a letter or an e-mail, I'm always moved when someone takes the time to tell me they enjoy listening to my music.
The hardest part of my job: Saying "no."
My other instruments: Clarinet and organ. And I sing.
On life in the theater: I never wanted to be just a concert pianist. I wanted to have a career where I could use all my skills. At AMT, I do.
The person I most admire: My wife. My appreciation of her beauty and strength has reached new heights during her last month of pregnancy.
My favorite entertainers: Billy Joel and Harry Connick Jr.
When it comes to TV, I watch: "Kitchen Nightmares" or anything on the Food Network.
My culinary specialty: Butternut squash soup.
My most satisfying extravagance: Buying things for my wife and baby-to-be.
For a really good vacation, try: Scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef.
Lancaster County's greatest asset: The kind people and beautiful, peaceful scenery. Lancaster is a special place to be.
My first job: Playing the organ in church. I started when I was 8, but didn't get paid until a few years later.
Two words I'm sick of seeing in print: Britney Spears.
My guilty pleasure: Double Stuf Oreos.
My most embarrassing on-stage moment: I was 10 and had to sing "It's Hard to Be Humble." I forgot part of the second verse and improvised with "la da dees" and "la da dums." My mistake was so obvious, but at the end, I received a standing ovation for not giving up. Since then, there've been many times when things haven't gone as planned. Scenery didn't come in on cue or a singer sprained his ankle right before his entrance. The challenge is to improvise your way out of those situations without the audience knowing. It can actually be incredibly exciting.
Marty Crisp is staff writer for the Sunday News. Her e-mail address is mcrisp@lnpnews.com.
