Ohio-born actor and singer Mark William feels right at home living in Hell’s Kitchen, describing the neighborhood “as the perfect blend.” This is Mark’s West Side Story.
Mark William is an actor and singer living in Hell’s Kitchen. Photo: Lucas Brito
So what’s your New York story? Born here, or just arrived?
I moved to NYC three months after finishing college in Ohio. I double majored in Music Education and Musical Theatre but, after careful consideration, made the decision to move to New York and take my shot as a performer. There have been ups and downs, but overall I’m really happy I made that choice.
What was your first job? What do you do now?
My first job in life was as a golf caddy at Inverness Country Club in Toledo, OH – I was 14 years old. My first job after moving to NYC was a summer of theatre at Surflight Playhouse in Long Beach Island, NJ. I worked with so many wonderful people that summer, some of whom I’m still in touch with pretty regularly.
As far as now? The life of an actor requires flexibility, so I have a number of jobs – I’m a professional singer in the choir at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, I’m the Orchestral Librarian for Broadway Pops International, and I’m a personal assistant for a sheet music archivist and a lifelong film connoisseur and collector. All that and more, in addition to working on various musicals, plays, films, TV shows, nightclub acts, etc.
Mark performing his nightclub act. Photo: Melissa Griegel
What’s your favorite New York minute (or moment) so far?
So far, I have two favorite New York moments. A couple years ago, I was honored to make my Broadway debut in Broadway Backwards, the annual benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and the LGBT Center. That’s something I’ve been dreaming about my whole life! The other moment was having the incredible, legendary Chita Rivera sitting in the audience for my nightclub act – TWICE! She is such an icon and I am so grateful for the love and encouragement she gave me. We miss you Chita!!
Share with us why you love Hell’s Kitchen
As an avid theatregoer, you can’t beat the convenience of living just a few blocks away from Broadway. On top of that, it’s the perfect blend of busy avenues with myriad restaurants, shops and nightlife spots, and quieter neighborhood side streets. Going out for a delicious dinner, seeing a show and walking home afterwards? Perfect!
Mark has a nightclub act returning to Green Room 42 on May 10. Photo: Lucas Brito
What’s your superpower or hidden talent?
Some might consider this a superpower, others an annoyance, but in conversation, the things people say very often cue songs in my head. Depending on who I’m with, I may sing them out loud, or I may choose to hold it in. I say it’s genetic, because my mom and grandma do it too, but with decades of showtunes in my head, it takes things to a whole new level.
What else should we know about you?
I’ll be returning to The Green Room 42 on May 10 with the newest edition of my critically acclaimed nightclub act, Mark William: Technicolor Dreams 2.0. I’ve got a stellar six-piece band and we’ll be doing some great music, from Chita and Barbra, to Elvis and Peter Allen, and even some originals. In-person and livestream tickets are available — please join us! By the way, those originals will include a sneak peek at the new musical I’ve co-written, Dorian’s Wild(e) Affair. We’ve been workshopping the show and expect it to hit the New York stage in 2026.
Mark’s Favorite Hell’s Kitchen Places
Green Room 42 — 570 10th Ave (bw W41/42nd St)
This has been my artistic home from my very first act. I’m proud to have my name on their wall and I’ve had so many incredible nights here, both as a performer and a patron.
Becco — 355 W46th St (bw 8/9th Ave)
Pretty much any special occasion means I’m going to Becco. Prepare to loosen your belt — they have three fresh-made pastas every day, which they just keep refilling. For my main course, I alternate between the lemon chicken and the chicken parmesan. And the ricottina cheesecake?? To die for.
Mark with Becco’s Executive Chef William Gallagher. Photo: Lucas Brito
DeWitt Clinton Dog Run — 11th Ave & W52nd St
I love dogs. Mine, unfortunately, lives in Ohio for most of the year. But when she’s in town, we make frequent visits here. When she’s not, I’ll route my morning run so that I can pass by and see all the pups at play.
Joe Allen — 326 W46th St (bw 8/9th Ave)
The classic, iconic Broadway restaurant. Everything on the menu is delicious. Their walls full of flop Broadway window cards and posters are the envy of any collector (like me!) And you never know who you’re going to see there — from Lee Roy Reams to Faith Prince to Hugh Jackman.
Mark at iconic Restaurant Row spot Joe Allen with manager Kevin Skinner. Photo: Lucas Brito
AMC Empire 25 — 234 W42nd St bw 7/8th Ave
I know this is just over 8th Avenue, but I am at the movies so often that I couldn’t skip it. There’s nothing like seeing a film on the big screen, as it was intended. They’re almost done replacing all the seats, which is a big and much-needed upgrade. And I love walking through the front lobby, knowing that it used to be The Empire Theatre, and that the building was actually picked up and moved 168 feet to its current location.
Huascar & Co Bakeshop — 453 W54th St (bw 9/10th Ave)
This little shop is so vibrant that it draws you right in. And just thinking about the baked goods has my mouth watering. They have one of the best chocolate chunk cookies I have ever tasted, in addition to many other delectable cakes, pies, cookies, etc.
Mark enjoying a jumbo chocolate chunk cookie at Huascar & Co Bakery. Photo: Lucas Brito
MCC Theater — 511 W52nd St (corner of 10th Ave)
Signature Theatre — 480 W42nd St (bw 9/10th Ave)
Playwrights Horizons — 416 W42nd St (bw 9/10th Ave)
So many legendary plays and musicals have come through the non-profit theaters of our city, and we’re fortunate to have a few of them right in our neighborhood. No matter when you’re looking, there is something exciting happening at one, if not all three of these venues. Stepping away from the bright, commercial lights of Broadway is cleansing for the theatrical soul, and there is so much great work happening here, and throughout our amazing city.
375 Chicken ‘n Fries — 649 9th Ave (bw W45/46th St)
A more casual favorite, I just really like this place. The service is quick and friendly, the food is consistently good, and they’ve got a great variety for a chicken and fries place. My go-to is the BBQ-Ranch Chick’n Pop.
Mark’s idea of a perfect night in Hell’s Kitchen — going out for a delicious dinner, seeing a show, and walking home afterwards. Photo: Lucas Brito
Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Hope to see you on May 10 at The Green Room 42 for Mark William: Technicolor Dreams!
You can follow Mark in Instagram at @markwilliamnyc and snag tickets to his May 10 performance at Green Room 42 here. If you know someone who would make a great West Side Story (or you would like to nominate yourself), please fill in this form — w42st.info/WSSnominations.
You can check out more West Side Stories and reader recommendations on W42ST’s Hell’s Kitchen Local App.