No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Lisa Campanelli, the new general manager of the Marathon Community Theatre & Cinema. Campanelli has a background in the nonprofit sector and a passion for theater and bringing people together via cultural experiences.
LISA CAMPANELLI
Marathon Community Theatre
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? My husband had a job opportunity that brought us to the Keys, and as empty nesters, it felt like the perfect time for a new adventure. The move gave us the chance to embrace a change of pace and make a home in paradise.
What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living here? We love spending time outdoors — boating, exploring and enjoying everything the Keys has to offer. I’m also a very social person, and Marathon’s warm, welcoming community makes it easy to feel connected and at home.
Describe your most bizarre life experience thus far. My most bizarre life experience so far happened in kindergarten. My very first teacher also happened to be my dad’s kindergarten teacher – he was her first teaching assignment, and I was her last. Also sitting in my class was a boy who would later become my stepbrother. At the time, none of us could have guessed how strangely connected it all was.
If your life was a movie what would the title be and who would play you? “Grounding Chaos,” and Jennifer Aniston would play me.
What is the most embarrassing song on your playlist? That’s a tough one because I love music, and my taste is all over the place — dance, house, rock, classical, folk, country, indie, spiritual, jazz, hip hop and everything in between. But if I had to guess, the most embarrassing one on my playlist would be “The Jump Off” by Lil’ Kim.
If you won the lottery, what would you spend the money on? If I won the lottery, the very first thing I’d do is give back to my favorite charity: Marathon Community Theatre & Cinema. Supporting the arts and ensuring this community treasure continues to thrive would be at the top of my list.
If you were a flavor of ice cream, what flavor would you be and why? Pistachio! Subtly sweet, nutty and earthy.
If you could be any character in a theatrical performance, who would you play and why? I would play Elizabeth Bennet from “Pride and Prejudice.” Lizzy is quick-witted, strong and independent, yet also loyal and deeply caring. She challenges social expectations with intelligence and humor, making her a timeless character. BUT I would never get on stage.
How would your best friend describe you in three words? Compassionate, authentic and considerate.
What is something people don’t know about you? I read over 100 books a year.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
