By Kevin Coughlin
New name, new record.
Greater Morristown’s annual talent competition, rechristened Morristown ONSTAGE after eight years as Morristown’s Got Talent, raised nearly $90,000 last month for programs in the Morris School District, according to the show’s treasurer.
That easily tops last year’s mark of $76,000.
“This is the biggest. But next year will be bigger,” Patty Haralampoudis promised the school district board on Monday.
“It’s going to be very special because it’s the 10th anniversary,” explained board member Ann Rhines.
The nonprofit Morris Educational Foundation organizes the show, which packs the 1,300-seat Mayo Performing Arts Center with fans who cheer for amateur entertainers who live, work or study in Morristown, Morris Township or Morris Plains.
A panel of entertainment pros chose balladeer Leah Humphrey, a Morristown High School junior, as tops in the youth division, while singer James Gedeon took the adult honors last month. They each won $1,000.
The audience voted middle schoolers Carly Nicolai and Peyton Wild, performing as Truly Brave, as its favorites. That prize was worth $500.
Molly McDermott, another high school singer, walked off with $250 and the first Rossoff Rising Star Award as the most promising talent.
Rhines, who has seen every production since the show’s inception, was impressed.
“It was a spectacular night,” she said.
“Just the excitement in the lobby was enough, with everybody being so proud to be a member of this community. The show was great, and I finally kind of agreed with the judges for the first time in nine years.”
Haralampoudis chalked up the record proceeds to bigger sponsorships and more Playbill ads.
This year’s show also featured ukuleles for the first time. Could that explain the boffo box office?
“I think so,” the treasurer said, with the slightest hint of a smile.
MORE FROM MORRISTOWN ONSTAGE 2016
UPDATE: On Tuesday the Morris Educational Foundation announced that the record take surpassed $90,000.
“The Morris Educational Foundation is an integral part of the Morris School District and this fund raising event will further the Foundation’s ability to distribute financial and other resources to and for the Morris School District,” show Chairperson Molly Servais said in a statement.
MEF Chaiperson Kim Pistner added: “The Morris Educational Foundation is grateful to the many sponsors who made the evening possible, along with our wonderful community who came out to see the show. A special thank you to the tireless efforts of our MEF volunteers!”
Every dollar raised by the show goes back to Morris District schools and students, said MEF Executive Director Debbie Sontupe.
Proud to be a part of this wonderful community. Remembering Steve Wiley and John Cunningham, who must be smiling down from Heaven seeing the history of generosity they worked to hard to preserve has continued.