Why have one emcee when you can have two?
Why have two, when you can have a small army of hosts–and celebrities, no less?
The organizers of Morristown’s Got Talent! like to add new twists each season. Year four will feature a pair of hosts who, while not quite household names, certainly will look familiar.
Bill Bromberg and Johnny D will serve up celebrity impersonations and other surprises at Morristown’s Community Theatre on Feb. 23, according to Marcie Yarnis of the Morris Educational Foundation.
As in the past, 16 acts from the Greater Morristown area will compete for a $1,000 top prize. (They meet the media on Saturday.) Last year’s show raised $30,000 in grants for educational programs in the Morris School District.
Comics hosted the prior editions of Morristown’s Got Talent!, starting with John Pizzi. He was followed by Paul Lyons and Ben Bailey of Cash Cab fame.
“This year we decided to do something very different to surprise the audience,” Marcie said. “There will be comedy. But [Bill and Johnny D.] will take our audience in a different direction.”
Morristowners definitely should recognize this year’s judges.
Blaire Reinhard, a graduate of Morristown High School, fronts the Blaire Reinhard Band, one of the most talented pop combos anywhere, period. Blaire sings, plays keyboards and writes infectious songs for the group and for TV, films and commercials. She has performed at the Community Theatre and so has her grandfather, Doc Severinsen of Tonight Show fame.
“She is a Morristown homegrown success story” who should inspire contestants, Marcie said of Blaire.
The judging panel also will include Jonathon Pierce, who apprises talent all year long as production director of the Community Theatre. Opera singer Karen Notare, a soprano who has graced stages around the world and who resides in Morris County, and Morristown resident Guy Adami, a panelist on CNBC’s Fast Money and managing director of Drakon Capital, round out the judging.
Bill Bromberg should have a good feel for educational fundraisers like Morristown’s Got Talent!; he is a former English and history teacher. He also knows how to entertain big crowds, thanks to announcing gigs for Seton Hall and Princeton basketball and Trenton Thunder baseball over the years. He has worked for the New Jersey Nets, and he appears regularly on MSG Plus and MSG Varsity, Marcie said.
Johnny D. made People magazine’s “Best Impersonator” list in 2007, after honing his skills with the comedy troupes Schizoid (Philadelphia) and Some Assembly Required (New York). He has performed at Caroline’s and Catch a Rising Star, and in Atlantic City, and his ad credits include spots for Visa, Miller Beer, Bud Light.
Together, Bill and Johnny D. have wowed many corporate gatherings, Marcie said.
“Prepare to be dazzled by top media personalities,” she advised.
Tickets go on sale Jan. 21 at the Community Theatre.
