By Tyler Barth
It’s the closest thing to a dynasty that Morristown Onstage has.
Fifteen-year-old Bobby Becht will be the third member of his clan to compete.
His older sister Danielle was a finalist in 2012, when she was just 8. Kid brother Tom was a finalist last year. He was 10.
“To me, singing is one of the things that I’ve always really looked into, because my sister started and I followed her,” said Bobby, who will sing Empty Chairs at Empty Tables from Les Misérables at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Feb. 26, 2020.
Bobby is among 15 top amateur acts from Greater Morristown competing for fame and fortun, in a benefit for programs in the Morris School District.
He auditioned twice before–once with his sister, and once solo.
Although this is his first time in Morristown Onstage, Bobby is no stranger to the Mayo Performing Arts Center stage, where his credits include MPAC community productions of Les Mis and Hairspray.
The Morristown resident has sung at a variety of other events across New Jersey and New York, and he takes vocal lessons with his friend and fellow finalist Maggie Waldron at Morris Knolls High School.
“We go way back,” Bobby said of Waldron.
Although his siblings beat him to Morristown Onstage, Bobby could top them by winning the $1,000 prize.
If that happens, he plans to invest in his future–with more vocal lessons.
Produced by the nonprofit Morris Educational Foundation, Morristown Onstage is open to amateurs who live, work or study in Morristown, Morris Township or Morris Plains, and to alumni of Morristown High School. From more than 60 acts that auditioned, 15 were chosen to compete on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. Show business pros will award $1,000 to the top youth and adult performers, and the audience favorite will take home $500. Tickets: $29-$79. Proceeds benefit Morris School District programs.