By Tyler Barth
Morristown Onstage doesn’t have a Best Accent category. But if it did, British-born Zac Taylor probably would take top honors.
He also brings the poise of someone who has spent most of his 17 years moving around the globe.
Taylor, whose dad leads the United Nations’ Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, has studied in India, been chased by a monkey in Ethiopia, and lived across England and the United States.
Now, the junior at the Morristown-Beard School in Morris Township aims to make his mark in Greater Morristown.
Taylor is one of 14 finalists in Morristown Onstage, an annual competition that raises money for programs in the Morris School District. On March 10, 2021, he will face off against seven other singers, dancers and musicians in the 18-and-under division.
“Everyone is very good. I’m just excited to hear everyone sing. I’m very happy to reach the final,” said Taylor, who will perform Best Part by Daniel Caesar.
“During quarantine I was on TikTok more than I should’ve been,” explained the Montclair resident. “I saw people singing everyday, saw someone singing Best Part, downloaded it, listened to it, and it became my favorite. Just suits my voice, too.”
Now in its 14th year, Morristown Onstage is open to amateur performers who live, work or attend schools in Morristown, Morris Township or Morris Plains. Morristown High School alumni also are eligible. Fifty-five acts auditioned, via videos, for this year’s show, a production of the Morris Educational Foundation.
Traditionally held in the sold-out, 1,300-seat Mayo Performing Arts Center, the competition will be virtual this year because of the pandemic. But finalists still will compete for $1,000 prizes in their age groups, as well as a $500 audience choice award. The $250 Rossoff Rising Star Award rewards potential.
Winners also will be invited to perform live at next year’s show, and the top two vocalists will audition to sing the national anthem at a New York Jets game. Morristown Onstage has raised more than $1 million for local schools since its inception. Tickets for next month’s online show, which will feature videos recorded at home by the contestants, range from $25 to $100.
Taylor isn’t the only Morristown-Beard student in the finals. He shares a chorus class with Maya Bhide, who told him about Morristown Onstage. Bhide will sing Mariah Carey’s Hero.
Video: Zac Taylor and Maya Bhide share a stage at Morristown-Beard; they will be competing against each other at Morristown Onstage:
Maya Bhide ’23 and Zac Taylor ’22 Perform
As part of yesterday’s Holiday All-School Meeting, #MoBeard students Maya Bhide ’23 and Zac Taylor ’22 performed a stirring version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
Posted by Morristown-Beard School on Saturday, December 19, 2020
If he wins the big prize, Taylor plans to buy new sound equipment, towards a potential career as a vocalist. If any money is left over, it’s going to COVID or cancer research.
Taylor has appeared before in talent shows, but never in a virtual one. If this leads to a Jets gig, post-COVID, that would suit him just fine.
“I love singing in front of people, meeting new people, being in a crowd,” he said.
