By Tyler Barth
Christina Aloisio believes better times are somewhere over the rainbow.
Aloisio, a 29-year-old performing arts instructor at Denville’s Gateway to the Arts, will put her voice to the test at Morristown Onstage, her first talent show since middle school.
The Morris Plains resident will be singing Somewhere over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz.
“I like to express myself through music, and I thought it would bring a message of hope, that there are better days ahead,” she said.
Aloisio is among 14 finalists who will perform, via video, on March 10, 2021.
She will face off against five amateur singers, dancers and musicians for a $1,000 prize in the 19-and-over category, and will compete against everyone for the $500 audience choice award.
Now in its 14th year, the contest has raised more than $1 million for programs in the Morris School District. Because of COVID-19, the show has moved from the stage of the 1,300-seat Mayo Performing Arts Center onto home computer screens and smart TVs, for an all-virtual evening of performances pre-recorded by the contestants.
Winners will be invited to perform live (everyone hopes) at next year’s show, and the top two vocalists can audition to sing the national anthem at a New York Jets game.
If Aloisio brings home the cash, she plans on donating most of it to medical research. Her father, Michael, died from an unknown sickness in 2017, three years after being stricken. Aloisio hopes her donation will help her find out what happened to her dad.
“So many tests and theories, but still we don’t know the reason for the illness that forced him to leave the job he loved, and limit his mobility and freedom to enjoy his family and life to the fullest,” wrote Aloisio’s mother Candice on a Gofundme drive.
“We have been so loved and supported by our families, friends and coworkers. We are truly blessed and grateful.”
Aloisio also feels grateful to make it to the finals. She hadn’t even heard of Morristown Onstage until a few weeks before the audition deadline, when a friend tipped her off. Fifty-five acts tried out, via videos.
Even though her video performance has been submitted, Aloisio admits to some butterflies. The Morristown native had to quell such jitters since she was 9, when she began singing in the choir at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
“I kind of learned over the years as a performer to manage my nervous system a little bit. I already recorded the video but I’m definitely nervous about people seeing it,” she said. “Nerves are just part of the equation, always.”
The University of Delaware graduate, who has performed at Busch Gardens and Germany’s Europa Park, teaches voice and dance. She also enjoys playing the piano, baking and crafting.
“I feel so honored to be part of this talent pool and I wish the best for everyone!” Aloisio said.
Morristown Onstage is presented by the Morris Educational Foundation. Tickets to the March 10, 2021, virtual show are $25, $50 and $100.
