The coronavirus turned last month’s Morristown Onstage competition into Morristown Onscreen.
But the virtual version hardly missed a beat: The online production raised $150,000 for programs in the Morris School District, the Morris Educational Foundation said on Thursday.
“We are thrilled with the success of Morristown ONSTAGE 2021,” event chair Melanie Smith told Morristown Green.
“When planning first began, the Together We Can theme truly was a rally cry, pushing us to create an amazing event that Morristown ONSTAGE is known for.
“And as always, the community came together in support of the show, our schools and multiple initiatives year-round,” said Smith, vice president of the foundation.
Morristown Onstage is an annual contest for amateur entertainers who live, work or study in Greater Morristown, and for alumni of Morristown High School.
Traditionally, it’s a rollicking affair in Morristown’s 1,300-seat Mayo Performing Arts Center.
Last year’s edition — a Lucky 13th, just before the pandemic shut down everything — raised more than $175,000. Over the years, the show has raised more than $1 million for an assortment of programs in the 10-school regional district.
Some 55 acts submitted audition videos this time around, and 14 made the cut for the March 10, 2021, webcast. Finalists recorded their performances in living rooms, basements and studios.
A panel of entertainment pros awarded $1,000 prizes to Morristown-Beard sophomore Maya Bhide, who sang Mariah Carey’s Hero, and to the band Flight Lights for its rendition of Franklin’s Tower by the Grateful Dead.
The $500 audience choice award, as voted by text messages, went to Panic! At The Mayo, a virtual ensemble of district music teachers who played Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke.
Morristown Onstage succeeded, despite COVID-19, thanks to a mix of corporate and community sponsorships, online playbill advertising, donations, and its first luxury raffle, of a Jeep, said Laurie Pepitone, the foundation’s director of marketing and communications.
Local schoolkids are the big winners, Smith said.
“We are beyond grateful and excited to continue to fund the academic and enrichment needs of the Morris School District,” she said.
FULL COVERAGE OF MORRISTOWN ONSTAGE 2021
