Some familiar names return to Morristown Onstage next month for another crack at stardom.
Past finalists who are back include, Allison Chong, Sabrina Genesis Dylan Sarah Klug, and Zion Pearson.
And the winners of last year’s virtual show–Maya Bhide and Flight Lights–will get their chance to perform live at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Mark the date: Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022.
Below are the 13 finalists who will compete in the 15th anniversary edition of this fundraiser, which has raised more than $1 million for programs in the Morris School District. Presented by the Morris Educational Foundation, the competition is open to amateur performers who live, work or attend schools in Morristown, Morris Township or Morris Plains.
From the Morris Educational Foundation:
MORRIS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION NAMES MORRISTOWN ONSTAGE 2022 ACTS
15 Local Acts to Perform In 15th Anniversary Talent Show
To start the new year on a high note, the Morris Educational Foundation (MEF) Monday announced the 15 acts that will perform in the 15th annual Morristown ONSTAGE fundraising event.
Featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Plains and Morris Township, the show will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown.
15 Years of Talent. 15 Years of Dedication. 15 Years of Impact. Morristown ONSTAGE has grown and evolved over the years, with each proving to be the “must see” event of the year.
The 15th anniversary event will be a lively celebration featuring 13 finalists comprised of District students, local residents, employees and individuals in and around town.
In addition, the two 1st place winners from the 2021 all-virtual show are returning to have their chance to perform on stage at the Mayo Performing Arts Center: Flight Lights, winner of the 19 and over category and Maya Bhide, winner of the 18 and under category.
Finalists scheduled to perform include:
NAME OF ACT TYPE OF ACT
18 & Under
Allison Chong Acro Dance
Layna Arvanites Singer
Ella Lindner Singer
Unity Steppers Step Dance
Henry Yip Instrumental
Zion Pearson Singer
Dylan Sarah Klug Singer/Piano
19 & Over
Background Noise Band
Sabrina Genesis Singer
Caracella Band
Kevin Madden Singer/Guitar
10 Strings 4 Hands Instrumental
Tess Carvelli Singer
“It was a refreshing to be back in person to find the amazing talent auditioning for Morristown ONSTAGE 2022,” said Melanie Smith, Morristown ONSTAGE event chair and vice chair of the Morris Educational Foundation Board of Trustees.
“As we celebrate 15 years of talent, we were happy to see new and returning performers who brought their ‘A’ game to earn their spot on the stage. Our 13 finalists each bring something unique to the show and we know their performances will be one for the record books on Feb. 23 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.”
As in years past, the finalists will compete for one of two 1st place $1,000 cash prizes – one for contestants ages 19 and over and one for contestants ages 18 and under.
Additionally, $500 will be awarded to the “Audience Choice” Winner, which is a “text-to-vote” at the end of the show; also, a $250 Rossoff Rising Star Award for talent training will be chosen by the Morristown ONSTAGE Steering Committee; and the New York Jets Take Flight Award will go to the top two vocalists, to audition to sing the national anthem during a New York Jets home game.
A panel of distinguished arts and entertainment professionals will judge the competition. Returning as the Master of Ceremonies and host of the show is Morristown resident Tara Bernie, senior content producer at PEOPLE (the TV show!), who won an Emmy for her work as the Senior Correspondent on DailyMailTV.
Tickets to attend Morristown ONSTAGE will go on sale in early 2022.
Morristown ONSTAGE is following strict safety protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. For event entry, Morristown ONSTAGE will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and/or a negative COVID test for all patrons ages 12+. Social distancing will be practiced when possible and face masks will be required for everyone and may be removed only while performing. For more information on these safety protocols, please visit www.morristownonstage.com.
Morristown ONSTAGE was created to further the Morris Educational Foundation’s ability to distribute financial and other resources to and for the Morris School District. Since the show’s inception, Morristown ONSTAGE has raised over $1 million for the MEF.
To learn more and receive updates leading up to the fundraiser, visit the Morris Educational Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Morris Educational Foundation
The Morris Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to attract private resources to support a variety of educational programs and initiatives in support of the Morris School District. Through effective solicitation and distribution of funds, the Morris Educational Foundation helps enable the District to continue to be the model of visionary social and educational leadership it has been since its inception. For more information, visit www.morrisedfoundation.org.
MORE COVERAGE OF MORRISTOWN ONSTAGE 2022
CORRECTION: A previous version mistakenly reported that past finalist Helena Lindner is returning this year. This year’s finalist is her sister, Ella Lindner. Sorry for the error, and good luck, Ella!
