Stars of tomorroware on stage
Louise Carroll, Ledger Correspondent
NEW CASTLE - On Saturday, the Stars of Tomorrow will be shining brightly on the New Castle Playhouse stage.
The 15th annual show will feature young performers from Lawrence and surrounding counties.
Vaughn Hudspath, who has been directing the show since its inception, said he believes this year's could top them all.
"The wide diversity of talent is really going to make this show stand out. Our performers range from musicians,
vocalists, dancers, a magician and a teen ventriloquist," Hudspath said.
He also reminds people that if you miss this show, you don't know what you might be missing.
"Last year we hit the jackpot by featuring the then-unknown classical singer Jackie Evancho, who went on to become a worldwide phenomenon when she reached the finals on 'America's Got Talent,' " he said.
"She is proof that some of the best talent in the country is right here in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, and it is our job to create opportunities for young people to display their amazing talents," he said.
Since he is always on the lookout for young talent, Hudspath was at a local karaoke contest in Cranberry Township when he met Jackie and her mother, Lisa Evancho.
The Playhouse also sends letters to surrounding schools encouraging young people to audition.
"Every year, we see a rise in acts from schools outside of Lawrence County," Hudspath said.
Choreographer Jennifer Verba said she is every bit as excited about this year's array of talent. She has arranged a special opening number from the television show "Glee."
"High school students really seem to connect with that TV show, so I thought we would give them something to be excited about," Verba said.
Dale Brenner will be master of ceremonies, introducing the 10 acts from the high schools.
In addition to the Stars of Tomorrow, local dance schools are sending groups to perform special numbers including Ludovici Dance Academy and Jennifer Leigh's Dance Gallery.
Thomas Zumpella will be conducting the All Star Jazz band, which features the top high school instrumentalists in the area. The New Castle Playhouse Mini Stars, 34 performers ranging in age from 8 to 18, will perform a medley, "Fame Saluting Hall of Fame," of work by artists such as the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and ABBA.
Highlights of the show include Lawrence County Junior Miss Emily Martsolf performing a violin solo; Ohio native Matt Stevens performing magic; Santino Ferrese with a ventriloquist act; Lauren Minenok, the recent performing arts winner at the Lawrence County Junior Miss Pageant, singing a number from "Thoroughly Modern Millie"; and jazz musicians Joshua Kaufman, James Kunselman, and Nicholas Santini, performing "Aristocrats" and a salute to the big-band era.
The performers, in grades 8 through 12, have all auditioned to be in the show, and Hudspath stresses that Stars of Tomorrow is a showcase and not a competition.
"The purpose of the show is to promote the performing arts by turning the spotlight on some of the extraordinary talent in our area," Hudspath said.
Each year, the Dr. Fred and Pam Stoner Scholarship award of $500 goes to the senior with the highest SAT score.
Louise Carroll can be reached online at wlc7@verizon.net.
STARS OF TOMORROW CAST
Mikala Henry, Mikara Henry, Lauren Minenok, New Castle Area School District.
Geena Haybarger, Nick Kerpsack, Madison Merryman, Kenzie Palmer, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School.
Diazeh Colee, Santino Ferrese, Joshua Kaufman, Constance Richards, Neshannock Township School District.
Brittany Daufen, Riverside School District.
Francesca Nardone, Ellwood City Area School District.
Nicholas Santini, Laurel School District.
Shannon Herb, James Kunselman, Miriah Mascetta, Miranda Schry, Shenango Area School District.
Maxine Malvar, New Castle Christian School.
Emily Martsolf, Mohwawk Area School District.
Matt Stevens, Canfield Local School District (Ohio).
IF YOU'RE GOING:
What: Stars of Tomorrow.
When: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Where: New Castle Playhouse, 202 East Long Ave., New Castle.
Tickets: $15, available by calling (724) 654-3437.