RISING STAR 4 Competition Continues Into Week 4 With Special Guests Marty Thomas, Mike Cruz, and Ben Cameron

The fourth season of the RISING STAR competition continues Tuesday October 24th!

IT'S 80s WEEK!

Singers compete in an 10 week elimination style contest for a $1000 cash prize and a fully produced, paid solo show at Rise. In addition to the cash and prize package, RISING STAR offers networking opportunities with celebrity judges, fantastic exposure, and valuable live stage experience.

Hosted by actress and comic Emily McNamara (NEWSICAL The Musical, Billy On The Street, HBO's Vinyl)

Sound by DJTK

Special guest host and mentor Marty Thomas (WICKED, XANADU, Grace and Frankie)

Industry pros scheduled to appear as judges throughout the competition include Choreographer Shea Sullivan, Christine Dwyer (WICKED), Matt DeAngelis (WAITRESS), Alysha Umphress (ON THE TOWN), Musical Director Brad Simmons (LYSISTRATA JONES, FANCY), Mike Cruz (Whole Artist Management), Rich Martino (Whole Artist Management), Natalie Weiss (American Idol), Entertainment Magazine editor Ryan Brinson (BLEEP MAGAZINE), Pop Star Ari Gold, Paul Caanan (KINKY BOOTS), Sheri Sanders (ROCK THE AUDITION), Ryann Redmond (IF/THEN), Gabe Violett (THE VOICE), Nick Adams (PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT), Telly Leung (ALLEGIANCE), Director Ben Rimalower (PATTI ISSUES), Marty Thomas (XANADU), and more.

The top 12 finalists were chosen from over 60 auditionees :

Anthony Alfaro
CHRIS LENARD BONNER
SARAH CHAPIN
LILLIAN ANDREA De LEON
JON GLUCKNER
JACQUE LeJEAN
HECTOR LIONEL
ALEJANDRA PARRILLA
FABRIZIO REVILLA
JONATHAN SOMMERER
JOSHUA TAVARES
Miguel Angel VASQUEZ

Last week we said goodbye to HECTOR :( . This week one more contestant will be eliminated and it's all up to YOU!

OCTOBER 24th INDUSTRY CELEB JUDGES :

Ben Cameron was seen on Broadway in Footloose, Aida, and Wicked. He appeared on tour in productions of Footloose, Fame, The Who's Tommy, State Fair and Sweet Charity (opposite Molly Ringwald). Ben also spends his time teaching dance and theatre workshops around the world.
Ben is a beloved host and personality in the NYC theatre community. His long running show, Broadway Sessions, continues weekly at The Laurie Beechman Theatre. He is also known for hosting Mostly Sondheim at The Duplex for 5 years (3 time MAC nominee) as well as countless concerts, benefits and events including BC/EFA's Flea Market Celebrity Autograph Table, Rockers on Broadway, Living For Today, Broadway at The W, NYMF ASCAP/BMI Meet the Composers, Onstage NY Talent Competitions, New York City Dance Alliance National Season Finales, The Broken Leg Podcast w/ Tony winner Lena Hall, and the ultimate Broadway fan experience- Broadway Con '16 and '17. Ben has also produced the web series My Broadway Bar, Dance Captain Dance Attack, and Broadway ObSessions. TV hosting credits include appearances on PBS WNET THIRTEEN's Masterpiece Classic's Downton Abbey New Year's Marathon, Hamilton's America, and American Master's Norman Lear documentary.

Mike Cruz is a manager at Whole Artist Management. Mike joins WAM directly from being an agent at The Luedtke Agency. Cruz began his career as an actor in NYC and in regional theatre. After interning at Independent Artists Agency "in between performing gigs," he quickly moved up the ranks to become an agent. It was at IAA that Cruz really developed his love for representation. Later, he partnered with Cyd LeVin to re-form Cyd LeVin and Associates. Recognized for his work in New York City as an agent and manager, Cruz has had clients appear on TV, Film, Broadway, and regional stages. Mike earned his Bachelor of Music at New York University.

Marty Thomas is a Grammy Nominated recording artist who made his Broadway debut in "The Secret Garden" at age 11. He has also appeared on Broadway in "Xanadu" and "Wicked". He has multiple albums available on itunes, and released several records on the iconic disco label Westend Records under the Godfather of disco, Mel Cheren. He has appeared on the Tony Awards, The View, The Today Show, The Tonight Show, Inside Edition, CBS, VH1, MTV, 20/20 and more. He has opened for Grace Jones and Patti LaBelle, and has sung backup vocals for Billy Porter, Stephanie Mills, Jessie Mueller, Shoshana Bean, Rachel Potter and more. Marty plays Damon' on the hit CBS sitcom "Two Broke Girls", and Charlie in the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie". Marty was named Mr. Broadway 2008 and was a 1992 Ed McMahons' Junior Vocalist Star Search Champion. Marty toured internationally with the famed gospel show "Queen Esther Marrow and the Harlem Gospel Singers", appearing as the groups first caucasian member. Thomas hosts and produces "Marty Thomas Presents DIVA," a tribute to the iconic female powerhouse vocalists throughout history. "DIVA" perfoms weekly in NYC and periodically tours. Marty also serves as the shows musical director, arranger, choreographer and wardrobe stylist. Marty has performed around the world in regional theater and on cabaret and cruise ship stages. Marty is also an accomplished teacher. He teaches musical theater classes at New York Cities famed New York Film Academy. He has also taught masterclasses in high school and university classrooms around the country. His coaching and music editing talents are seen regularly within the talent categories of the Miss AmErica Pageant system.

Showtime 10:30pm. No cover, no minimum. 21 and over

Rise Bar is at 859 Ninth Ave, New York, New York 10019