Five Performers Picked for Metrostar Semifinals

Last night 11 quarterfinalists performed for a standing-room only crowd at the Metropolitan Room as week 4 of the "MetroStar Talent Challenge," a seven-week jury and audience-voted singers' competition, reached a rousing climax.  The five semifinalists who will move on to next week's round are Stearns Matthews, Clarice Mazanec, Angela Shultz, Anne Steele and Neesha Ward.  The actress and singer Karen Mason and NY 1's arts reporter Stephanie Simon served as the guest judges; they joined the contest's four permanent jury members -- Christopher and Steven Mazzilli (owners of Gotham Comedy Club & The Metropolitan Room), the singer Baby Jane Dexter and the former Backstage and Citysearch critic Roy Sander.

Lennie Watts, who is clearly relishing his role as host and genial pressure-reducer, kept the proceedings running smoothly and good-naturedly as the audience consistently broke out into rousing ovations.  "I would have paid to see all of these performers," Watts said from the stage after the three last performers -- Mazanec, Steele and Shultz -- seemed to build on each other's momentum. "This is going to be a hard decision, but I'm glad we're going to make it together," Watts observed as he thanked the audience for their generosity and for their role in helping to choose the night's winners. (Audience votes counted for one sixth of last night's scores.)  In his final comment, Sander summed up the emotional build-up by thanking Shultz for making him cry.

Next week's five semi-finalists are being asked to perform three new songs. Joining the judges' panel will be the actress and comedienne Kristine Zbornik.  The panel and the audience will pick the three finalists who will meet for two rounds of -- on August 11 and 18.  On August 11, the three top contenders will be asked to sing a pre-selected common song, which they will work on individually for a set period of time with "MetroStar's" music director Steven Ray Watkins. On August 18, the finalists return to offer mini sets, complete with patter and three of their favorite songs from the contest.

A career-boosting prize package worth over $15,000 is being offered to the grand prize-winner and two runner-ups.  For the grand prize winner the Metropolitan Room will produce and present a week-long, prime-time engagement in the winter, plus a multi-track "Live at The Metropolitan Room" recording of the new show.  The runner-ups will open for the winner and receive demo recordings of their appearances.

Open to performers of all ages and backgrounds who have not played a major engagement at The Metropolitan Room, "MetroStar" is encouraging singers to present well-rounded stage performances in which creativity, innovation and authenticity are prized over vocal fireworks.

For all the latest "MetroStar Talent Challenge" information, consult the club's Web site at www.metropolitanroom.com All shows are at 7pm.  The cover charge for all shows is $15, with a two-drink minimum. Rated "Best of New York" by New York Magazine, the Nightlife and Bistro Award-winning Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, celebrated its second anniversary in May.  For reservations call 212/206-0440.

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