BWW Reviews: MOORARTS HAS TALENT!

MoorArts, founded in 1991, has awarded over 200 scholarships to students with outstanding achievements in the visual arts, vocal music, theater, instrumental music and dance, and such promising students were on display in their talent showcase, MOORARTS HAS TALENT!, presented at the Moorestown High School auditorium on July 10 and 11, 2015. Director and performance artist Joseph Thomas is production manager on the show with MHS graduate Thomas Kienzle assisting with both production managing and sets. Vocal director Katie Carpenter also lent invaluable assistance. MoorArts' delightful production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC last year was of a caliber in staging and talent equal to anything seen on Broadway with the charming touch of a few children being cast as nuns (a fact not initially discernible), so expectations were high for this "entertainment collage," as it was called by the emcees. The showcase did not disappoint.

The show was hosted by two community leaders, Brad Kenney (Hairspray) and Victoria Napolitano (Evita and The Sound of Music) who each had an opportunity to demonstrate a little of their own vocal chops. First on the bill was Christopher Robinson, a Stockton College alum, who played a wicked guitar and created much atmosphere with his velvety voice, evoking a "Simon and Garfunkel" meets gypsy sound. He was followed by pretty Carrie Wagner whose strong musical theater vocals were reminiscent of Idina Menzel. Unsurprisingly, she was given a Paper Mill Rising star nomination, Best Supporting Actress, for her performance in How to Succeed in Business. Other solid musical theater offerings included Zach Taylor, a musical theater junior at Rowan and a bevy of lovely young ladies: Faith McCleery who carried on professionally with bright and vibrant vocals in spite of sound issues (the only instance of such issues in the show); East Carolina University sophomore Olivia Manlove with a witty and seasoned rendition of "I Could Be Jewish For You"; Bridget Hartshorne, dressed as Wednesday Addams for her number "Pulled" from The Addams Family; and Gwen Wilkie whose great voice recalled Carly Simon and Adele. Wilkie's voice seemed a perfect fit for Godspell and lo and behold, she was followed by a delightful Danny McGilloway singing "Beautiful City" from that very show.

Other scholarship categories championed by MoorArts were well represented. Balletic prowess and amazing feats of balance were twice exhibited by charming Sophie Agnew, while an elegant Alyssa Caffrey displayed her talents on that most otherworldly of instruments, the harp. Caroline Kienzle, a soprano angelic of looks and voice, gave a flawless rendition of "April Showers," while limber, award-winning dancer Alexandra Celluzzi commanded the stage with her modern dance interpretations of two numbers. Two of this year's 2015 scholarship recipients were represented by Olivia Saouaf with a haunting and challenging violin solo and operatic Madeline Yankell who never missed a note in Bononcini's "Per la Gloria." One of the most rousing performances was by cute R&B singer Nahdirah Lawrence whose song choice "Love on Top" was co-authored by Beyonce. Her original song "Something to Live For" is featured in the movie Destiny's Bridge.

Last, but certainly not least, was Sarah Zimmer's hauntingly beautiful version of "Goodnight, Moon," possibly my favorite voice and performance of the afternoon, representing her apt farewell to her recently graduated friends, as well as a great testament to the mission of MoorArts, which is inspiring creativity. It's a lesson to hold onto for a lifetime.

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