Arts & Entertainment

Mahwah Student To Compete On TV Talent Show

Singer is one of 32 contestants on "MSG Varsity's Talent Show," which begins airing this weekend

Thirty-two of the most talented high school singing and dancing acts from across the tri-state area will get their chance to shine when “MSG Varsity’s Talent Show” returns for its second season, beginning Sunday, April 15 at 8 p.m. on MSG Varsity, Cablevision’s iO TV Channel 14.

student Sam Waxenbaum is one of the show's contestants. Waxenbaum will be competing against the other 31 acts for viewer votes. Though the Mahwah student's performance will not air until Sunday, April 29, the season, and his competitors' performances, begin this Sunday.

“We’ve seen so many talented high school students throughout the audition process, and we’re excited to give these 32 gifted solo performers and ensembles a high-profile platform to perform for their families, friends and local communities,” said Theresa Chillianis, General Manager, MSG Varsity. “Our inaugural season of ‘MSG Varsity’s Talent Show’ generated enthusiastic audience feedback, and we’re excited to see what’s in store for this season.”

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During the series, which is hosted by “American Idol” semifinalist Jared Cotter, contestants will vie for the “Talent Show Champion” title in three categories: Individual Vocalist (includes both males and females), Vocal Ensemble and Dance Ensemble. Each week the series will feature eight performances — two from the Vocal and Dance Ensemble categories and four from the Individual Vocalist category – and the audience will have the opportunity to cast their votes for their favorite talent at www.msgvarsitytalentshow.com. Those performers receiving the most votes will advance to the next round.

Winners in each category will be crowned on Sunday, June 3 at 8 p.m. on MSG Varsity. In addition to being crowned “Talent Show Champion,” each winner will receive prizes they’ll remember for a lifetime:

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  • Individual Vocalist: A two-day professional studio experience, including the opportunity to work with an award-winning producer to cut a demo CD or video and create custom-designed cover art. Prize includes a professional photo shoot.  
  • Vocal Ensemble: Entire ensemble and chaperones will be treated to an unforgettable Broadway musical experience! They'll take part in a workshop that recreates an actual Broadway rehearsal where students learn staging, choreography and music directly from a show they'll then see that afternoon. Trip includes a special Theater District lunch and chartered transportation.
  • Dance Ensemble: Winning ensemble and chaperones will experience a thrilling Broadway dance opportunity! Students will participate in a Broadway dance workshop taught by a performer from a show they'll see that same day. They'll actual perform dances they'll see on stage. A special Theater District group lunch and chartered transportation are included.

The 32 “MSG Varsity’s Talent Show” contestants are:

 

Individual Vocalists

Nia Balbo (Kellenberg HS, Long Island)

 

Nicole Farda (Yorktown HS, Westchester)

 

Rachel Hankers (Centereach HS, Long Island)

 

Stephanie Marie Hanvey (Howell HS, New Jersey)

 

Jamel Hudson (St. Anthony’s HS, Long Island)

 

Vanessa Khoury (Lodi HS, New Jersey)

 

Kristi Long (Bishop Kearney HS, New York City)

 

Melanie Martinez (Baldwin HS, Long Island)

 

 

Amanda Marucci (LaGuardia HS of the Arts, New York City)

 

Matthew Mayer (Commack HS, Long Island)

 

Amelia Profaci (Walt Whitman HS, Long Island)

 

Lexi Saal (Deer Park HS, Long Island)

 

Kayla Stockert (Sayville HS, Long Island)

 

Nick Tangorra (Bethpage HS, Long Island)

 

Lisa Vetrone (North Shore HS, Long Island)

 

Sam Waxenbaum (Mahwah HS, New Jersey)

 

 

Vocal Ensemble

Allentown’s Half and Half (Allentown HS, New Jersey)

 

North Salem’s Madrigals (North Salem HS, Westchester)

 

Northern Highland’s Highland Voices (Northern Highlands HS, New Jersey)

 

The B Sharps of Plainview Old Bethpage (Plainview-Old Bethpage HS, Long Island)

 

SS Seward Institute Select Choir (SS Steward Institute, Hudson Valley, New York)

 

The Dixie Six of Stratford HS (Stratford HS, Connecticut)

 

Uniondale’s Rhythm of the Knight (Uniondale HS, Long Island)

 

The Cat’s Meow of Warwick Valley (Warwick Valley HS, Hudson Valley, New York)

 

 

Dance Ensemble

DePaul Catholic Dance Team (DePaul Catholic HS, New Jersey)

 

Wranglerettes of Half Hollow Hills West (Half Hollow Hills West HS, Long Island)

 

Harrison High School Dance Team (Harrison HS, Westchester)

 

The Larkin Dancers from Studio L (Waldwick, New Jersey)

 

Piscataway Chiefs Dance Team (Piscataway HS, New Jersey)

 

Rosa Parks HS Dance Ensemble (Rosa Parks HS, Paterson, New Jersey)

 

Sachem North Varsity Arrowettes (Sachem North HS, Long Island)

 

Kabukai Dance Crew of Valley Stream South (Valley Stream South HS, Long Island)

 

For more information on the contestants, the match-up schedule and to view photos, visit the MSG Varsity website. And, to see a video of the auditions for Season 2, click here.

The above is a release from MSG Varsity.


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