Gillian Chanko played guitar and sang her own original song during auditions for We’ve Got Talent, a music and variety show being coordinated by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission for the first time this year. A performance is planned for the fall at Newtown High School. Judges, NCAC members, and fellow performers sit at the table as she sings. —Bee Photos, Bobowick
"Do you have a favorite song?" asked Cultural Arts Commission member Donna Monteleone Randle.
The piano strings still humming from sixth grade student Amy Talbot's playing, she stepped away from the bench on Thursday, May 27, to answer Ms Randle's questions. Although initial shyness kept her favorite song a secret, she did have an answer for the next question: "Will you sing something?"
Promptly, lyrics from the musical Annie filled the Reed Intermediate School cafeteria, where auditions were being held for We've Got Talent, a variety show being coordinated by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.
"Little girls! Little girls! Everywhere I can see them, I eat, sleep and breathe them," Amy sang. Among the first auditions that day, which began in the early afternoon and lasted through the evening, Amy Talbot and other students, adults, and residents or friends of residents answered the Cultural Arts Commission's call for performers for a first-time show scheduled for the fall.
Ms Randle proposed the We've Got Talent show after commission chairman Jennifer Johnston sought new ideas.
"It's for all talents and all ages," said Ms Randle. They are seeking talent in any form to fill the high school theater stage this fall.
"There is so much talent in this town, and [the artists] needed a vehicle to do it. We'll put together a performance," Ms Randle promised. With her was fellow NCAC member Martin Blanco, a comedienne, and Jan Neuberger, who also listened to the afternoon's songs, guitar, and vocals as auditions began.
Student Gillian Chanko swung a guitar strap across her shoulder and pressed her fingers against the frets and gently turned a tuning peg.
"Here is a song I wrote," she said.
"Your own?" asked Ms Randle.
"Yup," Gillian replied.
With her fingers in place and the first notes coming form the stings, she sang a song about "missing you" while she was "stuck out here, playing my guitar …"
Student Clare Boyle arrived, and stood next to sheet music and wound her hair around her fingers, waiting to sing.
Eighth grade teacher Susan Lang soon grabbed her guitar and swung it into a familiar position. Admitting that she is not shy about much, her clear voice soon filled the room with folk songs and judges sang along.
Marie Randle sang “Momma Mia” during her audition for We’ve Got Talent.
"It's nice to hear a real alto," Ms Randle said.
"Do you do any [Bruce] Springsteen?" asked Ms Neuberger.
"I don't, but that doesn't mean I couldn't learn," Ms Lang replied .
Ending the first hour of auditions was Marie Randle, who sang "Momma Mia!" complete with gestures and dance.
Anticipating the coming show, Ms Randle explained, "We need to know what's out there. The idea is diversity." Interested groups who have also contacted her include double dutchers, karate schools, and ballet studios. "We hope people are energized!"
The show will also need stagehands and others who want to participate. "We'll find something for you to do!" Ms Randle said.
To become involved or for additional information contact Ms Randle at ndrandle@charter.net or 203-364-9772.