Vocalist Junior Contestants Shine with Courage and Talent at The Media Theatre

The Media Theatre’s revamped summer singing competition continued Sunday night July 14 with “The Vocalist Junior”. During week one of the contest young rising talent between the ages of 7 to 13 wowed the appreciative audience with renditions of classic tunes from Broadway to pop.

Artistic Director Jesse Cline, one of the night’s three judges, created the theme for the evening when he mentioned the courage of all of the contestants. “This is a competition,” he said. “But we try to make it as much of a learning experience as possible, particularly for this younger group.  It takes a huge amount of courage to audition, rehearse, and eventually perform for hundreds of people you don’t know.”

He mentioned his main purpose in starting what had been titled “Delco Idol” nine years ago. “A lot of youth show an interest in theatre at an early age,” he explained. “This platform gives them an opportunity. Of course, one will become the winner this summer---But we get to see them all for three weeks prior to any eliminations. They are all winners.”

Micki Sharpe, a professional actress and member of Actors Equity Association, is the emcee for the Junior contest this year. “I work with children a lot,” she said. “The talent level amazes me, and tonight’s performers are so good it’s hard to believe.”

Courage was evident in the night’s first performer, tiny Jasmine Ayadi, 7 years old of Brookhaven. It is an anxiety filled experience for an adult to begin a show, let alone an elementary age student. Cline, who was impressed with her performance of “Almost There” from Disney’s “Princess and the Frog”, asked her how long she had been performing. Jasmine replied, “I have never done this before.” The Cowardly Lion from OZ could not have been more proud of her and all of the others who followed.

Cline’s interaction with the children is completely unrehearsed. After each sings and receives applause, he asks a question or two. After Kieran Clark, 11, of Media sang his rendition of Bruno Mars’ popular “Grenade”, Cline said “You’re a tough guy, aren’t you?” Clark did not lose a beat in responding with a quick “Yes!”

It’s that type of focus and ability that was evident throughout the first week of the Junior competition which continues on Sunday nights through August 11 at 7pm. Song choices spoke to the heart of the evening, particularly 11 year old Media resident Brianna Jaffe’s “We Are The Champions”.

Broadway songs filled the stage as The Media Theatre’s resident music director Tom Fosnocht added dynamic accompaniment on the keyboard. Memorable tunes such as “Can’t Get A Man With A Gun”, “A Cock-Eyed Optimist”, “Good Morning Baltimore”, “On My Own” and “Frank Mills” were audience pleasers. After Shaelyn Fabick, 13, of Drexel Hill sang “Frank Mills”, Cline asked “Do you know what show that song is from?” The young singer said, “It’s from “Hair” and I know you are doing the show here this summer!” Cline smiled, knowing his question was terrific in creating awareness for the summer musical production, and said “It’s my favorite song from "Hair" and everyone should come see it!”

In a female heavy Junior competition, three of the five males accompanied themselves on keyboard while singing pop songs. Paul Mariani III, 13, of Ardmore, in his fourth go-around as a competitor, reacquainted audiences with “Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay”. Jake Wade, 8, of Glen Mills, a first-timer, did a valiant “Let It Be”, complete with perfectly fitting shades.

Media’s Christopher Smith, 12, tickled the ivories with a more current tune, “Wonder Wall”.

One note of interest—Cline mentioned former contestant, and Media Theatre New School student, Beada Briglia’s sudden rise to being a Broadway actress as she was recently cast in “A Christmas Story” which will play at Madison Square Garden this holiday season. Briglia was a top five ‘Delco Idol’ performer last summer, and her influence on the younger girls in the revamped competition was not unnoticed. Several followed her lead in dressing the part, adding choreography, and a certain level of acting to their vocals.

The road to Broadway takes a lot of focus, discipline, rehearsal, and –of course—courage. It’s that type of courage which was evident to the large audience Sunday night during the first week of “The Vocalist Junior” at The Media Theatre.

It’s one step further on a path to bright futures for all of the young contestants. Audiences are fortunate enough to take part in the adventure sponsored by Iron Workers Bank.

For tickets to “The Vocalist Junior” which is Sunday nights through August 11 at The Media Theatre, or its counterpart for the singers ages 14-24 (“The Vocalist” on Wednesday nights through August 7) call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. You may also vote online for your favorite performer. Each vote costs $2 and supports Media Theatre’s youth programs. Live streaming of each “Vocalist” contest is also available this summer for those who are unable to attend the presentation at the theatre. Call for details.

Pictured: 11 year old Emily Smith, of Media, who performed a personality-filled rendition of "A Cockeyed Optimist".