Talented locals to perform for charity

NEWTON — The Newton Theatre will be trying something new this spring by holding its first talent show, Skylands' Got Talent on Sunday, April 27.

The show was a long time coming according to theatre co-owner Jonathan Peirce.

"We have had many requests to hold a talent show," he explained. "We thought this would be a great way to pair that with a charity event."

April is Autism Awareness Month and proceeds from the talent show tickets sales to benefit Autism Speaks, Autism NJ and Reed Academy.

Autism Speaks is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism and their families. Autism NJ is the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism and their families. And Reed Academy, is a private non-profit school for children between the ages of 3 to 21 with autism spectrum disorders.

Acts
The show will feature 18 acts performing in front of a live audience and a panel of judges.

"Various types of acts will perform, from all age groups," Peirce said. "We have singers, musicians, comedians and musical acts."

There will be several local performers including nine year old Ella Stites, of Sparta who will be singing “Do You Want To Build A Snowman?” from the movie “Frozen.”

Sussex County band R.E.N.O. will perform original music. Band members include Tom Gomez, Bob Peters, John Meyer, Bill Gerringer and Billy Balkau. For this performance they will be joined by honorary band member Danny Nicomini on tambourine.

Izabella Nowicki is a twelve year old aspiring jazz singer from Lafayette. She will be accompanying herself on the piano.

Even a few Newton residents will be getting in on the act. Jordan Koza, a songwriter, currently plays solo folk, as well as leading The Black Bear Bluegrass Band, and The Jordan Koza Family Band. Kevin Hendley is a R&B/soul singer who will be singing “In the Mood” by The Whispers.

Hailey Magee a singer-songwriter from Stillwater will play the guitar.

Brian St. John, a singer-songwriter from Sandyston Township, has released three albums with The Brian St. John Quartet.

Maria Margot Cunneely, 15, of Franklin, will be singing "The Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machine.

Holly Riddell, from Green Township, will sing Michael Jackson’s version of "Who’s Loving You."

No Vertebrae is a ska band consisting of seven students from Kittatinny Re-gional High School.

Sabrina Leonard, 13, of Stillwater Township and also attends Kittatinny Regional High School will be performing "The Scien-tist" by Coldplay, singing and playing keyboard.

These Three Remain, from Wantage, is a newly formed band made up of three friends.

Andrea Nies, 20, of Ogdensburg repertoire includes singing the National Anthem at many sporting events, private venue concerts, and a performance at the Apollo Theater for Amateur Night. Kevin Hendley, from Newton, is a R&B /soul singer who will sing "In the Mood" by The Whispers.

The competition was open to Sussex, Warren and Pike County residents only. Competitors were selected from YouTube audition videos. The top three performers will win prizes.

And Peirce knows exactly what people can expect.

"Lots of fun, amazing new talent and feeling great while donating to a great cause," said Peirce.

Tickets for Skylands Got Talent are $20 for adults and $10 for children, 12 years of age and younger. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the box office at 973-383-3700.