The following news release was issued by the Darien Arts Center:
After six months of planning, two full days of auditions, 77 acts, and more than 100 contestants, the “Darien’s Got Talent” preliminary judges selected not 15, but 20 finalists to compete for three top prizes at the live performance finals on Saturday, June 29, at 7:30 p.m., at the Darien High School auditorium in front of a live audience.
Prizes include First Place: $1,500, Second Place: $750, and Third Place: $500. Finalists in the Darien Arts Center event include: Marin Amyotte, Jordan Cassetta, Emmanuel Couloucoundis, James Crafford, Jordan Darefsky, Katherine deHaas, Andrew Denicola, Matt Evans, Ava Ewing, Taylor Felt, Shannon Flaherty, Katharine Glassmeyer, Oliver Hare, Thomas Ice, Chris Jansen, Eli Koskoff, Mira Lena, Antonia Packard, Harold J. Sauer, M.D., Johnny Shea, Haley Strom, Henry Thomas, William Trautmann, Jeanette Vecchione-Donatti, Ming Wu, Grey Chandler Zeigler, and Chloe Zhou.
Judging the finals will be Broadway producer Ed Schloss, former prima ballerina Barbara Goldsmith, Broadway director BT McNicholl, and LA talent agent Ceci Kurzman. The evening’s MC is Matthew Poretta. Directing the production is Carole Claps. Chris Coogan is music director. Executive producers are Patty Mozingo and Catherine McNear. Producers include Mary Crawford, Anne Wright, Pat Atkin, Carol Glassmeyer, Pam Heckel, and Cathy Thomas.
The DAC’s “Darien’s Got Talent” is a fund-raising event for the nonprofit organization, which offers educational programming in dance, visual arts, theatre and music, as well as special events and live theatre productions by DAC Stage. Proceeds from the event, as well as private donations, grants, tuition fees and ticket sales, go toward funding these creative endeavors and help continue the ongoing efforts of the DAC.
Tickets for June 29 are $35 for adults and $20 for students and children. Premium seating at $125 includes the pre-event reception. Tickets can only can be purchased online at arts.darien.org.
Sponsors for the finals evening include Baywater Properties, Bank of America, Grove Street Plaza, Halstead Property, Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich, Nielsen's, Dr. David Osherow, orthodontist, Palmer's Market, SBD Kitchens, LLC, and Andrew Stefanou Salon & Spa. Founded in 1975, the Darien Arts Center (DAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visual and performing arts programs and events for the community.
The DAC offers educational programs in Dance, Visual Arts, Music & Theatre, & special events & live theatre performances by DAC Stage. Private donations, grants, tuition fees & ticket sales fund the DAC, which is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. For further information, call (203) 655-8683 or visit arts.darien.org.
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