Broadway Features and Reviews

NEXT BROADWAY STAR

By Broadway.tv

ABOUT THE COMPETITION
Next Broadway Star kick–off was held on Monday, August 29, 2011 at the McDonald's store on 220 West 42nd Street, New York. Broadway.tv is joined forces with McDonald's 42nd Street store, in hosting the biggest talent competition Broadway has ever seen.

The celebrity–studded event was attended by actors, supermodels, and stars of four hit Broadway shows including "Book of Mormon", "Jersey Boys", "La Cage Aux Folles", and "Hair".

VIP's that attended the event are listed below:

•  Russell Fischer – Star of The Broadway Production of Jersey Boys
•  Marshal Kennedy Carolan – The Broadway Production of Hair
•  Kevin Duda, The Broadway Production of The Book of Mormon and Dangerous Liaisons
•  Jason Snow, The Broadway Production of The Book of Mormon
•  Matt Anctil, Star of The Broadway Production of La Cage Aux Folles
•  Lauren LoGiudice, Star of the film When Harry Tries to Marry
•  Aryn Cole, All My Children, Ugly Betty and star of the upcoming film Lorenzo & Monica
•  Guto Bittencourt, Stage & Television star of The Love Affair & two international hit series Esmeralda & Malhacao
•  Max Rhyser, star of the series In Between Men and the upcoming film The Lair
•  Mike Woods, Meteorologist/Reporter, Good Day New York
•  Annmaria Mazzini, Star of The Paul Taylor Dance Company
•  Brandon Pope, Musician/Composer/Model
•  Patrick Hazlewood, Supermodel/Entrepreneur
•  Fiona Kuchina – Supermodel/Actress/Entrepreneur, No Love In The City
•  Luis Perrusquia–Dos – Supermodel/Actor

The competition was hosted by Television/Stage star Jonathan D. Lovitz, the popular Host of the hit television series Set up Squad.

Judges for Next Broadway Star were:
•  Arne Gundersen, President of Actor's Equity Foundation;
•  Duncan Stewart, top Broadway Casting Director of Chicago The Musical, La Cage Aux Folles, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the new musical YANK!;
•  Gunnar Larson, President & CEO of NetworkGlobal Companies.

The contestants were judged primarily on their vocal ability, energy, and stage persona. The viewers can vote for their favorite contestants online via Facebook, YouTube, and Broadway.tv.

This competition aims to provide a break for talented young singers and actors, who dream of making it big on the great white way. The ultimate winner will receive a cash prize of $5,000 dollars, and the chance to audition with the most prestigious casting directors and producers on Broadway.

HOW TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CONTESTANT
Voting for your favorite contestant is fairly simple. You can click on the photo of your favorite contestant below, and click on the Facebook Like button displayed above the video. All you need is a Facebook account to vote.

Each Facebook and Like counts as one vote.

Hurry up and cast your vote before the cut-off date on October 3rd at 12am EST."**

Please find the complete list of quarterfinalist with the links to their videos below:

1.  Josephine Bauza –"Take Me or Leave Me" Rent
2.  Ned Donovan –"Lost in the Wilderness" by Children of Eden
3.  Sherly Saint Cloud– "The Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston
4.  Clare Solly–"Ain't There Anyone Here to Love"
5.  Mario Bueno– "One Song Glory" from Rent
6.  David Michaels –"You Raise Me Up"
7.  Collette McLafferty–"Don't Stop Believing"
8.  Mariana Leon –"The Climb" by Miley Cyrus
9.  Whitney Winfield –"Gimme Gimme" by Modern Millie
10.  Bianca Espinal –"Rolling in the Deep" by Adele