From left: Megan and Hunter Stahley perform a ventriloquism act during the “Millstone’s Got Talent” show at the Millstone Performing Arts Center on May 1. Fiore Masci and sons Josh and Brett (not pictured) perform the Kiss song “Wanna Rock and Roll All Night.” Olivia Kleinberg showcases her pogo stick monologue. MILLSTONE — Their eyes sparkled with confidence, whether they were 8 or 80 years old.
One hundred local performers of all ages made theater magic in the Millstone PerformingArts Center for almost 700 audience members during the first-ever PTO-sponsored “Millstone’s Got Talent” on May 1.
Those who took the stage in the talent show ranged from never-been-on-stagebefore performers to all-eyes-on-them-allthe time stars, but the gamut was barely visible thanks to event organizers dedicated to energizing the community and its talents to raise funds for the primary and elementary schools.
Producer and artistic director Rose Kleinberg said, “The opening Sugarland Love ensemble piece and closing Coldplay ‘Viva La Vida’ really inspired the audience, with the most fun group number taking place after intermission— The Black Eyed Peas’ ‘I Got A Feeling’ flashmob group dance that was comprised of many solo performers and several brave and coordinated parents who danced up to the stage right from their seats to strobe lights and a powerhouse performance.”
Other highlights of the show included Thomi “Hawk” Hickey’s professional bullwhipping and trick roping and Nicole Mythnik, 8, and her aero-gymnastics champion dad Victor’s final act of seamless acrobatics that included Nicole balancing over her father’s head as she walked mid-air on his hands.
Board of Education member Margaret Gordon said, “It was such a fun show and truly a community pulling together.”
Geryl Hickey, who portrayed the cowgirl in the bullwhipping act and took part in the flashmob, said, “I have never danced liked that in my life and to do it in front of a huge audience and to know I am going to be on TV is overwhelming, but I loved it! Can’t wait for the next one! Count us in!”
PTO recording secretary Sharon Peake said, “Thank you to everyone that did their part in making this small, little talent show the production that it truly was. You all are amazing and come together for the good of the kids. Thanks for all you do!”
Masci said, “The show was spectacular, a show that many family members will have great memories to cherish for a lifetime.”
Kleinberg said she had a joyous experience working with community members to put the show together.
“The magic that is theater is always residing in the most unexpected places,” Kleinberg said. “I absolutely enjoy the creative nourishment that I’m able to provide. This was what I was born to do.”
Kleinberg, a performer, and a clique that shares her wealth of knowledge about the entertainment industry — Laura Wittman, owner of Cornerstone Music Studios in Millstone; Kathleen Urban, a Musikgarten teacher in Millstone; and Linda Kay-Griggs, founder of New Jersey Center of Dance at Frogbridge in Millstone — held auditions for the show in early March. They never expected to find the wealth of talent in their hometown that they did.
“Several of the performers were very shy and a bit awkward performing during auditions and in the early stages of rehearsal, and I know that their confidence has multiplied and they were all smiles [during the show], an obvious clue that they felt the pride that goes along with talking yourself through a fearful situation,” Kleinberg said. “It’s quite clear that Millstone does in fact have talent.”
Kleinberg said many parents went above and beyond to assist her, and noted that they weren’t just invested in their child’s experience but in supporting her team’s creative efforts and the full ensemble.
“I really got an intimate glimpse of the people that reside inside the homes here in Millstone and am grateful that the PTO asked me to produce/direct the show, because otherwise, I would have missed this golden opportunity,” she said.
Although the show was nontraditional for the PTO, which donates thousands of dollars each year to the primary and elementary schools by raising money through a gift auction and carnival, the PTO has already signed on to do the showcase again next year. The money raised through “Millstone’s Got Talent” will be put toward next year’s PTO school events and giveaways, such as the ice cream socials and Field Day T-shirts, Kleinberg said.
“It wasn’t about making a profit as much as it was about launching an event that would magnetize the community,” Kleinberg said. “Mission accomplished!”
Kleinberg will put Millstone’s newly discovered talent to use before the next talent show, since she’s planning to produce an original musical for November.
“I’m hoping to unite the parents and their offspring with the same creative collaboration that I felt and witnessed for ‘Millstone’s Got Talent,’ ” she said.