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Students Set To Shine In Spotlight

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: March 28, 2009

WESLEY CHAPEL - Barbara Friedman wants to make Pasco residents forget everything they think they know about talent shows.

"There's a great misconception about talent shows. People think they'll see kids lip-synching on a cafeteria stage, in a show for their parents," said Friedman, producer of the Heritage Arts Center Association's 26th Annual Spotlight on Talent. "This is a fabulous show that adults in the community can enjoy, too."

After passing a preliminary audition, about 140 children will perform at the $10,000 Spotlight finals production today at the Wesley Chapel High School Center for the Arts. Act I, which will consist of student solos and groups ages 8 to 12 years old, will begin at noon. Act II, scheduled for 7 p.m., will showcase older students and groups.

The shows are hosted by the Heritage Arts Center Association, described at www. heritagearts.org as "a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging the performing and visual arts that enhance the cultural environment of the communities of Pasco County."

Some of these vocal, instrumental and dance acts will include a Broadway-style production number set to the song "Be Our Guest" from "Beauty and the Beast," musical stylings from classical to jazz to rock, to traditional Irish music and Italian opera, tap and ballet dances, musical theater, and vocal duet performances.

"One gifted young man, Luke Benedict, will perform a piano ballad he composed," Friedman said.

The students, from east and central Pasco, Lutz, Odessa, Tampa, Spring Hill, Mazaryktown and Tarpon Springs, will compete before two professional panels of judges that include department heads and professors who specialize in the arts, for cash prizes totaling more than $2,000, plus trophies and ribbons.

"We're better than 'American Idol' in that our judges are helpful and nice," Friedman said with a smile. "We're also better in that, while shows like 'American Idol' or 'Dancing With the Stars' only feature one talent, singing or dancing, whereas we offer both."

Another skill will be showcased via a student art display, featuring the work of student artists recommended by their teachers at Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills high schools, Centennial Middle and St. Anthony Catholic School.

"These students also will be awarded prizes for their accomplishments, and their art show will be presented in the lobby at Spotlight," said Brad Stevens, publicity chairman for the arts association.

Stevens said that because of the large number of talented kids auditioning for Spotlight this year, it was difficult to choose from the preliminary field of 230 students.

"I've been working with Spotlight since the '90s, and this has been the toughest year for judging the competition," he said. "It's amazing to see the scope of talent, especially from a small area."

These students, according to Friedman, benefit greatly from their participation in the show.

"This is valuable experience that prepares them for scholarships, college entrance exams, dance competitions and professional careers," she said. "Here they develop their talent."

Spotlight on Talent is presented by volunteers and made possible with the help of sponsors; Friedman says those interested in sponsoring next year's show can contact her at hacaspotlight@yahoo.com or (352) 567-1720.

The Spotlight on Talent finale shows are open to the public. Tickets are $10 for those 8 years and older or $15 combo for both shows. Tickets for children 8 years and younger are $5, and children younger than 2 get in free.

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