As the 2nd Annual “Saint A’s Got Talent” show was underway at the Dana Center on October 23, it was clear that the competition was tough. With a format similar to that of talent shows like America’s Got Talent, it was no wonder that the audience was packed. Fifteen acts participated in the performance, ranging from singing and tap dancing to instrument playing.
Not only were all the performers striving to appeal to their audience of 250 people, but they were also mindful of the three judges: Benjamin Martinez (the new assistant Athletic Director), Dr. Joe Catanese (director of the Academic Resource Center), and Kristen Nolan (resident director of Joan of Arc and Baroody Halls). Emcees Peter O’Connell ’16 and Hilary Gorgol ’14 kept the audience laughing with cheerful humor, ensuring the consistent attention of the audience.
For about two hours students performed original songs, sang, played instruments, and danced their way to an overwhelming positive response from the crowd and judges. One of these unique acts was by Transelm, in which seniors Nate Chartier, Matt Pendergast, and Matt Robbins performed a song with a keyboard and two guitars that sounded electronic and made the audience feel like dancing. Another act which drew attention was a performance by Dao Le playing the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song on the piano, to which Dr. Cat called “swashbuckling”.
While waiting for the judges to make their decisions about the top three acts, last year’s winner Hilary Gorgol performed her self-choreographed Irish Step Dancing routine. In the end, Andrew Sterling ’14 was the winner of the show, singing an original song with his guitar called the “Moving on Song”, which described summer road trips, entitling him to win a $30 gift certificate to the Airport Diner as well as four free tickets to the Laramie Project.
The second place winner was senior Katelyn Morreale for her energetic piano playing and singing of “That Time You Fell” by Johnny Gallagher. For this act, Morreale received a $20 gift certificate for the Red Arrow Diner as well as free tickets to the Laramie Project.
Michael Szuciak ’13 won third place for his original song, “Michael’s Medley”, which drew from various popular and recognizable songs and incorporated them into a unique blend of music. For this accomplishment, Szuciak was given a $10 gift certificate to Mr. Mac’s and one free ticket to see the Laramie Project.
With this production being only in its second year, the feedback was outstanding. The audience members were impressed with the hidden talent the students at this college possess, and believed the judges to be helpful and offering good advice for the contestants. Many were happy they went, and can’t wait for the talent show to take place again next year.