Nearly 200 people turned out to compete in the prestigious New York Musical Theatre Festival’s “Next Broadway Sensation” contest.
After several rounds — including votes by audiences, judges and online viewers — only 8 remain.
Westport’s Adam Kaplan is one of them.
Adam Kaplan
Tomorrow night, at New World Stages, the Elite 8 perform in a “Songwriter Showcase.” Each finalist is paired with an up-and-coming — if not already established — composer, and coached on how to perform one of their songs.
The concert is hosted by Stephen Schwartz, the writer of “Godspell,” “Pippin” and “Wicked,” among many others.
The following Friday — October 12 — Adam and the others return to the same theater, for the Grand Finale. Each will perform. The final vote is split between the judging panel — Broadway performers, casting directors, producers and writers), and the audience.
A special twist: Each drink gives attendees an extra vote. (The competition starts at 11 p.m., so there should be plenty of extra votes. Click here for tickets!)
Adam has lots of competition — but he’s also a very, very talented performer. At Staples (Class of 2008) he starred in “The Diary of Anne Frank,” “Children of Eden” and “Romeo and Juliet.”
He went on to Elon University, graduating in June with a BFA in musical theater. Adam has done acclaimed regional work too.
Now he’s ready for off-Broadway.
And much, much more beyond.
I’ll be cheering for Adam – I remember him fondly as a sincere, talented, funny young man in my 4th grade class at Greens Farms. Break a leg, Adam!