Press Releases
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Shayne Austin Miller, Director of Marketing and Communications
(732) 528-3735
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Al Califano & Christa Dalmazio Win Algonquin�s First-Annual Gong-A-Thon Competition
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Algonquin Arts Theatre�s first-ever Gong-A-Thong talent competition proved that there are many talented performers in New Jersey. The event, which took place on August 14th, raised over $5,000 for AAT�s charitable and educational programs including the Autism Theatre Workshop, Page & Stage Literacy Program, Rising Stars Classical Music Program, Acting Studio at Asbury Park High School, ShoreDance and more.
The event was hosted by emcees William Whitefield and Brett Colby, who not only kept the show organized, but entertained the audience with fabulous songs and witty humor. Dara Brown of Remington�s and Villa Park House Inn, �Broadway� Ray Soehngen, and Brittany Matthews of Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Wall were the three judges for the evening; they provided lots of laughs and thoughtful commentary. Times and scores were kept by Elizabeth Malavasi and Julie Stanford, who sat closely next to the infamous GONG. Volunteers Pat Mogin and Robert Frankel, and pianist Peter Nilsen also helped to make the event a success.
The winners for the evening included:
Grand Prize - Al Califano of Spring Lake and Christa Dalmazio of Leonardo;
Audience Favorite � Christa Dalmazio;
Most Original � Jenny Woods of Red Bank;
Funniest � John Newman of Wall;
Best Interpretation � Josephine Araniti of Brick;
Rising Star � Terrence Berry and ShiQuell Scurry of Asbury Park
Winners received prizes donated by Broadway Ray Bus Tours, Scoops Ice Cream, Surf Taco, and Sweet Tease. The grand prize winners earned a spot to perform during the Algonquin Arts Theatre 2010-2011 season. Christa Dalmazio will be performing as a special guest during the Midday Music Rising Stars performance on Wednesday, November 17 at 2pm and 7pm. Al Califano will be singing as a special guest during Brett Colby�s My Funny Valentine Cabaret on Saturday, February 12 at 7:30pm.
Algonquin Arts Theatre would like to thank and congratulate all of the performers: Josephine Araniti of Brick, Terrence Berry & ShiQuell Scurry of Asbury Park, Al Califano of Spring Lake, Natalie Cortale of Marlboro, Christa Dalmazio of Leonardo, Dyese Davis of Neptune, Justin Giegerich of Brielle, Olivia Hedberg of Sea Girt, Kidz Rock Production Actors of Wall, Lo Kloza of Wall, Arianne Ieva Lippay of Point Pleasant, John Newman of Wall, Jess Spataro & JD Donohue of Brielle and Spring Lake Heights and Jenny Woods of Red Bank.
For more information on future fundraising events, contact Development Director Brett Colby at 732-528-4336 or e-mail [email protected]. For information on other upcoming events, visit www.algonquinarts.org or contact the box office. Box office hours are Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Algonquin Arts is located at 173 Main Street in downtown Manasquan, NJ.
Algonquin Arts was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit organization to provide cultural enrichment and educational enhancement of the highest quality for the residents of New Jersey�s central region. Algonquin Arts is handicap accessible. Assisted listening devices are available upon request. Please notify us in advance of your needs by contacting the box office. Programming of Algonquin Arts is made possible as a result of the continued philanthropic support of private citizens and organizations such as New Jersey State Council on the Arts, OceanFirst Foundation, PNC, The Community Foundation of Monmouth County, The Paul F. Zito, MD Foundation, Manasquan Savings Bank, Woman�s Club of Brielle, Janice Blanton Plangere, Jules Plangere III, as well as many generous individuals and local businesses.
