GENESIS CAPELLAN
Genesis Capellan is a current student at Bergen Community College, currently working her way towards an Associates Degree. While doing so, Genesis remains very active in and out of campus. While on campus, she facilitates many workshops as a representative of the Summer Intensive Program. During her first semester, fall 2019, Genesis landed a position as ‘Dean of Finance’ for the school’s D.I.V.A. Girl Club, a club geared towards the enrichment of young women of color on campus; she is now president of this club. She volunteers as much as she can, giving back to the community is essential. Outside of campus, Genesis dedicates many hours to her church. As a worship leader, she is expected to show every Tuesday and Sunday nights; she completes these hours without fail. Aside from community activities, she practices a very wide range of hobbies; some include, arranging A Cappella music, creating instrumentals, canvas painting, and working with children. She is not by any means a limited person; her outgoing personality and ability to work well with others is the key to her accomplishments.”
RORY D’LASNOW
Rory D’Lasnow is a singer/songwriter and frontman of NJ alternative rock band, Black Rose Revival. Rory picked up his father’s right-handed guitar upside-down and backwards as a small child and went on to hone his abilities by performing in talent competitions and showcases throughout his youth. Despite never turning the guitar right-side up, Rory has cultivated a sound that has propelled him on to being booked at some of the East Coast’s most distinguished venues and festivals, including the Knitting Factory, Mercury Lounge, Bowery Electric, Rockwood Music Hall, and Arlene’s Grocery in NYC, as well as The Saint and Brighton Bar on the Jersey Shore. Rory has had the honor of opening for featured headliners such as American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, actor/musician Drake Bell, and John Corabi of Motley Crue/Dead Daisies fame. Rory is slated to be one of four acts on the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival acoustic stage for the New Found Glory and The Early November session in Spring 2020. He is a graduate of the Academies@Englewood, where he studied music under Ms. Sandy Meltzer.
ALEXANDER DORF
Alexander is a graduate of AMDA in NYC and has done shows all over New Jersey and New York, usually type-cast as the priest, the villain, or sometimes both at the same time. In his most recent project, he plays a manipulative cult leader in Seasons 4 and 5 of “Skeleton Crew” on youtube. Alex is excited to be able showcase his talents in his hometown.
JAYLA EBANKS
My name is Jayla Monáe Ebanks and I am a 16-year-old junior in the Law & Public Safety Academy at Dwight Morrow High School/ Academies@Englewood. Since I was three years old, I aspired to be a professional dancer. I took dance classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, African, Hip Hop and Modern at Five Star Dance Center in Teaneck for 12 years, which built my passion, love and devotion for dance and helped ease my nerves when performing in front of large crowds. I was also part of the Englewood Jr Raiders cheerleading squad from 2-13 years old. During middle school, I performed in the Lion King Jr and The Wiz. Last year, for Diversity Day I performed a Hip Hip dance with others to represent black culture, and I plan to keep on doing it until I finish high school. My deep love for dance has made me want to participate in Englewood’s Got Talent and show others what I can do. My dream is to be another dancer’s role model and inspiration, so I can share the way I feel about it with them.
GENO FIVE
Geno Five is a Jersey native with music that revolves around positive energy and
overcoming adversity. Known for his charisma and lyricism, he gives
listeners a breath of fresh air with every released track.
SYLVIA FRIEDMANN
Sylvia Friedmann started singing at a young age, when she first discovered WEST SIDE STORY and began acting out scenes from the movie. Her interest in musical comedy led to leading roles in Fair Lawn High School and Smith College musicals, culminating in a recurring starring role in a cabaret group while attending graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania. During this time, Sylvia began to study voice and then continued to do so while pursuing a career in marketing research. Sylvia took time off from her career to raise her family, however once she had more time to sing, she was able to volunteer in the Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley choir and as a cantorial soloist in religious services there, continuing to do so to this day. She also has written and performed one-woman shows, presenting musical comedy music to elementary and middle school children, as well as to philanthropic organizations. Currently, Sylvia enjoys a warm affiliation with SESCIL’s (Southeast Senior Center’s) choral singing group, led by Marilyn Arons, and Larry Woodard’s Master Singing Class. Sylvia thanks Larry for his gifted piano accompaniment this evening, and her family and friends for always encouraging her musical pursuits!
STORM GILES
Hi I’m Storm Adeline Giles born on May 2nd 2002 in Hackensack, New Jersey. I’ve had a recurring dream for years that I’m on stage and the audience is applauding me and throwing flowers saying bravo bravo. My family still reminds me until this day how at 4 years old I would have my plastic microphone in my hand singing ‘Meet me on the lockshuh’ my version of RnB singer Mario’s ‘You should let me love you. At 5 years old I started taking piano lessons and learned how to read music. My piano teacher encouraged my passion for singing at each lesson. I later began dabbling with the guitar but ultimately lost interest. I just wanted to sing. As a high school senior, I was recently accepted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Tri-M recognizes students that have gone above and beyond both academically and musically. My other passion is cooking and baking. I’ve been accepted with scholarships to some of the nation’s top culinary institutes. I’ve been in a cooking competitions at Bergen Community College, coming in 1st and 2nd place a few times. I’ve also been a part of the Health Expo at the Meadowlands. I recently started my own business “Storm’s Delights” making sweet treats. Singing and baking make me feel really good, and I want to use both my passions to make others feel good too.This opportunity to sing on stage at the BergenPAC is a dream come true. For many years, I’ve seen shows at the the BergenPAC and now to be on stage performing is awesome!
TEMPLE GOLDSON
Temple Grace Goldson is a fourth grade honor roll student at McCloud Elementary School. She loves to sing and is inspired by artists such as Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé. When she isn’t in school, she keeps her chauffeurs (her parents) busy driving her to chorus events, dance lessons, Girl Scout meetings, and swim practice. Temple had the opportunity to participate in last year’s Englewood Idol show, and is excited to return to the stage! She would like to thank her family and Ms. Aronson for all of their support.
TA’MYA JONES
My name is Ta’Mya Jones. I am 8 years old and my birthday is August 15. I am a third grade dual-language student at McCloud Elementary school, striving to be a good student and get good grades. As a result, I have made Honor Roll both marking periods this year! I also have a great talent for dance, which I enjoy doing, and which has led me to being selected to perform for you tonight in Englewood’s Got Talent!
JOEY LIBERTI
Joey Liberti is a Junior at the Academies@Englewood. The dramatic reading performance that he will be giving tonight is meant to highlight gender normalities in today’s society. Having a passion for biology, Joey manages the Dwight Morrow Environmental Club. Also deeply-rooted is his passion for theater and his appreciation for the arts. On March 5th and 6th he will be performing in “Into The Woods” at BergenPAC. He wishes to thank his friends and family for encouraging him through this process.
AMEILA LOWE
Amelia Lowe is most famously known for her time on So You Think You Can Dance Season 9 as a member of their top 20. In addition to this, she made it into the top 12, allowing her the opportunity to perform across the country with the So You Think You Can Dance tour. Since her time on the show, Amelia has appeared as a principal dancer in episodes of Boardwalk Empire and Marvelous Mrs.Maisel. She’s also been featured in multiple commercials including a nationwide commercial for Wendy’s, Target, the New York Stock Exchange, General Electric and American Express. Amelia got the chance to be a featured dancer at the premiere for The Great Gatsby. She has performed for the emerging choreographer, Lindsay Nelko at the Capezio Ace Award and Warren Carylsle at the Fred and Adele Astaire Awards. She is currently living in New York and dancing for following So You Think You Can Dance alum, Ellenore Scott in Ellenore’s up and coming company, ELSCO.
ARABELLE LUKE
Arabelle Luke, aka Airloom Beats, is a Brooklyn based beatboxer and educator featured in publications such as Elle and BET. Arabelle strives to showcase the dynamics within her art form while emphasizing a sense of community.Working with organizations like BEAT Global and Kids Creative, she facilitates professional developments, workshops, and classes in beatboxing, loop station song production, and hip hop culture with special needs populations and participants of all ages across the tri-state area.When Arabelle isn’t teaching, she incorporates her melody-driven beatbox style into original music for plays, media content, beatbox battles and improvised performances. Along with performing at iconic venues like La Mama Theatre and The Blue Note, she’s opened for Rakim at the Stanhope House. Emphasizing community, Arabelle moves forward with the desire to build hip hop consciousness and positivity with her educational services business, Beatbox Express. Catch her as the one-woman house band for MAAAD Late!: The Improvised Late Night Show every month at Magnet Theater in NYC. Arabelle is a proud A@E graduate!
ROBERTA MATHES
Roberta Mathes, born, raised and trained in NYC has a distinguished career in the performing arts, both in front of the audience as a performer, and behind the scenes as a choreographer and coordinator. Her achievements include feature films: Beat Street, Fatal Attraction, Carlito’s Way (assistant choreographer), television programs: The Guiding Light, Law, and Order; music videos: Higher Love (Steve Winwood), Heard it Through the Grapevine (MarvinGaye) Lost In Emotion (Lisa Lisa), shows: Sweet Charity Kismet; industrials: IBM, Chrysler, special events: the Broadway opening of the film Hercules. Roberta taught and choreographed for American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive and Make a Ballet Programs where her work was presented at the MET at Lincoln Center. While directing the Dance Program at bergenPAC, Roberta remains on the faculty of Steps on Broadway and enjoys guest teaching internationally. She choreographed FAME, bergenPAC’s very first musical! Her strength as a dancer and choreographer is her versatility in style. However, Roberta feels her best achievements lie in the area of teaching dance (as mentioned in the February 2000 issue of “Dance Teacher Magazine”) and loves to watch her students grow into expressive and successful dancers. Along with the Broadway stages: West Side Story, Carousel, Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812, Spring Awakening, Sound of Music, Footloose, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, Wicked, her students have been on SYTYCD the American Music Awards, competed in Youth Grand Prix and are now in prestigious ballet companies (ABT and NYCB). roberta’s dynamic personality, along with her own style and “technique” forms a whole and responsive learning experience. “My goal is to make each dancer that steps into my class physically aware, and technically stronger to free their bodies of bad habits and expand.
JARRET MCKINNEY
Hello, my name is Jarrett McKinney a.k.a Prettyboyvocalz. As a young child, being in the music industry and making it big was always my dream. Singing and songwriting is a strong passion of mine, and I soon hope to share my talents with the world. If I make it, I would first buy my mom a big house and a new car. I would give back to the people who made me who I am today, the ones who gifted me with this beautiful voice.
MIA ROSE MILLER
Mia Rose is a 6-year-old little girl bulging with personality! Mia Rose loves to sing, read, play with her toys and her piano! She attends Dr. John Greico Elementary School in Englewood, where she is an advanced reader and receives straight A’s. During her spare time, she plays with her sisters Toni Michelle, 12, and Trinity Grace, 3. She participates In the Children’s Choir at Community Baptist Church, and she is in the Daisy Troop of the Englewood Girl Scouts. Mia Rose was born with a lung defect, however before being operated on her MRI revealed that it had miraculously disappeared! Mia Rose has been stretching her lungs ever since — she grabbed the microphone at 6 months old and her step stool became her first stage by age 2. She is thrilled to be participating in Englewood’s Got Talent!
ARLENE NG
Arlene Ng is thrilled to be performing for the first time in Englewood’s Got Talent! A graduate of Professional Performing Arts School, Arlene has participated in theater productions including “A Chorus Line” and Vital Theater’s Off-Broadway show “Fancy Nancy” the musical. She has danced with the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theater, worked as weather reporter for Univision and released a CD “Canciones Intensas”. She is a proud mother of two beautiful baby girls and works as principal of the Donald A. Quarles Early Childhood Center. Lots of love to all her family and friends! Enjoy the show Englewood!
MARIETTE NG
Mariette Ng is a Supervisor at Dwight Morrow High School. She is excited to be performing in Englewood’s Got Talent! She is Graduate from the Professional Performing Arts School where she trained at Harlem School of the Arts. She has performed in various musicals such as Oliver, Godspell, and Two by Two. Mariette has also served as a judge for the Hispanic Youth Showcase competition that is held yearly at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Enjoy the show and good luck to all of the performers!
ESPERANZA PACHECO
Esperanza Pacheco, a 28 year old Assistant Director of the Englewood Public Library started out as the Teen Librarian. Singing has always been a passion of hers that she rarely gets to showcase. She loves the arts, and she has studied theatre from high school into college. She has normally participated in acting for shows and videos, and is very excited to have the opportunity to be singing tonight!
PATRICIA PARKER
VICTOR PERVUSHKIN
25 years old , I am Russian from Kazakhstan.After watching Michael Jackson performance I got interested in dancing. I taught myself by watching the videos and repeating after him. Also I have some acting and modeling experience. Currently in BCC finishing my assocation in Communication major. I play soccer and work out. Sport is my lifestyle. BTW I work at the bar next door ” Antipasti”. Come and see me sometimes.
JANDEL RODRIGUEZ
a 12-year-old 6th grader at Englewood At The Palisades Charter School has performed as part of ensembles both at school and his church but last year’s Englewood Idol performance was his first solo performance, and he’s excited for his encore. When he’s not singing, Jandel’s energy is focused on reading, drawing, and a myriad of sports including baseball and wrestling. His favorite role is that of big brother to 4-year-old Javier, 1-year-old Jadiel and 1-month-old Eliana. Jandel is grateful for all that God has done for him and the love and support of his parents.
MYA RODRIGUEZ
a dedicated BergenPAC student who trains vocally and physically through jazz, ballet, and tap has been featured in theater productions of High School Musical and NEWSIES. She then advanced into participating in BergenPAC”s RENT: Concert Ver, The Producers, and A Christmas Carol. Mya looks forward to expressing her motif of talent in Englewood, for it is the town she grew up in as a performer.
JANA SPERBER
Jana Sperber, an English teacher has been teaching at Englewood for 13 years, but has been teaching English for 17 years. Additionally, she has the pleasure of coaching young tennis players. Besides coaching, she plays tennis in two different doubles leagues. Outside of her teaching career, she is a lifetime learner. She is also an amateur hula hooper in her spare time. She loves nature and hiking with her 9-year-old dog, Luna, who recently had her front left leg amputated due to osteosarcoma, a type of cancer. She and Luna will continue their outdoor adventures which include swimming, hiking, and playing with tennis balls.
SEBASTIAN SALAZAR
Sebastian Salazar, a 17-year-old student at Dwight Morrow HIgh School / Academies@Englewood is in the Finance Academy. He enjoys running, dancing, and playing the trumpet. Ever since he can remember, he has been dancing to Hip-Hop. Also, he can professionally dance to Bachata, Merengue, and Mambo. He is able to express his culture through these dance styles. Growing up in a Colombian and Salvadoran household has helped him learn more about where he is from. He has performed for numerous plays at Janis Dismus Middle School, such as “The Lion King” and “The Wiz”. He has also done cultural dances in Colombia, where he was able to show his true passion for the rhythm and music of what embodies Colombian dancing.
TRACI WALCOTT
Traci Walcott, a student at Dwight-Englewood School is 15 years old and in the ninth grade. Since she was little, she has always had a love and passion for music, singing, and anything that has to do with performing. Throughout the years, she has participated in many school musicals, talent shows, and performing arts electives. Last year, she took voice lessons to explore her vocal range and to learn more about her voice. Now, she has experimented with many styles of singing and hopes to share her talent with you all. Enjoy the show!
SAMANTHA WHILBY
Samantha Whilby, a 17-year-old junior who attends Dwight Morrow High School/Academies@Englewood has been dancing since she was in the 3rd grade. She was an Englewood Jr Raider Cheerleader from 3rd grade to 8th grade.She has also Praise Danced since she was in 4th grade, and continues to do it to this day. Although she aspires to be in the medical field, she enjoys dancing and singing in her free time. Dancing is one of her favorite coping methods, helping her relieve stress and calming her down when she is in tense situations. There is never a moment when she is not dancing. You can catch her dancing in class and even in the hallways. Last year, she participated in the Hip Hop dance for Diversity Day, which allowed her to step out of her comfort zone. This year, she plans on stepping out of her comfort zone a little more by participating in Englewood’s Got Talent. She hopes she can inspire people to step out of their comfort zone and do what they love, just like she is doing!
ANDRE WILLIAMS
Andre Williams, diagnosed with Multiple Dystrophy at 5 years old was given twelve years to live. He also fell into a coma and lost the ability to speak for four years. He woke up with a tracheostomy and was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. These are adversities that Andre Williams has faced during his 37 years of life. This is a very compelling and inspirational story that will make you appreciate and see life in a different way. If you’ve ever dreamed, wished or prayed in any shape, form or fashion then you must read “The Andre Williams Story” about a man who never gave up!
JANAE WILSON
LARRY WOODARD
Larry Woodard is a singer, pianist, and accompanist. He has appeared in cabaret venues, concert halls, and private parties all over the world. A resident of the Actors Home here in Englewood, he is delighted to be accompanying the wonderful Sylvia Friedman on “Englewood’s Got Talent” raising scholarship money for students at Dwight Morrow High School.
PRE-PRO DANCE ENSEMBLE FROM THE PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL @ BERGAN PAC
- Gabriela Guadalupe turning 14 started dancing at bergenPAC in 2016 to receive better training. Next year, she is heading to High Tech in North Bergen, a performing arts high school. Gabriela has been accepted to various prestigious NYC summer intensives – Ballet Hispanico, Alvin Ailey American Ballet Theatre.
- Makayla La Bode 17 year old 11th grader who goes to Paramus HS is a triple threat! Her passion is dance and she especially loves to choreograph. Makayla shines on stage and her ultimate dream is Broadway
- Francesca Ponzio 13 years old, started dancing at bergenPAC in 2015 and has reached above and especially loves the challenge of training and performing with the more advanced dancers. Her strong work ethic is shaping her into a wonderful dancer!
PRE-TEEN DANCE ENSEMBLE OF THE PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL AT BERGENPAC
- Raphaella Bamonte took her very first steps at bergenPAC when she was just 3 years old. Now, at 11, she is a “hip hop” dynamo! She has already worked professionally, dancing with Kimmy Schwimmy, modeling for fashion catalogues, and performing in competitive hip hop events. Look out for Raphy!
- Gaia Henze a fascinating and articulate 11 year, with an enormous artistic flair, whether it be in front of the camera (as her father is a film director) or on stage. This year Gaia has been focusing on ballet, but she can do it all. Gaia is a movie star in the making!
- Lucene Innis a dedicated and talented 11 year old, attends the Janis Dismus Middle School here in Englewood. She started dancing at beyond dance when she was 5 years old and has performed in many shows at bergenPAC along with NJB’s Nutcracker. Lucene takes various disciplines- ballet, pointe, modern, jazz. and tap. Give her an audience, a stage, and she lights up!
- Blasina Olowe a very talented 11 year old who has already had a promising career,- first performing with New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker here at bergenPAC, and most recently appearing in the Off Broadway play, “For All The Women Who Thought They Went Mad”. Blasina has had supporting roles on television pilots and films. Most recently she can be seen in the short film “Outgrown”. Blasina is a star in the making!
- Clara Pimenta a well-rounded 11 year old, and already a triple threat, started dancing at an early age at bergenPAC, She also loves acting and singing, and most recently won “Tenafly’s Got Talent” for singing. She then got the lead in her middle school play, Bye Bye Birdie. Clara lights up any stage!
CAST OF “INTO THE WOODS”
Marc Youhana, Genevieve Faunde, Enrico Cortezano, Christine Salazar, Matthew Gutierrez, Gabriella Cardona, Imina Adonri, Mia Madonna, Carolina Alvarenga, Ronan Kim, Aiyannah Lewis, Calista Walker, Sarah Ahmad, Jon Rosario, Samuel Rendon, Hannah Ferrer, Malaika Menezes, Lloyd Fields, Joseph Liberti, Marc Chang
COLD-HEARTED PERCUSSION:
Sameera Baksh, Anthony Benavides, Patricia Benson, Melvin Buch Perez, Christopher Butcher, Antonio Castro, Kassandra Castro, Mia Cortijo, Vanton Evans, Jiselle Figueroa, Elle Jones, Christopher Restrepo, Zion Smith, De’Andre Vaughn, Keanna Woods, Marelin Xiloj
Fifth Grade McCloud Dance Troop
Aliyana Alvarez, Samantha Bacchus, Mya Brown, Soeren Campbell, Bella Carona, Kiana Harrison, Valeria Hincapia, Madison House, Skylah Lampley, Devon Liferidge, Ashly Ordonez, Madison Primo, Zariyah Pulley, Estrella Ramirez, Camya Robinson, Ja’aila Robinson, Amani Timmons, Ian White, Samari Wynn, Kailee Yates, Aniya Young, Izabella Zapata