8th annual special needs talent show set for May 3rd
One of the area’s most anticipated events — “An Evening of Shining Stars” — featuring members of the special needs community, will take place on Friday May 3rd, 2019 at 7:00pm.
Founded by Cranford resident Sally Curci, the 8th annual showcase will feature another talented cast ready to sing and dance their way into your hearts as they share their amazing talents. And for the second consecutive year, the “Shining Stars” cast will take the professional stage at the beautiful and historic Union County Performing Arts Center — where many of America’s biggest names have performed. Last year, more than thirty special needs performers and their high school “buddies” amazed an audience of over 1,000 while singing and dancing to many of the greatest hits through the decades. This year’s show is titled “The Greatest Show” and will feature songs from Broadway, Movies and even a few original songs.
“We are so excited to give our special cast the chance to perform at such a great venue once again,” noted Shining Stars Founder and Co-director Sally Curci. “Last year was electric. The audience was wonderful and our performers were just amazing. Our audience has grown each and every year, and our cast continues to grow as we spotlight talent from around Union County and beyond. It’s going to be another night to remember.”
When the lights go up, the “stars” will shine, entertaining with solo acts and full cast dance choreography — which is one of the highlights of the show. “It was like being on Broadway,” said Shining Stars President Mike Curci. “It’s a classic venue. Our performers showed how inspiring and talented they are, and the audience support was simply fantastic. We can’t wait to do this again in May. Everyone is very excited.” “We continue to be inspired by their talents every day,” noted Shining Stars Co-director Nicole Greene. “This a wonderful chance for our cast to not only learn new songs and choreography, but to build all-important self-confidence and self-esteem, which they take with them away from the stage.”
Adam Fleissner, who has performed in every Shining Stars show, can’t wait to take the stage again, as he prepares to sing a Broadway tune. “We meet so many great people,” said Fleissner. “We get new people in every year and everyone has a good time meeting each other and performing. All of it is just fantastic.”
Tickets are on sale now at www.UCPAC.org/events. Find the Shining Stars logo, select your seats and you’ll be in for one of the best nights of the year!
“An Evening of Shining Stars” is presented by Shining Stars Network, Inc., a 501(c)3 non profit organization based in Union County that shines the light on the special needs community by creating inclusive events such as their annual talent show, dances, and their Ambassadors basketball team, a special needs team that travels to play local first responders and other organizations to help promote inclusion, friendship and understanding. SSN will also host their 3rd annual two week special needs performing arts camp — “Camp Shine” — from August 19-30 in Scotch Plains-Fanwood. For more information on any of these programs or events, email shiningstarsnetwork@gmail.com.