2023 Student Talent Showcase

Breakthrough Theatre Company • Winter Park, Florida

by Carl F. Gauze

It’s quite an experience attending this massive Breakthrough Theatre Company Student Showcase. From the nearly full parking lot to the overflowing dressing rooms, it’s a show with a packed house both on and off stage. There’s even a student MC (Rhyse Silvestero) introducing acts and telling a few jokes. As he matures, so will his comic presentation skills and hopefully his comic chops.

With a biased family backdrop lending applause to every show, I’d like to point up a few of the more outstanding acts, in my humble opinion. Diana Grant soloed “Somewhere That’s Green” from Little Shop of Horrors (Ellen Greene). My next double-plus-good performance rating was a piano solo of “Aladdin’s Theme” from the big Disney musical. While I’m not a large consumer of Disney Product, this show looks like one I need to examine in more detail. Another well-done piece came from Adam Bouchachia singing “I Love Betsy” from Honeymoon in Vegas. Next, Natasha Miyasato tackled Sondheim with an excellent “Come to Your Senses” from Tick, Tick, Boom. I’m always impressed when young people tackle Sondheim. There’s even a follow-up Sondheim number, “Your Fault” from Into the Woods.

I could go on, but overall, the talent that Breakthrough finds and hones is always outstanding. Sure, we hear a few weaker numbers, but these ARE all children, still unable to drink, drive, or get into disastrous marriages. I recommend this show if you like a variety of material sung by talented students who have promising vocals and a great learning experience. ◼

[Breakthrough Theatre](www.breakthroughtheatre.com) • Student Talent Showcase