Ellen’s Stardust Diner spotlights Next-Gen Broadway talent, welcoming the winners from the Second Annual “Junior Stardusters” Competition for Live Performances on Tuesday, August 25 from 10:00 AM – 2 PM. The the five winning performers were selected from previous auditions earlier this summer, singing in front of a packed diner, presided over by Ellen Hart, owner and founder of the iconic Ellen’s Stardust Diner—home of the world-famous singing waitstaff, The Stardusters—and Miss Subways 1959.
The finalists auditioned live at the Stardust Theater earlier this summer on July 21, judged by Broadway stars Nick Barrington, Gilbert L. Bailey II, Lisa Howard, Bailey McCall and vocal and theater artist Katy Wolfe. Each winner will perform two songs, including one solo and one group number alongside The Stardusters. These young performers were selected from a group of 30 finalists, chosen out of 300 submissions from various cities around the U.S. and internationally.
In addition to having the opportunity to perform at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, the five winners received scholarships to the Broadway Education Alliance’s Camp Broadway 2027. In addition to the five winners, one finalist, Charlotte Van Ledtje, age 13, from Durham, NH, was recognized with the Esprit de Corps Award, presented by Camp Broadway in partnership with the Broadway Education Alliance. The award includes participation in the Camp Broadway Ensemble, which will serve as the featured pre-show act for the Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
These Junior Starduster performances will take place on the same day as The Broadway League’s Kids’ Night on Broadway, a program designed to introduce young people to the magic of live theatre and make Broadway accessible to a new generation of theatergoers. Ellen’s Stardust Diner is participating in the program’s restaurant promotional offerings where kids will eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
The winners and their scheduled performances are:
· 10:15 A.M.: Finn Lenter-Foth, singing “When I Get My Name in Lights” from the Boy From Oz, from Shelby Township, MI
· 11:15 A.M.: Riley Thompson, singing “Not for the Life of Me” from Thoroughly Modern Millie, from West Point, NY
· 12:10 P.M.: Alejandro Kristensen, singing “I Like It” from A Bronx Tale, from New York, NY
· 1 P.M.: Mia Sanchez, singing “All This Time” from the Count of Monte Cristo, from Franklin, NJ
· 2 P.M.: Brennan Scott, singing “Dream Lover” from Just in Time, from Denville, NJ
Ellen’s Stardust Diner is located at 1650 Broadway at 51st Street, NYC
