NEWS

Three Morristown's Got Talent winners crowned

Michael Izzo
@MIzzoDR

MORRISTOWN – From bird whistles to country jams, there was an eclectic mix at this year's Morristown's Got Talent, where three of 16 finalists were crowned champion.

The winners included a returning trio of siblings, a poet, and a local rock band featuring a popular teacher. Two of the three acts featured original material.

Taking home the $1,000 prize for contestants under 18 years old was FAB 3, the three Wawrzyniak siblings, Sofia, Arthur, and Isabella. The three previously placed third in the competition two years ago.

"It feels great to win," Sofia Wawrzyniak said. "We thought we had a lot of competition because they were all so good."

The $1,000 prize for contestants over 18 years old went to poet Ally Are, the alter ego of Alyse Royal of South Orange, who performed the original poem "Ideal."

Are, who works in Morristown, only tried out for the show "after losing a staring contest" with a Morristown's Got Talent poster that was in front of her desk.

Her emotional and personal poem about accepting oneself moved many in the audience, including the judges.

"It was hard to put myself out there and not worry about being judged," Are said. "But it feels great now."

Are plans to use the money to travel to Florida for a talent program to improve her skills.

The $500 "Audience Choice winner was SteppingSTONE Band, comprised of Brad Marullo, Eric Schaberg, Jonathan Presnell, Bill Fajvan, and Ryan Schutz

Marullo, a music teacher at two school in the Morris School District, brought with him large fan base of students in the audience that cheered the band on as they closed out the show with one of their original songs, "Get Back Up Again."

"This was the biggest audience we ever played for," Marullo said of the 1,300 seat Mayo theater. "It's a great feeling and nice to have the cheers from the audience, to get that crowd going is an experience I'll always remember."

Marullo attached a GoPro camera to his guitar so the band can relive their winning performance and use the footage for a music video.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@dailyrecord.com