Don’t rain on the parade of this Morristown Onstage star
This is the eighth in a series of profiles highlighting the finalists of Morristown Onstage, to be held Feb. 24 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.
All it took was the perfect song for Molly McDermott to earn her place on the Mayo Performing Arts Center stage, and she found it in “Funny Girl.”
McDermott, a Morristown High School freshman from Morris Plains, will perform “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from the Barbara Streisand-led hit musical.
“My whole family loves that song,” McDermott said. “I sing it all the time with my sister.”
McDermott has auditioned for Morristown Onstage - formerly Morristown’s Got Talent - the past three years.
“The first time was just for the fun of auditioning,” McDermott said. “But then I became really determined.”
All it took was choosing a song she loved so much that performing it was second nature to make the cut.
“I just really love the song and that’s why the emotions show,” McDermott said. “I think that’s what did it this time.”
McDermott plans to prepare for the show by continuing her voice lessons and singing in the school choir, while also belting out “Don’t Rain on My Parade” as often as she usually does.
“I really sing it all the time,” McDermott said. “Even when I’m home alone. Ask the neighbors.”
Should she win, McDermott plans to save the prize money for college, and if there’s one advantage she has over her fellow finalists, it’s unbridled passion.
“I just love singing, and this song, so much,” McDermott said. “Singing is the most important thing in the world to me, and I hope that comes out on stage.”
Following the show, McDermott plans to continue taking lessons, and singing in her school’s choir and upcoming musical.
“Just keep singing,” she said.
Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com
Morristown Onstage
What: A show featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains, presented by and benefiting the Morris Educational Foundation.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 24
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St. in Morristown.
Tickets: On sale to the general public on Feb. 1. Prices range from $25 to $75. For information, call MPAC at 973-539-8008 or visit www.mayoarts.org.