Hackettstown Rotary Club will be hosting a Virtually Amazing Talent Competition at 7:30 p.m. on July 16.  This fundraiser will replace the Madness Memorial Day Car Show that is regularly held during Memorial Day Weekend, which was cancelled this year due to the pandemic.

Talent was sought for this exciting opportunity. A total of 12 performers will be highlighted on the evening of July 16.  Acts will be judged by Justin Boccitto, Patrick Cogan and Colleen Smith Wallnau, who are professionals in the entertainment and theatre industry.

Justin Boccitto is originally from Hackettstown, and is now an award winning artist in New York, working in theatre, film, music and dance. He’s performed throughout the country in roles such as Don Lockwood in “Singin’ in the Rain,” and Bert in “Mary Poppins.” Justin teaches theatre dance and tap at Broadway Dance Center, Marymount Manhattan College and Perdance.

Patrick Cogan is an actor and musical theatre performer who’s appeared in ten National Tours including two First National Broadway Tours (“The Full Monty” and “Escape to Margaritaville”). He has been performing the role of Oliver Warbucks in “Annie” since 1988 and was nominated for Broadway World’s Best Leading Male Actor in a Musical” for the production at the Count Basie Theater in 2018.

Colleen Smith Wallnau has worked in professional theatre for over 30 years. She has worked internationally, on Broadway, off Broadway and in regional theatre. Colleen has appeared in many productions at the Centenary State Company in Hackettstown, including “The Wizard of Oz,” “Blithe Spirit,” “Mary Todd: A Woman Apart,” and “An Enemy of the People.”  She teaches at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre in New York City and is married to her favorite actor/director Carl Wallnau.

All featured talent will have the possibility to win a monetary prize of $500 for first place entry, $300 for second place and $100 for third place.

Those who would like to attend this event virtually can visit hackettstownrotary.org before the start time of 7:30 p.m. on July 16 to access the event link. At the conclusion of the show, attendees will be asked to make a donation to Hackettstown Rotary Club. This fundraiser will support the many local non-profits in Warren County.

“The Virtually Amazing Talent Competition is a creative solution for the Hackettstown Rotary Club to engage members in the community during a time when it is difficult to meet in person,” says Jill Zinckgraf, Executive Director of the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County.  “It will be a fun evening that will focus on showcasing local talent while supporting Hackettstown Rotary Club’s ability to support the various non-profits in our area.”

For a complete list of sponsors for this competition, please visit hackettstownrotary.org