Earlier this summer, hundreds of aspiring Broadway stars submitted a video singing a selected showtune. They were competing for the chance to win $10,000, a trip to New York City, and a performance in Times Square—as part of Playbill and Prudential's Stages on Broadway Contest. After deliberation by a panel of judges, finalists Brianna Kaleen, Chris Richie, Zalah Vallien, and Alli Sutton were each flown to NYC.
While in the big city, the four finalists got to see Some Like it Hot on Broadway, attend a special meet-and-greet with the cast, receive one-on-one guidance from Broadway star Brittney Johnson, and finally, perform in Times Square.
As part of day two of the Curtain Up Broadway Festival(sponsored by Playbill, The Broadway League, the Times Square Alliance, and Prudential), each finalist was invited to perform the song that they initially submitted. Kaleen performed "Independently Owned" from Shucked, Richie performed "Father Time" from Kimberly Akimbo, and Vallien and Sutton both performed "The Wizard and I" from Wicked. At the end of the concert, the winner was named: Kaleen took home a $10,000 cash prize.
Kaleen is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre Performance, part of the class of 2021. Since graduating, Kaleen has performed as Little Inez in the national tour of Hairspray, Sarah's Friend in Bay Street Theater's Ragtime, and Little Eva in Casa Mañana's Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. She will play a solo show at 54 Below November 7.
Sutton, the third runner-up, received $1,500, Richie, the second runner-up, received $2,500, and Vallien, the first runner-up, received $5,000. All four finalists also received access to a consultation with one of Prudential's financial advisors.
See photos from the Prudential Stages on Broadway Concert below.
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Check Out Photos of Prudential Stages on Broadway Concert at Curtain Up