Judges at the finale of LA’s Next Great Stage Star 2010 had a tough choice in narrowing down eighteen competitors to five finalists and then a winner. Audience members voted, too, but judges’ votes carried more weight. The final five were Derek Klena, Janet Krupin (pictured), Domonique Paton, Raquel Sandler and Taylor Tracey.

With few exceptions, the songs presented were from the last ten years, all from musicals except for two Goldrich & Heisler songs, “Alto’s Lament” (brilliantly sung by Kristen Heitman) and “Taylor, The Latte Boy,” used effectively by Raquel Sandler in the final round.

The competitors had to sing a fine line between musical theater performance and cabaret, showing their musical theater chops in a cabaret setting. Those able to add a personal touch to the material fared best. There was no doubt that Janet Krupin would be among the finalists after her electric performance of “Out of the Blue” from Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party. Her biggest competition in the finals came from Domonique Paton, whose magical performance of “Disneyland” from Smile landed her second place. Although Krupin sang “How Lucky Can You Get?,” it was sheer talent that won her the top slot. She’s got the complete package and will undoubtedly sizzle in her solo debut at Sterling’s.

Les Traub
Cabaret Scenes
January 3, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org