Revamped talent show on stage Saturday

SUMMERSIDE - Gowns and tuxes are ready, songs selected and routines rehearsed.
It's almost show time for the 20 young performers competing in Saturday's Lobster Carnival talent showcase.
Organizer Tina Mundy said the revamped show is sure to impress, with its glamorous wardrobe, professional hair, makeup, lighting and sound - and young talent that's second to none.
"We've got human beat box, musical theatre and contemporary dance. We have original dance. We have people playing their own guitars, their own pianos," said Mundy. "It's really evolved into the best we could have ever imagined."
A two-day audition process narrowed the field of 31 entrants to 20.
"We were really overwhelmed with the amount of entries we had," said Mundy.
Leading up to Saturday's show, contestants each had a professional photo shoot with Higher Design and were outfitted by Katharina's Bridal Boutique.
"I truly believe if we empower our youth they will do great things," said boutique owner Katharina Mueller.
"When these young girls and gentlemen heard that they had an opportunity to be outfitted in whatever their little hearts desired . . . they were ecstatic."
She added, "We had some appointments
that lasted about
two hours because they just wanted to try everything on. I was more than happy to let them."
A Mary Kay Cosmetics representative will be on site Saturday doing the contestants' makeup; a hairstylist will ensure everyone's perfectly coiffed and Austin's Inspiration is supplying the bling.
"Right from the get-go it was a first class affair," said Mundy. "Some of the best people in the industry have offered their time and talent."
Tickets are going fast. The talent showcase takes place in Credit Union Place's Veterans Convention Centre and only 350 tickets are available.
Cash prizes provided by the Journal Pioneer will be awarded to the top three competitors and a prize given to the most promising performer.
Judging the contest are author, playwright and actor Nils Ling; choreographer, director and dancer Heidi Ford and soprano and music educator Sung Ha Shin-Bouey.
Harbourfront Theatre is providing lighting and sound while SPUD FM's Chris Pride acting as MC for the show, which begins at 7 p.m.
"It's going to be first-rate. It blew me away. I was moved to tears by some of the performances," said Mundy.
She added, "It's going to blow them away."
Tickets are available at Credit Union Place, Harbourfront Theatre and the Lobster Carnival office.

For more information, visit www.summersidelobstercarnival.com