On-Line Publishers, Inc. /50plus Senior News held five regional auditions throughout the month of April and three semi-finalists were selected from each location. These 15 semi-finalists advanced to the finals held at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre on Monday, June 11, each one hoping to win the title for 2007.
    Diane Dayton of Dayton Communications emceed the evening’s entertainment. Returning celebrity judges were RJ Harris, morning host for WHP 580; Janelle Stelson, co-anchor for WGAL TV 8; and Adrian “Buddy” King of the former Magnificent Men. Familiar with artistic abilities of last year’s contestants, the judges knew the difficult task that was before them.
    Having had rehearsal the evening before, each semi-finalist knew they had to be “on,” and they were. There was formidable competition amongst the semi-finalists.
  

(Click on each finalists picture for a glimpse of their performace)

Esmeralda Hetrick was the first to take the stage in a beautiful Spanish-style dress, a perfect complement to her vivacious rendition of the song I Will Survive. Esmeralda said she participated in the contest because she has so many things in her heart that she wants to share and singing is one of them.

Glenn Garber, whose inspiration was Eddie Fisher and Tony Bennett, sang the very passionate song September Morning. He said he first performed when he was a teen and his group appeared at the Moose Hall in Lancaster.

Elizabeth Jeffries, whose favorite performers growing up were Earth, Wind & Fire, followed with her rendition of Everything Must Change. If you shut your eyes you would have thought you were in a jazz club.

 

Richard Lake treated the audience to a narration of Casey at the Bat and never lost a beat … to the amazement of the audience. He was perfect! He was dressed apropos, in full baseball uniform, and drew the audience in with the speed and accuracy of his deliverance and gestures.

The audience fell in love with Jake Haldeman, who wrote and sang his lyrics to Our Way, his version of My Way. It is utterly impossible to portray the emotions he felt and portrayed through his song. His generation is and was a selfless generation.

Eileen Law gives some of singing credit to the Catholic school nuns who used to make her sing. She sang a sultry Johnny Angel, complete with “Johnnie” on stage.

 

William Collins, who could be a double for Bob Barker on The Price Is Right as RJ pointed out, had the audience swaying to his music when he sang Sway so romantically.

Audience members were treated to a comedy/instrumental performance by Jay Megonnell, who performed impressions and played two trumpets at one time. He said he once saw and heard a clown at the Shrine Circus play three saxophones at one time and figured he could play two trumpets … simultaneously. Amazingly and adeptly, he can!

Roxann Pennachi, exquisite in dress and voice, sang the popular song To Sir With Love. Pennachi said she always loved to sing as a child, even to animals, and later joined the church choir. Her sisters were happy when Roxanne finally conceded (after their persistent prompting) to audition for PA State Senior Idol.

Chris Roda, who has a stunning, trained opera voice, belted out You’ll Never Walk Alone. When Chris finished the audience was astounded at the magnitude of his voice. He was professional, had stage presence, and as Janelle stated: “You made me lose track of time.” He was a marvel!

Kay Woods has always loved to sing and revealed her secret that she used to make everyone listen to her at family reunions when she was young. Kay, singing very sultry, captured the era of the song The Man I Love. Imagine the smell of smoke in the room and you would have thought you were back in the 1950s.

Juan Palocious intoned and tenderly dance-stepped to Nuestro Juramento (Our Oath) in his native tongue. He chose Nuestro Juramento because his niece suggested it and it is a very romantic song. Although much of the audience did not understand the Spanish lyrics, Juan was able to depict the sensitivity of the song.

Terri Black came alive on stage. Beginning very softly and seated, the audience thought Terri had a delicate voice. Then she stood and surprised everyone by soundly and vivaciously singing Come Rain or Come Shine. She truly has a magnificent voice.

Tom LaNasa entertained by combining humor and a medley of the songs Blue Suede Shoes and Summertime Blues. Quite the entertainer, he kept the audience involved with his very energetic repertoire, including several quick changes of costume during his performance.

The last semi-finalist to perform, Diane Wilson sang I Will Always Love You, a song that everyone knows is one of the most difficult songs to replicate … but did so … to the sheer delight of the audience. She received a well-deserved standing ovation.

After each presentation, the judges expressed their opinions of the performance, always on a positive note. Buddy King, the musician, generally remarked on the mechanics of a musical piece – the complexity, genre – and stage presence; Janelle Stelson eased the tension of the performers with her quick wit; and RJ Harris offered his humorous comments.
    The audience loved each and every performance, choosing their favorites along the way and hoping theirs would make the final three. This round, though, was the judges’ choice. They chose Juan Palocious, Chris Roda, and Diane Wilson.
    Each of these finalists then performed a new routine. At the conclusion of these performances the audience took part in voting for who they would like to see named PA State Senior Idol 2007.
    Palocious came back with a beautiful rendition of And I Love Her, this time sung in English; Roda ever so gently began, crescendoed, and softly concluded The Lord’s Prayer, amazing the audience once more with his superb voice; then Wilson stunned the audience … again … with a powerful vocal performance of I Am Changing, (click here to listen)for which the audience gave her resounding applause.
    The audience presented their choices for winner, and after the ballots were tabulated and combined with the official judges, the winner was named – Diane Wilson was announced and the audience enthusiastically applauded their approval. The evening ended with Wilson singing I Will Always Love You, which yet again had the audience on their feet.
    This was the second year we have had the privilege of bringing this event to the 50+ community of Pennsylvania. They have shown, once again, the immense talent that is out there, just waiting for an opportunity to bring it to light.