Singer Hopes Italian Aria Hits all the Right Notes

For Carolina Alvarez, the stage is just a natural extension of herself.

It's why the 18-year-old senior tried out three times for Morristown's Got Talent. But, the future musical theater major did not keep trying the same routine each time. First, she tested an Alicia Keys song. Next, she tried Tango dancing. When neither got her to the promised land, she took a more classical route.

It obviously struck the right chord with judges, as the Morris Plains native will be singing the Italian aria "Odel Mio Dolce Ardor (O of my Gentle Love)" at .

Given her desire to continue her performing arts career in college, Carolina considered the audition process for Morristown's Got Talent a great learning experience, even if her first two tries did not pan out.

Still, being selected from the nearly-100 who tried out is much better.

"I was excited. I mean, I didn't expect it," she said. 

Though she had a particular fondness for her last tryout piece ("I really loved that Tango," she said) Carolina has been able to build a body of work in a multitude of artistic venues. She also will portray the role of "Nickie" in March

"I love doing all aspects of it," she said. "Piano, voice, acting, all of it. I keep a very open mind. I've grown up doing this."

For Carolina, being on stage is, simply, fun.

But, that fun does not come without hard work. Between rehearsal for Sweet Charity, Carolina has continued to practice her Morristown's Got Talent piece, in addition to regular dance lessons. 

While no stranger to the stage, she acknowledged a packed Community Theatre will definitely be a different experience. But, "I'm definitely looking forward to it.

"I just hope I perform to my best ability," Carolina said. "Hopefully, they'll enjoy the Classical."

The fifth-annual Morristown's Got Talent will be held Feb. 29 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. For more information, check out our MGT 2012 guide.