Stories

More than 50 children representing nine Garden of Dreams Foundation partner organizations took the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall on Thursday to perform in the Fifth Annual Spring Talent Show: Dream In Color.

The show, hosted by MSG Network's Jill Martin, began with a bang as youngsters from Children's Aid Society, Children's Village, Hackensack University Medical Center, Life Center, Loisaida, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hudson Valley and New Jersey, NYU Medical Center and SCO Family of Services came together for an opening performance to Cyndi Lauper's True Colors.

Following the crowd-pleasing opening, the show kicked off with a performance by the night's youngest participant, three-year-old Oscar, representing NYU Medical Center. Oscar rocked out on the drums to Queen's We Will Rock You before trading in his drumsticks for a guitar solo, much to the delight of the supportive audience.

More than 20 acts followed including hip-hop, tap and salsa dance performances, vocal solos, inspiring spoken word performances and instrument solos.

Performers spent the past several months perfecting their routines which included a rehearsal with Grammy Award winning recording artist, Michelle Williams, and the World Famous Radio City Rockettes, just three days before the show. Golden Globe nominated actress, Nikki Blonsky, was also on hand the night of the show to assist children with their on-stage rehearsals.

Jocelyn, representing the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey, took the words of advice she received from Michelle Williams at rehearsal, and blew the audience away with her rendition of Colors of the Wind. Jocelyn, looking gorgeous in a purple gown, shined like a star on the same stage that has been graced by so many legendary performers.

Nine-year-old E'Raya from Children's Aid Society worked the stage with her tap solo to Dolly Parton's Red, White, and Blue, while 17-year-old Illiana, also from Children's Aid, impressed the audience with her self-choreographed ballet piece to Denise Williams', Black Butterfly.

Eric, representing Children's Village and Angelo, representing SCO Family of Services, brought the house down with their spoken word performances, "Color My World", and "Colors of Love" respectively.

Eleven-year-old Alena blew kisses to her fans upon conclusion of her vocal solo, This Is Me, while eight-year-old Mulysha opted to skip off stage after performing her hip-hop solo to Beyonce's Green Light.

The show closed out with a special finale featuring all performers singing and dancing to the Black Eyed Peas', Where Is the Love, earning a standing ovation from the audience that included Matthew Modine.

The evening was filled with laughter, support, tears (of joy!), encouragement and truly inspiring performances by each and every child.