Wall of dreams

This year, the annual Garden of Dreams Talent Show celebrated the Foundation’s 10th anniversary with a “Decade of Dreams.” Over 100 children and teens put their troubles aside and performed on the legendary “Great Stage” at Radio City Music Hall.

After auditions, the Talent Show performers prepared for their big night with several rehearsals hosted in  Radio City’s large rehearsal hall where the famous Rockettes prepare for their performances. Our children also received extra special attention from celebrity mentors including: the Rockettes, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, dancer and model Damaris Lewis, pop singer Shawn Mendes, R&B and pop singer Andra Day, Broadway stars Renee Elise Goldberry, Chilina Kennedy, and Christina Sajous, TV host Hoda Kotb, Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin, and guitarist Robert Randolph. With their enthusiastic and dedicated assistance, our performers were ready to take the famous stage.

On Monday, April 11, the “Great Stage” was set for our talented performers to wow over 4,000 guests who packed the house at Radio City. With MSG Networks’ Jill Martin and Al Trautwig as hosts for the evening, the Talent Show kicked off on a patriotic note with a performance of Jimi Hendrix’s version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Following the opener, the Garden of Dreams Alumni Choir, a yearly tradition that is encompassed of past Talent Show performers, captivated the crowd with their rendition of “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper. 

The “Decade of Dreams” show featured all different types of talent including a contemporary dancer, reggae artist, chime choir, hip hop performer, spoken word artist, and a pianist. To close the show, all of the children returned to the stage to perform the hit song “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. As each child walked onto the stage, they held high a sign designating what they fight for. At the conclusion of the show, the crowd rose to its feet for a standing ovation as confetti covered the performers and the audience. Not only was the night memorable for those who fulfilled their dreams of taking the “Great Stage,” but it also strengthened their confidence to carry on-stage and off-stage into their futures.

“My experience in the Garden of Dreams Talent Show has shown me that each step you take with your talent shines a little more brightness into your star in the universe,” said Paul, Garden of Dreams Talent Show performer.