Shindle to Host "Next Broadway Sensation" Finale Oct. 3

By Adam Hetrick
01 Oct 2008

Legally Blonde's Kate Shindle will host the grand finale of the New York Musical Theatre Festival's "Next Broadway Sensation" competition Oct. 3 at the Zipper Factory Tavern.

Three contestants, Shawna M. Hamic, Mike Harrison and Omar Lopez-Cepero, will compete for the title in the final evening that is billed as "I'm the Greatest Star."

The 11 PM singing competition — previously known as NYMF's "Broadway Idol" — will also feature guest judges from Rent, Colin Hanlon, Enrico Rodriguez and casting director Michael Cassara. An additional celebrity judge will be revealed shortly.

Featuring musical direction by Christopher D. Littlefield and direction by David F. Chapman, "Next Broadway Sensation" determines its finalists through audience voting.

The winner of the 2007 "Broadway Idol" competition, George Psomas, received a solo concert at the Zipper Factory as a result of being named the winner. Psomas also recently made his Broadway debut in the Lincoln Center Theater revival of South Pacific.

Tickets for "Next Broadway Sensation," priced $15, are currently available by visiting NYMF.