News

Singer is 13 and reaching for the Broadway stage of her life

Melissa Beers has the voice, the poise, the drive and one big break.

By LOGAN NEILL, Times Staff Writer
Published September 11, 2007

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SPRING HILL - You don't have to look far these days to find a teenager with a desire to become a star. The popularity of TV shows such as American Idol and America's Got Talent has created a frenzy among young singers aspiring to earn a big break.

Thirteen-year-old Melissa Beers says she doesn't have much interest in such a career track. Instead, she would rather ply her considerable vocal talents toward the goal of reaching the Broadway stage.

"To be able to sing in a big show like Cats or Phantom of the Opera would be the thrill of my life," says Melissa. "It would be my dream come true."

The Powell Middle School eighth-grader may well be on her way to achieving that dream. In July, she auditioned for the Best New Talent Awards regional competition in Gainesville. Out of about 1,000 contestants, Melissa was among a handful to earn a coveted invitation to the national finals in Los Angeles in November.

Nancy Beers, Melissa's mom, said that her daughter is dedicating "every ounce of herself" toward preparation for the event.

"Melissa knows she's going to compete with the best kids in the country," she said. "Somehow, she's not the least bit nervous."

The same can't be said of Mom, who says she was uncertain whether the Best New Talent Awards was a legitimate operation until Melissa's voice teacher did some research.

Nick Roses, a talent coordinator with Best New Talent Awards and owner of a talent agency in South Florida, said that the event typically attracts representatives from many areas of the entertainment industry.

"Of course, there are no guarantees of anything," Roses said. "But Melissa has a voice that's hard to ignore. She will definitely be making an impression."

A member of the all-county middle school chorus since the sixth grade, Melissa said it wasn't until two years ago that she became confident in her abilities as a soloist. Her mother likened it to switching on a light.

"All of the sudden this beautiful, full voice started coming out," Nancy Beers said. "We told her that we would do everything we could to support her."

With help from her grandfather Bill Martinez, Melissa enrolled in John Leggio's Center for the Performing Arts in Spring Hill under the tutelage of voice teacher Susan Falcone.

Falcone said she found Melissa's vocal skills to be surprisingly mature for a 13-year-old. And though her student has only performed publicly a few times, Falcone said Melissa is becoming more comfortable on stage.

"She's a quick study, and that really counts if you're going to do musical theater," said Falcone. "She's worked very hard at developing her stage presence and her understanding of how musical theater works."

Being comfortable on stage will no doubt play a big part in how Melissa does at the Best New Talent Awards finals. However, Melissa says she has no worries - and few expectations beyond getting the most that she can from the experience.

"If nothing comes from it, it's okay," she said. "The important thing is nothing can discourage you from doing what you love to do. For me, it will always be singing."

Logan Neill can be reached at lneill@sptimes.com or 352 848-1435.

[Last modified September 10, 2007, 20:42:07]

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