"We had a wonderful time seeing them all," Christine Andrews said. "And what a difficult time we'll have to narrow the field, deciding who will actually get to compete."
Andrews is vice chair of the town Human Rights Commission, which is hosting the talent show to raise awareness of the commission and as a fundraiser for the Department of Human Services to assist local residents with basic emergency needs.
The show will be on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., also in the Council Chambers. The snow date is Saturday, Feb. 27. It's being sponsored by The Brickhouse and The Newington Polish American Club.
The auditions took place on Jan. 30. They were scheduled to run for three hours, but went over four hours. Volunteer Karen Faust was still signing up people out in the hall even as the auditions were happening on stage. In the end, 42 acts tried out for the show.
"It really exceeded our expectations - one, because there was so much turnout, and, two, because the talent was so good," said Andrews.
A volunteer committee will evaluate all the acts - with an eye towards variety - and those chosen for the show will be notified this week. The top three acts that compete on Feb.26 will win gift cards - $100 for first prize, $75 for second prize, and $50 for third prize. The judges will be Andrews, Val Ginn, and Frank DeMaio.
Andrews said the organizers hope the show will become an annual event.
"We're learning so much as we prepare for the actual show, little things to watch our for like having enough batteries on hand for the wireless microphones," she said.
During the auditions, singer Holly McDonald's microphone died and had to be replaced in the middle of her song.
"On behalf of the commission, we want to thank the talented people of Newington and let them all know we appreciate their time," Andrews said. "We also want to thank the volunteers who came out to help set up, handle the lighting, handle the sign ups, etc."
"I think this is really going to be a fun and exciting night, a night of Hollywood glamour for Newington. The MCs, Steve Parker and Gary Byron, will be in tuxes. It's to support a great cause, so come out to help your neighbor and to have fun," she said.
Tickets are $5, on sale now at the Human Services Department in Town Hall. Andrews noted with only 270 chairs in the Council Chambers - seating is limited.
"Next year, we may need a bigger venue," she said.