Female performers dominate Geneva's Got Talent auditions

Megan Styrna waited timidly on stage for her Geneva's Got Talent audition to begin Saturday.

The 13-year-old stood onstage sheepishly, fidgeting her hands, a little crouched and grinning sweetly as she waited for the first notes to her song.

And when the opening strains to "Don't Rain On My Parade" began, it was like the Geneva Middle School South student had been struck by lightning.

"I feel like I transform whenever I sing that song," the girl said. "I want to do anything to continue in theater. Anything that gets me to Broadway."

Styrna's rendition of the Barbra Streisand classic was one of several strong auditions from a female-heavy crowd of performers at the annual talent show sponsored by the Geneva Park District and Geneva Chamber of Commerce.

Judges Eric Elftmann, Leah Leman and Terry Skreens said they were looking for different types of acts, but talent will always prevail. The trio were tasked with whittling the 40 or so acts who auditioned to 20 for the semifinal performances to be held June 24 during Swedish Days. Those acts will again be pared down for a finals performance three days later at the annual festival.

"We want it to be a variety and interesting to the audience, but talent supersedes everything," Leman said.

Most of the auditions featured musical performances, with a smattering of dancers.

Many of the singers chose familiar numbers to try and woo the judges, but a few went with original songs.

"I just love writing, and if I have a choice, I like to do my own songs," said Dina Bach, a Wheaton resident and Geneva High School Spanish teacher.

Tom Dechert of Mooseheart also chose an original song. This is his third attempt at reaching the semifinals of the contest.

"There's a risk of going with something original because the judges don't know it and may not jive with it, but if it is their vibe, it could stand out," Dechert said.

But current pop hits were the order of the day.

Maya Hawkins, an 11-year-old from Geneva, said she "listened to a lot of Taylor Swift songs" before choosing.

This is the first year the park district collaborated with the chamber for the event that culminates with a $1,000 cash prize. Elliott Bortner, the park district's recreation supervisor, said it was a natural transition.

"We're pretty familiar with the show and it's fun to do something with the chamber that gets a lot of interest," he said.