Oct. 8, 2017 -- Heights High senior Malcolm White is a top-ten finalist in Shining Star CLE, a solo-singing competition giving area high school students the chance to win up to $10,000 in college scholarships.
Malcolm will perform at the Ohio Theatre in Playhouse Square on Sunday, October 22. He and the other nine contestants will be judged by independent musical professionals from genres such as pop, R&B and jazz. In addition, audience members will text their votes to determine the winners.
To reach this level, Malcolm went through several auditions and performances, competing against students from more than 70 high schools across five counties.
“Being in this contest , especially if I win a scholarship, will help me reach my goal of attending college to study vocal music and theater,” said Malcolm. “And, I’d really appreciate it if people could come to the show to help me.”
Malcolm has been involved in music and theater since he was six years old. “My Oxford kindergarten teacher, Ms. Malek, told my parents that I would be good in the theater,” he said. Soon after that he performed in several Heights Youth Theater productions. As an elementary and middle school student, he was in the Heights High productions of The King and I and Beauty and the Beast.
More recently he played the scarecrow in The Wiz at Playhouse Square’s spring production and he will play the donkey in this year’s Heights High performance of Shrek, The Musical.
“Heights High has helped me grow as a person, as a student and as a musician and performer,” he said. “I have become a better student academically and improved both my vocal and acting skills, and I am very grateful for that.” He credits both the Vocal Music Department and the AVID program for his growth.
One skill that he has honed in the last few years is his comedic timing. “And for my role in Shrek, that is really important!” he said.
Shining Star CLE is presented by Montefiore, a senior living facility with campuses in Cuyahoga and Geauga County. The goal of the competition is to raise funds for Montefiore’s memory care programs, while at the same time, give back to the community.
Tickets for the October 22 show are $25 for the balcony, $75 for mezzanine seating, $125 for rear orchestra. Patron tickets are $275 each or two for $500 for preferred seating, a parking pass and the VIP reception. To order individual event tickets, call Playhouse Square at 216-241-6000 or visit ShiningStarCle.com.