Wagner College student wins Broadway appearance

Wagner College freshwoman Brianna Horne was named yesterday as one of two winners of "My Broadway Debut," a theatrical competition that aired last week on CBS TV's "The Early Show."

The 18-year-old drama student was selected by viewers through an on-line vote as the best female performer among 10 contestants selected from five colleges.

Miss Horne performed "Fine, Fine Line" from the award-winning musical "Avenue Q" on Friday. Yesterday on "The Early Show," she performed a duet, "Dirty Rotten Number," with Andrew Arrington, winner from the University of Michigan.

"It feels wonderful," the Magnolia, N.J., resident said yesterday by telephone. "It's validating to have [casting director] Bernard Telsey comment on my performance. This means a lot for my career."

Miss Horne's prize is a walk-on role in the Tony Award-winning musical "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" -- she appears tonight with Arrington at The Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway.

"Brianna's performance [yesterday] morning was amazing and we are thrilled to be able to give her a chance to make her Broadway dream come true," said Nanci Ross, director of special projects for "The Early Show."

CBS produced the event in conjunction with the League of American Theatres and Producers Inc.

"We were truly wowed by Brianna's performance on the show on Friday, as well as [yesterday] morning's telecast. Such presence and talent -- she, no doubt, will have a bright and promising future," said Alan Cohen, director of communications at The League of American Theatres and Producers Inc.

Sametta M. Thompson is a news reporter for the Advance. She may be reached at thompson@siadvance.com.