ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
Two Wagner College drama students are about to get their big break -- live and on national television.
Brianna Horne, 18, and Amanda Snarski, 22, are among 10 finalists selected from five universities to compete in "My Broadway Debut," a week-long theatrical contest which starts tomorrow on CBS-TV's "The Early Show" (7 a.m. --9 a.m.).
The 10 competitors -- five men and five women -- will perform one song on a designated day from some of Broadway's biggest hits.
CBS-TVis producing the event in conjunction with the League of American Theaters and Producers, Inc.
Ms. Snarski, who graduated on May 19, will sing on Thursday.
"This is such a dream come true," said the Upper Darby, Pa., resident, who says she's been a theater fanatic since the age of 10.
"I can't believe I was selected for this amazing opportunity. It's the perfect graduation gift," she added.
Participating in the competition is more important than winning, Ms. Snarski said. "(Casting director) Bernard Telsey is a huge name in this business, so being able to work with someone like him is not something that happens every day."
Ms. Horne, a Wagner freshman, will perform on Friday.
The Magnolia, N.J., resident isn't worried that she and Ms. Snarski will be competing against each other.
"After all, in the real world, you'll cross paths with many people you know," she said.
Ms. Horne added: "I'll consider myself a winner whether I win or lose. I'm competing with myself to be the best I can be, and if I finish my performance knowing that I did my best, I'll be happy."
The original performers from each Broadway musical will be present each day to whittle down the field until only two contestants are left.
On Friday, the last day of the challenge, viewers can log on to www.cbsnews.com to vote for their favorite male and female finalists.
The winning duo will return to "The Early Show" on June 5 for a final performance and will be awarded walk-on roles in a Broadway show.
The six-day series will also feature an eBay auction of memorabilia from participating musicals to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Advance staff reporter Lauren Lubrino contributed to this report.
Sametta M. Thompson is news reporter for the Advance. She may be reached at thompson @siadvance.com.
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