Ari Mandel '26 Named a Finalist in Morristown ONSTAGE Competition

Congratulations to MBS sophomore Ari Mandel ’26, who was named a finalist in the Morristown ONSTAGE competition.  Ari, a vocalist, will now compete against seven other finalists in the 18 & Under category during a live show on Thursday, February 29 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown. 

To qualify for the finals, Ari sang “For Forever” from the musical Dear Evan Hansen. He is still deciding which song he will perform for the live show.

At MBS, Ari is a member of the Upper School Chorus as well as the School’s newly-created a cappella group. He appeared in last spring’s Upper School musical, Be More Chill, and wowed audiences with his performance of “Michael in the Bathroom.”  He is also no stranger to the Mayo Performing Arts Center stage, having performed in School of Rock there in 2022.

Last summer, he completed a program at Berklee School of Music, and he has applied to several prestigious music programs for the upcoming summer including the University of Michigan and The Juilliard School. Ari has been singing for as long as he can remember, and he currently works with vocal coach William Riley.

Ari is not the only Morristown Beard student to enjoy success in the competition. Maya Bhide ’23 won the competition in 2021, and Cooper Weil ’22 was named a finalist in 2020.

A community staple for 17 years, Morristown ONSTAGE brings people of all ages together to celebrate and discover unique local talent all to benefit the Morris School District and support public education. This year’s event will allow all to “Imagine the Possibilities” with 15 amazing acts comprised of District students, residents, employees and individuals in and around town.  

Tickets to attend Morristown ONSTAGE will go on sale in early 2024. Stay tuned!