Talent shows on stage

The Howland native hopes to become a professional opera singer.
By LAURA FARR
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
ATLANTIC CITY -- If Miss Ohio Amanda Beagle isn't careful, she's going to blow the Mahoning Valley's blue-collar image.
On the second of three nights of preliminary Miss America competition, Beagle sang an operatic aria rendition of "Quando me n'v & ograve;" from Giacomo Puccini's La Boh & egrave;me.
"That song is one of my favorites. It's very entertaining and shows my vocal abilities very well. That's why I chose to perform it here at Miss America. The song was perfect for my vocal range," said Beagle, 24, of Howland.
"Talent is my favorite phase of competition. I was so excited to perform my talent. I just had to make sure I went home the night before and got some rest," she said. "I am focusing on one phase of competition at a time. I'm not looking at the overview right now. There is too much between now and the live Miss America telecast."
Preparation
Beagle had to be on the Boardwalk Hall stage ready to run through her performance at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. Then it was more rehearsals in the afternoon before show time at 7:30 p.m. Each contestant is allowed two run-throughs of their talent on the stage of Boardwalk Hall the day of their preliminary.
Beagle got up around 6 a.m. to get her voice in shape for the talent competition, which was eventually won by Miss California, who performed a self-choreographed dance.
Beagle plans to become a professional opera singer. Her greatest achievement to date was a personal invitation from maestro Lorenzo Malfatti to attend the opera training program at the Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca in Italy. "It provided an opportunity to be immersed in the Italian language and culture," she said.
Choice of gown
The gown she wore in the talent competitions was by Riva Designs and was purchased at a shop in Canfield.
"I walked in the door and there it was. I said that's exactly what I've been looking for. The color is red, very dramatic, which fits the piece I performed. I felt very comfortable in it."
"My song has a lot of blocking so I have to be able to move comfortably and have the dress move with me. ... The moment I tried the gown on it was perfect."
Youngstown State University sponsored her local send-off. "The proceeds from that function went to offset the costs of my wardrobe," she said.
Following a whirlwind week in Washington, D.C., where she first met up with the other Miss America contestants, Beagle said she's "having such an incredible experience."
Beagle arrived in Atlantic City on Sunday to prepare for a week of rehearsals as well as the judges' private interview scheduled for Friday.
This year's Miss America telecast will feature a two-hour show, making every competitive segment shorter and more exciting with a quicker pace, according to executive producer Bob Bain -- who also produces the Kids Choice Awards, Billboard Music Awards and Teen Choice Award. The Miss America finals will be televised live on ABC at 9 p.m. Saturday.