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Masi, the daughter of Bridgeport chiropractor Jennifer Lynne, is one of eight finalists in Saturday’s finals in the 10-13 age division. The finals feature five divisions, including four age groups and opera. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased through the Barnum Festival website.
Masi will almost certainly be among the crowd favorites. What makes the singing dynamo unique is unlike many children, she is not tethered to technology and television. Her mother said she frequently comes home covered in dirt from playing outside after school.
“I love to do creative stuff, art and painting,’’ Charlotte said. “I really love to play outside. I’ll come home from school and stay outside until 6:30 when it’s time for dinner. I just got a new playhouse, and I love to go on the swings. I also like my trampoline a lot, but it’s sort of falling apart right now.”
Charlotte’s outdoor activities belie her on-stage talent. She appeared in the Broadway play “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof,’’ which starred Scarlett Johansson. She has also been on stage with the Bridgeport Theatre Company and won singing competitions at her school in Milford, Orchard Hill. She recently auditioned for a film in New York.
“I went to see Shrek The Musical on Broadway when I was 3 years old,’’ Charlotte said. “From that point on I knew that I wanted to do that someday.”
Masi’s entertainment career began with dance. She soon transitioned into singing and acting, and delivers confidence and maturity well beyond her years when she steps on stage.
“I get a lot of confidence from my mother and father,’’ Charlotte said. “They’re both confident people. Sometimes if it’s a school event, I’ll get a little nervous because I know all the people. Otherwise I’m not scared at all. The stage is my home away from home. It’s where I love to be.”
Charlotte’s finals song “is a surprise,’’ she said. She performed “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey in the auditions. Click here to see a video of Masi performing the song at Hard Rock Cafe last year.
The other finalists are Briana Knight, 13; Grace Camera, 11; Ella Boyle, 11; Alishia Cole, 13; Imani Tyson, 11; Jacqueline Amoroso, 11; and Nora Mullins, 11.
“I’m really surprised I made the finals,’’ Masi said. “It was tough competition. I’m really excited about the finals.”
For more information about the Barnum Festival, visit its website.
