Kids at Secaucus High School will get to show off their talents with a little professional help thanks to a visit by multi-faceted performer Peter DeLorenzo.
The Secaucus Municipal Alliance and the Secaucus Board of Education will host the event in the high school cafeteria on Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.
DeLorenzo, of Lodi, is something of a local phenomenon, with credits that include screen and stage, as well as standup comedy. He has appeared on Comedy Central, David Letterman and Howard Stern.
“We wanted to get someone that was nationally recognized,” said radio host Joe Losener, who helped make some of the contacts to help secure DeLorenzo. “We were asked to use our clout because people knew we promoted shows. Peter was on our radio show and he loved us and loved our show. He also likes doing charity.”
Although likely to do standup as a centerpiece to the high school’s talent show, DeLorenzo has numerous talents as a vocalist and impressionist. He his known for his wit and sarcasm. But he is also slated to talk to kids during the event on the dangers of drugs. DeLorenzo has appeared on the Joe Franklin Show, VH1, and on other shows by famous radio and television personalities. His film and TV credits include stints in Howard Stern’s “Private Parts,” Bronx Tale, Goodfellas, and the Sopranos. He has worked with Al Pacino, Bill Cosby, Robert DeNiro, Rodney Dangerfield, and Joe Pesci. He is currently working on and promoting his own screenplay called “The Mentor,” which is a romantic comedy and comedic look at the other side of show business.
Recently, DeLorenzo did a musical tribute to the heroes associated with the Sept. 11 tragedy.
‘Mr. Charity’
DeLorenzo is known for his giving back to the community through a variety of charity events that include stints on the Jerry Lewis Telethon and participation with groups such as the Make a Wish Foundation. DeLorenzo was honored by Former President Ronald Reagan with a Humanitarian Award, and has taken part in Hands Across America and An Evening of World Suffering/USA for Africa. He is also know for his work with Healing the Children and many other charity drives on both a local and national level, winning him titles such as the “Peaceful Warrior” and “Mr. Charity.”
“Our show,” said Judy Norman of the Make a Wish Foundation, “would not have rocked as well or as smoothly without the help and incredible talents of Mr. Peter DeLorenzo…who kept everyone smiling and pumped up the entire evening while reminding us why we were there.”
“Pete has a heart of gold,” said radio show host Bob O’Brien of Secaucus. “He’s always available. He’s a great entertainer. I first met when I was doing the channel 19 news in Clifton in the early 1980s.”
The talent show will be open to kids from seventh to 12th grade, and funds will be used to generate future programs for the Municipal Drug Alliance.
“Kids can display their talents,” said Losener. “And Pete will do skits of his own and later talk about drug abuse. Hopefully it will help keep kids from abusing drugs.”
The show is expected to last about two hours, and Losener said the event will be promoted throughout the area via his show, and radio shows by Joe Franklin and Bob O’Brien.