PALM COAST, Fla. – The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center pulsed with excitement as performer Olivia Moretti took the stage, putting her unmistakable stamp on the venue and delivering what some thought might be impossible. But as girls of all ages danced, sang, and rushed the stage, it became clear how easily they were swept up in the magic of the moment.
Moretti, lead for the “Blank Space: Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute,” delivered an electrifying performance that spanned 29 songs, taking the audience on a journey through Taylor Swift’s recently wrapped Eras Tour. The energy won over even the skeptics.
Among the many families in the audience was Flagler Auditorium Governing Board Member Joel Fallon, who attended with his wife, daughters, and granddaughter. For him, the night could be summarized in a single word he later texted to Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center Director Amelia Fulmer, “joy.”
“This was absolutely amazing,” he said.
While attendance wasn’t the highest of the season, Fallon said the measure of the night’s success had nothing to do with numbers.
“I texted Amelia and I said even though we didn’t sell a lot of tickets, it’s a win because the smiles and the joy on these kids’ (faces), that’s what it’s all about. I would do it every year if it brought smiles to the kids’ faces. I was looking around and I was seeing all the kids, and thinking this is a win for us. It was definitely worth it.”
And if anyone proved that point, it was the fans who fit Taylor Swift’s demographic best. Fallon’s granddaughter Madelynn and her friend Emma, initially unsure what to expect, walked out completely won over.
“I really liked it. I didn’t think I would like it, but I really liked it,” said the young teen.
Even Fallon’s daughter Madison, who saw Swift live, walked away a fan.
“It was awesome. I was taken back. It felt like I was at the Eras tour,” she said, sharing her enthusiasm when she saw other girls rushing the stage. “I also did the same thing. I saw them running and I was like, I was going to go up there. It was so much fun.”
After the show, a line of excited tweens and young teens stretched across the lobby, all waiting for their moment on the red carpet with Moretti—a photo opportunity to cap off an unforgettable night.
For parents, the event was just as special. Mom Annamaria Long treasured sharing the show with her oldest daughter.
“My daughter had the time of her life,” said Long. “It brought so much joy to the kids. I was also looking around to see people of different generations also having fun. There was this one grandma who I aspire to be one day, having the best time. It was really cool to see everyone. I was up in my seat singing and dancing along too.”
Long wasn’t the only one caught up in the energy. Season subscriber Kathy Reichard-Ellavsky attended with friends and quickly became a fan girl herself.
“This was a fabulous high energy performance. I would have thought I was watching the real Taylor Swift,” she said, surrounded by friends.
Her admiration for the show extended beyond the performance, watching young fans fully immersed in the music, especially ones who had never been to the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center before.
“I was so thrilled for those girls to be in the room with one of their idols and knowing all the dances and all the songs. It was sheer joy,” said Reichard Ellavsky.
“This wasn’t one of the subscriber shows but it was a great way to kick off the season. I talked to a couple of people and asked if they had ever been here before and they said no, this is their first time ever, and I said I hope you come back to future shows.”
Flagler Palm Coast High School dance teacher Janice Monsanto brought a group of her students, hoping to give them a glimpse of what their own future career on stage might look like.
“It’s so wonderful to have the group for a night out. The show exceeded all expectations. It really was a beautiful performance, flawless, the dancing, the music, the costumes, she was amazing.”
Monsanto’s daughter attended Swift’s tour stop in Atlanta a year before, and was equally impressed.
“I loved Taylor Swift and I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said Malina Hreib. “I didn’t know it was going to be, like, an entire Eras tribute and I felt like I was reliving it. It was beautiful,” said Hreib.
In the end, Moretti’s tribute did far more than recreate an iconic tour. It brought generations together, created new memories for families, introduced newcomers to the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, and filled the room with the kind of joy that lingers long after the lights fade.
For one unforgettable night, the Eras lived again—and the smiles said everything.
Featured Cover Photo courtesy of Annamaria Long.
