All of the “Rising Stars” revealed know-how, bumped up under the savvy direction by Scott Coutler, with musical direction by John Fischer, choreography by Holly Cruz and assistant direction by Rick Hinkson. By now it is evident how much talent abounds in the competition for the limelight, and this performance underscored the perception.

The performers were given a colorful opportunity to interplay with guest star Bill Irwin in a number near the end. Irwin, with his well-known elasticity romped clown-like before the group and the appreciative audience, with individual performers getting into the act. Irwin’s very appearance had the effect of an endorsement of the talent filling the stage.

Getting down to the individual delights, I was especially moved, for example, by Keziah Niambi John-Paul, powerfully singing “But the World Goes ‘Round” from “New York, New York.” No need to talk about her potential. It is already there.

Samantha Owen did a delicate, moving rendition of Kander and Ebb’s “My Coloring Book.” Meredith Lesley was effective singing “Maybe This Time,” which Kander and Ebb wrote for Kaye Ballard. I enjoyed hearing Amy Wheeler singing “Isn’t This Better?” from “Funny Lady.” Tiffany Gray was another standout with “My Own Best Friend” from “Chicago.”

Among the men, Stephen Orr, with his very strong voice, was extremely impressive singing “Kiss of the Spider Woman” from the show of that name, and so was Michael Romeo Ruocco, singing the challenging “The Day After That,” also from “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” A few of the men demonstrated extra pizzazz. Alexander Parrish stormed the stage with his interpretation of “Ring Them Bells” from “Liza With a Z,” an amusing saga of finding true love in the apartment next door after prowling the world in search of it. John Edgar Moser had loads of fun with “Sara Lee,” and Noah J. Ricketts was especially entertaining with “City Lights” from “The Act.” I liked Jacob Carll's heartfelt “I Miss the Music” from “Curtains” and Matt Hill’s “She’s A Woman,” another from “Kiss of the Spider Woman.”

Singling out the above is only showing a portion of the every impressive collection of turns in this gratifying showcase, and not meant to shortchange the others. I would like to add my enthusiastic applause for all of the following: Emma Gannon-Salomon, performing “Sing Happy” from “Flora, the Red Menace;” Jon Hacker for “Mamie in the Afternoon” from “A Family Affair” (that one a collaboration of Kander and James Goldman); Daisy Carnelia with “Seeing Things” from “The Happy Time;” Matt Weinstein for “Sometimes a Day Goes By” from “Woman of the Year;” Trevor James, singing “Over the Wall (Marta)” from “Kiss of the Spider Woman;” Madeline Hamlet impressing with “A Quiet Thing” from “Flora, the Red Menace” and Erica Vlahinos signing “How Lucky Can You Get?” from “Funny Lady.” All deserve an ovation.