A classically trained soprano, Koning’s journey to the spotlight didn’t start with exit polls
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
MORRISTOWN, NJ — New Jersey residents are used to seeing Ashley Koning on their television screens, analytically breaking down the latest election data. As the Director of the Eagleton (left of)Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University, she is the authoritative voice on the state’s deeply divided electorate.
But this month, Koning is trading the data charts for sheet music. Known now as the “Singing Pollster,” she is set to take center stage at the 19th annual Morristown ONSTAGE talent show, proving that politics and performance are more connected than we think.
A Crossroads of Opera and Politics
A classically trained soprano, Koning’s journey to the spotlight didn’t start with exit polls. As a child in Martinsville, NJ, she was a theater standout, earning a Paper Mill Playhouse “Rising Star” nomination in high school.
At Franklin & Marshall College, she double-majored in government and music, eventually writing a senior thesis on the intersection of opera and politics. While her doctoral studies at Rutgers and the demands of motherhood temporarily put her music on hold, a recent family health scare served as a “wake-up call” to return to her lifelong passion.
“I see a natural connection between using your voice to sing and using your voice to express political opinions,” Koning says. “I just happen to do both.”
Why “Maybe This Time” is the Perfect Political Choice
For her performance at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), Koning has selected the iconic showtune “Maybe This Time” from the musical Cabaret.
The choice isn’t just about vocal range—it’s about context. Cabaret is widely regarded as one of the most politically and socially resonant musicals in history, set against the backdrop of a changing world.
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The Theme: Hope, vulnerability, and standing at a crossroads.
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The Connection: Koning views polling as “the choir of participatory acts”—a place where every individual voice contributes to a larger, complex harmony.
The Competition: Morristown ONSTAGE 2026
Koning is one of 14 musical and dance acts competing for a $1,000 prize. More importantly, the event serves as a massive fundraiser for schools in Morristown and Morris Township.
| Event Detail | Information |
| Date & Time | February 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM |
| Location | Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), Morristown, NJ |
| The Prize | $1,000 for the winning act |
| The Cause | Raising funds for the Morris Educational Foundation |
How to See the Performance
Whether you follow her for her political insights or want to hear her soaring soprano, tickets for Morristown ONSTAGE are available through the MPAC website.
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