Cast

Jump to: Singers | Dancers | Band

Singers

Grace Anne Field
Grace is excited to return to AMT for The Christmas Show. Her favorite Christmas memories are hanging up ornaments, eating homemade fudge, and listening to Christmas music on the radio. Grace has performed in Carousel, The Music Man, Working, Street Scene, Grease, Turn of the Screw, Shulamis-A Yiddish Opera, G&S Princess Ida, My Fair Lady, and A New Brain. Grace is originally from Texas but now is thrilled to be officially a Pennsylvania resident and hopes to further her career in her new favorite state!

Michael Austin
Michael was last seen in AMT’s recent production of Music of the Night – The Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and is so excited to be back! What better way to get into the spirit of Christmas than to sing these beautiful, uplifting songs alongside amazing, talented friends! Michael has worked with The Fulton Theatre, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Prather Entertainment, SRO Associates, The Aurora Theatre Company, The Atlanta Opera and others. Find out more at www.michaeljasonaustin.com.

John-Phillip Bowen
All the way from Las Vegas, John-Philip is thrilled to be back at AMT for his first Christmas show, and “Oh Holy Night” is one of his favorite Christmas songs. John-Philip has traveled the world performing onboard various cruise lines, did a national tour of “First in Flight,” and was recently seen on TV singing the national anthem for NASCAR Nationwide Cup in Las Vegas. John-Philip is a graduate of Otterbein University with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and sends all his love to his incredible, supportive wife, Tara. www.johnphilipbowen.com

Wess Cooke
Wess is thrilled to be back on the AMT stage, to be a part of The 2011 Christmas Show, and to see his fans as well as his comrades. Christmas is his favorite time of the year, because it is centered around a gift; a gift to mankind – God’s son, Jesus. We should all try to give a little more to each other, if not monetarily, then with a kind word or just a smile. You will be amazed how wonderful it will make you feel to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Peace and love to all.

Julie Keough
Not only is Christmas Julie’s favorite time for gathering with family and counting blessings, but it also marks the anniversary of her theatrical debut! As lambs at age 2, Julie and Lori Hall threw hay around the stage for an hour and were a big hit! Julie’s favorite song of all time is “O Holy Night.” “Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, and in His name, all oppression shall cease.”

Todd Mitchell
Todd is excited to be sharing the gifts of the season with you again this Christmas at AMT. He feels that it’s always a thrill to see familiar faces and close friends in the audience when the curtain finally rises, but it is even more special at Christmas. A favorite quote says, “Christmas isn’t only a season. It is a state of mind, a feeling.” Todd sincerely hopes to help you find that special feeling this Christmas.

Michelle Rajotte
Michelle would like to thank Santa for last year’s gift of another year at American Music Theatre. She is so grateful that she can do what she loves with the people that she loves. This year’s list is not much different … just add a pony!

Marisa Rivera
Having completed a fulfilling run of Dance Explosion, Marisa is ecstatic to be returning to AMT for the Christmas season! She has performed locally at Sight & Sound, HersheyPark, Theater of the Seventh Sister, Prima Theater and most recently at the Fulton Theatre. Her most recent credits there include “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “The Little Mermaid.” Her gratitude to Andrea and much love to her family and friends! Glory to God and peace and love to you this Christmas!

Angela Walker
Angela’s favorite Christmas memories are spending time with her family and seeing her siblings’ joy on Christmas morning. She has performed at AMT over the last four years in Music of the Night, Broadway’s Best-The Music, My Generation, and The Christmas Show. Angela is thrilled to announce the release of her newest CD, By Request, and debut single, “Where I Belong,” available through her website, on iTunes, and by email here. Angela would like to thank God, her family, and friends for their continuous love and support.

Ric Zimmerman
One of Ric’s favorite Christmas traditions growing up in Lancaster County, was riding on the old, green church bus to go caroling. It’s exciting to continue that tradition (minus the bus) on the AMT stage this season. Ric has performed as a vocalist, director, and conductor throughout the U.S., Canada, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.

Dancers

Holly Becker

Holly’s love of dance began at The Hanover School of Ballet performing throughout the US, Europe, and Asia. She furthered her training at the University of the Arts with a BFA in Jazz Dance Performance. Holly performed in Donald Trump’s New Years Eve, at the US Open, and on the French TV show La Grand Cabaret Du Monde in Paris. Holly’s musical theater repertoire also includes many musicals and performing on international cruises. Holly is delighted to be home this Christmas to dance with her sisters around the Christmas tree!

Corey Campbell
Having just finished dancing in Dance Explosion, Corey is very excited to be on the AMT stage again for Christmas. Corey attended the University of Arizona, received his BFA in Dance, and graduated most outstanding senior. After college he chased his dreams all the way to NYC. Corey spent a short time dancing with NY2 Modern Dance Company, then sang and danced his way to the Palace Theatre stage in Manchester, NH. At the Palace he performed in productions of Hairspray and The Four Pianomen.

Missy Clayton Show Captain
Missy is thrilled to be spending her holiday season singing and dancing again at AMT! Born in NH, Missy is proud to also now call PA home. She is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC where she studied Musical Theatre and Dance. Missy is so thankful for her family and friends for the endless support. She looks forward to sharing the warmth with all of you during this beautiful Christmas Show. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Jamey Dilley
Jamey is very happy to return to AMT for the holiday season. Dance credits include Triumph, Mamma Mia, Show in the Sky, EFX Alive with Rick Springfield, and Bell Bottom Fever. He’s also performed on a number of cruise ships and has been seen on national and international commercials and films. A favorite memory of the holiday season is from high school when Jamey gathered a group of friends and family members together to create a Christmas show with singing and dancing, and performed the show for local nursing homes.

David Tanciar
David is very happy to be returning to AMT for The Christmas Show. He has been dancing forever and can’t imagine doing anything else. Some favorite credits include Dick Foster’s Imagine, Busch Gardens’ Dance to the Music and Christmas Celebration and several cruise lines. David performed at Universal Studios Japan in both Rock and Roll Monsters Show and Wicked. Other credits include CATS, The Secret Garden, Guys & Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sweet Charity and The Wedding Singer.

Tracey Zimmerman
Originally from New Orleans, Tracey is extremely excited to be making her AMT debut in The 2011 Christmas Show. Tracey graduated with a BFA in Dance from the University at Buffalo, and has since been performing both principle and ensemble roles at theaters across the country. Christmas is her favorite time of year because she loves being surrounded by her family, friends, amazing food, and of course … presents!!! Tracey is keeping her fingers crossed for her first white Christmas.

Band

Melissa Brun Cello
Melissa is thrilled to be back at AMT. Christmas is one of her favorite times of the year, with the warmth of the woodstove, the smell of the Christmas tree, the homemade carrot cake, and carols sung with family and friends. She graduated from Purchase College with a BM and a PC in cello performance. Melissa is also an avid singer, teaches at the Darlington Fine Arts Center in Garnet Valley and is the author of a photographic essay, “To Live,” based on the lives of children with special needs and the teachers who teach them. www.melissabrun.com

John Brye Trumpet
During his 27 year touring career with The Jazz Ambassadors of The US Army Field Band in Washington, DC, John was a regularly featured soloist, including solo performances with the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Detroit, Baltimore, and National Symphonies. Music permeates every aspect of the celebration of Christmas for John, and brings back wonderful memories of family, friends and loved ones no longer with us. He loves playing the music of the season and is delighted to join the AMT cast in this musical celebration of Christmas.

Robin Church Keys/Trumpet
Robin is so happy to be part of this year’s AMT Christmas Show. Christmas season includes some of the best that music can offer. He never tires of the familiar melodies that bring back such wonderful memories of family and friends. This year is extra special, as it is his granddaughter’s first Christmas! Blessings to all!

Brandon Hollinger Woodwinds
Brandon has enjoyed performing in very diverse situations since graduating from Eastman School of Music. He has appeared with the Harrisburg Symphony Pops, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and various jazz, folk and rock groups on both land and sea. Brandon has always enjoyed the diverse musical styles found in AMT’s yearly Christmas Show.

Michael Lambertson Violin
Mike is a classical violinist who also produces electronic dance music. He currently plays with the York Symphony Orchestra and the Allegro Chamber Orchestra, as well as his own quartet. Some of his favorite memories are spending time with family at his Grandma’s house baking cookies, sharing laughs and listening to all their favorite Christmas songs. The fresh smells, the pretty lights and the nostalgic music are priceless, and Mike is excited to return to AMT to share this magical Christmas production with you.

John Lemke Trombone
Christmas is the most special time of the year. John hopes you enjoy the colorful orchestrations framing these beautiful Christmas songs. When he’s not performing, you can find John teaching all of the Low Brass students at Millersville University. Thanks for coming out to enjoy the Christmas Show!

Andy Mowatt Guitar
As a young lad, Andy aspired to be a Christmas song pianist, performing “Joy to the World” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” for family and guests during the holidays. Unfortunately, the piano was out of tune and he never got his two front teeth for Christmas. Fortunately though, Andy did get a guitar and is glad to share the most wonderful time of the year with you and the talented AMT band and cast.

Andy Roberts Associate Music Director/Conductor/Piano
Andy is looking forward to another Christmas Show with his friends at AMT. Regarding thoughts about Christmas … When he thinks of Christmas and music, his thoughts begin and end with Vince Guaraldi’s classic “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown” recording. Handel’s Messiah is OK, too!

Gabriel Staznik Drums/Percussion
Gabriel’s best Christmas day memory is the Christmas morning at four years old when he received his first drum set. That special Christmas jump-started his career to be becoming an active teacher and performer of all genres of music. During the Christmas season Gabriel enjoys listening to his favorite Christmas tunes performed by percussion ensembles.

Mike Wittrien Bass
The big Christmas tradition in the Wittrien household is to always have way too much food around. Mike comes from a huge family with huge appetites, and there are always plenty of leftovers. Family members end the night performing what’s come to be known as the “Wittrien Lean” when they’ve eaten too much, and Mike usually ends the holidays with a stomach ache. When you live away from your family like Mike does, it makes being home that much better. This goes to Mike’s Uncle Buford, who like it or not, to him, is Christmas.