UKC BROADWAY BRUNCH

Joshua Turchin is a performer, composer, music director, and writer. He most recently worked in the film scoring team of Wicked: For Good and as an actor in a CBS show, to be announced soon.

Select credits: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon), Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation (Original Off-Broadway Cast), two Broadway National Tours, Flounder in The Little Mermaid Live-To-Film at The Hollywood Bowl, 13: The Musical (Netflix). Joshua regularly music directs in NYC at Green Room 42, 54 Below, and other venues throughout NYC.

Musician/Composer credits: viral new musical based on the golden age of piracy, as well as The Perfect Fit (book/music/lyrics), which was performed Off-Broadway and was live-streamed from New World Stages, EP on Broadway Records. Tiktok/Instagram/YouTube: Joshuaturchin.

Thayne Jasperson is a Broadway performer, dancer, and actor best known for his work in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, where he originated the role of Samuel Seabury and understudied John Laurens, Philip Hamilton, and King George III. His Broadway credits also include Newsies (Astaire Award nominee), Matilda, Finding Neverland at A.R.T., and Only Gold at MCC.

Thayne has toured nationally with West Side Story and Oz as the Scarecrow, and he gained early recognition as a Top 12 finalist on So You Think You Can Dance. On screen, he appears in Hamilton, High School Musical 1 & 2, and MTV’s American Mall, with additional television work on So You Think You Can Dance.

Thayne holds the unique distinction of being the only Hamilton original Broadway cast member still performing in the show at the Richard Rodgers Theatre nearly a decade after its debut, a testament to his dedication and passion for this landmark production. Known for his versatility, athleticism, and joyful stage presence, he continues to inspire audiences across stage, film, and television. Follow him at @thaynejasperson.

Ms. Benanti has an impressive television roster including Hulu’s Life & Beth, created by and starring Amy Schumer, the hit series Younger, HBO Max’s Gossip Girl reboot, and the upcoming second season of HBO Max’s The Gilded Age. Other television credits include guest starring roles on Cinema Toast, created by Jeff Baena and produced by the Duplass Brothers, Ziwe featuring comedian Ziwe Fumudoh, both for Showtime, as well as Inside Amy Shumer on Paramount+ (among many others. Benanti has also made widely acclaimed appearances on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert as Melania Trump. Additionally, Benanti created and executive produced the HBO Max special Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020 based on her viral social media movement: #sunshinesongs.

In film, Benanti starred in Netflix’s Worth opposite Michael Keaton, Stanley Tucci and Amy Ryan, Here Today opposite Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish, and was featured in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tick, Tick… Boom!

In the theater, Ms. Benanti took Broadway by storm at the age of 18 as Maria in The Sound of Music and has subsequently starred in ten more Broadway shows (musicals, straight plays, comedies and dramas) including Into the Woods, Nine (opposite Antonio Banderas), Gypsy (for which she won a Tony Award), She Loves Me, My Fair Lady, and Steve Martin’s Meteor Shower opposite Amy Schumer and Keegan Michael Key.

Additionally, Benanti co-authored a comedic board book for mothers entitled M is for MAMA (and also Merlot): A Modern Mom’s ABCs, co-written with Metropolitan Opera Star Kate Mangiamelli. She released a self-titled audio album for Sony Music Masterworks and tours the world performing solo concerts alongside highly celebrated musicians and orchestras.

Ms. Benanti also appeared in the Sony Pictures comedy No Hard Feelings opposite Jennifer Lawrence and Matthew Broderick, as well as The Shade based on the award-winning short of the same name.

Allie is a San Diego native.

Broadway: Wicked (Glinda), 13 The Musical (Patrice); Bye Bye Birdie (Kim MacAfee).

Off-Broadway: Regional: BAZ Star Crossed Love; Evolution of Mann; Enter Laughing; Allegiance; Les Misérables.

Film/TV: Prom (Disney); Next Stop Christmas (Hallmark); 30 Rock; The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Stanford University. Thanks to Telsey, Sweet 180, A3 and my incredible family for helping make all my dreams come true.

Michael Thatcher is currently in Wicked on Broadway as the Witch’s Father/Ozian Official, while understudying both The Wizard and Dr. Dillamond. Prior to joining Wicked in 2022, he played the role of Robert in The Play That Goes Wrong across Broadway, national tours, Off-Broadway, and Chicago productions. Michael has performed with numerous Shakespeare festivals across the US, and holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Houston.

Broadway: The Notebook (Younger Allie – Broadway Debut).

Other Theater: Chinese Republicans (Roundabout), Masquerade (Christine Daaé), Light in the Piazza (Clara Johnson-New York City Center, Encores!).

TV: 13 Reasons Why, “Revolution.”

Awards: 2024 Clive Barnes Award Winner, 2024 Theaterly 31, 2022 Jimmy Awards Finalist, 2022 Joci Award Winner. Special thanks to her family, friends and team for their continued support. @annazavelson

Jenny Mollet: Swiss-American, BFA from CCM.

Broadway: Ragtime, SIX, The Color Purple.

Off-Broadway: Cats: The Jellicle Ball.

National tour: 50th anniversary tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. @jenny.mollet, www.jennymollet.com

Gabriella Pizzolo appeared on Broadway in Fun Home and as Matilda in Matilda the Musical. She also appeared on season 3 of Netflix’s Stranger Things, and Cricket in Butterbean’s Café.

Regional: Les Miserables (Young Cosette), Ragtime (Little Girl) and Miracle on 34th St. (Susan Walker).

Krystal is a Puerto Rican actor, singer, dancer.
She is currently playing Anna of Cleves in SIX: the Musical on Broadway, making this her Broadway debut, after starring in the same role in the Canadian company in 2024. She has performed on stages across North America and has had the pleasure of leading shows in many of Greater Boston’s most prestigious stages.

She has been obsessed with story telling since she can remember. Her passion really lies in using her voice and body as a vessel to tell stories that heal, challenge and embrace the human experience. As a Puerto Rican actress, she strives to add to the canon of what it means to live through the Latinx experience and to redefine stereotypes that come with that.

Kay Sibal (she/her/hers), a proud Filipina actor and musician, grew up in the SF Bay Area, and spent most of her career in LA. She is currently playing Katherine Howard in SIX: the Musical on Broadway. She was most recently seen on Season 26 of The Voice on Team Gwen. Regional credits include: Invincible: the Musical (Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts); The Tempest: An Immersive Experience (Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles/After Hours Theater Co); Grumpy Monkey the Musical (Pasadena Playhouse); Spring Awakening (East West Players).

n addition to performing live, she has a passion for education, a cappella and choral music, singing pop covers, and crocheting. IG: @kaysibal Tik Tok: @musikay

Najah Hetsberger is a Broadway actress whose credits include starring as Catherine of Aragon in SIX: The Musical and performing in & Juliet on Broadway.

Taylor Marie Daniel is a Broadway actress whose credits include SIX: The Musical as Catherine Parr, The Heart of Rock and Roll, and Once Upon a Mattress.

Gianna Yanelli is a Broadway actress currently reigning as Anne Boleyn in SIX: The Musical at the Lena Horne! Previously, she was seen in the original cast of Mean Girls on Broadway and in the world premiere of Mystic Pizza musical. She is so thankful to participate in the UKC Broadway fundraiser and sing with her favorite people.

Kelsie Watts is a versatile recording artist redefining pop music with her captivating vocals. A 2025 iHeart Radio Music Awards Nominee for “Best Broadway Debut” as Queen Jane Seymour in SIX, Watts has collaborated with AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys), Lance Bass (*NSYNC), Trans Siberian Orchestra and was recently invited to be part of the Grammys’ Reimagined Series. Known for her viral singing videos which have accumulated over 250 million views and counting, Kelsie’s plans for this year include writing and releasing new music. She gives all glory to God and is grateful to her family and team for their continued support.

Desmond Luis Edwards (they/he/she) is a disabled intersex actor, artist, musician, and advocate.

Broadway: How To Dance in Ohio (Remy)

Regional Theatre: How to Dance in Ohio (Remy) at Syracuse Stage.

TV: Blue Bloods. Desmond and their fabulous hair are represented by Bohemia Group & DDO Agency. @the.dez.edwards @queertendencies

Madison Kopec (she/they) is so excited to be back at 54 below! She is best known as Marideth (How to Dance in Ohio) and Emma (Indigo). She would like to thank Josh and UKC for having her.

From her Broadway national touring debut in Disney’s Frozen as Young Elsa to bringing her talent to the stage in On Your Feet! at Paper Mill Playhouse as Young Gloria Estefan, Natalia Artigas has been immersed in the world of musical theater from a very young age. She has studied musical theater, acting, and singing throughout her life, and stepped into her first leading role as Annie at Hoboken Children’s Theater — a place that will always hold a special place in her heart Through her journey, she has witnessed firsthand the power of music to bring joy, healing, and hope where it’s needed most Natalia proudly supports UKC Mexico sites, turning a lifelong love for music into meaningful impact

Dance Molinari (DMO) is a world-renowned dance and theatre company in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and Italy, providing industry training to performers of all ages and skill levels. We provide training in theatrical storytelling, dance, improv, acrobatics, vocal performance, audition technique and more. DMO prepares aspiring performers for their debut on or off-Broadway, as well as; national tours, television, the music industry (multiple Grammy Award winning artists), movies/films, and commercials.

PERFORMERS INCLUDE:
Mariah Belle Williams: Mariah Belle Williams is a 2024 Howard University College of Fine Arts Graduate who made the big leap to NYC after graduation. As she navigates this new city, she is so happy and blessed to make her 54 below debut with Dance Molinari.

Cole Bellorgey: Cole Bellorgey has been in love with the theater and performing since the moment he saw his first Broadway show. Though he only started taking voice and acting lessons a few years ago, he hit the ground running and has already performed in more than a dozen shows and has won multiple vocal competitions. If there is a chance to sing or perform, Cole jumps at it.

Desi Sandoval: Desi Sandoval is excited to make his on-stage debut at 54 Below with Dance Molinari. Other credits include: SIMA at Theater for the New City, Broadway Youth Ensemble, Dance Molinari, Kidz Theater, Random Farms and the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Choir. Special thanks to my family (Mom, Dad and Rex), Janine Molinari, Amelia DeMayo, Leorah Haberfield (Bohemia Group), Mallory Levy (DDO Kids), Kathy Searle and Michelle Marceau. IG: @desileosandoval

Ellie Joy Fortson: Ellie Joy Fortson has performed principal roles at BergenPAC including Jasmine (Aladdin Jr.) and Humpty Dumpty (Shrek the Musical) and appeared as a featured soloist with Broadway Kids Auditions at Chelsea Table + Stage and performed with Broadway Youth Ensemble at Radio City Music Hall; she will next perform in The Diary, a musical drama about Anne Frank, at the Barrymore Film Center (March 2026).

Ever Brave Savage: National Tour of A Christmas Story

TV: NCIS:Origins, SNL Episodes, Numerous VO projects including, Marty Supreme, Crystal Lake, Wells Fargo, and Lysol

Jordan Greenberg: Jordan Rose Greenberg is an 11th grader in the Drama Studio at Fiorello LaGuardia High School. She recently played the role of Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family with NexGen Youth Theatre as well as Mercy Lewis in The Crucible at The Phoenix Festival. @jordan_rose_official

Lena Josephine Marano: Lena Josephine Marano is a 13-year-old actress with experience in both screen and stage productions. Her credits include an Off-Broadway performance in The Goodbye Girl, industry workshops and cabarets, and voice work, most recently as Iron Spider/Aña Corazón in Iron Man and His Amazing Friends.

Mabel Danielian: Mabel Danielian, a sophomore drama major at LaGuardia High School. She has performed in both regional and community theater, one of her favorite roles being Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast with Broadway Workshop. She loves performing in any way she can, and is so excited for this performance!

Matt Brough: Matt Brough is based in Cheshire, CT. Notable roles include Hugo Peabody in Bye Bye Birdie (Seven Angels Theater) and Link Larkin (u/s) in Hairspray (New Paradigm Theater).

Nina Randazzo: Nina Randazzo is thrilled to be making her 54 Below debut! Professional credits include roles at Manhattan Repertory and Surflight Theatre as well as local NJ theatre: Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), All Shook Up (Lorraine) and other work in film and TV. AMDA (NY). Special thanks to her family and friends for their support and to Janine and the UKC for this experience.

Romy Fay: Romy Fay is a gifted singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, a featured performer on the new The Chosen Adventures album of songs, has released original children’s music under the name Mini Melodies, and is currently developing a family musical titled Princess and Paws. Credits include: Broadway: Leopoldstadt (2023), Film: ARCO (2026), Fantasy Life (2023) TV: Best Foot Forward, St. Denis Medical, Loot, Home Economics, Voice: ARCO, The Chosen Adventures, The Wingfeather Saga, Eva The Owlet, Charlotte’s Web @romyfaysparkles

Sadie Rose Gubenko: Sadie Rose Gubenko has sung at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and was a featured concert soloist at Pearl Harbor. She is a national anthem singer for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Tahliah Bergel: Tahliah Bergel is a New York–based performer who lights up the stage through acting, singing, and dance. She’s gearing up to star as Ruthie in the upcoming production of Meet Me at the Oak presented by Pittsburgh Public Theater and is represented by Stewart Talent and Ascend Talent Management.

Annabel Liebert was born in Poughkeepsie, NY, in 2013. She has lived her whole life in the sweet little village of Cornwall-on-Hudson. When she is not doing schoolwork (Annabel is a very diligent student), she spends her time keeping chickens, playing music, crafting, and hanging with her “gal group,” a tight-knit group of friends and sisters who are lucky to live within a few blocks of each other.

Annabel lives what many would consider a charmed life. But it was not always that way. When Annabel was seven years old, as the world was grinding to a halt because of a mysterious virus, her parents discovered a concerning bulge in her abdomen. It was stage 4 Wilms tumor. For the next ten months, Annabel underwent extensive medical treatment that kept her in the hospital for weeks and months at a time. She lost her hair, her appetite, and often her spirit.

The beacon of light and hope during those dark times was music. Music therapist Laurie Park, one of Annabel’s favorite people at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital (and in the world), gave Annabel her first ukulele, a bright yellow pineapple, along with her first music lesson. Annabel has not put her uke down since.

We later learned that the pineapple ukulele was donated by the Ukulele Kids Club, which brings music and joy to children in hospitals around the world. We are deeply grateful to UKC, Laurie Park, and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital for bringing love and light through music to those who need it most.