AMDA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER - March 10, 2023
March 10, 2023 - Alumni
AMDA ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
March 10, 2023
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Christopher Jackson ’94:
Will reunite with original Hamilton cast members at various fundraising events when the tour returns to Puerto Rico in June. Christopher stars alongside Madeline Brewer ’12 in Space Oddity, premiering in theatres on March 31.
Jason Derulo ’06:
Currently working on his first book Sing Your Name Our Loud: 15 Rules for Living Your Dream. The book is available for preorder and set for a June 27 release. Jason stars in Spinning Gold, which released a new trailer ahead of its March 31 theatrical release. Jason was also a guest star on That’s My Jam.
TV/FILM
J. Harrison Ghee ’09:
Spoke with Spectrum News NY1 to discuss Broadway’s Some Like it Hot, which they star in alongside Jarvis B. Manning Jr. ’06. J. Harrison also recently starred in an episode of FOX’s anthology series, Accused.
Emma Busse ’22:
Heads to Hollywood as a contestant on Season 21 of American Idol on ABC. Emma’s audition impressed the judges and she was given a "Broadway Exorcism" by Katy Perry, delivering an array of different singing styles. Emma recently graduated from AMDA's Integrated Conservatory in NY.
Sean Samuels ’20:
Featured in this week’s episode of Quantum Leap, which premiered on NBC on Monday and is streaming on Peacock. Sean and Housso Semon ’11 recently guest starred in Season 1, Episode 13 of East New York.
Luke Tennie ’16:
Returns as “Bryan” in a new episode of in CSI: Vegas streaming on Paramount+. Luke also stars as "Sean" in the series Shrinking, which was recently renewed for Season 2 on Apple TV+.
Anthony Ramos ’11:
Made a special appearance at the Kids’ Choice Awards on Nickelodeon and livestreamed on Nick.com March 4. Anthony will star in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, in theatres starting June 9.
Amanda Kloots ’02:
Spoke as a guest on CBS Mornings with her fellow co-hosts of The Talk, discussing current events and personal journeys. Amanda is the program ambassador of Wynn Living Well, leading fitness videos offered exclusively through the hotel Wynn Las Vegas.
BROADWAY
Jon Hoche ’99:
Performs in the Ensemble of Broadway's Life of Pi, now playing at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in NYC. Take a first look at the production.
Leandra Ellis Gaston ’15:
Stars in Broadway’s SIX, which will host 1000 local high school students as part of TDF's Introduction to Theatre Program. The special performance takes place March 30.
Karli Dinardo ’13 and Neka Zang ‘02:
Began performances of the Broadway transfer of Bob Fosse's Dancin' at the Music Box Theatre. Get a first look at production photos and a video of the cast performing “Dancin’ Man.”
REGIONAL THEATRE
Jacob Nixon ’06 and Chelcy Cutwright ’07:
Star in an upcoming production of Guys and Dolls, running from March 17 - April 2 at the Springer Opera House in Columbus, GA. Jacob plays “Nicely-Nicely Johnson” and Chelcy plays “Sarah Brown.”
Amber Lynn Tanzi ‘19 and Alexandria Nudo ’17:
Perform in Algonquin Arts Theatre’s upcoming production of Kinky Boots from March 24 - April 2. They are both Ensemble members, with Amber also performing as “Marge.”
Skylar Gamble ’17:
Will star as “Jamal” in Escape to Margaritaville at Arizona Broadway Theatre from March 10 - April 16. Skylar will perform alongside fellow graduate Kristin Litzenberg ’14, who stars as “Tammy.”
DANCE
Jaleel McCoy ’16:
Performed in the recent Tillamook Cheddar commercial “Tillamook Presents: Block Jams.” Last year, Jaleel performed in the CW’s The Black Packs Juneteenth Special.
Kezia Kinchen ’21:
Currently touring as a Dancer in SZA’s S.O.S. tour. Kezia performed in Doja Cat’s Coachella performance last year.
Riley Groot ’15:
Has returned to Las Vegas to continue performing in Katy Perry’s residency “Play” at Resorts World Theatre. Riley recently performed alongside Neyo during Disney’s televised holiday parade, and danced onstage for Jolin Cai’s concerts.
Marie Bratic ’22:
Performed with Flo Rida at a Grammy celebration with Eplus Entertainment. Marie most recently performed as a Dancer at “Pinoy”tainment at the Ford in Los Angeles.
Janeeva Pettway ’16:
Performed alongside Jason Derulo ’06 as the headlining act of the NFL Super Bowl TikTok Tailgate. Janeeva also performed with Jason in a number of Jason’s music videos and at the Rock in Rio musical festival.
Janna Osborne ’19:
Performed with Toni Braxton in the Bryon Allen Comedy and Music Superfest on NBC. Janna recently danced in Nicki Minaj’s “Tukoh Taka” music video and in the Soul Train Awards 2022 in November.
Joanna Burt ’12:
Program Director and Head Coach of the Competition Team at Peninsula School of Performing Arts in Palos Verdes Estates, CA. Joanna is in the process of initiating a program to help dance students find college programs.
MUSIC/CONCERT
Kasi Jones ’07:
Member of the trio The Shindellas, releasing their latest single “Last Night Was Good for My Soul” on March 24, with an album and tour to follow later this year. The Shindellas performed as “The Loving Cups” in the film A Nashville Legacy, contributing the vocals to and co-writing the song "Lonely As a Cloud." They also recently collaborated with Kathie Lee Gifford on her movie musical The Way.
Jolene Fisher ’14:
Will perform in a concert at Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in Los Angeles on March 15 at 7 PM PST. Jolene has released original music on streaming services, with “Running” premiering on March 17.
Mauricio Martinez ’99:
Performed his new show, 5'11, BASED IN NYC livestreamed and in-person at 54 Below on March 5. BroadwayWorld featured “10 Videos To Pass The Time Til Mauricio Martinez Brings 5'11, BASED IN NYC To 54 Below,” and the cabaret received a stellar review.
TOURING
Miguel Flores ’14:
Featured in an article in advance of the On Your Feet! National Tour Florida engagement at King Center. Gaby Albo ’13, Angelliz M. Rosado Ramos ’22, and Sebastian Trevino ’20 perform in the tour.
Reggie Bromell ‘13:
Has joined the Ain't Too Proud National Tour as a Male Swing, performing alongside alumni Harrell Holmes Jr. ’13, and Nazarria Workman ’16. Reggie previously performed in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
READINGS
Brandi Chavone Massey ’98:
Starred as “Ellie” in the workshop performance of Startup A New Musical in NYC on March 3. Brandi and A’ja Desormeau ’19 performed in Passing Strange at the Vanguard Theatre in Montclair, NJ last month.
CRUISE/ENTERTAINMENT
Brielle Warner ’17:
Performs as a Dancer aboard the Celebrity Equinox. Brielle recently renewed her contract and has been performing with Celebrity Cruise Lines for over a year.