James Batchelder (Tsar Nicholas II/Count Ipolitov/Ensemble/Gleb Understudy)

James is thrilled and deeply grateful for the opportunity to make his debut at SALT Performing Arts! Some of his favorite past roles include Captain Von Trapp (The Sound of Music), Jesus (Godspell), and Nostradamus (Something Rotten). He has thoroughly enjoyed being part of this incredible cast and would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to Lauren, Wendy, Emily, and the rest of the amazing crew for making this experience possible.

 

Andrew Blank (Count Gregory/Ensemble)

Andrew is very excited to be back at SALT so soon! He has been seen on the SALT stage previously in Legally Blonde (Aaron Schultz), Cats (Bustopher Jones), Hunchback of Notre Dame (Gargoyle #2), Joseph (Judah), and more! Big thanks to Lauren, Emily, Wendy, Val, and the entire production team for allowing Andrew to return to SALT and share in creating this beautiful story with so many friends. 

 

Brett Baptiste

Brett (Buster Bluetang, Ensemble) is extremely excited to be in Anastasia. Some of his favorite past performances include  Spongebob The Musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Ensemble), The Little Mermaid (Scuttle), and She Loves Me (Busboy). Brett currently studies at Temple University as a sophomore Theater major and would like to thank his family and friends for their immense support, as well as the production team for being so welcoming and fun to work with. 

 

Imogen Berecz

Imogen is currently a freshman at the Downingtown STEM Academy, and is beyond ecstatic to be returning to the Mainstage as part of the Ballet Troupe in Anastasia! She was previously in SALT’s Frozen Jr. back in 2022. She was most recently in the Stagelight University production of Anastasia (ensemble) and her middle school’s production of The Music Man (Mrs. Paroo). She hopes you enjoy the magic of Anastasia!

 

Lindsay Burns (Odette/Swan Lake Dancer)

After an 8 year break to focus on her 3 kiddos, Lindsay is beyond grateful to have the opportunity to dance on the SALT stage once again! Previous shows with SALT include Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Famine/Lyra Dancer), Steel Magnolias (Annelle), Mary Poppins 2015 (Ensemble/Dancer), Show Stoppers (Dancer), Miracle on 34th Street (Ensemble/Rockette), and A Grand Night for Singing (Dancer). Her training includes the Rock School and Wayne Ballet as well as studies with Ballet Master Finis Young. Lindsay also danced as a guest artist for Glorify Performing Arts' conceptual years from 2013 to 2017. None of this would be possible without the support of Ed, her amazing husband, and flexibility from her family. Lindsay would like to thank Lauren and Val for taking a chance on her after years away! And as always Praise God from whom all these wonderful blessings flow.

 

Hannah Cohen (Von Rothbart)

Hannah is so excited to pop into this production for a little cameo at the ballet! Hannah works as a teacher at Petite Pas Ballet School, and as a choreographer. On the off chance she isn’t dancing, Hannah enjoys writing songs and poems, trying new recipes, and dancing some more. She has most recently been seen in Into the Woods (Lucinda/Cinderella Understudy), Beauty and the Beast (La Fille de Ville/Belle Understudy), A Chorus Line (Val Clark), and Jekyll and Hyde (Lucy’s Girl/ Lucy u/s). Hannah is also looking forward to A Grand Night for Singing in January, and is grateful for all of the joy she has experienced at SALT.

 

Deanna Corino (Ensemble)

Deanna is so excited to be returning to the SALT stage! She was most recently seen in SALT’s Legally Blonde (Serena). Some favorite past credits include Beauty and the Beast (Babette), Bright Star (Margo), The Phantom of the Opera (Christine), and Les Miserables (Cosette). She would like to thank her friends and family for always being so supportive, and to the cast and crew for making this experience so amazing. 

 

Michae Dumin (Vlad Popov) 

Michael is overjoyed to be a part of this beautiful production of Anastasia, his 5th outing at SALT Performing Arts!  Michael recently appeared as both the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince in SALT's production of Into the Woods.  Previous productions (and roles) include SpongeBob (French Narrator), Beauty and the Beast (Lumière), Sound of Music (Captain Von Trapp), Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince), She Loves Me"(Arpad), Brigadoon (Tommy Albright), Hello Dolly (Cornelius Hackle), and Anything Goes (Sir Evelyn Oakleigh). Michael would like to acknowledge the vocal training he received from Professor Norman Spivey, which has proven invaluable and enduringly efficacious these 30-some years!  Michael would also like to thank his amazing wife, daughters, and family for their unwavering support and love. Finally, a special thanks to the cast and crew of SALT’s Anastasia, the SALT community at large, and especially the formidable and incomparable Lauren McComas for creating an enriching theatre community experience that goes beyond anything “in my dreams.”

​

Madeline Eklund (Young Anastasia/Alexei) 

Madeline is thrilled to be a part of her first SALT production! Madeline is a sixth grade theatre major at The Cab Calloway School of the Arts in Wilmington, Delaware. Her previous shows include The Sound of Music (Marta), The Little Mermaid Jr (Ariel), Annie Jr. (Annie), Finding Nemo KIDS (Nemo), Seussical KIDS (Jojo), and Beetlejuice Jr. (Miss Argentina). Madeline is thankful to her family, friends and teachers for all their love, guidance, and support!

​

Katy Engelman (Ensemble)

Katy is very excited to be back on the SALT stage with so many friends for Anastasia! Some favorite previous appearances at SALT include The SpongeBob Musical (Squidward), Beauty and the Beast (La Fille de la Ville), A Chorus Line (Dawn Kerr), White Christmas (Rita), and Singin’ in the Rain (Zelda/Ensemble). By day, Katy spends her time working with children as a preschool teacher. Katy would like to thank Lauren, Wendy, Emily, and Val for giving her this opportunity to perform at SALT again, as well as her friends and family for supporting her through this journey. 

 

Michelle English (Dowager Empress u/s)

Michelle is so pleased to be back at SALT in this beautifully written, thoughtfully told story of Anastasia. As a singer she has performed with The Jersey Shore Pops, Delaware Valley Opera Company, Danny Murphy productions,  Bucks county Gilbert and Sullivan Society and many other cabarets. Favorite recent theater roles have been Nettie Fowler, Carousel, Ida Straus, Titanic, Charlotte, A little Night Music and, not as recent, but very special to her, the Wardrobe in SALT’s first production of Beauty And The Beast. She is so grateful to all of her mentors along the way and the support of her family and friends.  

 

Stephen Fisher (Count Leopold/ Ensemble (Tsar & Ipolitov Understudy) 

Stephen is honored to be a part of another SALT Christmas show! He was most recently seen on the SALT stage as the lovable Patrick Star in the Spongebob Musical.  Stephen's favorite credits include: Matilda, (Ms. Trunchbull) High School Musical 1 & 2, (Troy Bolton) RENT, (Mark) Legally Blonde, (Emmett) Into the Woods, (Jack) R&H Cinderella, (Madame) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, (Chip) Newsies (Finch)  Stephen would like to thank the entire production staff, cast, and crew of Anastasia for being so ridiculously talented and for allowing him to be apart of this gorgeous show and community. Special love to Friends, Family, and Austin for their constant support.

​

Molly Herman (Ensemble)

Molly is incredibly excited to be a part of her first show here at SALT! She is a recent graduate of SUNY Fredonia where she earned a BFA in Musical Theatre. Her most recent credits include Legally Blonde (Enid Hoopes) and The Sound of Music (The Baroness). Some of her favorite credits also include Hamlet (Queen Gertrude), Edges (Woman 1), and Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble). She has also had the opportunity to music direct at Steel River Playhouse for their production of Legally Blonde in 2024, and High School Musical Jr. in 2023. Molly would like to thank the entire team here at SALT for this opportunity, and her parents, sisters, and wonderful friends for their constant support! 

 

Makayla Hueber (Ensemble)

I am so excited to be performing in my FIRST SALT SHOW!! A few of my past credentials include Damn Yankees (Principal Dancer), Shrek (Peter Pan/Principal Dancer), Curtains (Principal Dancer) and Chicago (Velma Kelly). I would like to give a HUGE thank you to Lauren and the outstanding team at SALT for such an amazing opportunity to perform again. I would also love to give a HUGE thank you all of my friends, my amazing family, all of my siblings, and my boyfriend Jonathan for always supporting me in every aspect of my life. 

 

Kai Kasiguran (Gleb Vaganov)

Kai is so thankful to be a part of the SALT community and this production of Anastasia.  Kai has also been a part of several SALT main stage productions, most recently appearing in the ensemble of Sweeney Todd.  Kai wants to thank the production team for including him in this project and making the experience so enjoyable.  Special love to Bay, August, and the rest of the family and friends for their support and love.  May this performance be an offering of gratitude to God!

 

Ajah Krzywonos (Von Rothbart) 

Ajah is delighted to make this her SALT debut! With a background steeped in dance, she has performed lead ballet roles (Coppélia, Carabosse) and musically choreographed multiple productions, including Hello, Dolly!, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, and Anything Goes. Favorite acting roles include Lina Lamont (Singin' in the Rain) and Andy (42nd Street). When not on stage, Ajah shares her passion for dance as a Ballet Teacher at Petite Pas Ballet School. Enjoy the show!
 

Nora Keller (Young Anastasia/Alexei/Ensemble)

Nora is in 5th grade and is overjoyed to be cast in her first Mainstage show at SALT. She has been participating in SALT's Stagelight program since she was 7 years old. Some of her favorite performances include Lion King Kids (Young Nala), Mary Poppins Jr. (Miss Andrew), Annie Kids (July), and most recently Willy Wonka Jr. (Charlie). She is proud to have been selected as a participant in SALT's first ever Spotlighters showcase this past spring. Nora would like to give a special appreciation to everyone she has worked with at SALT, especially Mr. Drew, Mr. Jason, Miss Chelsea, and Mrs. McComas. She would also like to thank vocal coach Monica Pica for all of her support. Nora would like to thank her mom and dad for providing the opportunity to do shows like this and for driving her to rehearsals. Lastly, she would like to thank big sister, Jana, for introducing her to theater and always being willing to harmonize!

​

Sara Malloy (Anya) 

Sara is thrilled to be back on the SALT stage with an incredible cast and crew, bringing one of her all-time favorite musicals to life. Some of Sara's past credits include Sound of Music (Maria Rainer), Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit), Cinderella (Cinderella), Singin’ in the Rain (Kathy Selden), Jekyll & Hyde (Emma Carew), Annie (Lily St. Regis), and CATS (Bombalurina). When not performing ONstage, Sara has had the honor of directing Disney's High School Musical, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! Sara would like to take this time to thank Lauren, Wendy, Emily, Val, Chelsea, Drew, and the rest of the production staff, as well as the cast, for creating an uplifting and encouraging environment. She would also like to thank her husband, Jimmy, for his support in her theater endeavors (and for listening to the soundtrack on repeat). Sara hopes you enjoy Journeying to the Past with Anastasia.

 

Alyssa Nichter (Swan Lake Trio)

Alyssa is a junior at Henderson High School and is thrilled to be back on the SALT stage in her third mainstage show! Other SALT credits include Frozen Jr.(Ensemble) and High School Musical(Jamie/Cheerleader/Thespian). She also participates in SALT's Stagelight University and has been seen in Mean Girls(Teary Eyed Girl/Ensemble), Sweeney Todd(Featured Ensemble), The Phantom of the Opera(Meg Giry, Christine U/S), Anastasia(Olga/Dunya/Ensemble/Dance Captain). Other favorite shows include Oklahoma(Young Girl 2/Saloon Girl),  Hello, Dolly!(Ensemble), Chicago(Mary Sunshine), Anything Goes(Reno's Angel—Virtue). Alyssa would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support, as well as her voice teacher Emily Merow and the entire production team for this opportunity! 

​

Katrya Oransky-Petyk (Dowager Empress) 

Katrya is no stranger to SALT. She is ecstatic to be on stage in this epic show with a stellar cast and an incredible production team. Thank you for choosing me to play this wonderful character and sharing the stage with me. At SALT, you might have seen Katrya in Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts) or in Into the Woods (Jack’s Mother) or even in the hilarious Noises Off (Dotty/Mrs. Clackett). Behind the scenes here at SALT she has put her stamp on productions as assistant director with Evita, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Matilda. Favorite shows/roles over the years in other community and professional productions are Evita (Eva Peron), Carousel (Julie), Into The Woods (The Witch), and A Little Night Music (Madame Armfeld). Katrya also enjoys singing in cabarets as this gives her the chance to tell stories in songs from shows she may not otherwise have the chance to do.

 

Andy Patterson (Dmitry) 

Andy is enchanted to be journeying to the past with you today and into this magical story. Over his 14 years of experience, he has been seen in over 50 productions and earned his B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Temple University '20. Favorite credits include: Cabaret (Emcee), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour Krelborn), Godspell (Jesus), Spring Awakening (Moritz Stiefel), CATS (Mistofolees) and A Chorus Line (Greg). Andy would like to thank the cast, crew, and our brilliant director Wendy for telling this story with such joy and passion; his family, friends and mentors for molding him into the human/artist he is today; and the community for continuing to show up and support live theater in these wild, unprecedented times. Thank you for being here and we hope this show touches your hearts as much as ours. Happy Holidays!

 

Christy Pelosi (Swan Trio/Odette)

 Christy was born and raised in Chester County. She has danced since the age of three, and appeared on Broadway at the age of twelve. Christy was a Prima Ballerina for the Chester County Ballet Company and has apprenticed with the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Garden State Ballet, and the Delaware Dance Company. A member of Contempra Dance Theatre,Christy has performed in the Philly Nut-crack-up for multiple seasons. She is also the former owner and operator of Children’s Corner Dance Theatre, and taught for many local studios over the years. 

 

Clara Pritchett (Ensemble) 

Clara is excited to make her SALT debut in Anastasia! Her previous credits include Ragtime (Featured Dancer), Sweeney Todd (Johanna), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Dance Captain), and Ragtime (Sarah). Outside of performing, Clara serves as Executive Director at the Body Empowerment Project and is a proud dog mom to Dragon, her lovable pitbull. She would like to thank her loving partner for all their support and the cast, crew, and production team for making this first experience at SALT so special.

 

Maggie Riker (Countess Lily)

Maggie Riker has performed in a wide variety of operas, musicals, cabarets, oratorios, and concerts. She enjoys performing in local community theaters and was most recently seen as Mrs. Potts in SALT Performing Arts’ performance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. She also had the unique pleasure of performing alongside her immensely talented daughter, Emily, as Mrs. Banks and Jane Banks in their production of Mary Poppins.

After studying Vocal Performance at Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Maggie competed internationally and was a Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Auditions, won the Bel Canto Scholarship, the Opera Columbus Competition, and received an Award from the Gerda Lissner foundation. Some of her varied roles/credits include Mozart’s The Magic Flute (Queen of the Night), Verdi’s La Traviata (Violetta), Puccini’sLa bohème (Mimi), Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers (Tessa), The Triumph of Love (Corine), The Music Man(Marian), Oklahoma! (Laurie), Hello Dolly! (Dolly Levi), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Big Fish (Older Sandra). Now a working, singing Mom, Maggie balances her full-time job as VP of Sales for CODY Systems (a software company serving first responders) and family life and enjoys singing whenever the opportunity presents itself! Maggie’s favorite “gig” of all, though, is being Mom to Tommy and Emily!

​

David Rubert

David (Ensemble) is thrilled to be on the stage for his second production with SALT of Anastasia! A proud graduate of Penn State University, where he earned his B.F.A., David has previously worked on numerous beloved productions, including Guys and Dolls, The Secret Garden, Evita, Noises Off, Sweet Charity, and Cabaret. David is excited to once again bring his passion for theater to life and thanks his family, dog and friends for their unwavering support throughout his journey back to the stage.

 

Lillian Ruppert (Odette)

Lilly is thrilled to share her ballet talents as a part of the cast of Anastasia. Outside of this production, she is preparing for the annual performance of the Nutcracker with Schuylkill Valley Regional Dance Company (SVRDC), in which she will be participating for her 9th year. Lilly attends CPFA, a performing arts school in West Chester, and has danced at Kimberton Dance Academy since the age of 3. Lilly would like to thank all of her dance teachers, especially Ms. Brittany, for teaching her proper technique, and Ms. Carey for encouraging her to explore new possibilities within her artistic practice.
 

Natalie Schaffer (Ensemble, u/s Anya)

Natalie Schaffer (ensemble, u/s Anya) is thrilled to be making her SALT debut! She was most recently seen as Mother in Jenkintown Music Theatre’s production of Ragtime. Some of her favorite roles include Belle in Beauty and the Beast at Candlelight Theatre, Johanna in Sweeney Todd at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, and the ensemble of Mary Poppins at Alabama Shakespeare Festival. She would like to thank her family, Dean, and her voice teachers Mary LeGere and Terry Greenland. Special thanks to Mom and Terry for showing up to every last one (even when it required air travel and oxygen canisters). Thank you to Lauren and the whole SALT crew for this wonderful experience and the warmest of welcomes.

 

Hannah Schmidt (Tatiana Romanov/Ensemble)

Hannah is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be back on SALT’s stage once again! You may have seen her as Belle in SALT’s production of Beauty and the Beast last holiday season. She has also performed in Titanic: The Musical (Kate Mullins), 42nd Street (Dorothy Brock), Godspell (Dorothy Brock), Shrek the Musical (the Dragon), and has taken on a variety of ensemble roles throughout her teenage years growing up in New Jersey. Hannah wholeheartedly thanks you for coming out to see our production of Anastasia and hopes you enjoy watching this story unfold as much as she has enjoyed being a part of it!

 

Mary Kate Shields (Marie Romanov/Ensemble, Countess Lily U/S)

Mary Kate Shields is thrilled to be back performing on the SALT stage this holiday season. Previous SALT credits include Legally Blonde (Vivienne Kensington) and Titanic the Musical (Mademoiselle “Ninette” Aubart); additional credits include Footloose (Vi Moore), Anything Goes (Hope Harcourt), Into the Woods (Cinderella), and White Christmas (Judy Hanes). Mary Kate extends many thanks to the production team, cast, and crew for their kindness, laughter, and joy throughout the process. 

 

Minh-Chau Scott (Ensemble) 

Minh-Chau is thrilled to be making her SALT debut! Past onstage credits include Bonnie & Clyde (Bonnie Parker), High School Musical (Gabriella Montez), and Mary Poppins (Winifred Banks). Past offstage credits include music directing Carousel, It Shoulda Been You, and A Chorus Line. Thanks to the cast, crew, and creative team for making it so much fun to be Russian, French, and most importantly, a gossip fiend no matter what her character's nationality. So much love to her family and friends who support her from near and far.

 

Logan Stommel (Ensemble/Dmitry U/S)

Logan is beyond excited to be returning to the SALT stage! He was most recently seen in Into The Woods (Jack). Some past credits include Newsies (Davey), Les Misérables (Marius), The Secret Garden (Dickon), and Footloose (Travis, Ren/Chuck U/S). He would like to thank Lauren, Wendy and the entire production team for this opportunity to bring this amazing opportunity to bring this dream to life!