Welcome to Higgs Theatricals
2025 Production
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we present a one-night-only concert production of the beloved musical Anastasia. This extraordinary event brings together talented performers from across the Capital Region alongside professional performers from Broadway, regional theaters, and local stages.
Experience the magic of this sweeping musical as our cast tells the legendary tale of a brave young woman's journey to discover her past and find her future. Featuring stunning musical numbers including "Journey to the Past," "Once Upon a December," and "Learn to Do It," this production promises to be a truly special theatrical experience.
Performance Details
Location: Rensselaer City School District
25 Van Rensselaer Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
When: Sunday, October 12, 2025
General Admission: $30.00
This unique collaboration provides our local performers with an invaluable opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals while making high-quality theater accessible to our entire community. Don't miss this rare chance to witness Broadway-caliber talent right here in the Capital Region.
This production is made possible through the generous support of our community donors and sponsors.
About The Production Team of Anastasia
Andrew Higgs - Stage Director
Michael McAssey - Musical Director
Michael McAssey - Musical Director
ANDREW F. HIGGS is a Capital District based director, performer, and educator. He has directed over 100 Capital Region productions over the past 18 years and is thrilled to be back in the directors chair. BROADWAY EVENTS: ANASTASIA, THE SECRET GARDEN, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, and THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL with Manhatta
ANDREW F. HIGGS is a Capital District based director, performer, and educator. He has directed over 100 Capital Region productions over the past 18 years and is thrilled to be back in the directors chair. BROADWAY EVENTS: ANASTASIA, THE SECRET GARDEN, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, and THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL with Manhattan Concert Productions at Lincoln Center. Andrew looks forward to returning to Lincoln Center in February to join the chorus of Manhattan Concert Productions Jane Eyre. NYC THEATRE: Cory/Man 2 (MAD ABOUT THE BOY; NYC Reading) & El Gal (CHOICES; NYC Staged Reading). OTHER THEATRE: Jojo the Whale (A BRONX TALE), Priest (BARE), Thenardier (LES MISERABLES), Edna Turnblad (HAIRSPRAY), Narrator/Mysterious Man (INTO THE WOODS), Geronte (SCAPINO!), Patsy (SPAMALOT!), Santa (A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL), Miss Agatha Trunchbull (ROALD DAHL'S MATILDA) and Barry Glickman (THE PROM). Andrew has also hosted several guest artists and teachers across the Capital Region including: Adam Pascal, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Felicia Finley, Brynn Williams, Allie Trimm, Nicholas Masson, Becky Gulsvig, Kirstin Wyatt, Angie Schworer, Derek Klena, Adam Kaplan, and Kyle Dean Massey. He would like to thank his parents for their amazing support.
Michael McAssey - Musical Director
Michael McAssey - Musical Director
Michael McAssey - Musical Director
MICHAEL McASSEY conducted and music directed the Broadway National Tours of AVENUE Q, TITANIC: THE MUSICAL, PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT and toured with Donny Osmond playing keyboards for Liventʼs JOSEPH and the AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Based in NYC, he has music directed at Westchester Broadway Theatre, Theater Barn and Cohoes Mu
MICHAEL McASSEY conducted and music directed the Broadway National Tours of AVENUE Q, TITANIC: THE MUSICAL, PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT and toured with Donny Osmond playing keyboards for Liventʼs JOSEPH and the AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Based in NYC, he has music directed at Westchester Broadway Theatre, Theater Barn and Cohoes Music Hall in NY, The Atlantic City Hilton and Surflight Theatres in NJ, Arizona Broadway Theatre in Phoenix and 5 years at The Crystal Palace in Aspen, CO. He has been a Broadway audition accompanist for over 25 years. He appeared with Barbara Cook and Patti LuPone in Paris and toured with Ms. LuPone in her nightclub act, THE ARGENTINA TURNER REVUE. As an actor he made his Broadway debut in LATE NITE COMIC, numerous Off- Broadway, National Tours and Regional productions including starring as Max in 3 companies of THE PRODUCERS, Edna in 2 companies of HAIRSPRAY, Herbie in GYPSY with Sally Mayes and as John Gustafson in GRUMPY OLD MEN THE MUSICAL. A proud member of Actorʼs Equity since 1977, he is a three-time winner of New York Cityʼs MAC Award (Outstanding Male Vocalist, Piano Bar Entertainer and Show Of The Year), two Backstage Bistro Awards and this year was named “The clown prince of New York Cabaret!” by BroadwayWorld.
Corey John Snide - Choreographer
Corey John Snide - Choreographer
Corey John Snide - Choreographer
Corey John Snide is a dynamic force in the performing arts, celebrated as both a Broadway performer and an influential educator shaping the next generation of artists.
At just ten years old, Corey captured international attention by winning two gold medals before stepping into the title role of Billy Elliot on London’s West End and in Au
Corey John Snide is a dynamic force in the performing arts, celebrated as both a Broadway performer and an influential educator shaping the next generation of artists.
At just ten years old, Corey captured international attention by winning two gold medals before stepping into the title role of Billy Elliot on London’s West End and in Australia. His Broadway career has spanned iconic productions including 13 the Musical, Cats (Dance Captain of the Tony-nominated revival), Carousel, and West Side Story, where he played Tiger and understudied Riff. On screen, he appeared in In The Heights (film), Fosse/Verdon (FX), and contributed choreography to the Cats feature film.
As a creator, Corey’s choreography has been showcased at Lincoln Center, from The Juilliard School to the Atrium, and his dance film Living Without earned international festival recognition.
Beyond his own performance career, Corey is the founder of the Capital District Arts Initiative (CDAI)—a premier pre-professional training program and regional production hub in upstate New York. At CDAI, he blends rigorous technique with mentorship, preparing young dancers and actors for success in a professional landscape while using the arts as a platform for community connection and joy.
With artistry, innovation, and a passion for mentorship, Corey John Snide continues to bridge the gap between stage and studio.
Stephen Menard - Backdrop Design
Corey John Snide - Choreographer
Corey John Snide - Choreographer
Based out of Gainesville, Florida Stephen Menard is a Scenic, Costume, and Graphic Design for the Live Entertainment Industry. Menard is best known for his high concept design work, as well as his classic extravagant style.
Recent projects include designing sets for Jersey Jack Pinball's collaboration with The Wizarding World of Harry Po
Based out of Gainesville, Florida Stephen Menard is a Scenic, Costume, and Graphic Design for the Live Entertainment Industry. Menard is best known for his high concept design work, as well as his classic extravagant style.
Recent projects include designing sets for Jersey Jack Pinball's collaboration with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Disney's The Little Mermaid with Emerald City Theatrical, as well as RENT with University of Florida. Menard is also best known for creating high quality scenic backdrop packages for theatres all of the world.
To see more of Stephen's work, visit www.stephenmenarddesign.com
Instagram: stephensstuff
About The Cast of Anastasia
Brynn Williams* as Anya
Andrew Higgs as Vlad Popov
Brynn Williams* as Anya
Brynn Williams is a hyperactive, Maryland raised, self proclaimed theatre geek with a passion for storytelling. Most recently seen touring the country as gum-chewing Violet Beaureguarde in the first national tour Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Brynn boasts over 20 years of professional performing experience. She started performing pro
Brynn Williams is a hyperactive, Maryland raised, self proclaimed theatre geek with a passion for storytelling. Most recently seen touring the country as gum-chewing Violet Beaureguarde in the first national tour Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Brynn boasts over 20 years of professional performing experience. She started performing professionally at 6-years-old, and by twelve made her Broadway debut. Her favorite Broadway credits include—but are not limited to— SpongeBob SquarePants(Sandy/Pearl understudy), Bye Bye Birdie (Ursula Merkle), and the original cast of 13 The Musical (Cassie) where she can be heard throughout the cast album and featured in the song “Brand New You.” Over the years she has had the honor of sharing stages with the likes of Paul McCartney, Carole King, David Bowie, John Stamos, Audra McDonald, Paul Newman, Bernadette Peters, Jonathan Groff, Yolanda Adams, Alec Baldwin, and Kermit the Frog, to name a few! Brynn would like to thank Andrew for trusting her with this role, her amazing husband for all his love support, her precious daughter who is modern day princess, the many students who inspire her every day, and Meg Ryan for obvious reasons.
Jacob Atkins as Dmitry
Andrew Higgs as Vlad Popov
Brynn Williams* as Anya
Jacob Atkins is super excited to be starring as "Dmitry", in "Anastasia the Musical". He graduated from Elon University in 2024 with a BFA in Musical Theatre, where he developed a strong foundation in acting, singing, and dancing. Recently, you could find Jacob as “Judas” in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Mac-Haydn Theatre. His career a
Jacob Atkins is super excited to be starring as "Dmitry", in "Anastasia the Musical". He graduated from Elon University in 2024 with a BFA in Musical Theatre, where he developed a strong foundation in acting, singing, and dancing. Recently, you could find Jacob as “Judas” in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Mac-Haydn Theatre. His career also includes an international tour in Japan with “Disney on Classic”, where he portrayed “Chef Louise” in “The Little Mermaid”. Special shoutout to his whole family, his beautiful girlfriend, and Belle. @thejacobatkins_
Andrew Higgs as Vlad Popov
Andrew Higgs as Vlad Popov
Lisa Franklin* as the Dowager Empress
ANDREW F. HIGGS is a Capital District based director, performer, and educator. He has directed over 100 Capital Region productions over the past 18 years and is thrilled to be back in the directors chair. BROADWAY EVENTS: ANASTASIA, THE SECRET GARDEN, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, and THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL with Manhatta
ANDREW F. HIGGS is a Capital District based director, performer, and educator. He has directed over 100 Capital Region productions over the past 18 years and is thrilled to be back in the directors chair. BROADWAY EVENTS: ANASTASIA, THE SECRET GARDEN, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, and THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL with Manhattan Concert Productions at Lincoln Center. Andrew looks forward to returning to Lincoln Center in February to join the chorus of Manhattan Concert Productions Jane Eyre. NYC THEATRE: Cory/Man 2 (MAD ABOUT THE BOY; NYC Reading) & El Gal (CHOICES; NYC Staged Reading). OTHER THEATRE: Jojo the Whale (A BRONX TALE), Priest (BARE), Thenardier (LES MISERABLES), Edna Turnblad (HAIRSPRAY), Narrator/Mysterious Man (INTO THE WOODS), Geronte (SCAPINO!), Patsy (SPAMALOT!), Santa (A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL), Miss Agatha Trunchbull (ROALD DAHL'S MATILDA) and Barry Glickman (THE PROM). Andrew has also hosted several guest artists and teachers across the Capital Region including: Adam Pascal, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Felicia Finley, Brynn Williams, Allie Trimm, Nicholas Masson, Becky Gulsvig, Kirstin Wyatt, Angie Schworer, Derek Klena, Adam Kaplan, and Kyle Dean Massey. He would like to thank his parents for their amazing support.
Lisa Franklin* as the Dowager Empress
Lisa Franklin* as the Dowager Empress
Lisa Franklin* as the Dowager Empress
Lisa Franklin is thrilled to be appearing in Anastasia! Broadway Concerts: Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Secret Garden - Lincoln Center. NYC Credits: Maddie: The Musical - 54 Below, The Real Desperate Housewives of Columbia County - Beechman Theatre, The Franklin Family in Concert - 54 Below, Manuel Versus the Statue of
Lisa Franklin is thrilled to be appearing in Anastasia! Broadway Concerts: Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Secret Garden - Lincoln Center. NYC Credits: Maddie: The Musical - 54 Below, The Real Desperate Housewives of Columbia County - Beechman Theatre, The Franklin Family in Concert - 54 Below, Manuel Versus the Statue of Liberty NYMF. Regional: Arizona Broadway Theatre, CapRep, Dells Palace Theatre, Broward Stage, Mac-Haydn Theatre, Park Playhouse, The Theater Barn and The Sharon Playhouse. Lisa has musical directed at French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts and is voice teacher of many of today’s young Broadway Stars, having had her students perform in 40+ Broadway and Tour roles. Lisa is a professor of voice at Russell Sage College and teaches at CDAI and Proctor’s Collaborative School of the Arts. Her proudest accomplishment is her 4 children, Julia, Charlie, Emily & George - all who have appeared in Broadway or Off-Broadway shows & National Tours. Proud member of Actor’s Equity!
Gerald Jordan as Gleb
Lisa Franklin* as the Dowager Empress
Emily Spateholts as Countess Lily
Gerald Jordan is thrilled to be performing in this production of Anastasia alongside his amazing wife Brynn. Regional Credits: Sister Act (Eddie Souther), It’s a Wonderful Life (Sam Wainright), Rocky (Apollo Creed), Dreamgirls, Hairspray, MVP (Jackie Robinson). Offstage, Gerald works full-time as a Director for CCTA, and as the lead inst
Gerald Jordan is thrilled to be performing in this production of Anastasia alongside his amazing wife Brynn. Regional Credits: Sister Act (Eddie Souther), It’s a Wonderful Life (Sam Wainright), Rocky (Apollo Creed), Dreamgirls, Hairspray, MVP (Jackie Robinson). Offstage, Gerald works full-time as a Director for CCTA, and as the lead instructor for drama programs throughout Maryland!
He thanks Andrew, his beautiful wife, beloved daughter, and his students for serving as an inspiration every day.
Emily Spateholts as Countess Lily
Lisa Franklin* as the Dowager Empress
Emily Spateholts as Countess Lily
Emily has been working in musical theatre for the past 16 years, exploring nearly every side of the stage—from backstage hand and crew member to choreographer, director, and performer. Their love for theatre began at The Mac-Haydn Theatre, where they worked for over 15 years and proudly call their “artistic home.”
Currently, Emily is prou
Emily has been working in musical theatre for the past 16 years, exploring nearly every side of the stage—from backstage hand and crew member to choreographer, director, and performer. Their love for theatre began at The Mac-Haydn Theatre, where they worked for over 15 years and proudly call their “artistic home.”
Currently, Emily is proud to work with Proctors Collaborative, supporting efforts to bring the magic of live theatre to communities throughout the Capital Region. They believe in the power of theatre to connect people, tell important stories, and ignite joy in audiences, and they are grateful to play a part in keeping that tradition alive.
Credits: TOUR: Spongebob, Sound of Music, A Bronx Tale (Press Asst.) REGIONAL: Ragtime (Mac Haydn), Something Rotten! (MCPA), Sweeney Todd (Mac Haydn), Daddy Long Legs (MCPA), Heathers (Lights Up), Matilda (Theatre Workshop of Nantucket), Little Women (MCPA)
Emily would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Skip, Robyn, and Krystle for their constant encouragement, patience, and willingness to put up with their theatrical tendencies.
Paxton Brownell as Sergei & Others
Heather Frederick as Dunya Cygnet & Others
Heather Frederick as Dunya Cygnet & Others
PAXTON BROWNELL is thrilled to be in this fantastic performance of Anastasia! You may have seen him recently in Mac-Haydn Theatre’s production GUYS AND DOLLS (Mission Band), or Chatham High School's production of GREASE! (Danny). He also had the opportunity to sing in the NYSSMA All-State music festival mixed choir last year, and is loo
PAXTON BROWNELL is thrilled to be in this fantastic performance of Anastasia! You may have seen him recently in Mac-Haydn Theatre’s production GUYS AND DOLLS (Mission Band), or Chatham High School's production of GREASE! (Danny). He also had the opportunity to sing in the NYSSMA All-State music festival mixed choir last year, and is looking forward to going again this year. Paxton started acting at the age of five and now as a high school senior he is interested in pursuing musical theatre through college and beyond. Huge thank you to Andrew and the team for this amazing opportunity. Thanks also to friends, family, and teachers for all the support they have given throughout the years.
Heather Frederick as Dunya Cygnet & Others
Heather Frederick as Dunya Cygnet & Others
Heather Frederick as Dunya Cygnet & Others
Heather Frederick is thrilled to be back on the stage in Anastasia. Currently pursuing a career in film Heather is a part of the 518 Film Network. Career Highlights include ”I Need Your Love" a 2024 Tribeca Film Festival selection, Copy, La Transazione. Her directorial debut “Wherever We Go”, premiered at the 2024 Manhattan Film Festiva
Heather Frederick is thrilled to be back on the stage in Anastasia. Currently pursuing a career in film Heather is a part of the 518 Film Network. Career Highlights include ”I Need Your Love" a 2024 Tribeca Film Festival selection, Copy, La Transazione. Her directorial debut “Wherever We Go”, premiered at the 2024 Manhattan Film Festival and the Lake Placid Film Festival. Favorite theatre credits: Hairspray, Arcadia, The Tempest Professionally represented in New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Represented by Landrum Arts LA; ACP Talent Management.
Hunter Frederick as Marfa & Others
Heather Frederick as Dunya Cygnet & Others
Hunter Frederick as Marfa & Others
Hunter Frederick is so excited to be part of this amazing production. Career Highlights include “I Need Your Love" a 2024 Tribeca Film Festival selection, Midnight Owl, Anomaly. Her directorial debut “Wherever We Go”, premiered at the 2024 Manhattan Film Festival and the Lake Placid Film Festival. Hunter is a part of the 518 Film Network.
Hunter Frederick is so excited to be part of this amazing production. Career Highlights include “I Need Your Love" a 2024 Tribeca Film Festival selection, Midnight Owl, Anomaly. Her directorial debut “Wherever We Go”, premiered at the 2024 Manhattan Film Festival and the Lake Placid Film Festival. Hunter is a part of the 518 Film Network. Favorite theatre credits: Noises off, Hairspray, A Midsummer Night's Dream. Professionally represented in New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Represented by Landrum Arts LA; ACP Talent Management.
Jacopo Giani as Gorlinsky & Others
Jacopo Giani as Gorlinsky & Others
Hunter Frederick as Marfa & Others
Jacopo is passionate about performing and grateful for every opportunity to share stories on stage. In the Capital Region, he has appeared with Debuts, Classic Theatre Guild, CDAI, SLOC, and Proctors. At Niskayuna High School, Jacopo played Artie in Sunset Boulevard and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. Jacopo would like to thank the directo
Jacopo is passionate about performing and grateful for every opportunity to share stories on stage. In the Capital Region, he has appeared with Debuts, Classic Theatre Guild, CDAI, SLOC, and Proctors. At Niskayuna High School, Jacopo played Artie in Sunset Boulevard and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. Jacopo would like to thank the director of this production for the opportunity to be part of such an incredible cast and show.
Gabriel Morris as Count Ipolitov
Jacopo Giani as Gorlinsky & Others
Gabrielle Pike as Paulina & Others
Gabriel Morris is very excited to be part of this production of Anastasia! He has been involved in musical theatre for many years and has had the pleasure of collaborating with Andrew on numerous productions. A recent graduate of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, Gabe is now a music teacher in Albany County and is passionate abou
Gabriel Morris is very excited to be part of this production of Anastasia! He has been involved in musical theatre for many years and has had the pleasure of collaborating with Andrew on numerous productions. A recent graduate of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, Gabe is now a music teacher in Albany County and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of music lovers through his teaching and directing. He thanks Andrew Higgs for asking him to be involved with the show and for putting together such an amazing performance for a good cause.
Gabrielle Pike as Paulina & Others
Jacopo Giani as Gorlinsky & Others
Gabrielle Pike as Paulina & Others
Gabrielle Pike is so excited to be back on the Rensselaer stage after a 10 year hiatus. She started her acting career right on this very stage as a very shy 6th grader and is thrilled to be able to be back on the stage that changed her for the better! Following her career at Rensselaer Junior Senior High she went on to become a third grad
Gabrielle Pike is so excited to be back on the Rensselaer stage after a 10 year hiatus. She started her acting career right on this very stage as a very shy 6th grader and is thrilled to be able to be back on the stage that changed her for the better! Following her career at Rensselaer Junior Senior High she went on to become a third grade teacher and re-started the drama program at her school where she hopes to share her love for the stage! Gabby would like to Thank Mr. Higgs for this opportunity and her family for all of their love and support throughout the years.
Jennifer Ravalli as Tsarina & Others
Tegan Waters as Young Anastasia Romanov
Jennifer Ravalli as Tsarina & Others
Jennifer Ravalli is thrilled to be back onstage for the first time since 2008, last appearing as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (Our Own Productions). Since then, Jenn has played many roles in her life, her favorite being mom to Maddie and Abbie. She would like to thank her family for supporting her in this endeavor, and to Andrew Higgs, for giving her the opportunity to perform again.
Lorenzo Teta as Alexei Romanov
Tegan Waters as Young Anastasia Romanov
Jennifer Ravalli as Tsarina & Others
LORENZO TETA is excited to be performing in the cast of Anastasia alongside such an incredible group of actors and crew, especially his voice coach and friend, Lisa Franklin. Lorenzo is in the 5th grade and really enjoys school and time spent with classmates, friends and family. Lorenzo’s theatre journey began recently and blossomed over
LORENZO TETA is excited to be performing in the cast of Anastasia alongside such an incredible group of actors and crew, especially his voice coach and friend, Lisa Franklin. Lorenzo is in the 5th grade and really enjoys school and time spent with classmates, friends and family. Lorenzo’s theatre journey began recently and blossomed over the past year. He has starred in a local production of The Wizard of Oz, as the Wizard and Professor Marvel, and played several roles in a summer production of Beetlejuice. Lorenzo also is a baseball player, an avid fisherman and loves traveling, especially to Walt Disney World and Cape May, New Jersey with his family.
Tegan Waters as Young Anastasia Romanov
Tegan Waters as Young Anastasia Romanov
Tegan Waters as Young Anastasia Romanov
TEGAN WATERS is thrilled to be a member of the Anastasia cast and to have the opportunity to be on stage with Lisa Franklin. She is also excited to be working with Andrew and Michael again. Tegan is in fifth grade and loves school, especially math and science. Her local appearances include performing at Capital Repertory Theatre this pas
TEGAN WATERS is thrilled to be a member of the Anastasia cast and to have the opportunity to be on stage with Lisa Franklin. She is also excited to be working with Andrew and Michael again. Tegan is in fifth grade and loves school, especially math and science. Her local appearances include performing at Capital Repertory Theatre this past summer and playing several parts in local productions including Dreams of Broadway (Ensemble), The Sound of Music (Gretl), Seussical Jr. (Young Kangaroo), Annie Jr. (Molly), Matilda (Alice) and The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin). Tegan started her acting career at age 5 with a national Play-Doh commercial and has been featured in various commercials and short films. When she is not acting or singing, Tegan enjoys competing in diving, gymnastics and robotics, playing tennis, and spending time with her rescue dogs Snoop and Moose.