Welcome to Higgs Theatricals

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 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 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.

www.andrewfhiggs.com

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 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 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 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 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 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.