Welcome to Higgs Theatricals

 BRADY WALSH (TATEH) is a multi-disciplinary teacher, creator, and arts leader. He is the Artistic Director of Carpe Diem Theater, overseeing all productions and pre-professional training. He spent the better part of a decade as the Associate Director of the Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition, evaluating singers across the country and in auditions at the Met. Brady now runs a private voice studio, BTW Voice, comprising 40+ high school and college students, young professionals, and adults between New York's Capital Region and New York City. Select credits: A Streetcar Named Desire (Stanley Kowalski), Into the Woods (Cinderella's Prince/The Wolf), and Oliver! (Bill Sykes) with Greenwood Lake Theater in Greenwood Lake, NY; Ragtime (Tateh), Titanic (Jim Farrell), and Candide (Maximillian) with the Village Light Opera Group in New York, NY.  

GORDON HORNE-OTTEN (FATHER) is originally from Scotland and feels a deep personal connection to Ragtime's themes of immigration, identity, and belonging. He is honored to help tell a story that celebrates the courage and resilience of those who leave one home in search of another, especially in this special celebratory year!  He was most recently seen playing the German servant Franz, and American scientist Dennis in Sunday in the Park with George at Hubbard Hall, Cambridge NY.  Gordon is also delighted to work once again with this particular production team, having portrayed Gleb in Anastasia for Schuylerville Community Theatre, with Andrew, Gabe and Emily at the helm.  Other theatrical credits from across the pond include: John Wellington Wells, The Sorcerer (Kirkcaldy Gilbert and Sullivan Society, March 2023), Frederic, The Pirates of Penzance (Dunfermline Gilbert and Sullivan Society, February 2023), King Gama, Princess Ida (Dunfermline Gilbert and Sullivan Society, 2022), Rolfe, The Sound of Music, and The Arbiter, Chess (both with Musselburgh Amateur Musical Association, 2022), Earl Tolloller, Iolanthe (Cat-Like Tread, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2019), Narrator and Mysterious Man, Into the Woods (Le Petit Verre, November 2018), Annas, Jesus Christ Superstar (Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society, October 2018), Ebenezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol (Millennium Stage School, November 2017), Simon Stride and Spider, Jekyll and Hyde (Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group, November 2016), Simon Zealotes, Jesus Christ Superstar (Tadcaster Theatre Company, May 2016), Pirelli, Sweeney Todd (Tyne Theatre Productions, March 2016), and, perhaps his proudest achievement, Inspector Javert, Les Misérables (Captivate Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe 2013 and reprise April 2014).  Gordon wishes to dedicate his performance to his beautiful wife Tiffany, his stepson Liam, his new found US besties Michael and Jonathan and his Scottish bestie, Sophie.

AIDAN JACKSON "AJ" HALSEY (MOTHER'S YOUNGER BROTHER) is honored to be apart of this production and portray this beautiful story. Previous theater credits include: SPRING AWAKENING (Moritz), FROZEN (Hans) at the Titusville Playhouse; LEGALLY BLONDE (Warner), LIGHTNING THIEF (Percy Jackson), THE WEDDING SINGER (Robby), SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK: LIVE! (Tom) at PSC; LITTLE WOMEN (Laurie), THE SECRET GARDEN (Dr Neville Craven), Columbia Players; DADDY LONG LEGS (Jervis) at MCPA. AJ is also a singer/songwriter who has written and produced 2 solo studio albums of original material that can be listened to on all major streaming platforms under the name “AJ Halsey” and is releasing new music soon! Thanks to my family for letting me pursue my dreams. 

MONICA M. WEMITT* (EMMA GOLDMAN) is honored to be given the opportunity to play this iconic role in RAGTIME.  A Broadway veteran, Monica made her debut as Ernestina in the 1995 revival of Hello, Dolly! starring Carol Channing where she also served as Channing’s standby.  She later appeared in Disney’s touring production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as Madame de la Grande Bouche.  Beyond Broadway Monica was one of only twelve women selected to perform in Liza Stepping Out.  You may have seen Moncia gracing the stage as Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music and as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! at Yorktown Player.  Monica recently played Miss Hannigan in Annie at the Mac-Haydn Theatre for which she won the Berkshire Theatre Critics Award for best supporting actress in a musical.  Special thanks to Andrew, Spates, Gabe and to you, the audience, for continuing to support live theatre.  Enjoy the show!

LAUREN SCHIRNHOFER (EVELYN NESBIT) is an actor, singer, and teaching artist who has performed and taught throughout the U.S. and internationally, from Europe to South America. Education: Boston Conservatory; BM Voice Performance and L’Ecole de Comédie Musicale in Paris, France. Now based in the Capital Region, she teaches with SPAC Education and runs a voice studio in Ballston Lake. She has had the joy of creating and collaborating with Curtain Call Theater, Saratoga Children's Theater, Fort Salem Theater, Adirondack Theater Festival, Homemade Theater, Lake George Dinner Theater, Carpe Diem Theater, and is honored to be a part of this vibrant theater community. Thank you to Higgs Theatricals for bringing this important and timeless piece to our community! laurentaylorberkman.com

JACOB ATKINS (HARRY HOUDINI) is thrilled to be returning to Higgs Theatricals in this production of Ragtime.  Last year audiences may have seen him in Higgs Theatricals inaugural production of "Anastasia" as "Dmitry".  Other credits include Jersey Boys (Frankie Valli Alt), All Shook Up (Dennis), A Bronx Tale (Crazy Mario), Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas) & Disney's Newsies (Crutchie). Most recently, Jacob completed a summer at the Mac-Haydn Theatre and the Dirty Dancing: In Concert tour, performing in venues across the United States and Canada. Originally from Florida and now based in New York City, Jacob is a musical theatre actor with a deep passion for storytelling, live performance, and connecting with audiences. When he’s not on stage, he can often be found pursuing his love of travel and photography, capturing moments and experiences from around the world. He would like to thank his family, Lisa and Cary, & Belle for their constant love and support. @thejacobatkins_ 

LORENZO TETA (THE LITTLE BOY 10/10) is excited to be performing in Ragtime alongside such a talented cast and crew. As a 6th grader, he enjoys school and spending time with his classmates, friends, and family.  Since beginning his theatre journey in 2024, Lorenzo has developed a true passion for performing. His favorite roles have included Alexei Romanov in Anastasia with HIGGS Theatricals, Lord Farquaad in Shrek Jr., Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, and, most recently, Bruce in Matilda Jr. The Musical. He has also appeared as The Wizard/Professor Marvel in The Wizard of Oz and performed multiple roles in Beetlejuice.  When he’s not on stage, Lorenzo enjoys playing baseball, fishing, and traveling with his family—especially to Walt Disney World and Cape May, New Jersey. He is grateful for the love and encouragement of his family, friends, and voice coach, Lisa Franklin, and hopes you enjoy the show! 

 ASHA ALLEN (FEATURED ONSTAGE ENSEMBLE) is making her performance debut with Higgs Theatricals. Asha has recently performed in Dear Evan Hansen, Wedding Band in Black and White, Annie, Frozen, Moana Jr and A Christmas Story. Asha loves, singing, dancing, acting, snowboarding, and the colors purple, teal and black. Asha would like to thank her mom who is her biggest supporter. She inspired her to become a singer, along with inspiring her love of acting and dancing. She would also like to thank her Dah (grandpa), family and friends for their support.  

SHAY ALLEN (FEATURED ONSTAGE ENSEMBLE) is making her performance debut with Higgs Theatricals. She recently appeared in Wedding Band in Black and White at Capital Repertory Theatre. While Shay is thrilled to be back on stage, she can usually be found behind the scenes working as either a stage manager or director.  Being able to share this production with her daughter has brought Shay so much joy. She would like to thank the cast and crew for making this such an amazing experience, as well as her friends and family for their endless love and support.  Lastly, to her daughter, Asha: “I love you and am so proud of you. Continue to shine and be great on purpose! Let’s do this! Love, Mommy.”

ROSE BIGGERSTAFF (FEATURED ONSTAGE ENSEMBLE) is excited to be making her Higgs Theatricals debut!. She started her theater career in high school as a  Dynamite (Hairspray) and went on to receive a B.S. in Theater from SUNY Oneonta. She has also studied acting in the city at Circle in the Square Theater School. It was at Oneonta where she found her love for directing. A professor of hers suggested she enter a competition to have the school fund a show for her to direct. She didn’t know it then- but she was about to embark on a journey that would lead her to not only work professionally as a Stage Manager & Actor, but to teach theater to all ages (3 through adult) before finally ending up here. She hopes to go on to get her Masters in both education and directing and open up her own theater/community center in the future. She hopes you enjoy the show!  

ERIN HARWOOD (FEATURED ONSTAGE ENSEMBLE) Erin Harwood is thrilled to be back in the Theatre community in the Capital Region! Most recently she was seen as Hunyak in Chicago, & the ensemble of The Prom. Other past roles include Annie in Annie Get Your Gun, Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone, Gloria in Boeing Boeing, Squeaky Fromme in Assassins, Sarah in Company, & Princess Winnifred in Once Upon A Mattress. She would like to thank her family, friends, and boyfriend for their endless support and love. Enjoy the show! 

CATHY KITTLE (FEATURED ONSTAGE ENSEMBLE) is beyond excited to be here. Her first theatre experience was senior year HS where she played both a housemaid and the Queen in My Fair Lady. Jump ahead 42 years and Cathy made her adult debut as the old Bird Woman in Ichabod Crane's Mary Poppins. Cathy has volunteered as stage crew at Ichabod's musicals and Mac-Haydn's concession booth for more than a dozen years. She would like to thank her very best musical buddy (her daughter Sammie), and her family/friends for their support. 

REN LECLAIR (FEATURED ONSTAGE ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to work with Andrew and the team again as she joins the Higgs Theatricals cast in Ragtime! Some of her favorite precious performances include the musicals Anastasia and Seussical, as well as the stage plays Puffs and The Glass Menagerie. Ren’s offstage credits include costumer for The Crucible and Assistant Stage Manager for 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, as well as the radio play Merry Christmas George Bailey. Ren is humbled and honored to have this opportunity to be a part of such a stunning, monumental, and impactful story. 

KAYRENA MEYERS (FEATURED ONSTAGE ENSEMBLE) is so excited to be a part of Ragtime! Previous roles include “Stage Manager” (Our Town), “Joan” (Murdered to Death), “Featured Ensemble/Accordionist”  (Natasha Pierre…1812), “Featured Ensemble/U/S Portia” (Something Rotten), “Actor/Girl Without Hands/Grandma/Fishergirl” (The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon), “Rosaline/Featured Singer/U/S Lady Capulet + Lady Montague” (Romeo & Juliet), “Ensemble” (Head Over Heels), “Aggie/Nancy/Helen/Claire/Ruth” (The Dining Room), “Ariel” (The Little Mermaid), “Karen/Ensemble” (Spongebob the Musical), “Mrs. Potts” (Beauty and the Beast), “Sister Amnesia” (Nunsense), “Miss Honey” (Matilda), “Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy” (Shrek), and “Beth” (Little Women). She has also performed at Carnegie Hall in The Holiday Music of Eric Whitacre and The Music of Eric Whitacre, and at Lincoln Center in Anastasia and Jane Eyre. Kayrena is incredibly grateful for her parents, Greg, and Andrew for always helping her to achieve her goals! 

CHRISTINE PETTOGRASSO (FEATURED ONSTAGE ENSEMBLE) became a part of the Higgs Theatricals Family last fall with Anastasia.  Previous credits include Anastasia (Chorus) at Lincoln Center, Mamma Mia, The Addams Family (Grandma), Parade (Mrs. Phagan), The Spongebob Musical, Disney's Descendants (Cruella), and The Prom at MCPA.  As always she is deeply grateful to family and friends for their support.  She would like to extend a huge thank you to Andrew for the opportunity to do something she never dreamed she would ever do!

BELLA PETRY (FEATURED ONSTAGE ENSEMBLE) is currently a student at Shaker. She has been in over 15 local productions, including Lucy in 13 the musical and the Baker's wife in Into the Woods, Jr. She has sung the national anthem at the Valleycats. She has also been in multiple episodes of Pretty Little Liars and a disney channel movie. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, singing, acting and dancing.