Christmas Show 2024: Joy to the World – Show Details
SHOW RUN TIME: Act I – 50 minutes; Intermission – 20 minutes; Act II – 50 minutes (Total = 2 hours)
The ringing of church bells in a quaint town square sets the scene for Joy to the World. Evoking the revered holiday nostalgia of hometown America, our stage transforms into a small town winter carnival brimming with family, friends, and entertaining elves. Awe-inspiring music and dance, phenomenal voices, and light-hearted holiday humor are the ingredients for this holiday extravaganza!
This year’s all-new holiday show features your favorite seasonal and sacred Christmas songs – songs brought to life by marvelous vocal talent from across the country, accompanied by our masterful AMT Orchestra.
We invite you to join us for the 2024 Christmas Show: The First Noel, live on stage November 5 through December 30.
Click here to reserve your 2024 Christmas Show seats.
Thank You Cast and Crew
Creating a show of this magnitude involves long hours and hard work from a large team of people. We are so proud to employ an amazing team of professionals who are dedicated to production of our annual Christmas Show. Thank you to the entire team for all that you do every day to bring it all together!
The Cast
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| Ivory is grateful to be at AMT! Recent credits include: Nashville Opera (Florencia en el Amazonas and Magic Flute), Belle in A Christmas Carol with Nashville Repertory Theatre, What the World Needs Now a musical showcase of Burt Bacharach and featured vocalist at Hong Kong Disneyland. Ivory has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. | Savannah is elated in her new AMT role as Co-Show Captain in her 2nd season! The Theater Arts Prep School graduate honed her talents worldwide – from cruise ships to famed venues like Hersheypark, The Palace Theatre and more. With boundless enthusiasm, she’s grateful to Andrea and the team. Savannah is ready to give her all in an unforgettable season! @savannahgrace_8. | Sarah is overjoyed to be returning to AMT! Her career has taken her all over the world, from Main Street USA, to Hawaii, Hong Kong, all through the Caribbean Sea and even to the White House to perform for Former First Lady Michelle Obama! Sarah is a proud former Denver Broncos Cheerleader and Ohio State Alumna – “Go Broncos and Go Bucks!” @SarahRoseHackshaw. | Paul is thrilled to spend another Christmas at AMT! He was last seen at Strasburg Rail Road in their Murder Mystery: The Show Must Go On! Select credits: Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King), Ahab the Musical (Ahab), Songs For a New World (Man 1). Much love to his wife Catherine, their family and friends for their love and support. Merry Christmas! www.paulmhughes.com. |
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| Andy is very excited to start his 5th season with American Music Theatre as Co-Show Captain! Andy is an Albanian from Chicago, Illinois, and trained at TAPS in Las Vegas, Nevada. Most recently, Andy sailed the Mediterranean and Adriatic as part of Step One Dance Company on Holland America! Instagram & TikTok: @andykastrati. | Marley Kinsey is very excited to make her professional debut as a swing in Joy to the World! She recently graduated from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance Performance. She is grateful to have the opportunity to perform so close to home this holiday season and have the support of family and friends! | Albert is originally from England. Since coming to America, he has performed with Laura Osnes, AMT, and most recently was in Beauty and the Beast and 9-5 at the Fulton Theatre. He moved to Lancaster this year and is very excited to return to American Music Theatre this festive season! | Hannah Long is an AMDA graduate whose credits include: The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet tour (Lady Capulet/Nurse); An Advent Carol tour (Elizabeth); Burying Davey (Rebekah). Hannah was the Dance & Vocal Captain at Point Sebago Resort and most recently spent a year in China performing at Universal Beijing Resort. Instagram: @hannaheliza.long. |
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| Dylan Loraw is thrilled to return to AMT! National Tour: Peter/George in Finding Neverland. Regional: Fulton, Sight & Sound, Dutch Apple and Servant Stage. Select credits include: Peter Pan (Peter), HS Musical (Troy), Amélie (Nino) and Billy Elliot (Billy). Huge thanks to Andrea for this magical experience! Much love to his family. IG: @dylanloraw. | Dylin was born and raised in Oxford, MA, where he trained as a competitive dancer. He moved to New York City to attend Pace University and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Commercial Dance in 2021. Dylin began performing on cruise ships worldwide, most recently performing at the Palace Theatre in New Hampshire. He is elated to debut at AMT! | Matt is thrilled to be making his debut at AMT and is grateful to the AMT family for this opportunity. He is also excited to be performing near his hometown of Exton. He would like to thank his family and friends for their endless love and support. | Damon is thrilled to be in his first AMT production. Off Broadway: Watch Night; Director, Bill T. Jones (PAC NYC) International Tours: Sister Act The Musical. Regional: Jekyll and Hyde (Gretna), RENT (San Antonio Public), Les Miserables (The Fulton Theater). Find him on IG @mctoystoryy or @damonsbakedgoods if you have a sweet tooth. Much love to his fam! |
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Cassie feels blessed to make her AMT debut! As a 2024 graduate of the Sight and Sound Conservatory, she has performed in Moses and Miracle of Christmas and has been seen in Servant Stage’s The Marvelous Wonderettes. Big thanks to the AMT staff, her family, and teachers/mentors. All glory to Jesus Christ – the savior and author of her life! | Shari is making her AMT debut! Credits: Broadway Christmas Wonderland, Tokyo Orb; Cabaret Le Cirque, Eldorado Showroom; Hazel, Smokey Joe’s Café, Crazy For You, Drury Lane; Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Spamalot, Theatre at the Center, The Drowsy Chaperone, Private Lives; Metropolis Performing Arts Center, Victor Victoria, The Producers; Stage 773, Christmas on Broadway; Fox Valley Repertory, Little Me; Porchlight Music Theatre, Evil Dead Olympia Entertainment. | Conner is honored to be making his AMT debut! He is an 11th grader at Hershey High School and has been a competitive dancer for six years. Recent credits include Phantom of the Opera (Dance Captain, Ephrata Performing Arts), Newsies (Featured Dancer, Servant Stage) and Grease (Asst. Choreographer, Keystone Theatrics). When not on stage, Conner can be found in a local dance studio or traveling to New York for workshops and in tensives. He was named 2024 Senior Apprentice for PowerPak Dance and Star Dance Alliance. Thank you Andrea and AMT team for this experience! IG: @connermoodie. | Nik is overjoyed to be back at AMT! Most recently, he’s been performing as a Resident Guest Vocalist for MSC Cruises. Regionally, Nik has enjoyed performing at Dutch Apple, Broadway Palm, Sight & Sound, and The Fulton Theatre. Endless thanks to Andrea and the team at AMT for this unbelievable opportunity! All my love to my family. For Steve Doud. |
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| Lucy is excited for her AMT debut! She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from George Mason University. Performance credits: Disney’s Newsies (Arena Stage), Breakable (marInspired; The Storytellers), The American Pops Orchestra and Ethno World Orchestra, Inc. Choreography credits: Grand Hotel, Evita, The Little Mermaid, GMU Dance Company, CureFest and National Cherry Blossom Festival. | Ryan Sheehan is excited to make his debut and celebrate Christmas this year performing at the American Music Theater. He attended Pace University in New York City studying under their Commercial Dance program. After school he then went on to travel around the world performing on cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean Cruises and Holland America Line. | Kathryn is so excited to be back at AMT! She’s spent the past few years entertaining audiences at Strasburg Railroad, The Fulton Theatre and around the world on many cruise lines. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre and Acting. So much love to her husband Paul for his love and support! Insta: @kathrynmwilliamz Website: www.kathryn-williams.comIG: @kathrynmwilliamz. | Magnolia trained at Susquehanna Dance Center in Lancaster. She performed 10 years with COBALT Dance and trained at The Royal Danish Ballet (working with Ann Reinking), ABT- New York, Philadelphia Ballet and BalletX. She trained at Pennsylvania Ballet Academy and was a trainee with Philadelphia Ballet. Currently, she is with Luna, a professional company in Lancaster. |
The Orchestra
Orchestra Biographies
The music in our Original Christmas Shows is prepared and presented live by nine very talented musicians. We are excited to showcase their gifts! The Orchestra musicians are:
Nathan Hansen – Trombone/Horns
Nathan is a composer and trombonist from Point Pleasant, New Jersey. A recent West Chester University graduate, Nathan is now a freelancer in the Philadelphia area. He has played with renowned soloists such as Dave Liebman, Orrin Evans, Bob Mintzer, Dick Oatts and Tim Warfield during his time in the Criterions Jazz Ensemble.
Marshall Lentz – Keys2/Keys1 U/S
Marshall Lentz is thrilled to return to the AMT Band as a classically trained pianist, composer, producer and actor. He has played piano professionally since age 15, and has performed in pit orchestras and bands across Pennsylvania. He recently composed original orchestral soundtracks for local productions of A Christmas Carol and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Jake Ritchey – Drums/Percussion
After a hiatus since 2019, Jake is thrilled to return to the AMT stage for Joy to The World. Since completing his Masters of Music at West Chester University in 2017, Jake has performed nationally with Chubby Checker and locally with multiple theaters and bands. He is grateful to be able to perform again. Soli Deo gloria!”
Andy Roberts – Music Director/Conductor
Andy has been music directing the AMT Christmas shows since 2010 (where has the time gone!?). It is always fun, challenging and rewarding to be a part of these terrific productions and part of the AMT family. Throughout the year, Andy maintains a busy schedule of performing throughout Pennsylvania and beyond, as well as writing and arranging for numerous groups.
David Shultz – Woodwinds
David is happy to be part of Joy To The World and working with the outstanding production team at AMT. David’s playing credits include Kristin Chenoweth, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Bob Mintzer, Jaco Pastorius Big Band, Johnny Mathis and others. Touring show credits include: Beautiful!, Grease, A Christmas Story, Hair, Spamalot, Legally Blonde, Chicago, West Side Story and many more. Merry Christmas to all!
Michael Vitale – Bass
Michael Vitale has a Masters of Music from Duquesne University. He has extensive regional and national tour experience and has played overseas with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Mike is on the music department faculty at Millersville University and is in demand as a freelance musician and private instructor. He feels happy and blessed to be back for another run with all these talented folks at AMT!
Scott Whitford – Trumpet/Horns
Scott is an experienced touring musician, sideman and clinician throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. He has performed throughout the world with bands and productions including In The Mood: A 1940s Big Band Revue, Chicago, Gypsy, Legally Blonde: The Musical, The Global Jazz Orchestra in Osaka, Japan, The Rat Pack, Reunited and many others.
Stefan Xhori – Violin
Stefan was born in Albania, graduated from the Academy of Music in Tirana, Albania, and moved to the United States in 1993. He is a violin teacher and a freelance musician, and performs with Delaware, Reading, Allentown and Kennett Symphony orchestras, Opera Delaware, Philly Pops and Philadelphia Ballet. Stefan has been a soloist with Dover Symphony and Allentown Band.
Yang Han – Guitars
Yang was born and raised in Nanjing, China, and moved to the United States in 2015. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Nanjing University of the Arts. From the studio to the stage, from classical to jazz, Yang has been playing guitar since the early age of six. Joy the World is Yang’s fourth Christmas Show at American Music Theatre.
Youth Cast
Our Youth Cast is divided into two teams who alternate performances. Their enthusiasm and youthful energy helps to bring the Show to life on the AMT stage. This year, our teams are The Silverbells and The Snowflakes and we are so proud that have them all as part of our cast!
Silverbells Team:
Elianna Hampton, Addie Seiler, Owen Ridenour, Danica Frederick, Annie Cyr, Shaelyn Kienzle, Braedyn Jones, Abigail Foerster, Mateah Bylone, Conner Moodie, Ava Munn, Sammie Wiegner.
Snowflakes Team:
Maria Siegrist, Riley Hutchins, Mia Bixler, Alex Van Grouw, Cella Berardi, Arabelle Petersheim, Josie Salve, Dalton Turk, Conner Moodie, Esme Petersheim, Mychaela Rosario, Greta Rebecca Kleiman.
The Song List
| ACT I (50 mins*) Spirit of the Season Magical Time of Year Step Into Christmas The Christmas Song Santa Claus is Coming to Town Give Me That Cheer Christmas Children Away In a Manger ‘Zat You Santa Claus Silent Night AMT Orchestra Feature Let it Snow A Cool Yule My Favorite Things Blue Christmas Jingle Bells Joy to the World (Joyful, Joyful) INTERMISSION (15 mins) | ACT II (50 mins*) Santa Arrives Deck the Rooftop What Christmas Means to Me Jingle Bells Holly Jolly Christmas Sleigh Ride Somewhere In My Memory (Precious Moments) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Medley Processional/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen The Lord’s Prayer Mary Did You Know AMT Band Feature O Holy Night Joy to the World *Show times are approximate and may vary slightly. |