The Performers
Jonathan Cortez
A shining element… Jonathan Received his degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign. Jonathan has recently been seen at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Sister Act the musical as Curtis, Ensemble in Legally Blonde and in Humperdinck’s Hansel Und Gretel. Other credits include Summer Opera Workshop programs in the chorus of Puccini’s La Rondine and Verdi’s Ernani, as Leporello in Don Giovanni, Fasolt in Das Rheingold. Jonathan sings with the Chicago Choral Artists singing all around the greater Chicago area, most recently as Judas and Pontifex in the St. Matthew Passion.
Britain Gebhardt
Britain is thrilled to be working with NMC! Recent Chicago credits include Bessica Feltcher in Murder ReWrote with Hell in a Handbag (Jeff Award Nomination-Principal Performer), Ragtime (ensemble/US Mother) with Highland Park Players, Head Over Heels (Kokandy Productions), Sister Mary in Disaster! (Chicago Theatre Workshop), Sue Snell in Carrie 2: The Rage (Underscore Theater), Queenie in Lippa’s The Wild Party, High Fidelity, Cabaret, and Rent. Thank you to Rachel, Heidi, Chris and the entire NMC team!
Carisa Gonzalez
Carisa is a Chicago based multidisciplinary artist of Puerto Rican descent. Apart from just returning from a run of Brian Quijada and Satya Chavez’s Where Did We Sit on the Bus at The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, she has been lucky and honored to be a part of the Chicago theater scene for the past 11 years. Favorite and most recent credits include: Maria in Sound of Music and Regina in Rock of Ages (Paramount Theatre), Aunt Sponge in James and the Giant Peach and Ensemble of In the Heights (Marriott Theatre), Girl u/s in Once (Writers Theatre) and Vanessa in Proxy (Underscore Theatre). When not performing, she is an aspiring private chef and had the pleasure of running her small pierogi food business with her partner, @thebarenakedpole. She’s proudly repped by Shirley Hamilton Talent. Find her as @carcass_g on insta and at her website when she finally makes one and stops putting it off. Free Palestine, Free Congo, Free Sudan, and Free Puerto Rico.
Amara Gonzalez-Sambolín
Amara is a Chicago based vocal and graphic artist of Puerto Rican descent. She was last seen in In The Heights with Visión Latino and Carrie 2: The Rage (An Unauthorized Musical Parody) with Underscore Theater Company. Amara currently sings with the vocal group Musicality (found on YouTube!), as well as in weddings across the Chicago area. You can find her on insta @a.mahdah and wherever the sun is out.
Mike Idalski
Mike (he/they) is thrilled to get to make some music and art with some of his favorite people in Chicago! Previous credits include: Ragtime (Highland Park Players), If/Then (Brown Paper Box Co), and Carrie 2 (Various Productions). Mike has a passion for new works, and bringing queer representation to the forefront of stories. Thanks to the NMC Team for inviting me to be a part of this, and to you for supporting new works.
Annie Lira
Annie is thrilled to be a part of the New Musicals Chicago Showcase. Annie has been a vibrant presence in the Chicago theatre scene since 2015. Annie is grateful for the unwavering support of her family and friends and is thrilled to be part of tonight’s production.
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Patricia Tinsley
Patricia Tinsley holds a BFA in performing arts (double emphasis in dance and theatre) from Rockford University, an MA in speech from Northeastern Illinois University and served for two years as the co-artistic director of the Rebekah Theatre Project. An accomplished actress and director, she has a long list of Chicago-area credits, including the happiest job in the world: playing Mrs. Santa Claus at Navy Pier. Favorite roles include Marilyn in Ripcord (Parker Players), Meeker in Inherit the Wind (Theater D), Fonsia in The Gin Game (Jack Benny Theater), Abby Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace (Theater Lab) and Gonzala in The Tempest (CenterStage). She can be seen in Season 1 Episode 6 of the STARZ original series Power Book IV: Force. She is represented by Lily’s Talent.
Maxwell Peters
Maxwell (He/Him) New Musicals Chicago Debut! Currently in Twihard: A Twilight Parody Musical (Jacob/Emmett) at Otherworld Theatre & Directing Spring Awakening at Steel Beam Theatre (St. Charles). Recent credits include Theatre on the Hill, Albright Theatre, AstonRep, and The Impostors . Broadway: The King and I, Les Miserables. National Tour: Hadestown, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Regional: The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts (Ovation Award Winner), Casa0101 (BroadwayWorld & NAACP Theatre Award Winner), and The Rockwell. TV/Film: “Smash”, “Grease: Live”. Writing: To All The Boys… Parts 2 & 3 (Netflix), Pen15 (Hulu, Emmy Nominated — Outstanding Writing for Comedy), The Summer I Turned Pretty (Amazon). He is currently the Director of Visual and Performing Arts for Intrinsic Schools. Emerson College Alumnus. Much love to my family & friends. @MaxwellPeters
Sean Michael Williams
Sean is a Digital Marketing Communications Consultant by day and a theatre, film & commercial actor (and podcaster) by night. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago (now residing in Irving Park) Sean took an immediate interest in performing arts from a very early age and would go on to incorporate the arts into his adult life. Most recently, he has appeared on stage as ‘Lumiere’ the candle in “Beauty and the Beast,” ‘Tom Collins’ in “Rent” the Musical and ‘Ernani’s father’ u/s in “Ernani” (Lyric Opera of Chicago). Sean will be reprising his role as Tom Collins in “Rent” the musical, this time at ECC’s theatre in Elgin. This will be Sean’s LAST Chicago show as he will be moving to Los Angeles in August to pursue his dreams in acting, music and podcasting. Sean loves collaborating with all creative minds and breathing life into the various characters he’s portrayed over the years. Follow Sean on Instagram @seanmikewilliams for all the latest updates and projects in the works! And don’t forget to tune in to Sean’s dating & relationship podcast “Situaseans Podcast.” More info: SituaseansPodcast.com