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She is the chief meteorologist for ABC News.
Sometimes there are moments when you think that you know how the rest of your life will play out, that you can see the journey clearly marked out in front of you, and then you turn around and discover that you couldn’t have been more wrong...and that you're happier than you ever were.
In 2002, when Justin Guarini rose through the ranks of American Idol contenders to face off against Kelly Clarksonin the show’s first-ever finale, they were the stars of the entertainment industry. They were both destined for stardom, no matter the outcome, and their futures were certain. But for Guarini, that future turned out to be even bigger and brighter than he could have imagined...even if it led him in a different direction than he might have thought.
Justin has never been a stranger to the stage. He has been performing since the tender age of four, when he joined the Atlanta Boy’s Choir in his home state of Georgia. Then, after moving to Pennsylvania, Justin joined the prestigious Philadelphia Archdiocese Choir. He pursued his passion for the arts all throughout his school years, singing and starring in school stage productions, and attending both the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and the School for Film and Television in New York.
Then, in 2002, it didn’t just rain; it poured. Shortly after auditioning and being selected for the first season of American Idol, Justin was offered a role in the Broadway production of The Lion King. It wasn’t an easy decision. Justin described The Lion King as “a dream almost come true,” but in the end he turned it down for Idol, saying “I knew I was onto something, and I wasn’t letting go.” He was praised by Idol judge Simon Cowell, who told him “occasionally you’re very privileged when you do a competition like this to hear somebody undiscovered who has a voice like yours.” Justin took the season by storm, surpassing every other performer save Clarkson, who was eventually crowned the victor over Justin in the finale. Later, as a member of the Idol Tour, he was described by the Los Angeles Times as a “revelation,” and by the Boston Herald as “easily the best performer.” Justin has released two albums and an EP, his first in 2003 and his second in 2005, Between 2007 and 2011 he found success as a host on shows such as Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight and, with the TV Guide Network, and then went on to host live red carpets for The Grammys, The Emmys, and The Oscars. In 2014 and 2015 he both produced and hosted “The Tonys in Times Square” with Clear Channel Spectacolor. And in 2010 he made his Broadway debut, in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. He was described by Patti LuPone as “very, very talented,” and “smart as a whip, he adapts instantly and he’s unbelievably sweet.” Since then he has become a Broadway veteran starring in musicals and plays including American Idiot, Romeo and Juliet, Wicked, Paint Your Wagon, In Transit, and has played the leading roles in regional performances of Rent, Chicago, Company, Joseph, Moonshine, Ghost Brothers Of Darkland County, Cake Off, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and many more.
Those who might not remember him from his Idol days or haven’t seen him in Broadway shows may recognize Justin from his recurring role as "Lil’ Sweet" in nationwide Diet Dr. Pepper television and Internet Commercials.
However, Justin’s favorite roles to date are those of Husband and Father. In 2009, while working on the American Idol experience at Walt Disney World, he proposed to his now-wife, Reina Capodici. They were married in September 2009, and Justin settled into a comfortable family life with Reina and her daughter, Lola. In 2011 their family grew with the birth of Justin’s first son, William, and in 2013 Justin and Reina welcomed a second son, Asher. These days Justin maintains a happy balance between family-man and performer. He has a strong personal belief in music education, has lobbied on Capitol Hill to stop the slashing of music education in our schools, and worked with Education Through Music LA to help fund music programs in disadvantaged schools.
It’s been a long road since Justin first stepped into the limelight in 2002 on the Idol stage, and one that was not marked out on any map. But through the years his love of music and performance has only grown, coupled with a strong dedication to family, and an unshakeable sense of both humor and fun. In 2002, no one would have argued that the young Idol talent with the signature afro had a bright future; now, Justin may no longer have
the United States, Europe, and Japan, including Goodspeed Opera House, Paper Mill Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, PCLO, the MUNY, and St. Louis Rep. She also choreographed the European tour of Cabaret and the U.S. and Japanese tours of Singin’ in the Rain. She is currently a Musical Theatre professor at the University of Michigan. Michelle Gaudette joins Goodrich as choreographer. Gaudette has choreographed numerous productions for the Walnut, including Holiday Inn, Annie, South Pacific, Music Man, In the Heights and Fiddler on the Roof. John Daniels returns as music and vocal director. Daniels’ Walnut credits include Holiday Inn, Mamma Mia!, Annie, The Buddy Holly Story and South Pacific. The title role of Matilda will be shared by Ellie Biron of Philadelphia, PA and Jemma Bleu Greenbaum of Elkins Park, PA. Biron returns to the Walnut after her performance as Molly in last season’s production of Annie. Greenbaum makes her Walnut debut with this production! Ian Merrill Peakes will play the infamous, hulking headmistress Miss Trunchbull. This show marks Peakes’ 10 th at the Walnut (Harvey, Ideal Husband, Baskervilles, Of Mice and Men) and 127 th professional production. Laura Giknis returns to the Walnut as the kind-hearted kindergarten teacher, Miss Honey, having recently performed as Sophie in last season’s Mamma Mia! Her other Walnut credits include Sister Act, High Society, Bad Jews, and Grease. Demetria Joyce Bailey will make her Walnut debut as the magical librarian, Mrs. Phelps. She has performed throughout the U.S., Philippines, and Japan as a professional artist and vocalist, and recently released her debut CD, Takin’ A Chance. Husband and wife Christopher Sutton and Lyn Philistine will play Matilda’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood. With their dynamic and engaging personalities, this duo has previously performed opposite of each other in the Walnut’s productions of Mamma Mia!, Annie, A Christmas Story, The Buddy Holly Story and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Mark Donaldson will make his Walnut debut as their son, Michael Wormwood. Jacob Tischler (Holiday Inn, Saturday Night Fever) will play the ballroom dancer, Rudolpho; Ellie Mooney (Forum) will play the Acrobat; and Elliot Styles will be the Escapologist and Doctor. Dan Olmstead (South Pacific) will play both the Party Entertainer and Sergi. The ensemble includes Chali Cooke (Saturday Night Fever), Casey Elizabeth Gill (Holiday Inn), Billy D. Hart (Holiday Inn), Adam Hoyak (Grease), Maria Konstantinidis (South Pacific), Kevin Kulp (The King and I), Cary Michele Miller (Holiday Inn), Kathryn Miller (Mamma Mia!), Tara Tagliaferro (Mamma Mia!), and Kevin Toniazzo-Naughton (A Christmas Story). Nick Brown will make his Walnut
debut in this production. Ensemble member Billy D. Hart will also take on roles behind-the-scenes as assistant choreographer and dance captain.
Playing Matilda’s classmates and fellow “revolting children” are Alanna Stein (Annie) of Voorhees, NJ; Myra’Cal West (Annie) of Burlington, NJ; Miranda Zeno (Annie) of Mickleton, NJ; Naomi Serrano (Annie) of Marlton, NJ; Sean O’Neill (Christmas Carol) of Wallingford, PA; and Melania Zalipsky (Annie) of Huntingdon Valley, PA. Making their Walnut debuts in the children’s ensemble will be Eva Burkholder of Pottstown, PA; Nicky Intrieri of Haddon Heights, NJ; Veronica James of Voorhees, NJ; JoJo Schlecht of Wilmington, DE; Akiva Schostak of Cherry Hill, NJ; Maren Schriver of Meadowbrook, PA; Eddie Sims of West Chester, PA; Matthew Goodrich of Hammonton, NJ; Jonas Hinsdale of Princeton Junction, NJ; Caleb Rosenfeld of Wynnewood, PA; Sloan Avery Salvatore of Wenonah, NJ; Charlotte W. Taylor of Wallingford, PA; and Peter Gomez and Kate Bove of Cherry Hill, NJ. The youngest members of the cast are all local to the Philadelphia area and students of The Theatre School at Walnut Street Theatre. Playing off Matilda’s deep love of reading with a completely book-covered set is Robert Koharchik (Noises Off, Importance of Being Earnest, Harvey) as set designer for MATILDA THE MUSICAL. Koharchik is joined by Costume Designer Mary Folino (Holiday Inn, Annie, Forum), Lighting Designer Stuart Duke (Noises Off, Importance of Being Earnest) and Sound Designer Elizabeth Atkinson (Noises Off, Importance of Being Earnest).
MATILDA THE MUSICAL runs at the Walnut November 6 through January 6. Open captioning will be available for the Sunday, December 2, 7pm performance. The Wednesday, December 12 performance will be ASL interpreted and Audio Described. This production is sponsored by Stradley Ronon. Media Partners are 6ABC and Metro Philadelphia. For tickets and information, call 215-574- 3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.
From the Tony Award®-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.
ANASTASIA features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) with direction by Tony Award® winner Darko Tresnjak.
THE GRINCH broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theaters in New York. More than 1.8 million theater-goers across America have been delighted by this heart warming holiday musical, which the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.”
Audiences will discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life live on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” THE GRINCH discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming GRINCH, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features magnificent sets designed by John Lee Beatty and costumes designed by Robert Morgan, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original book. Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason’s music and book breathe new life into this timeless story.
During Nia’s college junior year, her father was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and she became his stem cell donor. This turn of events led Nia to the Miss America Organization. “I had to find a way to pay for myself to go to school and so I entered this competition and this organization, and it became much more than just the scholarship money for me, it was also about the mentorship, leadership and sisterhood you find in this program.” Nia was crowned Miss Five Boroughs at the age of 23, and then went on to win Miss New York 2018. And was awarded the job of Miss America 2019 on September 9, 2018.
Nia has been a teacher and music mentor, and has written over 100 songs, including one she began performing at age five. (The lyrics begin: “Love, love, love, love, love is the only thing that matters to me…”). For the Miss America 2019 competition, Franklin sang “Quando m’en Vo'” from Puccini’s La Boheme and wowed audiences and judges alike.
Throughout her year as Miss America, Nia will be working on her social impact initiative ADVOCATING FOR THE ARTS. Nia speaks with students, school administrators, and teachers about the importance of arts education and why it is so vital to a well-rounded education.
Catie Turner auditioned for "American Idol" in season 16 singing her original song “21st Century Machine”.
Mandy currently stars as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton and on the CBS hit, Madam Secretary. Onstage, the dynamic range of Mandy’s voice sets a new standard—one moment, she can be soft and sultry, the next moment, she can shake the rafters. Mandy is a Warner Music artist and recently released her debut album, FEARLESS, which debuted at #13 on the iTunes pop charts.
Mandy is also known for originating the role of Nina Rosario in the Tony award-winning show, In the Heights. Previously, she also starred as Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked—blowing the roof off of New York’s Gershwin Theatre every night. Mandy is the proud founder of #FearlessSquad—a social media movement for inclusiveness and belonging. The movement connects millions of people around the world, encourages them to be their best selves and helps them empower each other. Mandy is also an author—she recently published a widely-cited article in the Harvard Business Review on how to overcome one’s fear of public speaking and be more confident in one’s communication and leadership.
Mandy previously appeared with The Philly POPS for 2017’s July 4 “Party on The Parkway,” where her version of “This Land is Your Land” shook the crowd. Mandy will appear in A Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season, which runs from December 1–22.
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• Philadelphia Inspirational Radio Stations Calls him "The Singing Wonder" o The Daily News says, “His singing seems to emanate from a soul ripe with years of experience. It's his poise however and the caliber of his performance that stand out as remarkable.”
With a successful night club outside Atlantic City, (Memories in Margate); regular radio shows on WXPN 88.5 in Philadelphia, WVLT 92.1 in South Jersey, WTKU Kool 98.3 FM and WOND 1400 AM in Atlantic City, WBCB 1490 in Levittown/Trenton; and scores of sold-out live dance events and concerts every year at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, Blavat is more popular than ever and is celebrating his 58 th year in show business both on radio and TV. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame in 1993 and the Broadcast Pioneers as person of the year for 2016. Jerry’s autobiography, the best seller “You Only Rock Once: My Life in Music” was published by Running Press in 2011 and is available in hardback, paperback and audio, and now is being developed into a screenplay for either a movie or a TV series.
His list of friends throughout the years, a who’s who in show business from Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, Don Rickles, Frankie Valli, Dionne Warwick, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Smokey Robinson and other show business legends is a tribute to who Jerry Blavat is and what he stands for.
In 2008, Eder stepped outside the box and her familiar “wheelhouse” to record The Other Side of Me, a Country Pop blend of contemporary music, which included a song written by Linda herself. And, in June, 2010, she andClay Aiken covered Roy Orbison’s “Crying” as a duet on Aiken’s album, Tried & True. In 2013, Linda established her own record company under the name Tressamail, Inc., and in that same year she released her first recording on that newly established label, the highly acclaimed Christmas Where You Are. This CD featured 12 tracks – six selected by her fans via social media and two originals from Eder herself. It also featured a unique twist on the classic, ”Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” which Linda rewrote and recorded with her teenage son, Jake. It was to represent a classic mother-son debate over going outside to play in a snow storm. Eder has released two additional recordings on her own record label. In 2014, she released her first ever “live”
But with release of his new album, Top Shelf, Boyd goes way beyond that platform to a place that even his fans might not have anticipated. Confident delivery, upbeat personality, deep country soul, and easy charisma - this is all still there. What’s changed is that these qualities aren’t the whole picture. Rather, they’re the foundation of all the qualities that make Craig Wayne unique among today’s young artists of any genre. Top Shelf is a musical kaleidoscope - a whirl of celebration, heartbreak, the sweet pain of love, and the comfort of faith’s embrace.
Start with the producer. After relocating from Miami to Nashville, Will Edwards crossed paths with Craig Wayne through a mutual friend. Both sensed that working together could kindle some interesting results. When explaining the process of recording this album, Craig explains, “I wanted to go in a different direction, touching on what I’d already experimented with on The Voice. Basically, I wanted to bring in a larger sound. I wanted more strings, more ambience, than I’d had before. I mean, I’m from Texas. I directed our church choir. That twang won’t go away. And that’s good. I just want to build on that in new ways.”
With Edwards in his corner, Boyd stepped further in that direction by making a decision some in Nashville would consider controversial. “I decided to be an artist rather than a singer/songwriter,” he says. “I love to write. Just about every week I’m in a writing session. And when we began work on Top Shelf, about eight songs I’d written were under consideration. But I kept finding new ones that said the same thing I wanted to say, only better.”
Boyd and Edwards listened to more than a thousand demos. Only by keeping their standards high were they able to come up with a match of material and artist that distinguishes Top Shelf from so many other releases. Once he’d confirmed the final song lineup, Boyd realized that for all its variety, there was one trait that unified it — happiness. As he describes it, “the happiness I’ve found with my family, with meeting my wife Taylor and having kids. This kind of surprised me because, honestly, it’s hard to write about being happy! I’d rather live it than write about it.”
Like life, Top Shelf isn’t just sunshine and rainbows. In fact, one of the album’s most powerful tracks, “Only in My Mind,” is also its darkest. “Only in my mind, water turns to wine, every night I find myself, beside the one, God gives to me,” the lyrics say. “We talk about my day, she knows exactly what to say, so I take her by the hand, down the hall and then we slowly fade away.”
“And,” Boyd observes, “she flies back to Heaven. The only way he can bring her back from Heaven is when he drinks. It was so intense that I had to take a break while recording it in the studio because I just lost it. I sang it in public for the very first time this summer at CMA Music Fest and people were literally bawling. I feel like this song is meant for someone but I don’t know who it is yet.” From the buoyant “Stuck In My Head” to the dirty sound of “We Sweat,” Boyd presents himself as an artist of complex dimension, never satisfied with repeating himself but always true to his roots. Whether you’re discovering him now or already onboard, Top Shelf marks the real start of a trek toward beckoning horizons. He will never stop exploring and adventuring. This journey will be — already is — worth it on its own.
Christina set her dreams on the shelf and put her energy and love into raising two amazing sons, Ethan and Ty, as a single mother. In the meantime, Wells also obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. That's right; this is a Diva who sings, acts, dances, AND saves lives!
Wells worked as a Geriatric and Cardiac Registered Nurse for 15 years, a career that brought great fulfillment and joy. But in 2015, Christina decided to dip her toe in the performing waters once again. She began performing at a community theater in Deer Park, Texas. After a stellar performance in the musical Hairspray, a fire that had long lay dormant was once again ignited. Wells would set her sights on achieving her childhood dream of performing. Christina created a live band, The Christina Wells Band, and she began a YouTube show called The Christina and Alli Show, which showcases fun and happy music every Monday. From there, she began to pursue professional shows with grand success. Her stage credits include Sylvia of All Shook Up with Theatre Under The Stars, Charilee in Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular at Stages Repertory Theatre, Jewel in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray at Art Park Players in Deer Park. Christina was a featured soloist in Super Bowl LIVE! presented by Verizon Wireless and she proudly carries the title of Houston's Pride Superstar for 2016-2017. Wells was also named the F.A.C.E Awards Entertainer of the Year for 2016! Her dream seemed to be getting closer and closer to reality. She had no idea how close until she took a chance and auditioned for America's Got Talent! Christina made it all the way to the semifinals singing such songs as "I Know Where I've Been", "I Am Changing" and "Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin in front of 11 million viewers. Christina was also noted to be quite the speaker during her time on national television. News publications such as USA Today, Forbes, People.com, The Houston Chronicle, and Billboard Magazine all featured her as the performer with a message of positivity while also "blowing the roof off of the Dolby Theater". Christina is now back in Houston and she is ready to entertain and inspire the world with her powerhouse voice and her heartfelt message of hope and love.
As a pioneering entertainer, Fresh possesses the unrivaled ability to captivate an audience with or without a musical backing track and has performed at the request of Saints, foreign dignitaries, and US Presidents. As a television personality and producer, he has appeared as a performer and musical mentor on Fox’s “American Idol,” hosted HBO’s “Bad Boys of Comedy,” served as one of three celebrity judges on BET’s “Showtime at the Apollo,” and earned three consecutive executive producer credits for his work on BET’s newly reprised “Soul Train Awards.”
As a businessperson, he has launched marketing campaigns for international brands like McDonald’s, Toyota, and Febreze. He has also established several successful enterprises, namely an eponymous restaurant in New York City and multiple real estate development projects. As a lifelong activist, he has set an example of the power of hip-hop and celebrity to address social ills. Proudly born and raised in Harlem, New York, Fresh shot from local phenomenon to nationally recognized talent with the help of an appearance in the 1984 cult classic movie “Beat Street.” By 1985, Fresh had become one hip-hop’s biggest international stars thanks to the success of his instant classics, “The Show” and “La Di Da Di,” recorded with his Get Fresh Crew, including MC Ricky D (a.k.a. Slick Rick). As highlighted in a 2014 TED Talk by multi-platinum producer Mark Ronson, “La Di Da Di” holds the distinct honor of being the fifth most-sampled song in the history of music, proving it is not just a hip-hop classic, but a global, show- stopping tour de force highlighted by Fresh’s virtuosic beatboxing.
In 2009 she appeared on American Idol, performing her most iconic song. In June 2014, she released a jazz-influenced studio album entitled Come Back to Me Love, on the Mack Avenue label, which was produced by Bill Cunliffe and was a highly acclaimed jazz album which featured big band arrangements and strings. Payne also has Broadway credits including: Hallelujah Baby, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Ain’t Misbehaving, The Blues in the Night, Jelly’s Last Jam as well as plays: A Change Is Gonna Come, The Divorce written and directed by Donald B. Welch, which is also on DVD. Payne also landed an appearance on the film Kinky set to release in 2017.
Garrison Carida® is a group of community-minded volunteers serving Pennsylvania and Delaware who, through portraying the nefarious characters (or Dark Side characters) of the Star Wars films and other media, participate in, and spearhead public service initiatives, charity events, promotional appearances, and public gatherings to benefit the community.
CMNH is the national platform partner of the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization. London has spent more than 300 hours volunteering for Children’s Miracle Network, Donate Life Texas, The Salvation Army, SPCA, Operation Care International, Meals on Wheels, Soup Mobile, Marvin United Methodist Church, North Texas Food Bank, Junior Symphony League, and with the Student Council and Gospel Choir at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts.
In addition to singing, London is an accomplished actress who appears in the August 2018 release of the feature film, Beautifully Broken. She has been featured in dozens of musicals and commercials. London also excels in a variety of dance styles including ballet, tap, hip-hop and tumbling. An avid traveler, London has visited 23 countries. She enjoys snow skiing and snowboarding, and loves time with her family and playing with her dog Hyleigh and bird Sweety.
Along with the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2019, London won a $30,000 scholarship provided by the Harris Rosen Foundation and the Orlando Scholarship Foundation, Inc. towards her college education. In addition, she was a double preliminary award winner, receiving a $500 evening wear/on stage question scholarship and a $500 scholarship in the talent category, for which she performed “Think of Me.” London is a classically trained vocalist who can sing in 10 different languages!
Nationally, Team Pennsylvania was second place among states in Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Fundraising. Ceci will continue to spend her year of service promoting her personal platform “Refashioning Lives: What You Can Spare, They Can Wear.”
Through the Miss Pennsylvania and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organizations, Cecilia has been awarded over $20,000 in scholarships that will assist her in financing her college education where she plans to major in Musical Theatre.
Ceci takes voice, dance and acting classes after school. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, and watching movies and instructional videos. Today, she will be performing her talent song “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from the musical Funny Girl.
Schrap has built a reputation for creating the most-true persona of Santa Claus that never compromises a child's belief. He is 110% passionate about his profession. He has been featured in dozens of publications, television and radio broadcasts, and can be found all over the web. America’s Favorite Santa™ appears frequently on the Philadelphia scene. Over his 27 year career as the Big Man in Red, he has performed at events all over the Philadelphia area to incorporate his realistic Santa knowledge into their holiday parties, events, and charity efforts. This coming Thanksgiving Day, his dream will come true once again as the Official Santa Claus of the 6ABC Dunkin' Donuts Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade for the third year in a row!
After seeing him in pictures and in person, adults and children will Believe he is direct from the North Pole and right out of a Children's storybook. He is the recipient of several humanitarian, Santa, and community awards and recognitions. Schrap and his wife, Jennifer of Douglassville, Pennsylvania also founded, Operation Nine Reindeer, Inc.in 2012 - a charitable foundation that helps families with extenuating circumstances during the holidays.
Andrew has been singing and ministering to people since his childhood. The younger brother of national recording artists, “The Williams Sisters,” began honing his skills during his tenure as the director of the West Philadelphia High School Gospel Choir. His desire to pursue excellence motivated him to form the group that would later become known as “Minister Andrew Williams & Pure Worship”. The group released their first demo, “Worthy of the Praise” on July 10, 2009 to high critical acclaim. Since that time, God has showered his ministry with favor all over the nation. He credits the powerful ministry of Apostle Dr. C.L. White with his continued success and has chosen John 4:24 as the theme of his ministry. It reads, “God is a spirit” and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth”. Minister Williams is a member of the Praise and Glory Tabernacle Family Worship Center where Pastor Phillip Whiteside is instrumental in helping him to mature and grow spiritually. Min. Williams has shared the stage with many gospel artists such as Marquia Brooks, Treena and Tameka Ferebee and James Lewis, as well as opening for gospel music luminaries such as Prophet Dr. Todd Hall, VaShawn Mitchell, Earnest Pugh, Tracy Shy, Jason Nelson and many more. He has made numerous television appearances and worked relentlessly in many recording studios.
Williams made an appearance on the Q Show on Fox 29 with living legend Patti LaBelle. Also, Minister Williams made an appearance before 10,000 people in Baton Rouge Louisiana at the Southern University Mini-Dome for their night of restoration for Hurricane Sandy. Minister Williams is thankful for what his parents, Pastor and Mrs. James Williams of The Temple of Christ Church, constantly and consistently instilled in him, “…although people may love your great voice, you must sing for God and not personal gain. Live what you sing!” In May, 2011, Min. Williams released his first EP entitled “Prophetic Flow.” In 2013, Williams initiated his first live recording in Philadelphia, PA and is set to release his new CD entitled “Here I Am” June 3, 2017. Be sure to follow the ministry of Minister Andrew Williams & Pure Worship on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Ceci competed in the national Miss America’s Outstanding Teen competition in Orlando, Florida this past July. She was awarded First Runner-Up to Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, was a Preliminary Talent award winner, Vocalist Award winner and Ad Sales winner. Nationally, Team Pennsylvania was second place among states in Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Fundraising. Ceci will continue to spend her year of service promoting her personal platform “Refashioning Lives: What You Can Spare, They Can Wear.” Through the Miss Pennsylvania and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organizations, Cecilia has been awarded over $20,000 in scholarships that will assist her in financing her college education where she plans to major in Musical Theatre.
Ceci takes voice, dance and acting classes after school. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, and watching movies and instructional videos. Today, she will be performing her talent song “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from the musical Funny Girl.
PGMC has performed in Philadelphia at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Academy of Music, Prince Theater, and Arden Theater. Additionally, PGMC has sung with stars like Jennifer Holliday, Sandy Duncan and Jason Bateman, Juanita Holiday, Margaret Cho and Andrea McArdle. The Chorus has been awarded the 2016 Human and Civil Rights Award at the Pennsylvania State Education Association Celebrating Excellence Awards, as well as selected for the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s Non-Profit Hero Award in 2017.
The opening production is one of the biggest numbers of the show with several dancers, choirs, balloon and flag handlers that will perform to “Time to Shine” presented by Dunkin’.
Marching Band performance.
Shows runs Feb 22, 2019 - Feb 24, 2019 at the Academy of Music
Dancin’ on the Parkway is a group comprised of over 300 dancers performing to “Do It Like This” presented by Rothman Institute.
Performance by Treena Ferebee
The Dunkin’ Dancers will perform to “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” with over 600 dancers, brought to you by Dunkin’.
Mandy Gonzalez will perform.
The Philadelphia High School for Creative & Performing Arts will perform “A Tribute to Aretha Franklin” presented by Main Line Health.
Marching Band performance.
With over 500 members, The Parade Youth Choir will perform “This Is Me” presented by Verizon.
Varsity Spirit All-American Cheerleaders comprised of over 150 cheerleaders will have a performance presented by Pandora Jewelry.
Based on the beloved Roald Dahl novel, Matilda is the story of the courageous little girl with an unbounded imagination who proves that despite the odds, you can do anything you put your mind to—and change your destiny.
Marching Band performance.
