A company of voices.

Emma Robertson

Emma Robertson (Sarah Grey) Emma will be starting a full time position as a chorus member with the Metropolitan Opera in August, and a soprano from Marietta, Georgia, praised for her "outstanding range… and [as] a gifted performer" (OperaWire). Past operatic credits include Idomeneo (Ilia) with Bronx Opera, Falstaff (Nannetta) with Opera 51, Le nozze di Figaro (Susanna) with Vincéro Vocal Academy, Labyrinth (The Bride) by Gian Carlo Menotti with the Cambridge Chamber Ensemble, and L'Élisir d'amore (Gianetta) with Opera Maine. Musical theater credits include Into the Woods (The Baker's Wife) with NEMPAC Opera Project, Into the Woods (Cinderella) with Actors Company of Natick, and The Secret Garden (Lily) with the Town & Gown Players.

Emma holds a master's degree in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory and a bachelor's degree in Music Performance from the University of Georgia. She will begin a full-time position as a chorus member with the Metropolitan Opera in August.

Ed Valentine

Ed Valentine (Samuel Adams) has performed internationally and across the United States as an actor and puppeteer. Some favorite roles include Midsummer Night's Dream (Bottom), Equus (Dr. Dysart), Oklahoma (Jud Fry), and Dracula (Renfield). Also an accomplished playwright and TV writer, Ed is the winner of 4 Daytime Emmy Awards for his writing work on Sesame Street; he has written for such diverse shows as My Little Pony, Fairly OddParents, Sharkdog, and Doc McStuffins. Ed's plays have premiered at La MaMa Theater, HERE Arts Center, Dublin's International Lesbian and Gay Theater Festival, and at New Circle Theatre Company (NYC) and Beekeepers Theater (Sheffield, MA); at NCTC and Beekeepers, Ed serves as co-Artistic Director.

Ed sends thanks to John, Michael, Nicole, and this fine Rebel Town company for welcoming him in. For more info, or to learn about Ed's writing classes and 1-on-1 writer coaching, please check out www.edvalentine.com.

Ned Averill-Snell

Ned Averill-Snell (Royal Governor Hutchinson) recently relocated to Pittsfield from Tampa. Berkshire credits include A Christmas Carol (Berkshire Theatre Group) and his solo play Herkimer: How My Ignorant Immigrant Ancestors Saved America and You Can Too (Bridge Street Theatre). In Tampa, Ned was best known for his performances in Shakespeare and the American canon, including The Iceman Cometh (Hickey), A View from the Bridge (Eddie Carbone), and All My Sons (Joe Keller). Ned is also a professional photographer (www.nedseventphotography.com) and author of the novel Small Professional Murder. He is grateful to be sharing this production with his wife, lighting designer Jo Averill-Snell (www.joaverillsnell.com).

Chelsea Beatty

Chelsea Beatty (Mercy Otis Warren / Assistant Vocal Director) is a Berkshires-based teacher, performer, and nonprofit leader. Favorite credits include The Rake's Progress (Anne Trulove), La Bohème (Mimì), A Little Night Music (Charlotte), Bridges of Madison County (Marge), and The Crucible (Mary Warren). Chelsea holds degrees in Vocal Performance from The Boston Conservatory and the University of Colorado Boulder and was a two-time district finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

By day, Chelsea teaches at Williams College as an Artist Associate in Voice, as well as through Berkshire Music School and her private studio. She also co-teaches the Musical Theater Collective at Berkshire Pulse, and leads the choir at the First Congregational Church of Sheffield. www.chelseabeatty.com

Christopher-Michael Vecchia

Christopher-Michael Vecchia (Paul Revere) is a performer from the Berkshires with a passion for live theater and music. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied contemporary songwriting and piano/vocal performance. Chris has appeared on stages throughout the Berkshires, including Berkshire Theatre Group, Barrington Stage Company, Aglet Theatre, GhostLit Rep, and others. He continues to pursue his career as an actor and singer-songwriter and is thrilled to be part of the rebellion. Special thanks to his family and friends for their unwavering support over the years.

Amanda McCluskey

Amanda McCluskey (Abigail Slater) is proud to be representing her Irish ancestry with Rebel Town and to be spending time in the Berkshires after living in Boston, where she earned her BFA in the Studio for Interrelated Media from Massachusetts College of Art and Design ('25). Her most recent performance was in the folk-rock epic Λύκος και Αρνί: Wolf and Lamb (Hera), created by fellow alum Megan Calos. Previous credits include OZ24 (Disco Glinda), Dreame: A Midsummer Night's Dream Musical (Hermia), and Cabaret (Fraulein Kost), all with the Colleges of the Fenway Theatre. Much love and gratitude for the collective passion that pours into this art—it is the power of the people!

Ryleigh Fillio

Ryleigh Fillio (Peter Slater Junior) is an incoming freshman at Lee Middle and High School and has been performing since the age of seven. Credits include Hadestown, The Addams Family, school Shakespeare productions, and a touring production based on the Magic Tree House series (Berkshire Theatre Group). She is a member of the Barrington Stage Company Devised Theatre Ensemble and currently appears in Rhapsody Queen (Berkshire Theatre Group). Ryleigh also spent five years with Berkshire Children's Chorus and has been selected to participate in the Western Massachusetts District Chorus for the past three years. Ryleigh is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this production and hopes you enjoy the show.

Ryan Palmer

Ryan Palmer (George the Fishmonger) is excited to be back in the Berkshires with this incredible new show. Favorite regional credits include Something Rotten! and The Prom (Sharon Playhouse), Twelfth Night (Saratoga Shakespeare Company), Shakespeare in Love (Capital Repertory Theatre), and Moonlight and Magnolias and Fully Committed (The Theatre Barn). Screen credits include The Monkey, Subtle Perfection, and Deb and Seth Save the World. Ryan is thrilled to join the rebellion.

Maggie McRae

Maggie McRae (Tavern Violinist / Daughter of Liberty) is an Alexander Technique teacher, musician, and dance caller based in Monterey, Massachusetts. Originally from North Carolina, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Brevard College and completed her Alexander Technique teacher certification in 2017 before moving to the Berkshires. In addition to her music and dance work, Maggie works part-time at Blue Rider Stables and Magic Fluke Company. Previous theater credits include musical accompaniment for Meet Elizabeth Freeman, Louisa in The Sound of Music, and Ensemble in She Loves Me. Maggie is excited to be part of Rebel Town. www.maggiemcrae.com

Jean Atwater-Williams

Jean Atwater-Williams (Lizzie the Laundress / Daughter of Liberty / Costume Coordinator) holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Boston Conservatory and has enjoyed a diverse career as a soloist, actor, teacher, and choir director. Favorite credits include leading roles in Anything Goes, Hello, Dolly!, Trial by Jury, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as performances in Finian's Rainbow, Faust, and La Traviata. A founding member of the Sandisfield Players, Jean appeared in productions from 2012–2019, including Our Town at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, England under the direction of the late Benjamin Luxon CBE.

She currently directs the Berkshire Ukulele Band and teaches at Bridgewater State University's Senior College. Jean lives in Sandisfield with her husband, author and historian Ron Bernard, and is delighted to be part of Rebel Town.

Christopher David Boswell

Christopher David Boswell (John Hancock) is delighted to return to the musical stage after 35 years. Previous credits include Oklahoma! (Oklahoma), Gypsy (various roles), The King and I (various roles), Hello, Dolly! (various roles), and Bye Bye Birdie (various roles) at Ossining High School, as well as dramatic roles in Our Town. More recently, he appeared in the independent film Mister Sister. When not performing, Christopher curates exhibitions for local and international artists at CB Fine Arts in South Lee, Massachusetts.

Ruby Littman

Ruby Littman (Mrs. Winslow / Daughter of Liberty) is proud to join the rebels of Rebel Town in their fight against tyranny. When not singing and dancing onstage or working her desk job, she fosters cats for several rescue groups, rides horses, and enjoys gardening at home in Sheffield with her wonderful husband and their three cats. www.rubylittman.com

Chris Kristant

Chris Kristant (Thaddeus) is thrilled to be joining the cast of Rebel Town as he returns to the stage after a 15-year hiatus. Although Chris hasn't been onstage in awhile, he has been working behind the scenes for over 30 years working for such prestigious companies as Steppenwolf (Chicago), American Conservatory Theater (San Francisco), Boston Lyric Opera, and more. Previous credits onstage include Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus), Anything Goes (Billy), Oklahoma (Jud), and The Importance of Being Earnest (Algernon). Chris now lives in the Berkshires and would like to thank his family (CK2+WJK3) for supporting him on this adventure.

Brian Litscher

Brian Litscher (General Thomas Gage) has performed in a plethora of musicals, plays, concerts, and shows at venues including Barrington Main Stage, Stockbridge Playhouse, Mac-Haydn Theatre, Colonial Theatre, Boland Theatre, cabarets, and even Carnegie Hall. Over a lifetime of singing, his favorite credits include The Burnt Part Boys, An Enemy of the People, The Fabulous Lipitones, The Rocky Horror Show, Oliver!, Annie, A Chorus Line, Forbidden Broadway, Peter Pan, Broadway to the Berkshires, and Once Upon a Mattress. Brian is an alumnus and former music director of the Dartmouth Aires and a longtime member and occasional soloist of the Berkshire Concert Choir. He is thrilled to be part of this wonderful cast.

Joe Lyman

Joe Lyman (Lieutenant Colonel Leslie) is thrilled to be making his adult stage debut in the Berkshires. His love of theater began at a young age at Camp Nawaka in East Otis, Massachusetts, and continued through studies in the DART program at Tanglewood. Joe grew up in suburban Boston and performed with the Quannapowitt Players of Reading, Massachusetts, appearing as Buster, one of the "no-neck monsters," in Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. After taking a hiatus from acting to pursue rugby, Joe recently returned to the theater world through Berkshire Voices, the playwrights' lab associated with Great Barrington Public Theater. He is honored to make his return to the stage with Rebel Town.

Deron Bayer

Deron Bayer (Parson / Son of Liberty) is thrilled to be performing in Massachusetts again after a long hiatus. He was last seen in the Bay State as a CIA Officer in Castro's Beard (Barrington Stage Company). Earlier Berkshire credits include Desire Under the Elms (Sheriff) on the Main Stage and Shoot the Piano Player (Thug) in the Unicorn Theatre, both at the Stockbridge Theatre Festival. Recent performances include Our Town (Doc Gibbs) at Sharon Playhouse, Misery (Paul Sheldon) at Warner Theatre, and Annie (FDR) at Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center. He is also a proud member of the HVRHS Social Studies Department.

James Temple

James Temple (Sailor / Son of Liberty) is extremely excited to be a part of this historical musical. He is looking forward to getting back on the stage and embracing his performative side for the first time since being a part of his high school performances. New to the musical scene, he is enjoying trying something new and being part of such an amazing cast of people.

Josh Webb

Josh Webb (Francis Rotch / Son of Liberty) is a part-time bicycle mechanic, luthier, engineer, and first-time actor. He spent several years living in the greater Boston area, so the wharves feel somewhat familiar. He moved back to the Berkshires in 2020 and has settled in Monterey with his wife, Maggie McRae. He is grateful to her, Michael, and John for encouraging him to enlist with the Sons of Liberty.

Wesley Kristant

Wesley Kristant (they/them) (Son of Liberty) is thrilled to be sharing the stage with their dad under the direction of Michael, whom they met at Flying Cloud Camp. Previous credits include the independent film Salience, as well as roles in Alice in Wonderland (Card), The Wizard of Oz (Flying Monkey), and Peter Pan (Head) with the Lee Elementary Drama Club. When not performing, Wesley is a proud Lee Wildcat soccer player and an enthusiastic member of the Corn Dog Comic Club.

Luke Olivieri

Luke Olivieri (Assistant Music Director) Luke Olivieri has directed music at St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, NY, since 2003. He leads the choir; accompanying with piano, organ, and guitar; arranges and composes music; and continually develops the music library. He was proud to be a part of the 250th anniversary celebration of the church.

In December of 2013 he began The Foundation for One Home, which seeks to motivate people to take action in protecting the environment for all species by redirecting fossil-fuel corporations into clean, renewable energies. The first community event and concert for this purpose, titled Songs of Unity, was held at St. Peter's and focused on the challenges to communication we all face — a necessary prerequisite to take on the issues of our day. He also teaches classical and jazz piano and folk guitar privately. Mr. Olivieri's film scores have premiered at the Sundance Festival and at festivals in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Karlsruhe, Germany.

Jo Averill-Snell

Jo Averill-Snell (Lighting Design) Jo Averill-Snell is a lighting designer and director, based in the Berkshires, Massachusetts. Audiences may have seen her lighting designs at Bridge Street Theatre in Catskill, NY, or for Jobsite Theater or the Straz-produced musicals series at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL. She has also recently designed for Stageworks Theatre, Tampa Repertory Theatre, ThinkTank Theatre for Young Audiences, freeFall in St. Petersburg, Urbanite Theatre in Sarasota, and others. She has directed for Tampa Rep and Improbable Athenaeum. She studied English Literature and Theatre Design at the University of South Florida.

Nicole Ager

Nicole Ager (she/her) (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to return to the theater as Assistant Stage Manager for Rebel Town after taking a hiatus to focus on her career as a science teacher. Previous favorite productions include Rent, Noises Off, and A Piece of My Heart. When she's not in the classroom, Nicole enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. She is grateful to be back in the theater community and thanks the talented cast, crew, and her loved ones for their encouragement and support.

Emilyn Bona

Emilyn Bona (Stage Manager) began her theatre journey at Monument Mountain, working on the crew and stage management teams during the Fall Festival of Shakespeare and the annual spring musical every year. She spent one summer on the design team of the Young Actors' Guild of the Berkshires, designing costumes. She earned a bachelor's degree in stage management, directing, and playwriting from Drew University.

During this time she interned with Yendor Theatre Company in Newark, NJ, developing new plays with young artists. She briefly interned with the Center for Arts Education in NYC, helping to place teaching artists in schools across the 5 boroughs before coming home to the Berkshires. After about 10 years away from the theatre world, Emilyn is excited and honored to be a part of the Rebel Town crew.

Rebecca Gardner

Rebecca Gardner (Stage Manager) has been working as a freelance Stage Manager for many years all around the New York State Capital Region. She most recently has been a resident stage manager for Curtain Call Theater in Latham, NY. Credits include: The DaVinci Code, Theatre People or the Angel Next Door, Wait Until Dark, The Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Misery, Broadway Bound, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Don't Dress for Dinner, Kalamazoo, See How They Run, and Arsenic and Old Lace. Other Capital Region Stage Manager credits include The Last Train to Nibroc, Krapp's Last Tape, Proof, Great Expectations, The Secret Garden, Death Trap, and On Golden Pond.

She was last seen acting on stage at Sand Lake Center for the Arts in Comic Potential. Other acting credits include Fiddler on the Roof as Fruma Sarah, Merry Wives of Windsor as Dr. Caius, Clue as the Maid and Cop, and Our Town as Howie Newsome.

Ainslee Nipper

Ainslee Nipper (Assistant Choreographer) is a New York City-based actor and creator. She is thrilled to be rejoining Rebel Town, this time as a member of the creative team after appearing in the original 2024 production as Mrs. Winslow, Parson, and Sarah U.S. Ainslee loves teaching dance and telling stories through movement. Previous choreography credits include The Crucible and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Ainslee graduated in 2023 with a BFA in Theatre and minors in Music and Business. Performance credits include several New York City play festivals and the premiere of Wave Me Goodbye. She can also be seen in social media campaigns for brands including Mentos, Canva, Angry Birds, and New York Theatre Guide. Follow her work at @ainslee.ugc.

Sam Webb

Sam Webb (Lighting Assistant) is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans from intimate, handheld optical devices to expansive, immersive installations. Drawing deeply from the landscape of rural New England, Webb's work reflects on the role of an artist in an era shaped by climate change, exploring how shifting environments alter both perception and experience. Employing his knowledge and experience in lighting design, ecological gardening, and fabrication, he creates open frameworks that invite viewers to decode their relationship with the natural world and be transformed in the process. More of his work can be found here: samuelwebb.net