A benefit for The Music Hall Academy, featuring: 

MERRITT DAVID JANES

With dynamic vocal chops, comedic flair, and a spirited stage presence, Merritt David Janes brings both heart and showmanship to every role. A graduate of the University of Maine (B.M. in Music Education) and the Circle in the Square Theatre School, his journey from music-student to full-fledged Broadway star reflects a lifelong devotion to performance. He’s toured nationally leading as Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer and Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, before dazzling audiences as Lumière in Beauty and the Beast, Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical, Carl Hanratty in Catch Me If You Can and Phantom of the Opera. On Broadway, he’s been part of the original company of School of Rock (eventually taking on the role of Dewey), and also appeared in the original cast of Back to the Future: The Musical, playing multiple roles including Principal Strickland and Doc Brown. Most recently, Merritt was seen in SMASH on Broadway based on the NBC television series. Merritt David Janes created Broadway Rocks! to fuse the electrifying energy of rock concerts with the passion and storytelling of musical theatre. His vision brings Broadway’s biggest hits to life with powerhouse vocals, a live band, and the unstoppable spirit of rock ’n’ roll.

SUSIE PEPPER

You may recognize her as a talented podcaster in Season 3 of FOX's I Can See Your Voice, while singing with Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child or as Miss Maine in 2009 earning a vocal talent award at the Miss America Scholarship Pageant. As an accomplished vocalist who has been performing professionally for over 20 years, Susie Pepper is known for her versatility across symphonic, jazz and contemporary concert settings. Her musical journey began in church choirs and community theater, where she developed the foundation of a powerful, expressive voice and a deep love of storytelling through song. Susie gained early professional experience as the lead singer for the Point Sebago Resort house band, To The Point, and rose to statewide recognition after winning Fox23’s “Maine Idol” competition in 2008. A sought-after guest soloist, Susie has performed with renowned orchestras such as the Portland Symphony Orchestra, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra to name a few. She considers her work with the Portland Symphony Orchestra to be a highlight of her career and has graced the Merrill Auditorium Stage on numerous occasions. She appears in settings ranging from small jazz venues with her quartet to full-scale rock concerts and symphonic pops productions. She currently performs full-time as the lead singer of the Maine-based function band Mixology and is the co-host of the podcast Diaries of a Wedding Singer, with her twin sister.

JELANI REMY

With soulful vocals, stage-smarts, and a magnetic charisma, Jelani Remy brings depth and joy to every character he plays. A native of Cedar Grove, New Jersey and a graduate of Montclair State University, his journey from small-town beginnings to Broadway spotlight reflects a powerful dedication to his craft. He first gained major recognition playing Simba in The Lion King on Broadway and on tour, then went on to star as Eddie Kendricks in Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. Most recently, Jelani originated dual roles, Mayor Goldie Wilson and Marvin Berry, in Back to the Future on Broadway, delivering standout performances in classic hits like “Earth Angel” with charm, energy, and comedic flair. Beyond the stage, Jelani performs in concerts worldwide for Disney, sharing his voice and infectious spirit with audiences from Orlando to Tokyo. Whether leading a Disney classic, honoring Motown legends, or bringing new stories to life on Broadway, Jelani Remy continues to prove that his artistry knows no bounds.
 
BRENNYN LARK

With powerful vocals, emotional depth, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, Brennyn Lark lights up the stage and inspires off it. She first made her mark on Broadway as Eponine in Les Misérables, then captivated London audiences as Deena Jones in the West End production of Dreamgirls. She returned to New York to appear as Catherine Parr in SIX: The Musical on Broadway. Her credits also include The Prince of Egypt (Tzipporah), Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene), and most recently, Goodspeed Opera House's production of Ragtime (Sarah). On screen, Brennyn has appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and other television projects. Offstage, she is a passionate vocal coach and mentor, helping artists unlock their confidence and authenticity through performance.

ASHLEY LIBERTY

Ashley Liberty is an award-winning violinist whose expressive artistry and stylistic versatility have carried her from Maine to Miami and onto world stages in 13 countries, including Mexico, Austria, Israel, and Japan. Equally at home in classical, pop, and theatrical settings, Ashley is known for her ability to elevate performances with both technical precision and emotional depth. She has shared the stage with an extraordinary roster of artists including Andrea Bocelli, Bernadette Peters, Michael Feinstein, Gloria Estefan, Ricky Skaggs, Noel Paul Stookey, and Norm Lewis. Notably, she performed with Shakira in the 2020 Super Bowl Pepsi halftime show. As a sought-after recording musician, Ashley is frequently called upon for studio projects, including a recent accompaniment track for the iconic precision dance company The Rockettes. With her husband, Yamaha keyboard artist Daniel Strange, the two perform as 'Hot Fiddle,' playing a wide range of styles for violin and piano. As an orchestral musician, Ashley has performed with the Naples Philharmonic, Miami City Ballet, Miami Bach Society, and Florida Grand Opera, and has served as concertmaster on multiple occasions with the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra. Whether performing as a featured soloist, orchestral leader, or collaborative artist, Ashley Liberty brings elegance, passion, and world-class musicianship to every stage she graces.

DANIEL STRANGE

Daniel Strange is a dynamic and versatile musician whose work spans the worlds of Broadway, Pop, Jazz, and Orchestral performance. He has appeared on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall and NBC’s The Today Show, and has collaborated with an extraordinary range of critically acclaimed artists across genres. His performance credits include appearances with Michael Feinstein, Ann Hampton Calloway, Jacob Collier, Robert Glasper, Madison Cunningham, Lawrence, Allen Stone, Wyclef Jean, Luis Fonsi, Noel Paul Stookey, Joshua Henry, Norm Lewis, Lindsay Mendez, and Sutton Foster. Equally at home in the orchestra pit, Daniel has performed with the national touring productions of Wicked, Jersey Boys, Pippin, Les Misérables, West Side Story, Dreamgirls, Young Frankenstein, Legally Blonde, and A Chorus Line, bringing precision, musical intelligence, and stylistic fluency to every score. As a composer, arranger, and orchestrator, Daniel’s work spans jazz, pop, choral, and symphonic idioms, with commissions and performances by ensembles across the country. Known for his musical sensitivity and collaborative spirit, Daniel Strange continues to bridge genres and elevate every project with artistry, versatility, and depth. He is incredibly proud to be a Yamaha Performing Artist.

BRENNYN LARK performing as Sara in Ragtime:



MERRITT DAVID JANES performing as Sweeney Todd in the national tour:



MERRITT DAVID JANES as Dewey in The School of Rock:



MERRITT DAVID JANES as Lord Farquad in Shrek:

JELANI REMY performing Endless Night as Simba:



JELANI REMY getting ready as Simba on Broadway:



SUSIE PEPPER sings Don't Stop Believin'


SUSIE PEPPER in FOX's I Can See Your Voice

SUSIE PEPPER sings Let it Go


ASHLEY LIBERTY and DANIEL STRANGE Hot Fiddle Promo Reel 


ASHLEY LIBERTY and DANIEL STRANGE perform Shamrock - Hot Fiddle