THE CMT COMPANY

Julie Powers 

Julie comes to us from the Indianapolis area.  An accomplished actress, director, singer and costumer, Julie is a recognized name in the Indianapolis theatre scene.

Julie received her MFA in Acting from Minnesota State Mankato, and a BFA in Musical Theatre from Butler University.  In addition, she has received accolades for her direction and costume work in professional, educational and community theatre. 

She received raves as Noleeta Nethercott in Del Shores' SORDID LIVES and as Vicki in THE LAST SESSION at Theatre on the Square.  Julie was a regular ACTF attendee, being nominated for the Irene Ryan award on several occasions, most recently for her role as Maggie in THE SHADOWBOX and as Mrs. Lovett in SWEENEY TODD, opposite Cedric Yarborough (Reno 911-Miami; Black Dynamite).  Additionally, Julie has appeared in productions of CHICAGO, PHANTOM, THE MUSIC MAN, JERRY'S GIRLS, FALSETTOS, and preview productions of TALE OF TWO CITIES with Richard Kiley, now on Broadway.

Julie comes to us from the Indianapolis area.  An accomplished actress, director, singer and costumer, Julie is a recognized name in the Indianapolis theatre scene.

The mother of a beautiful little girl named Lilly, Julie Powers brilliantly balances the art of parenting and artistic endeavor.  "The Voice" of the Cabaret, Julie conveys both joy and heartbreak, vibrant yet fragile.   The Boggstown Cabaret's supportive team and exciting performance space offers her artistic freedom and a rare artistic opportunity that she is thrilled to be a part of.

J. Kevin Butler   

J. Kevin Butler, a graduate of Indiana University, is a highly respected clinician, adjudicator and choral director from the state of Indiana.  He has served as Associate Director of the Indiana University Singing Hoosiers, Musical Director for the Chicago Children's Choir and choral director at numerous high schools in Indiana.  Mr. Butler has served on the staffs of many summer music camps including the Indiana University Summer Music Clinic, Macomb Show Choir Workshop, Brightleaf Music Workshop and the internationally known, Show Choir Camps of America.  Mr. Butler is an active soloist and musical theatre performer including roles in musicals such as The Wizard of Oz, Sweeney Todd, Li’l Abner, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Annie and 1776.   He is the author of a manuscript on the history of the American Musical Theatre and a show choir production manual.  He is also a respected private voice teacher and vocal coach.

David Michael Cress

David is thrilled to be returning for his second season as a member of Coachlight Musical Theatre! Last season at Coachlight, David starred in Tumbleweed (Sheriff Willy White), Hollywood Serenade (Kip Carlisle), and HappyHolidays.com (Junior). David has performed in numerous shows in Indianapolis, last starring as Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie at Footlite Musicals in 2008. Indianapolis credits include: Victor/Victoria (American Cabaret Theatre) Will Roger's Follies, Children of Eden, Crazy for You, Fiddler on the Roof, Bye Bye Birdie (Footlite Musicals) and was nominated for the 2008 Encore Award for Best Male Singer in a Musical for his role of Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof. David studied Musical Theatre at Millikin University and The Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. At Millikin, David performed in the Pipedreams Studio Theatre in Happy Talkin’, Foreplay or The Art of the Fugue, The Green Hill, and was Captain Neato-Man in Adventures of Captain Neato-Man at Millikin’s Last Chance Theatre. While at Roosevelt, David studied Ballet and Tap at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and was a featured soloist in two musical theatre showcases. He also studied under former Broadway director and choreographer Luis Perez. David currently studies voice with his friend and colleague, J. Kevin Butler. David would like to thank his Friday's family, Brad, Russ, Julie, and all those that make Coachlight a success, his extremely supportive family, and God for all the blessings.

Leslie Davidson  

Leslie is smitten to be returning to Coachlight Musical Theatre! No stranger to Nashville, Leslie has been seen on this very stage in The Higher the Hair the Closer to Heaven I and II, The Road to Gnawbone, Frankie Annette Elvis and Me, and America the Music. As a native to the area, Leslie grew up in a musical family who encouraged her to pursue her love of music. It was her drive and passion that allowed her to win many awards and scholarships throughout her youth. She went on to study music at Indiana University where she graduated the Jacobs School of Music with a BM in Vocal Performance. Other credits include Beef & Boards’ Alice in Wonderland, Sarah Brown –  Guys and Dolls and Grace Farrell – Annie at Indiana University. Besides piano and voice, she has most recently picked up the guitar. Self taught, Leslie now writes and sings her own original songs. Most importantly she could not have achieved as much or gone as far as she has without the support and love of her family and friends. Leslie would like to thank everyone that has touched her life and helped her grow along the way.

Steven Dunigan

Steven Dunigan is a second year company member. He was born and raised in Martinsville, IN. He is currently pursuing a degree in Pre-Law and Music with a concentration in Voice. Recently, Steven has been seen in the Merry Mac production of Godspell as Jesus. He has also vocal directed and produced JCA Management's productions of Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog: The Musical, and Into the Woods in Bloomington IN. Steven is an alumni of The Indiana University Singing Hoosiers. He would like to thank all of his friends and family for their love and support.

Jeremy Grimmer

Jeremy is thrilled to be returning to Nashville. People may remember Jeremy from Nashville Follies in Jukebox Saturday Night, and On Route 66. Now living in Indianapolis, Jeremy has been involved in the Scottish Rite Cathedral Theatre, The Theatre Within, and most recently The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Jeremy would like to thank all his friends and family for their support, especially his wife wonderful wife Christa.

John D. Phillips

John is the music specialist at Clinton Young Elementary School in Perry Township in Indianapolis.  A music educator for over 23 years, he has been involved in Indianapolis Community Theatre for 30 years.   He started performing in high school at Footlite Musicals and is still very involved there today as a frequent vocal director and performer.  He has worked at most of the theatres in Indy, including The Phoenix, Indianapolis Civic, the Edyvean, Buck Creek Players, Theatre on the Square, and American Cabaret Theatre.  He is a 14 time Encore Award Winner (Indianapolis’ version of “The Tony’s) and was named “Best Actor In A Musical” by The Indianapolis Star for his portrayal of Ko-Ko in The Mikado at the Edyvean.  Some of his non-theatre performance highlights have been singing the National Anthem in the RCA Dome for the Indianapolis Colts, appearing on stage with Barry Manilow at Market Square Arena and singing in the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France.

Amy Smidebush

Amy Smidebush is thrilled to join Coachlight's company after returning to Indiana from New York City, where she spent most of the last decade. She graduated from the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in Manhattan, studying musical theatre performance. Amy has performed with several choirs and been featured in singer showcases throughout New York and, most notably, she has starred in her own cabaret shows. She continues to perform in New York, including her most recent show, What the hell IS a Smidebush? at the world-famous cabaret Don't Tell Mama, just off Times Square. Some of Amy's favorite musical theatre roles include Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense, Rapunzel in Into the Woods, and Petra in A Little Night Music. Amy wants to give special thanks to her incredible friends and family, especially the world’s most wonderful and adorable parents, for their unending love and support.

Andrea "Andi" Swift  

Judy Turnbow  

Judy was born in Kentucky but has lived most of her life in Indiana. Her Dad put her on stage with him when she was nine years old so she was hooked at an early age. She comes from a very large family of musicians and singers. She performed all through school acting and singing in all the musicals. Her roots are mostly in country, bluegrass, and gospel. Her Dad says, "you've got music in you and it has to come out somehow".
She is going into her seventh season with Coachlight Musical Theatre and is loving every minute of it. Past performances include The Higher the Hair the Closer to Heaven I and II, The Road to Gnawbone, Frankie Annette Elvis and Me, Music Mystery and Mayhem, Gospel Jubilee, and the annual Brown County Christmas shows. She can be seen this season in Cowboy Sweethearts as Loretta Lynn and Platinum Girls.
She is having the time of her life thanks to the support of a great husband and family who understand her need to do this. She can't imagine slowing down anytime soon.... It's a wonderful life.

TECHNICAL STAFF

Susan Christenberry   

Susan has been involved in theatre since    high school and then during her days at Indiana University, where she earned a BS degree in Speech and Drama.  She continued her education at Butler University by receiving a Masters Degree in Education.  After teaching speech and drama for several years in area high schools and then moving around the country with her family for the next 25 years, Susan came back to Indiana and settled in Nashville with her husband, Tom.  She was co owner of Coachlight Musical Theatre for 4 years and since 2009 has been an active participant backstage, creating and painting many of the sets for the new Coachlight owners. It’s great to be part of such a creative team and to be back at Coachlight.