Discover the Magic of Educational Theater at Upper Merion Performing Arts

DEANNA CORINO

Deanna is super excited to be performing in the Upper Merion Performing Arts Cabaret! She was most recently seen in Legally Blonde (Serena) and Beauty and the Beast (Babette). She hopes you enjoy watching this talented group of performers!

JUSTIN DAMM

Justin Damm is a graduate of Villanova's Masters of Theatre program and works as a Physics Teacher for Upper Merion Area High School where he directs the musical for The Underground Players. Justin has performed at various local theaters but most recently at Steel River as Roger in Rent.

NICK DEMATTEO

Nick is thrilled to be performing in the Upper Marion Performing Arts cabaret! He is currently a student at West Chester University and most recently performed as the Squip in Be More Chill and Bill Calhoun in Kiss me Kate at the University. He would like to thank everyone for coming to see the show and hopes that you enjoy!

LIANA DONATO

Liana is a performer who has brought roles to stages in PA, DE, and NJ like The Ritz, SALT, New Light and more. Some of her favorite roles include Legally Blonde: The Musical (Paulette), Rent(Joanne Jefferson & Mimi Marquez), Falsettos (Dr. Charlotte), Evita (Eva Perón), Disenchanted (Cinderella) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene). Liana currently works at Bryn Mawr College and sings on the Worship Team at Discover Church in Ardmore.

DANIEL ISAJIW

Daniel is so excited to bring together his amazing friends for this performance tonight. Some of his previous credits include Emmett Forrest (Legally Blonde), Fred (Kiss Me Kate), Edward (Big Fish), Simon Stride (Jekyll and Hyde), and Jean Valjean (Les Miserables). Daniel just started as an Educational Coordinator at DVCCC while also owning UMPA. He is so grateful for all the support UMPA has received and is excited that you are along for the ride!

NIR KITARO

MARY KATE SHIELDS

Making a recent return to the performance scene, Mary Kate brings extensive experience and passion for vocal and theatrical performance. She has portrayed roles including Vivienne Kensington (Legally Blonde), Vi Moore (Footloose), Hope Harcourt (Anything Goes), Cinderella (Into the Woods) and Judy Hanes (White Christmas) on stages throughout Chester County. She is grateful to the UMPA team for this performance opportunity and support of the local arts community

JOSH STARCZEWSKI

Josh is thrilled to be here for his first UMPA cabaret! You may have seen him in local productions playing Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, SpongeBob in the SpongeBob Musical, Warner in Legally Blonde, or Dmitry in Anastasia. Josh will next be on stage playing Jack Kelly at Firebird Theater, followed by Plankton at SALT.” Thank you and enjoy the show!! @joshuastarczewski

MAURA TAYLOR

Maura Taylor is thrilled to be performing in a cabaret all about the love of the stage! Some favorite past credits include Elle Woods (Legally Blonde), Katherine Plumber (Newsies), Carmen Bernstein (Curtains), Joanne (RENT), and Ariel (The Little Mermaid). Maura is forever grateful to Daniel and the rest of the wonderful team organizing this event to foster the love of theater among young people

KAT THORPE

Kat Thorpe is thrilled to be performing in UMPA’s first cabaret series! As recent graduate of Millersville University, Kat studied Communications, Theatre, and Music. She has spent this summer and last working at UMPA as a director and choreographer for the kids' camps, and she’s loved every moment. Kat hopes you enjoy the performances by all these talented people!

ISABELLA YACKANICZ

Isabella recently graduated from West Chester University with a degree in Political Science, minors in journalism and Spanish. Previous WCU credits include Christine (Be More Chill), Katherine (Kiss Me Kate), Masha (Three Sisters), all for which she received KCACTF Irene Ryan and MTI nominations. Most recently, she was the understudy for Emily in Our Town at New Light Theatre. Isabella placed 2nd at the 2025 KCACTF Musical Theatre Intensive and was the recipient of the 2024 Evolution Award. She has choreographed and stage-managed productions at Steel River Playhouse in Pottstown and directed summer camps there as well. She’s so appreciative of Daniel for this opportunity to sing and celebrate the gift of theatre! She sends her love to friends and family!