Performers
Chris Osantowski co-MC
Chris Osantowski is a comedian and producer in Chicago’s vibrant improv scene. You can catch them at their weekly show Respawn Improv at iO Theater. In June, Chris produced and starred in “REVIVAL: An Improvised Televangelist Experience” partnering with a Chicago food bank to provide funds for 20k meals for neighbors in need. When they aren’t performing, you can find Chris at home with his lovely partner, two cats, and tortoise.
Tristan Ramos co-MC
Tristan Ramos (he/him) is a musician, improviser, and educator based in Chicago. He holds a B.A. in Music with a focus in Film Scoring and a Vocal Performance Certificate from Elmhurst University. Over the past three years, he has directed musicals and spent much of his time immersed in Chicago’s comedy scene. He has performed improv, musical improv, and sketch. He also music directed for sketch and improv, and worked in lighting and tech. Tristan has performed at Second City, The Annoyance, and the iO Theater, where he also teaches Music Improv. He is also Creator and Executive Producer with Hey, Sit Down! Productions, a TTRPG actual-play production company producing live and filmed media. Being a long friend of Emerging Artists, Tristan is excited to be participating again as the MC for the Miscast Cabaret!
Alex Amato collaborative pianist
ALEXANDER J. AMATO is a collaborative pianist, vocalist, music director and emerging arts leader based in the greater Chicago area. A versatile collaborator, Amato possesses extensive experience accomapnying a wide range of choral, instrumental, and musical theater ensembles across educational, competitive, and worship settings. He serves as the Music Director and Accompanist at First Presbyterian Church of DuPage, and a sought-after collaborative pianist with various area schools and ensembles. Beyond his core work on the keys, Alex frequently steps off the bench as a vocalist, conductor, and artistic producer. Demonstrating dynamic leadership within the arts community, he is the Founder and Artistic Director of Amatones NFP, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible music education and executing large-scale community concert productions. Amato is currently pursuing a BME in Choral Music Education at North Central College.
Joanna Angumei
Joanna Angumei is a Choir Teacher at Jack Hille Middle School, where she directs the musical and jazz choir. A proud alumna of Elmhurst University, Joanna maintains an active performance career alongside her teaching. Most recently, she had the incredible privilege of performing as a finalist in the "Top Remnant Talent Show" in front of approximately 20,000 people in Korea. She's excited to perform in her first Miscast Cabaret show and grateful to Emerging Artists for the opportunities they provide to young artists. Follow her musical journey on Instagram @jangumeimusic!
Regan Bobich
Regan Bobich is a graduate of Elmhurst University with a degree in Musical Theatre and a working actor in Chicago. Famously known for often playing characters of the opposite gender, she is excited for this miscast performance!! She would like to thank Daniel Cruz for inviting her to do this concert and allowing her to work with such talented people. She would also like to thank her friends and family for their continued support.
Daniel Cruz
Daniel Cruz is a dedicated and compassionate recent graduate of Elmhurst University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music with a concentration in Choral Conducting. Throughout his time at Elmhurst, Daniel demonstrated his leadership abilities in various roles, including Assistant Conductor for the Elmhurst Choral Union, where he had the honor of conducting Handel’s Messiah and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. His commitment to fostering musical expression extended to his role as Pit Director for the university's production of SchoolHouse Rock Live! and as Music Director for Legally Blonde: The Musical!. He also served as the Intern Conductor for the Napervoice Fall 2024 Concert.
Currently, Daniel serves as the Choral and Musical Ensemble Leader at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wheaton, IL, where his devotion to nurturing musical talent is evident in his work with the Adult Choir, Children's Choir, and other ensembles he creates. His compassionate leadership style encourages collaboration and growth among his performers. Daniel also works with Music & Arts as an Education Representative, where he supports local music teachers by helping them get the instruments, repairs, and resources they need to keep their programs running smoothly.
As the Executive Director and Founder of Emerging Artists, Daniel is deeply committed to supporting fellow conductors as they discover their unique conducting styles and grow in their careers. His passion for mentoring and guiding others reflects his dedication to the art of conducting and the future of music leadership.
Jeri-Ann Day
Jeri-Ann Day is a choir and general music teacher at Hinckley-Big Rock High School and Middle School, where she works with students across multiple grade levels. She holds a degree in Music Education from Elmhurst University, with a certificate in Vocal Performance.
Outside of teaching, Jeri-Ann is an active performer. She sings with a r&b rock group that performs throughout the Chicago area and is a member of NaperVoice, a semi-professional choir based in Naperville. She is passionate about performing, conducting, and creating art anywhere she can find it. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Carly Mulert
Carly is very excited to part of her second cabaret this year. Recently she did the Golden Age Cabaret at the Lodge Performing Arts Center in Elgin. She is thrilled to be performing a song from a RENT, a favorite musical of hers. She loves that she gets to share the stage with Angela Yu who she recently met doing The Spongebob Musical where Carly was Old Man Jenkins and Electric Skate 2. Love you Angela! Love you mom! Love you dad! Love you sister! Enjoy the show everyone!
Benjamin Robins
Benjamin Robins is a recent graduate of Elmhurst University, earning a degree in music with a focus in fine arts education, a minor in theatre education, and a certificate of vocal performance. Throughout his academic career, Ben had spent the majority of his time on stage or behind the scenes of many music and theatre events, in and outside of school. His most recent projects include directing a production of StarKid’s Firebringer and lighting design for Hinckley-Big Rock High School’s production of Alice in Wonderland.
Ben is currently a private lessons and group class instructor at Bach to Rock music school in Naperville, IL. He teaches voice, piano, ukulele, and early childhood education. His students have performed at a variety of events and showcases. He hopes to continue to grow his studio and provide the gift of music!
Ashley Swaner
Ashley Swaner is a current master’s student studying Higher Education & Student Development. Over her years as an artist, she has developed a passion for storytelling in all its forms—spanning traditional plays, musicals, devised theater, poetry readings, liturgical feasts, and even Shakespearean puppet shows! Ashley is thrilled to be working with Emerging Artists and performing in the Miscast Cabaret.
Angela Yu
ANGELA YU (She/Her) is praised for her “effervescent stage presence” and “sparkling high notes”. She completed her graduate studies at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. This past spring, Angela presented her original solo cabaret show “RETURN: A Journey to 30 Through Song” at the historic Den Theater in Chicago. Other local projects include Kokandy Production’s Sweeney Todd (ensemble, u/s swing) and Palatine Parks District’s The Spongebob Musical (Karen the Computer). Off-stage, Angela is a staff singer for St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Zurich. When she’s not sharing her voice through song, she is advocating for accessible healthcare as a fundraiser for Erie Family Health Centers.