James Melberg ( Music Director ) currently teaches piano and voice at the Phoenix for the Arts (for the past 32 years). Directed over 70 musicals and plays in many local theaters and is currently performing in Beyond Broadway cabaret band around the state. Honored to receive several Zoni , Prizm and NYA awards for musical theater. Also currently composing his ninth musical “Private Lives” premiering in Fountain Hills Jan 2026. The Phoenix Center for the Arts is the best local community center that supports the arts.

Maze is a New York City–based performer with nearly a decade of professional experience as a singer, actor, dancer, and aerialist. She has been a dedicated pole dancer for almost five years, earning recognition by placing in professional-level competitions. Her career has taken her across the globe, with highlights including performances in Tokyo, Disneyland, and the renowned Carnegie Hall. Maze’s work spans both stage and screen, where she brings her artistry to life.

Ember Soleil is celebrating her 23rd year as a professional “swinging on things extraordinaire.” She is the owner of Prowess Pole Fitness in Tempe Arizona, and in her spare time she enjoys making clothing that her ass inevitably falls out of

An Arizona native, Janine Amity began her dance training at age three, developing her skills in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance locally and in Wisconsin. During her formative years, she competed nationally and was featured in lead roles for classical ballets such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. After college she went on to dance with Centre Dance Ensemble and Scorpius, performing in works like Snow Queen, Anne Frank, and Vampire Tale. She continues to refine her craft through intensives at prestigious institutions, including Broadway Dance Center, the Alvin Ailey, and the Martha Graham Dance Company. We are pleased to welcome Janine back for her second performance with our production.

Zach Wetzel is a professional educator, Broadway World critic, and award-winning performer. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University’s prestigious Vocal Performance program and was named Marriott Top Male Singer of the University. Zach also holds a JD from The University of South Dakota.

Natacha began her professional dance career at the age of 17, as a Corps de Ballet member with Ballet Arizona. She then went on to travel the world performing for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Her television credits include The 82nd Annual Academy Awards opening number, dancing for Lady GaGa in the Sinatra100 CBS special and the HBO TV movie Behind The Candelabra and most recently the Netflix original GLOW. She has also had the pleasure of dancing lead roles in Vegas The Show at Planet Hollywood, Showstoppers at The Wynn, and one half of the lead ballroom couple in BAZ at The Venetian on the Las Vegas strip. Natacha is happy to be back in her hometown of Phoenix Arizona where she can be found performing throughout the valley as well as pursuing her acting career!

Jetuan Whedon is a newcomer to the comedy scene and taking it by storm. After many years of watching, wishing and learning she’s taken to the stage. When she’s not on stage she’s spending time with her husband, children and making elaborate balloon sculptures. Oh did we forget to mention, Jetuan is an award winning balloon artist.

Jon Paul Escobedo was owner of The Music Store, located in Mesa, AZ, for 30 years. Prior to that he was the guitar, bass, and drum teacher for 7 years, teaching up to 42 students a week. During those years he also performed Jazz, R&B, Country, Reggae, and Rock with many artists including Francine Reed and Grammy Award winning Dennis Rowland. He was the guitarist in many theatre productions including Man of La Mancha, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, and most recently Jersey Boys and Sister Act. JP has spent over 30 years as instrumental music director at Mountain Park Community Church, Community of Hope Church, and Horizon Presbyterian Church. JP is currently performing with AZ Jukebox, and the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra. He is again teaching at The Music Store Studios in Mesa. You can contact him at http://www.guitarwithJP.com

Sarai Allen was an original Troubadour Cate cast member who trained under Todd Bailey for many years, honing her craft. When she isn’t on stage, she enjoys reading with her young son, roller skating, playing Scrabble and enjoying the outdoors.

Christopher Hooper is an improviser, actor, storyteller, and producer/director of several popular Valley storytelling shows, including Liar Liar and Dirty Bits. He has been performing acting, improvisation, and storytelling for over 13 years in the Valley, trained at the legendary I.O. Chicago, and has appeared on stages such as the Herberger Theater and Tempe Center for the Arts. As owner of Arizona StoryLab, he teaches others how to craft and perform their personal and professional stories, and he currently produces Dirty Bits—Arizona’s only adult storytelling show right here at Phoenix Center for the Arts.

Dr. Karl A. Huff -Flute, /saxophones. As a performer Dr. Huff (B.S. Illinois, M.A. Howard, Ed.D., Arizona State)has helped to put Phoenix on the International map of musicians.  He has performed in London, Paris, Fiji, Cairo, North and Central America as well as the Caribbean, yet Phoenix is his home.  He has performed with Grammy Nominees and Winners!  Many of his students have gone on to win scholarships to colleges and University all over the United States.  Some of his former band members now front their own bands and perform locally, nationally, and internationally!  
   He was nominated for the City of Phoenix “Mayor Arts Award, Music Artist.”  This past year he received the “John F. Kennedy Community Service Award,”  “Man of the Year Award,” at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.  Every year he writes and arranges music for either College Bands, High School and Elementary Bands, Jazz Bands and Combos,  private individuals and his own group “Insight.”
   In the past he has performed in the musicals: Jesus Christ Super Star; H.M.S. Pinafore; Annie; Grease; The Buddy Holly Story; and Godspell!  
Actively still teaching private and semi-private lessons, he has help to keep Phoenix Metropolitan area musically alive for many years!

Emma Noel is a dancer and performer based in Phoenix, Arizona. Some recent credits include CanCan! with Dance Teacher Web Conference, Tapperstitious Rhythms with Tap24.7, and 6 String Sonata with Third Space Dance Project. They also do a variety of mascot and face character work with the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. They have a B.P.A. in Dance Performance and certificate in Entertainment Business from Oklahoma City University, and have apprenticed with Tap Into The Network. Emma is very excited to work with this production and Phoenix Center of the Arts! A huge thank you to all family, friends, and mentors that have supported and encouraged them in this career, and more thanks to the cast and crew of Troubadour Café for being so welcoming and inspiring!

Tazia started singing as soon as she could form words. Her professional performances include two plays with Fountain Hills Theatre in the productions “Ghost” and “The Great Gatsby” in which she had her solo debut as “Chanteuse” singing an original piece “Blue Gardens”. Tazia also performs as a regular as a part of a quartet in Desert Dance Theatre’s production of “Sister Moses”. Her latest performance was for the Black Theatre Troupe’s “Black Nativity”. She will continue to sing and perform for years to come. “Making the people FEEL is my objective, no matter WHERE I’m singing” she says. “I love it, and as long as there is breath in my lungs, I will sing”.

Dancer of 25 yrs, Chenele has ventured off to dance in Musicals such as “Africa 2 America,” “Urinetown,” and “A Nativity Story.” She later became a ballroom teacher for Arthur Murray Studios. She continues dancing in future plays and dance showcases.

Janycia began her dance training at age 2 where she trained in various styles of dance at a Fine Arts studio right outside Chicago, Illinois. Shortly after her move to Arizona, she attended Mountain Pointe High School, where she joined their dance program, and was a part of their Senior Company (being the only first-year student to make it her auditioning year). Janycia then attended CAC where she graduated pursuing an arts degree. Now Janycia teaches and dances professionally throughout the Phoenix Valley as well as modeling and acting!

Todd is Arizona born and raised. Todd started his career with Tempe Dance Company and Ballet West Arizona, then after placing highly in a national dance competition and appearances on Starsearch, decided to take becoming a professional dancer seriously. Todd’s career took him to NYC, LA, Las Vegas and all over Europe. He has worked closely with artist like Phil Collins, Quincy Jones, Harry Belafonte, Tom Jones and Sheila E. Todd opened EFX with Michael Crawford and Winds of the Gods at Luxor, in Las Vegas. Troubadour Cafe is Todd’s creation and has been a labor of his heart since 2012.

Dave is a professional drummer who has been played for various valley theaters. He is currently the assistant band director and percussion director at Youngker High School as well as a math teacher.

Brayan Perez was born in Veracruz, Mexico and moved to the United States at a young age. His artistic journey began in middle school through music, where he studied piano, guitar, and flute—earning recognition and awards for his flute performances. In high school, he expanded into theater, performing in community events and productions, including his standout role as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. After graduation, Brayan discovered his passion for dance while attending Scottsdale Community College. Guided by inspiring instructors, he committed fully to the art form and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Dance Education from Grand Canyon University in 2019. Since then, he has performed with numerous companies across the Phoenix Valley, including Halo Movement Collective, CaZo Dance Theatre, Rogue Dance Productions, Scorpius Dance Theatre, and currently Center Dance Core. Brayan’s diverse artistic background continues to shape his belief in the transformative power of the arts to enrich and connect communities.

Connie Galeener is a versatile actor whose career spans television, film and stage -celebrated for her gregarious presence and unique skill sets. She recently stood out at storytelling productions by Storyline, ‘Liar, Liar’ Storytelling Show, and ‘Dirty Bits’ with her dramatic storytelling style. Connie has worked with production companies like Ronin Theater, All Queer Shakespeare, B3 Theater, White Bison Theater, The Great Arizona Puppet Theater and her own company Buffalo Rick’s Wild West Inc.. At Civitan Foundation, Connie has been a one woman production department as theater teacher/ playwrite/director engaging adults with developmental disabilities since 2016.
At WALTER Productions Connie has been a performing Ambassador for the past three years and recentley was recognized with the unique title of Designated Puppetry Lead. She is currently enrolled in the Storytelling Institute at South Mountain Community College where she is persuing a n Academic Certificate in Storytelling

Michael T. Miles Jr. began his professional dance/choreography career in 1996. His first major role was Bernardo in Westside Story. Michael has since gone on to work in movies, commercials, industrials, music videos, dance instruction, stage and NBA choreography. Michael is a veteran member of the Choreography Pros convention staff. He is ecstatic to share his passion with you all.