Johnny Wild & The Delights’ - Christmas Spectacular
In the Jervey Theatre Dec 21 - DEC 22
Johnny Wild & the Delights
ANDY MATCHETT (Vocals/Guitar)
Andy (AKA Johnny Wild), has been independently producing, directing and starring in a wide variety of musical and theatrical productions for over 20 years. His starring role as Buddy Holly in both The Icehouse Theatre (2012) and Theatre Winter Haven’s (2014) sold out runs of the Buddy-Buddy Holly Story led to his being cast as Buddy in the national tour of the show in 2015. That same year, he also landed the starring role in Icehouse Theatre’s sold out production of Hank Williams Lost Highway and won a Best Actor nod for his work. His original musicals Janis Joplin: Little Girl Blue (2015) and Key Of E (2013) both won multiple awards at the Orlando International Fringe Festival including Patron’s Pick, Best Director, Best Musical and Best in Fringe. With 11 total awards, Key Of E still holds the record for most awards won by a single show at the Fringe Fest. Since then, he has been touring the Southeast full time with Johnny Wild and the Delights, producing over a dozen different theme shows annually with the band at hundreds of venues all around the region. As a veteran of the Florida Theatre community, he is absolutely thrilled to finally be working with the storied Venice Theatre Production Team.
KARI RINGER (Vocals)
Kari is an Ohio native, and an Orlando, FL resident. Proud to be a part of this incredible band! Favorite FL shows include Million Dollar Quartet (director/MD at Osceola Arts), Evita (Orlando Shakes), Spitfire Grill (Mad Cow Theatre), Highway Blue (Manhattan Shakespeare Company), and roles at Winter Park Playhouse, Orlando Fringe, and Universal Orlando. Otterbein College BFA 2009. "Thank you to the Venice Theatre and its patrons for their hospitality. May your holidays be joyful! "
CHELSEA MCLEAN (Vocals)
Chelsea is so excited to be rocking out with Johhny Wild at the beautiful Venice Theatre! Originally hailing from the Midwest, she's spent better part of the last 10 years touring the world singing on Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Azamara cruise lines. She now calls Orlando home, spending her days entertaining the masses at Universal Studios and hanging out with her doggo Collin! Chelsea wishes you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
CHUCK ZAYAS (Bass)
Chuck has been performing on stage for more than twenty straight years. In his many roles as bass player, singer, songwriter, band leader, side man, session player, and producer, his skills and work ethic are impressive. From rockabilly bass guru in Rocket 88, to fronting his most recent "roots" project, The Midnight Ramblers, Chuck is a brilliant talent not to be missed. To create with him or or to see him perform live is always a pleasure. 110% of pure passion and ability. He never fails to deliver. Get ready to Rock 'n' Roll…Ladies and Gentleman…on Bass…Chuck Zayas.
KEVIN CONNOLLY, JR. (Drums)
Kevin was born into a family of musicians, and has been playing drums and percussion his entire life. Originally from Long Island, New York, he was introduced to many music styles ranging from disco to big band jazz, citing the first concert his father, formerly a professional drummer himself, took him to see was The Buddy Rich Big Band. This single concert event ignited his lifelong passion for drumming. While in high school, Kevin and his family relocated to Clearwater, Florida, where his drumming career began to flourish. He got involved in competitive marching band and drum and bugle corps. He became an established drummer in the Tampa Bay scene, and found himself touring and recording with various bands and musical projects. His first professional drumming gig was somewhat unconventional, playing on trash cans for the high-energy theme park percussion act, The Jammitors, at Disney's Epcot in Orlando. In 2001, Kevin relocated to Las Vegas, NV, to join the production of Blue Man Group – Live at Luxor. Six years later, he was asked to become an opening cast member of Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando Resort. For nearly 20 years, he performed thousands of theatrical Blue Man Group live shows and television appearances, including the Ellen Degeneres Show, La Voz Kids, the Complex Arena Tour, and the 2005 Royal Variety Performance (for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II). Aside from drumming with Johnny Wild and the Delights, he can also be seen performing with the acclaimed original soul rock band, The Sh-Booms. When not on stage, Kevin enjoys time off at home with his family, teaching private lessons, and conducting music workshops for students who want to pursue a life of drumming like he has been fortunate enough to do.
THOM MESROBIAN (Big Bopper)
Thom made his first appearance as the Big Bopper in Theatre Winter Haven's 2012 production of Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story and then again in 2014 which is when he met Andy Matchett. Andy was cast as Buddy Holly and the two hit it off right away. Thom began making guest appearances with the band in the Legends Show, The Day The Music Lived, A Night at The Opry and many others. Thom has been a professional singer and actor in Central Florida theme parks for over 15 years. When he's not rocking with Johnny you can see Thom as the Pirate SharkTooth Sam or hear his new rock musical Queen of Swords. For more info on Thom and his many projects please check out Roguestage.com.
ZACK VAN METER (Lead Guitar)
Zack is a guitarist of many hats and has a passion for playing many styles of music. With influences from jazz, blues, country, to Rock 'n' Roll he aims to recreate the sounds of his favorite guitar heroes. Born and raised in Florida, he picked up the guitar when he was fifteen years old and started performing on stage shortly thereafter. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to play with many different bands covering multiple genres of music from the '50s to today.
TYLER ROBINSON (keys/vocals)
Tyler is a versatile and energetic powerhouse of a musician! There isn’t an instrument he can’t play, or a vocal he can’t sing. His signature style is a combination of Jerry Lee Lewis and Billy Joel. You can catch him pounding the keys all over Florida, doing solo work, dueling pianos, and full band shows. As a huge fan of dad jokes, Tyler wanted to share this one with you: What do you call a bunch of board game fans bragging about their games in a hotel lobby? Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer!
