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Celena Cox

Director

Celena Cox received her Masters in Opera Performance from Arizona State University, studied vocal performance at the University of Oklahoma, and performs professionally as a mezzo-soprano. The shift from performer to director is a recent development, but she has realized she has a passion for bringing quality productions to her local community. She has been involved with productions at DMR and Belmont Arts Collaborative over the last year, and has learned so much from all of these experiences. She is grateful for the theater community in Charlottesville that has allowed her to explore music directing, and especially thankful to DMR for giving her this opportunity to direct her first musical. Though this first musical has been a challenge, it has also been a wonderful and educational experience.

Xavier Taylor

Music Director

Raised in Maryland,  Xavier Taylor has gained much recognition across the country singing everything from Verdi to Rock. Always having an immense passion for music, Xavier started his studies with The Maryland State Boychoir and continued with them performing around the world for 10 years. His interests in acting, music and the combination of both led him to attend Carver Center for the Arts where he studied under Dr. Evan Walker who helped Xavier focus his passion for opera. 

Since then, Xavier has attended New England Conservatory in Boston, MA where he has worked with tenor Vincent Cole and baritone Michael Meraw. After his time at NEC, Xavier went on to find further opportunities . He has been honored to work with various opera companies and YAPs including Boston Metro Opera, Utopia Opera, Opera company of Brooklyn, Cimarron Opera, Nashville Opera, Nashville Symphony and countless other recitals in Xavier's favorite "nonconventional venues."

Emily Webber

Stage Manager

Emily Webber is a sophomore at Charlottesville High School. She studies acting and musical theatre and is hoping to pursue a professional career in theatre. This is her first production at DMR and is delighted to have had this opportunity. She has loved working with all of these amazing kids. She hopes to do more with DMR in the future both on stage and backstage.