Join friends of Cleveland Musical Theatre in concert, with The X Factor star Rachel Potter, YouTube sensation Natalie Weiss and CMT alumni singing from today’s hit musicals on Broadway. ‘Friends of CMT: In Concert’ is music directed by Rob Kovacs and will feature Cleveland Musical Theatre’s current ‘Audition Prep’ musical theatre students.

Featured CMT alumni include Christina Ciofani, Dylan Freeman, Lauryn Hobbs, Adriana Holst, Klara Hricik, Grace Hunt, Johnathon Jackson, Gabriella Mack & Sophia Madorsky

Born in New Orleans but raised in Florida, Rachel Potter was influenced musically by her rock-n-roller parents, her Baptist church upbringing, and her classical training. She started out her professional career performing in several shows at Walt Disney World, as Ariel, Belle and Nemo. She later starred on Broadway in The Addams Family, as Wednesday with Brooke Shields and Roger Rees, Evita, as the Mistress with Ricky Martin and Michael Cerveris, and Glinda in the second national tour of Stephen Schwartz’s, Wicked. But with her heart always residing in country music, Rachel continued to write and record whenever she had free time. She recorded and released her debut EP, “Live The Dream,” in 2012 which showcased her pop country sound, and songwriting. Just a year later, she left behind the “Great White Way” to find her place among the neon lights of Music City. Potter went on to become a Top 12 finalist on season three of The X Factor, earning international praise for her rendition of Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” Her take on the classic tune, which has now reached over 32 million views on YouTube, is featured on her new album, Not So Black and White.

Natalie recently returned from her 1st Australian and 2nd European concert/teaching tours! Last year, she took part in the reading of the upcoming Hugh Jackman movie musical, The Greatest Showman, based on the life of P.T. Barnum, with original music by Pasek and Paul. Last summer, she played Candy in the U.S. premiere of the new version of Saturday Night Fever at the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival. In August 2013, she completed a 2 1/2 year run swinging the national tour of Les Miserables. Back In 2010, she made her Broadway debut understudying the Menonettes in Everyday Rapture, starring Sherie Rene Scott. She also performed in the ensemble and understudied Elphaba in the 2nd national tour of Wicked. Natalie was an American Idol season 4 semi-finalist, has performed the National Anthem at Cowboys & Shea Stadium, but is most well known for her Youtube videos. She has gained an international following from her performance videos & popular web series, “Breaking Down The Riffs,” which have collectively reached over 3 million views. Check out her self-titled EP on iTunes.