Josh Young Archives - Reynolds College Blog

Missouri State’s Josh Young and Haley Ciaramella to appear in Hudson Valley Shakespeare production of “Les Misérables”

April 30, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Musical Theatre Coordinator Josh Young, associate professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, has been selected to play Jean Valjean in the Hudson Valley Shakespeare production of “Les Misérables.”

Joining Young is freshman musical theatre major Haley Rose Ciaramella, who has been cast in the role of Éponine.

The production runs Aug. 12-Sept. 27, 2026. Hudson Valley Shakespeare (HVS) is located in Garrison, New York.

The role of a lifetime

Josh Young 2026 headshot. Photo credit: Nicki Bhem.

The HVS opportunity is not the first time Young has appeared in a production of Les Mis. It is, however, his first time playing Jean Valjean, his favorite role since childhood.

“’Les Misérables’ has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Young recalled. “Growing up, it was the soundtrack of my childhood. My mother played it constantly.”

Young said the role feels aligned with his voice and his instincts as an actor.

“It sits in a place that plays to my strengths vocally and dramatically,” he explained. “When I look at the roles I’ve been drawn to throughout my career, they are all characters operating at the highest possible stakes, and Valjean is no exception.”

Now, as a father, Young said the role resonates even more.

“Valjean’s relationship with Cosette, his drive to protect her and the responsibility he carries in the midst of chaos all feel very personal,” Young noted. “That combination of scale and intimacy is what makes the role so meaningful to me.”

“Broadway Giants” celebrates musical theatre legends Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim

February 27, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance, in collaboration with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will present “Broadway Giants: Lloyd Webber and Sondheim” at 7:30 p.m. March 7, 2026, in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

“Broadway Giants” honors the musical legacies of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim. Associate Professor and Musical Theatre Coordinator Josh Young is the show’s co-producer, writer and director.

Young built “Broadway Giants” around three Sondheim compositions and six Lloyd Webber compositions. He then included songs from people who influenced Sondheim and Lloyd Webber as well as the new generation of composers they have since influenced. The narrative throughout “Broadway Giants” provides historical context while telling the story of Sondheim and Lloyd Webber, their work and their far-reaching influence.

“I’m excited for the community to see the show,” Young said. “I think people will be shocked at the level of talent that we have this year. I think we have some of the most talented students in the country, and I would love for the community at large to know that.”

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MSU Theatre and Dance collaborates with Springfield Symphony Orchestra in “Carousel”

October 31, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance joins the Springfield Symphony Orchestra to present “Carousel” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 2024, at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

As part of the Symphony’s “Lullaby of Broadway” program, the performance features a concert version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic and stars Josh Young, associate professor and coordinator of musical theatre at Missouri State.

The production includes a 55-member ensemble backed by a 60-plus piece symphony.

Springfield Symphony Maestro Kyle Pickett will conduct the entire event.

Tickets are available through the Hammons Hall box office and online at www.missouristatetix.com.

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Collaboration leads to “Carousel”

When Young joined MSU’s theatre and dance faculty in 2023, one of his first actions was to have lunch with Pickett to discuss collaboration opportunities.

“Kyle and I discussed several possibilities, including an evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein music,” Young said.

Originally, the plan was to give a performance featuring Young and his wife, Emily Padgett-Young. Both are Broadway veterans, and Young was nominated for a Tony® Award in 2012.

“However, ‘Carousel’ has always been one of my favorite musical scores,” Young said. “With the immense talent we have here at MSU, I thought, ‘Why just do a two-person evening of songs when we could create something even more special?’”

“The idea of bringing the full richness of ‘Carousel’ to life with our students, in collaboration with the Springfield Symphony, felt like the perfect way to elevate the experience for both the performers and the audience,” he added.

Since then, working with Pickett and the technical staff at Hammons Hall has been a delight, Young said. “Their professionalism and flexibility have made the collaboration seamless.”

Man singing in front of Steinway piano — Josh Young performs for the Missouri State Foundation Board of Trustees on Oct. 18, 2024, in the C. Minor Recital Hall. Photo credit: Jesse Scheve/Missouri State University.

Dovid Adler reaches semi-finals in APO NextGen competition

October 29, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University sophomore Dovid Adler, a BFA musical theatre major, has reached the semi-finals in the 2024 American Pops Orchestra (APO) NextGen competition. He will compete via live stream Dec. 1.

“When I learned I reached the semis, I genuinely jumped out of my seat with excitement,” Adler said. “It felt like a wave of reassurance for me and my artistry.”

For the semi-finals, Adler will perform “Misty,” a jazz standard made famous by Ella Fitzgerald. “I really love that song, and I think it showcases me as an artist very well,” he said.

Finalists will travel to New York City to perform at the Lincoln Center Jan. 19, 2025.

Competing adds to audition experience

Adler decided to compete not only to learn more about the audition process but also to get accustomed to potential rejection.

Dovid Adler. Photo credit: Luke Fontana.

“I decided to audition because, as a performer, you have to be willing to put yourself out there and not be afraid of rejection, even though it’s so common,” he said. “Because of all the rejection we face as artists, it’s hard not to get used to that feeling.”

Encouraged by MSU community

Adler’s success so far in the NextGen competition did not surprise Musical Theatre Coordinator Josh Young.

“I am excited to see Dovid’s talent being recognized on a national level,” Young said. “Despite only being with us for a few months as a transfer student, he has quickly showcased his exceptional talent and dedication.”

“We are proud of his accomplishments and look forward to his continued success,” Young added.

After graduating, Adler hopes to move to New York City to pursue an acting and singing career. In the meantime, he said he is enjoying the encouragement shown to him at Missouri State.

“Everyone here is so supportive, and I feel very loved and supported in my journey as an artist and specifically in this competition.”

Learn more about MSU’s musical theatre program