Meet the 'Gales!
Founding member Jennifer Mergele is a multi-talented performer and creator from Houston, TX. She grew up playing the piano and making up dances for her parents and their friends. Her favorite childhood movies include Pirates of Penzance and White Christmas. Jennifer earned a BBA in Accounting from the University of Houston while feeding her creative bug through various groups and ensembles including a 1940s swing trio, barbershop chorus, jazz band, and original pop-rock band. She performed multiple seasons with the G&S Society of Houston and Opera in the Heights before moving to New York City to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Jennifer continues to perform in NYC theater and film, but loves being a Nightingale the most, because it combines so many of her interests and talents. jennifermergele.com
Lena Dabrusin is a singer, choreographer and instructor originally from Alberta, Canada. She grew up in a musical family and is thrilled to be singing with the Nightingales. Lena is a graduate of the Musical Theater Program at Capilano University in Vancouver where she lived for 6 years before moving to NYC. She received the award for Best Song at the Berlin Music Video Awards in 2014 for her original creation, 'Period Piece' and created the One Direction Cup Song Mashup on YouTube with over 2 million views. Recently, Lena directed and choreographed a cabaret with NYC Hack Productions, Ain’t We Got Fun. Her work has been showcased in the NY Theatre Barn’s Choreography Lab and she assisted Jennifer Paulson Lee in the off-Broadway production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.
Taylor Margaret Johnson is a New York City based dancer, singer, actress and musician. She received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from New York University after growing up in Gresham, Oregon. She has performed at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, Sharon Playhouse and Enlightened Theatrics with highlights being Phoebe in a Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Lucy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Occasionally you can even spot her on Saturday Night Live! You can also hear Taylor singing on little orchestra Pink Martini’s albums Joy to the World and 1969. She is thrilled to be singing and swinging with the Nightingales in tight harmonies and choreography. Besides performing, you can find her burying her nose in a murder mystery, baking, or doing something crafty.
Our Extended Family
Founding member Tia Andriani is a multi-faceted performer and arranger with The New York Nightingales. She obtained her music degree in jazz studies from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia before moving to New York City to study theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
Jennifer Delac is a director, performer, choreographer, and stage manager. Jennifer continues to work with The New York Nightingales while pursuing her MA in Directing at Penn State. Jen graduated with a BA in Theatre from Fordham University, Lincoln Center.