EVITA |
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| PEMBROKE PINES THEATRE OF THE PERFORMING ARTS | |
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Lyrics by Tim Rice |
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Directed by Geoffrey Short Musical Direction by Irma Gloria Choreography by Del Marrero |
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Sahid Pabon |
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DEDICATION
Pembroke Pines Theatre of the Performing Arts dedicates "Places: the 2021-2022 Season" to Alvin Entin.
Alvin Entin, October 18, 1945 – October 25, 2020
Alvin was PPTOPA's beloved Chairman of the Board and a fierce advocate of the theatre as well as a frequent actor, gracing the PPTOPA stage over the years. PPTOPA mourns his loss and dedicates this season to him with love and gratitude for his decades of service to us and all of the South Florida theatre community.
Director's Note
Thank you for coming to EVITA at PPTOPA! Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, we appreciate and welcome you. While this Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Tim Rice classic is, at face value, a surreal historical account of the First Lady of Argentina, at its heart, Evita is a story about storytelling. The stories we tell ourselves, our followers, our audiences, our countries. Even as Eva outwardly preaches the narrative of being one of the working class, her conscience swirls around her and in this production gives voice to different versions of the truth.
Speaking of “alternate truths”, here in this country we’ve become attached to stories that resonate with us, that confirm our beliefs that say: “people like us do things like this” whether they're true or not. Stories aren’t always true and often don’t always contain actual facts. Fairytales. Just because I believe something doesn’t necessarily make it so. The dangers of a society that relies too heavily on rhetoric and propaganda…stories that are starved for data-driven, provable, scientific facts has, unfortunately, come into stark view in our country.
Another story that has come into sharp focus here is the experience of women in America. I’ve always been drawn to stories about brave and powerful women and female-identifying characters, whether they live under the sea, are a stage mother struggling to raise her children in Vaudeville or rose to be the most powerful woman in Argentine history. Perhaps it comes from growing up in a single-parent household with my own mother who was a hero to me. As we tell this story about a poor Argentinian girl who became “Santa Evita” to a nation, it’s important - now more than ever - to reflect on the stories that will be told in generations to come about the experiences of women in our own country and to remind ourselves that without respecting, uplifting and walking alongside them in the fight for their rights, the cautionary tale of Evita rings ever closer to home.
I’m grateful to have created this piece of storytelling with this incredible cast and crew. Especially, my partners, Choreographer Del Marrero, and Music Director Irma Gloria. Special thanks go out to Jersey College of Nursing in Sunrise for housing us during the rehearsal process and, as always to my rock, Cindy.
Thanks again for being here. Enjoy the Show!
Geoff Short, Director
President, PPTOPA
Song List
Act One
A Cinema in Buenos Aires - Company
Requiem - Company
Oh What a Circus - Che and Company
On This Night of a Thousand Stars - Magaldi
Eva Beware of the City - Magaldi, Eva, Company
Buenos Aires - Eva, Company
Goodnight and Thank You - Che, Eva, Company
The Art of the Possible - Company
I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You - Eva, Peron
Another Suitcase in Another Hall - Peron's Mistress, Company
Peron's Latest Flame - Company
A New Argentina, Peron, Eva, Che, Company
Act Two
On the Balcony of the Casa Rosada - Peron, Eva, Company
High Flying Adored -Eva, Che
Rainbow High - Eva, Company
Rainbow Tour - Eva, Che, Peron, Company
The Chorus Girl Hasn't Learned - Eva, Company
And the Money Kept Rolling In - Che, Company
Santa Evita - Company
Waltz for Eva and Che - Eva, Che
You Must Love Me - Eva
She is a Diamond - Peron, Company
Dice are Rolling - Eva, Peron
Eva's Final Broadcast - Eva
Montage - Company
Lament - Eva
Cast
Creative Team
Geoffrey Short
Irma Gloria
Del Marrero
Alicia Rivera
Michael Graham
John Blessed
Sage Meyers
Wendy Marrero
Lisa McFadden-Murphy
Brooke Geraci
Noel Ortiz
Kailyn Kleppe
Leidy Paula
COMING SOON!
PPTOPA Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board/President Emeritus
Mark Palazzo
President
Geoffrey Short
Vice-President
Wendy Marrero
Secretary
Del Marrero
Treasurer
Lisa McFadden-Murphy
Directors
Kim Pitman
Dana Fredebaugh
Lito Becerra
Alicia Rivera
Richard Weinstock
Steven Fuentes
Cindy Short
Jose Norono
Dennis Garberg
Technical and Production Crew
Backstage Crew
Lisa Murphy, Nate Jakovich
Props
Lisa Murphy
Box Office
Dana Fredebaugh, Wendy Marrero, Kim Pitman, Alicia Rivera, Cindy Short, Geoff Short
Group Sales
Marlene Scott
House Photographers
Norman Black, Ron Pollack
House Videographer
Patrick Orlando
Lighting Operator
Noel Ortiz
Sound Operator
Brooke Geraci, Kailyn Kleppe
Follow Spot Operator
Leidy Paula
Marketing
Kim Pitman, Wendy Marrero, Geoff Short
Meet the Company
Gabi Gonzalez
Gabi Gonzalez is delighted to be making her debut at PPTOPA playing her dream role in Evita. She recently returned from traveling around the globe performing with Oceania Cruises. Credits include Parade (Lucille), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Yitzhak) Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie), Shrek the Musical (Fiona), Songs for a New World (Woman 1) and The Divorce Club (Original One Person Show). BFA New World School of the Arts.
She would like to thank everyone who was a part of this journey, especially her amazing support system. You can check out more at www.thegabigonzalez.com
Sahid Pabon
Sahid Pabon (Che) is beyond excited to return to PPTOPA for this long awaited production of Evita! He was last seen at Slow Burn Theatre Co. as Sergei/Ensemble in Matilda the Musical and prior to that, in Sister Act at MNM as Ernie/Ensemble. Sahid was also seen performing at Universal Studios in Orlando scaring guests in Halloween Horror Nights 30 and singing some holiday classics with Grammy Award winning Mannheim Steamroller in their 2021 Holiday Concert. Previous credits include Bobby Strong in Urinetown (PPTOPA), Snoopy in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, A Christmas Story, Legally Blonde, Jekyll & Hyde (Slow Burn Theatre Co.), Mark in Altar Boyz, Tank in Zanna, Don't!, Jack in Starmaker and Johann in the Radicalization of Rolfe (Island City Stage) and Sir Robin in Spamalot (MNM Theatre Co.) Sahid would like to thank Geoff, Wendy, Mark and the entire team at PPTOPA for this opportunity, to the cast for making some wonderful art on stage with him, and to his Mom and Alex for always supporting him in the craziest of endeavors. You can follow Sahid and his antics on IG/TikTok @theonewiththedimple.
Joshua Roland-Bramkamp
Joshua is thrilled to be making his debut at PPTOPA. Recent credits include MNM Theatre Co. (Joey, Sister Act), The Barn Theatre (Tom Collins, Rent), Lake Worth Playhouse (Khashoggi, We Will Rock You; Alf, Peter and the Starcatcher; Dan, Next To Normal). He would like to thank his wonderful husband, Justin, for being such a huge support, and Geoff and the PPTOPA administration for this amazing opportunity.
Austin Gardner
Austin is proud to perform in his first show with PPTOPA . A lifelong performer, Austin possesses credits in over a dozen mainstage productions including King Arthur (Camelot), Fagin (Oliver!), Enoch Snow (Carousel), and Javert (Les Misérables), as well as leading roles in several works of Shakespeare and Gilbert and Sullivan. Many thanks to the wonderful cast, crew, and audience for supporting live theater!
Shalia Sakona
Shalia is a litigation partner at Bilzin Sumberg in Miami. She is delighted to return to the PPTOPA stage after previously appearing as Portia in Something Rotten, Mary in Mary Poppins, Cosette in Les Miserables, Louise in Gypsy, Hope in URINETOWN, and Julie in Carousel. Other favorite regional credits include Olivia in Twelfth Night, Ophelia in Hamlet, Nina in In the Heights, Luisa in ZORRO the Musical, Philia in … Forum, and Cinderella in Into the Woods. She originated the leading roles of Ophelia in Elsewhere in Elsinore at the Folger Theater in D.C. and Phoebe in Smooth Sailing the Musical with New England Light Opera, for which she is featured on the original cast recording. She holds B.A.s in Musical Theater and Law & Society from American University and a J.D. from Boston College Law School.
Mariangeli Collado
Mariangeli Collado is from Miramar, Florida and just finished her freshman year as a BFA Musical Theatre major at the University of Michigan. Growing up she had the pleasure of participating in local theatre, competitive dance, a pop group called “L2M”, a YouTube Red series called “Hyperlinked”, and a blind audition on NBC’s “The Voice”. Some of her previous theatre credits include Spring Awakening (Wendla Bergmann), Heathers (Veronica Sawyer), Carrie (Sue Snell), and In the Heights (Nina Rosario). This is Mariangeli’s first production back with PPTOPA as an adult, and she’s beyond grateful & excited to be part of the cast!
Matthew Quintero
Matthew is now thrilled to be apart of PPTOTA’s EVITA. He has found his love for movement, dance, music, theater, and musicals only a few years ago and has been involved in several productions with Standing Ovation Theatre, Encore Theatre, and Every Little Step. Some of his favorites credits include Bert (Mary Poppins), Chino(West Side Story), Prince Henry(Ever After), and one of his favorites Race(NEWSIES) He is currently studying dance and voice and looks forward to a future in the preforming arts.
Justin Roland-Bramkamp
Justin is thrilled to take the stage at PPTOPA again. Justin recently discovered his love for performing, taking part in his first show in July 2021. You may have seen him in productions of Something Rotten at PPTOPA, We Will Rock You (Teacher), Peter and the Starcatcher (Mrs. Bumbrake/Teacher), 9 to 5 (Dick) and Something Rotten (Tom Snout). He is looking forward to sharing the stage with his husband, Josh, who has supported and encouraged Justin’s growth in theatre. He sends a big thank you to director, Geoff, and the PPTOPA administration for the opportunity to be part of the PPTOPA family!
Michelle Gonzalez
Michelle is a graduate of FIU where she earned a B.A. in Theatre and would like to continue her education by pursuing an MFA in performance. She is excited to be returning to PPTOPA; she was last seen in The Wedding Singer. When she is not performing, she enjoys cooking and baking for family and friends. She would like to thank director Geoff Short for the opportunity, as well as her family, and friends for their continued support.
Jose Norono
Jose is an aspiring writer excited and eager to return to the PPTOPA stage. A consistent volunteer for over five years, he hopes everyone enjoys the show!
Stephen Keenan
Stephen Keenan is a teacher, an instrument rated pilot studying for his commercial aviation license, and has degrees in both law and musical theater from the University of Florida. Stephen has appeared in diverse roles such as Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten, Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Marius in Les Miserables, and as a featured singer in the Mozart opera The Magic Flute. He is thrilled for the opportunity to return to the PPTOPA stage in Evita. Many thanks to all of my friends and family for their love and support!
Ayon Melephant
This is Ayon’s first production with PPTOPA. Ayon has returned to the stage after a 15 year hiatus. He was last featured earlier this year’s in Inside Out Theatre’s production of “Cabaret”, where he took on the role of Ernst Ludwig. He was also seen in the Shakespeare’s Troupe of South Florida production of “A Midsummer’s Night Dream “where he played Lysander. Other memorable roles include: Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet, Trinculo in “The Tempest,” and Mr. Applegate in “Damn Yankees.” He is excited to be a part of this stellar cast, and looks forward to being in many more productions in the future.
Ross Cornell
Ross Cornell studied Dance Performance at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts before performing in the national tours of Footloose, CATS, and The Music Man (Tommy Djilas). Favorite regional credits include 42nd Street (Billy Lawlor), Footloose (Ren), Pippin (Leading Player), and A Chorus Line (Paul). Ross has spent the past several years as a Cruise Director/Performer and now serves as the Entertainment Manager for American Queen Voyages. After recently relocating to the area, Ross is thrilled to join the PPTOPA family in this amazing production!
Manuella Guerra
MANUELLA GUERRA is glad to be returning to PPTOPA for Evita! Previous PPTOPA credits include Urinetown (Soupy Sue) and The Addams Family (Ancestor). She is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major and has been seen in their productions of Shrek the Musical (Dragon) and First Date (U/S Casey). Other credits include Beauty and the Beast (Belle), The Little Mermaid (Ursula), and Bring It On (Kylar). @manuellaguerrac
Jessie Hoffman
Jessie most recently appeared in PPTOPA's production of Something Rotten. Favorite roles include Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family), Princess Fiona (Shrek The Musical), Olive (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Little Sally (Urinetown), Mary Lane (Reefer Madness), Maria (The Sound Of Music), Dorothy (The Wizard Of Oz), Audrey (Little Shop Of Horrors), as well as Natalie (Next To Normal). She’s also appeared as Marian (The Music Man), Inga (Young Frankenstein), Maureen (RENT), Patrice (13 The Musical), both Jeanie and Sheila (Hair), and both Cinderella and Little Red (Into The Woods). Jessie was also the winner of the “Are You An Addams” contest (chosen by the original Broadway cast of The Addams Family). Thank you to mom and dad for your support.
Geoffrey Mergele
Geoffrey is excited to return to PPTOPA after performing in Cabaret! Other South Florida credits: Guys and Dolls (MNM - Benny Southstreet), Sister Act (MNM - Monsignor/Ens.), Kinky Boots (Slow Burn - Mr. Price/Ens.). National Tour: The Wizard of Oz (Ens./Tinman US). NYC/Regional: The Metropolitan Opera (Lincoln Center - Actor), Beauty and the Beast (Sharon Playhouse), George M!, A Christmas Carol, Damn Yankees, Wonderful Town (Prather Productions). Much love to family, friends, and JDQ! @geomergs
Katelyn Ortiz
Katelyn is thrilled to be making her debut with PPTOPA. Some of her favorite roles include Maria in West Side Story and Liesl in The Sound of Music with Standing Ovation Theatre. She has trained in acting programs with the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, and Florida State University. She has been a recipient of the Andrew Lloyd Webber American Theatre Wing Training scholarship for two years. She is a rising Junior Theatre for Youth Major at Samford University and can be seen this next fall in Orphie and the Book of Heroes as Orphie and in the opera Amahl and the Night Visitors. All the love to her family, friends, and teachers who have supported her journey every step of the way. Psalm 104:33-34 @katelynjoyortiz
R. Zachary Pearson
Zach is excited and grateful to return to PPTOPA with Evita! Zach plays piano and sings barbershop with The Miamians. He previously appeared with PPTOPA as Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business, as Gladhand and a (clean-shaven) utility Jet in West Side Story, as Mal Beineke in The Addams Family, and as Edsel and one of the Aggies in Best Little Whorehouse. Zach would like to thank his incredibly supportive girlfriend, Luanna, his children (including fellow PPTOPA veteran, Elijah), The Pediatric Heart Center and the amazing Evita cast and crew for all their patience and support.
Angel Unzalu
Angel is proud to say that this is his first full production and he's glad to be embarking on this journey with the PPTOPA family. He found his love for singing and performing in his freshman year of high school, and performed in the choir along other with showcases outside of school. He taught himself to play piano, guitar and has been taking singing and acting lessons at Rising Starz and had the privilege to co-write, manage and perform in their annual show. He's currently finishing up his first year of college and currently double majoring in Musical Theatre and Communications. "I'm beyond grateful for Mr. Short and the team at PPTOPA for giving me this opportunity".
Geoffrey Short
www.GeoffreyBShort.com
Geoff has directed multiple productions at PPTOPA the latest being Something Rotten. Other PPTOPA shows include The Wedding Singer, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, In the Heights, Disney's the Little Mermaid and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Geoff has also appeared in and directed shows throughout South Florida last appearing as TonTon Julian in Once on This Island at Slow Burn Theatre Co. Other recent roles include Javert in PPTOPA's hit production of Les Miserables and productions at Slow Burn, Marquee Theatre, Andrews Living Arts, Chicken Coop Theatre, Outre’, Evening Star and more. Geoff currently serves as President of the Board at PPTOPA and also serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Carbonell Awards. Geoff thanks his inspiration, his incredible wife Cindy.
Irma Gloria
Irma Gloria is excited to return to PPTOPA. A voice specialist for over 15 years, Irma most recently had the privilege of serving the community as Artistic Director of Miami’s Gay Men’s Chorus, conducting the choir in performances throughout the greater city of Miami.
She received her Bachelors in Music from Florida International University and is currently attending Oklahoma City University to complete a Masters Degree in Music-Opera Performance.
Del Marrero
Del is a graduate of AMDA New York and a middle school Drama teacher. She has starred in and/or choreographed numerous productions for PPTOPA and other local theatres. Most recently acting as Assistant Director and appearing in PPTOPA's production of Something Rotten. Previous roles include The Wedding Singer (Holly), The Mousetrap (Miss Casewell), Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary), Judgment at Nuremberg (Maria Wallner), How to Succeed…(Smitty), She Loves Me (Ilona), Young Frankenstein (Elizabeth), Footloose (Rusty), Once Upon a Mattress (Winifred), Man of La Mancha (Aldonza), Hairspray (Tracy), Annie (Lily), Secret Garden (Martha), Brigadoon (Meg) and Bye, Bye Birdie (Kim/Ursula).
Alicia Rivera
Michael Graham
Michael is extremely happy to be lighting Evita - his 12th show at PPTOPA. Thank you to the cast, crew, and patrons of PPTOPA for supporting live theatre, and a special thank you to my family for your continued support.
John Blessed
Sage Meyers
Sage Meyers is new to the South Florida theater scene. She has been in many productions in the Southwest Florida theater scene such as The Rocky Horror Show (Eddie & phantom), La Cage Aux Folles (Hanna from Hamburg), Body & Sold (Dora) and more. Along with doing backstage work as a stage manager and make-up artist. This is Sage's first production with PPTOPA and she’s beyond grateful and excited to join this new community and group of artists. She would like to thank her aunts, Lisa & Cindy for all their support.
Wendy Marrero
Wendy, a lifetime lover of musical theatre, has worked on Something Rotten, Cabaret, Urinetown, A Few Good Men, The Wedding Singer, The Best Little Whorehouse..., The Addams Family, Mousetrap, Seussical, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Judgment at Nuremberg, How to Succeed..., In the Heights, She Loves Me, Funny Girl, Young Frankenstein, Carousel, Mary Poppins, Gypsy, The Sunshine Boys, Les Miserables, Man of La Mancha, Joseph..., Hairspray, Charlie Brown, Annie, The Best Man, The Producers, The Secret Garden, The Gondoliers, Brigadoon, and Bye, Bye Birdie at PPTOPA.
Lisa McFadden-Murphy
Brooke Geraci
Noel Ortiz
Kailyn Kleppe
Kailyn is a student at the University of Florida pursuring a BA in Theatre and a MA in Mass Communications. This is her first show at PPTOPA. Previous credits include The Wolves (#11) and Bring It On! The Musical (Kylar). This is her first time on a production team, and she is very thankful for this opportunity! Special thanks to the cast and crew for making this a memorable experience.
Leidy Paula
Photos
Gabi Gonzalez as Eva Peron (Photo by Norman Black)
Gabi Gonzalez as Eva Peron (Photo by Norman Black)
Sahid Pabon as Che (Photo by Norman Black)
Sahid Pabon as Che with Company (Photo by Norman Black)
Joshua Roland-Bramkamp as Juan Peron (Photo by Norman Black)
The Company of Evita (Photo by Norman Black)
The Company of Evita
Multimedia
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