Center Repertory Company presents
In the Heights
Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Book by Quiara Alegría Hudes
Conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Margaret Lesher Theatre
May 27 - June 24, 2023
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The development of In the Heights was supported by the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center during a residency at the Music Theater Conference of 2005. Initially developed by Back House Productions. Originally produced on Broadway by Kevin McCollum, Jeffrey Seller, Jill Furman Willis, Sander Jacobs, Goodman/Grossman, Peter Fine, Everett/Skipper
The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including 1he internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author's rights, and actionable under united states copyright law. For more information, please visit: concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
Setting: One block of Washington Heights, Manhattan
TIME: July 3rd through July 5th
THERE WILL BE ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION
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Song List
ACT I
"In the Heights" — Usnavi and Company
"Breathe" — Nina and Company
"Benny's Dispatch" — Benny and Nina
"It Won't Be Long Now" — Vanessa, Usnavi, and Sonny
"Inútil" (Useless) — Kevin
"No Me Diga" (You Don't Say) — Daniela, Carla, Vanessa, and Nina
"96,000" — Usnavi, Benny, Sonny, Graffiti Pete, Vanessa, Daniela, Carla, and Company
"Paciencia y Fe" (Patience and Faith) — Abuela Claudia and Company
"When You're Home" — Nina, Benny, and Company
"Piragua" — Piragua Guy
"The Club" — Usnavi, Vanessa, Nina, Benny, and Company
"Blackout" — Usnavi, Vanessa, Benny, Nina, Kevin, Sonny, Graffiti Pete, Abuela Claudia, Carla, and Company
ACT II
"Sunrise" — Nina, Benny, and Company
"Hundreds of Stories" — Abuela Claudia and Usnavi
"Enough" — Camila
"Carnaval del Barrio" (Neighborhood Carnival) — Daniela, Carla, Vanessa, Usnavi, Sonny, Piragua Guy, and Company
"Atención" (Attention) — Kevin
"Alabanza" (Praise) — Usnavi, Nina, and Company
"Everything I Know" — Nina
"No Me Diga (Reprise)" — Carla, Nina, Vanessa, and Daniela
"Piragua (Reprise)" — Piragua Guy
"Champagne" — Vanessa and Usnavi
"When the Sun Goes Down" — Nina and Benny
"Finale" — Usnavi and Company
Cast
Creative Team
Nicholas C. Avila
Nicolas Perez
Sara Templeton
Leah Ramillano
Wen-Ling Liao
Courtney Flores-Kerrigan
Lyle Barrere
Spenser Matubang
Jeff Collister*
Alicia Lerner*
Alyssa Tryon
Steven Kroeger
MacKenzie Blair
Rebecca Rodgers
Brandon DiPaola
Band
Kenji Harada
Conductor/Keyboard 1
Kenji Harada is a pianist, music director, producer, and music educator. He is thrilled to be back in the pit on his third production of In The Heights! Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of performing with many fine artists from Hawaii to New York. Here in California, he has been seen working with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Transcendence Theatre Company, Broadway By The Bay, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, Berkeley Playhouse, Esses Productions, and more. His next big project in the studio is collaborating with local singer/songwriter, Eli DeYoe, to produce his first full-length album. For more info, check out www.kenjidh.com.
Juan Carreon
Percussion
Stephen Danska
Guitar
Larry De La Cruz
Woodwinds
Russ Gold
Drums
Tommy Holmes
Trombone
Jessica Igarashi
Keyboard 2
Danny Min
Bass
John Trombetta
Trumpet
Ken Bergmann
Drums 6/9 - 6/18
Jamie Dubberly
Trombone 5/26 & 6/3
Meet the Company
Malia Abayon
Malia Abayon is so beyond grateful to be making her debut at Center REP in In the Heights. Malia was last seen in 6th Street Playhouse’s productions of Little Shop of Horrors (u/s Audrey, swing) and Cabaret (Kit Kat Girl). Other favorites include RENT (Mimi), The House of Bernarda Alba (Adela), The Who’s Tommy (Acid Queen), and Revelations the Musical (Off-Broadway). Malia would like to thank her family and close amigas for all their support and patience as she follows the zig-zagging path toward her dreams! MaliaAbayon.com
Dave J. Abrams*
Dave J. Abrams is thrilled to be returning back to the Center REP stage since his last appearance as Adam in Freaky Friday! Recent theater credits include: Elf (Buddy), Ain't Misbehavin’ (Andre), Hairspray (Seaweed) (2019 TBA Award for Outstanding Featured Actor), Ragtime (Coalhouse) (2018 TBA Award for Outstanding Actor in a Principal Role), and In The Heights (Benny) (BroadwayWorld Regional Theater Nomination). Dave holds a Bachelors of Arts in Theater and Dance from the University of California at Berkeley. Dave also works as a Teaching Artist with a passion for spreading arts education to youth throughout the Bay Area. Follow him on IG and enjoy the show!
Alex Alvarez
Alex Alvarez is grateful to be making his debut with Center REP. A graduate of AMDA (L.A.) Alex has performed in various productions throughout the Bay Area and Southern California. He was last seen as the titular role in Missouri Street Theatre's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other credits include: Berger in HAIR (MST), for which he was awarded the 'Best Lead Actor' Arty Award in 2019, Tulsa in Gypsy (Mountain Play), Danny Zuko in Grease (Broadway by the Bay), Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show (MST), and Donkey in Shrek (Diablo Theatre Company.) Alex would like to send a special "thanks" to Jennifer Perry for making this all possible. To his friends and family, he sends his gratitude for their continued love and support. Enjoy the show!
Natalie Amaya*
Natalie has performed nationally and internationally in, among other things, The National tour of the musical Selena Forever, the Univision television show Objectivo Fama, and as a featured vocalist with Alvaro Torres in Puerto Rico, Mexico and El Salvador. Locally, Natalie has performed at Berkeley Playhouse, Woodminster Amphitheatre, Broadway by the Bay, TeatroVision, Post Street Theatre, and CCMT. Natalie is the lead vocalist in the Bay Area cover bands, Helios and Top Secret. She also teaches private voice lessons at her home in Martinez. Beyond
theater and teaching, Natalie enjoys volunteering and fostering for Umbrella of Hope Animal Rescue.
Dane Paul D. Andres
Dane Paul Andres is thrilled to be back at Center REP for their production of "In the Heights." Dane's most recent credits include directing a production of "Matilda" at the Berkeley Playhouse and performing as one of the Angels in Ray of Light Theatre's production of "Kinky Boots."
Dane has a diverse performance background, having spent time performing at Disney World and Universal Resort in Orlando. He has also appeared in numerous theatrical productions, including "Once On This Island" at Theater West End, "Aida" at Encore! Performing Arts, and "A Chorus Line" as Paul at Celebration Theater Company. Some of Dane's other favorite roles include Nicholas "Short Who" in "Grinchmas" at Universal Resort Orlando, Mungojerrie in "Cats" at Broadway by the Bay, and Gideon in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" at Woodminster. In addition to his performing career, Dane is a dance teacher and competes with a hip-hop dance crew, INQ. When he is not performing or teaching, Dane works as a professional Graphic Designer and mentor to a team of student designers at San Jose State University. Dane continues seeking new opportunities to grow as an actor and performer. He is excited to bring his talents to the stage at Center REP once again and looks forward to delivering a captivating performance in “Washington Heights.”
Noel Anthony*
Noel Anthony is delighted to be returning to Center REP for this fiesta! Noel previously appeared in Center REP’s productions of "She Loves Me" as Kodaly, "Smokey Joe’s Cafe," Vittorio Vidal in "Sweet Charity," Mike in "Freaky Friday," and Sam Carmichael in "Mamma Mia!" For more information, please visit www.noelanthonyescobar.com
Míchel Alejandro Castillo
Calling Us Home (International Theatre Cape Town, South Africa), In the Heights, On Your Feet, West Side Story, Mamma Mia, The Talented Ones (World Premiere), Heathers, 1776, American Idiot, Blood Brothers, Swimming While Drowning (Original Cast), The Pelican (NAMT Festival NYC), Little Duende (NYC AEA Workshop) SUEÑOS: Our American Musical (Oregon Shakespeare Festival Green Room) NC-17 (Workshop Portland Center Stage) Training: Rodney Hicks (Present Moment Actor Studio) Chris Harder (Actors Studio) Voice: Martin Sola, Joey Harrell (NYC)
Jordan Covington
Jordan is thrilled to join Center REP for "In the Heights." He previously performed at Berkeley Playhouse in their production of "In the Heights" and was nominated for best performance in a musical for his role of Benny. Jordan also performed as Richie in I Can Do That Theater’s production of "A Chorus Line," "Pippin," and "West Side Story." Jordan most recently performed "A Guide For Homesick" at Theater Rhinoceros and entertained the guests at California’s Great America in the winter. Now engulfed in film, he has been in a plethora of short films and feature films, including "Some Friendly Vices," "The 50," and "Ball is Ball" which got accepted into the Bravemaker Film Fest and The Charlotte Film Festival. Jordan would love to thank his family and friends for the constant support they bring. Follow his journey on his Instagram.
Ashley Cowl*
Ashley is thrilled to return to Center REP after last appearing in Beehive: The 60’s Musical. BAY AREA: On Your Feet! (Gloria Estefan, Woodminster), Evita (Eva Peron, PCRT), West Side Story (Anita - Shellie award, CCMT), In The Heights (Daniela - TBA award nomination, Woodminster), Dames At Sea (Mona Kent - SF Theatre Critics Circle award nomination, 42nd Street Moon); LOS ANGELES: Musical Theatre West, 5 Star Theatricals/ Cabrillo Music Theatre, Fullerton Civic Light Opera, and Havok Theatre Company’s L.A. revival of Kiss Of The Spider Woman (Marta standby); OTHER: Little Shop Of Horrors (Audrey), Anything Goes (Hope), A Chorus
Line (Maggie), Legally Blonde (Serena), Disney’s Beauty And The Beast (Babette), and CATS (Demeter, Bombalurina). Internationally, she has performed for audiences at Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, and has appeared in and worked on projects for Apple, Danskin, Miss America, and Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. Off the stage, Ashley is an arts educator, instructing students of all ages in acting and dance techniques, private voice, as well as directing and choreographing for youth theater programs. BFA Musical Theatre, AMDA. Proud member of Actors’ Equity. Thank you Jenny, CenterREP, and the Lesher. For Mom, Dad, Nana, and Noel always. www.ashleycowl.com
John Hector Diaz
John Hector Diaz is grateful to make his Center REP debut with this wonderful cast and team! Outside of performing, he enjoys photography, filmmaking, and content creation. He works as a technical
theater and film teacher at the Marin Horizon School in Mill Valley. Past credits include: West Side Story (Bernardo) - Throckmorton Theater; The Rocky Horror Show (Phantom, Riff Raff u/s) - Marin Musical Theater Company; Rent (Homeless Person 1, Steve) - Marin Musical Theater
Company; A Chorus Line (Don) - Novato Theater Company; Newsies (Race, Davey u/s) - Katia and Company. You can catch him next playing Lucas Beineke in The Addams Family at Novato Theater Company in the fall. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support!
Leilani I. Ford
Leilani I. Ford is overjoyed to be making her professional debut with this wonderful cast! Some favorite roles include Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family), Diana (A Chorus Line), and Maria (West Side Story). Leilani will attend Montclair State University in the fall to earn her BFA in Musical Theater. She would like to give love and gratitude to her teachers, family, friends, and everyone who believed in her on the way. “Nothing to prove, only to share.”
Kevin Gruwell
Kevin is an award-winning choreographer and performer native to the Bay Area. He is excited to return to Center REP where he most recently contributed choreography for the play Native Gardens and performed in the ensemble for Mamma Mia! Other recent credits include In the Heights (Berkeley Playhouse), West Side Story (Berkeley Playhouse), and show lead/casting assistant for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom ¡Alabanza!
Jacob Henrie-Naffaa*
Jacob could not be more excited to return to the role of Sonny in Center REP's production of In the Heights. Jacob has been performing professionally around the Bay Area since the age of seven, most recent credits include Tulsa in Gypsy (42nd St Moon), Sonny in In the Heights
(Berkeley Playhouse), Bullshot Crummond in Bullshot Crummond (Plotline Theatre Company) and Ferapont in Three Sisters (Utopia Theatre Project). In addition to performing, Jacob also works as a teaching artist, having worked for companies such as SFArts Education, Berkeley Playhouse, Crespi Carmelite High School, El Campanil Theatre Academy, and the Oakland Zoo. If you see him walking around or teaching at the zoo– feel free to come say hi! Outside of work, Jacob loves road trips, comic books, screenwriting, animal (gibbon) conservation, trading cards and playing lightsabers, watching Star Wars, collecting Star Wars memorabilia, and building LEGO Star Wars with his onstage and real-life Graffiti Pete, Tony Wooldridge.
Cristina Hernandez
Cristina Hernandez will be performing for the first time with
Center REP. Cristina received her BA in Theatre Arts at San Jose
State University. She has trained vocally with Jennifer Schapiro.
Cristina has been seen in City Light’s production of In the Heights,
as Nina, In Berkeley Playhouse’s production of West Side Story as
Rosalita and Maria, Opera San Jose’s production of West Side Story
as Francisca, and in Berkeley Playhouse’s In the Heights as Nina.
She is grateful to her friends and family for their love and support and to those who keep encouraging her in her career.
Lillian Kurtz
Lillian is very excited to be working with Center Rep again. She was last
seen in the show “All Shook Up" with the company back in 2009 and in
CCMT’s production of “Hairspray” in 2011. In 2007, she appeared in the
Mountain Play production of “Hair” and Ray of Light’s “High School
Musical.” Lillian attended the Academy of Art University, majoring in
musical theater and acting. Currently, she is a student at the
American Conservatory Theater school and a vocal/singing student at
Inspire Music in San Francisco. She wants to thank her family, friends, and
coaches for their immense and ongoing love and support.
Laura Lebrón
Actress, singer, and acrobat born and raised in the Dominican
Republic. Laura moved to NYC in 2010 and currently lives in Las
Vegas, NV. Helen Hayes Awards winner for her role as Nina Rosario
in Gala Hispanic Theater's production of In The Heights in Spanish.
Other US credits: In the Heights (Vanessa), Goldilocks, a new musical
(Lisa), The Temple of the Souls (Ensemble), TV show SMILF on
Showtime. DR credits: La Lamada (Susana Romero), Venus in Fur
(Vanda), Blackbird (Una), Legally Blonde: the musical (Vivienne
Kensington), Fiddler on the Roof (Chava), Hairspray (Tammy), High
School Musical on Stage (Sharpay Evans), among others. Two times
nominated for Best Actress in the Dominican Soberano Awards. As
an acrobat, Laura has performed in various venues in NYC, Portland, and Las Vegas.
Danielle Mendoza
Danielle is hyped to join Center REP for the first time with a show near and dear to her heart. She is a Bay Area local who also sails the seven seas performing with Norwegian and Princess Cruiselines. Most recently, she starred in the hit show “Six” as the green Queen, Anne Boleyn. Other
credits include “Brat Pack “(FTR), “The Secret Silk” (PCL), “Miss Saigon” (BBB), “American Idiot” (CLTC), and Bay Area’s very own workshops of “Larry the Musical” and “For My Lolo.”
Michelle Navarrete
Michelle Navarrete (she/her/ella) is a theatre artist both on and off the stage and is thrilled to make her Center REP debut with such a dream team! From singing out her abuelitas favorite rancheras to belting out showtunes, she fell in love with performing and storytelling at an early age. After receiving her BFA in Acting from Marymount Manhattan College, she continued her career in NYC performing and producing theatre. In the Bay Area, she has performed with San Francisco Playhouse, Cal Shakes, TheatreFirst, Custom Made Theatre, Bay Area Children's Theatre, Impact Theatre, Faultline Theatre, and Theatre Cultura. She is immensely grateful for the support and love of her family and friends, especially her dad who has recently become her angel. Te quiero pops, para siempre.
Adora Nzewi
Living the dream at only 15 years old, Adora is excited to make her Center REP debut in one of her favorite shows. Past credits include A Christmas Story: The Musical (Berkeley Playhouse), On Your Feet: The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan (Woodminster Summer Musicals), and many youth educational theater productions, including Lion King, Jr., A Chorus Line and Mary Poppins, Jr. When not on stage, Adora can likely be found binge watching K-dramas and her favorite animes. Much gratitude to her parents, as well as Janet Taddie and all of her dance teachers at Castro Valley Performing Arts, Chelsea Bardellini Gaskin and all of her theater teachers at Starlight Dance Studios and Theater, and her voice teacher, Liz Whitney of Skylark Voice Studio. Pretty. Black. Cute.
Deanalís Arocho Resto*
Born and raised in Pennsylvania on Susquehannock land, Deanalís (they/he/she) is a nomadic queer Boricua artist delighted to be back in the Bay, making their Center REP debut with this dream show. Most recently, Deanalís played Jaques in the Taub/Woolery musical adaptation of As You Like It at San Francisco Playhouse. Before that, he understudied the roles of Julie d’Aubigny in Revenge Song and Duke of Austria/Prince Henry in King John at Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Last spring, they made their Bay Area debut as Leslie in the boldly sex-forward musical comedy Coming Soon at Z Space. Before coming out west, Deanalís performed in Minneapolis as the queer heartthrob, Atlacamani, in Brujería for Beginners (20% Theatre Co. & Lightning Rod). Chicago-based from 2013-2021, some of her favorite windy city credits are Miranda in The Tempest (Oak Park Festival Theatre), Mopsa in Head Over Heels (Kokandy Productions), Luna in Luna (Filament Theatre), and facilitating theatre-based sex education with For Youth Inquiry & the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health. Ithaca College Alum, BFA Musical Theatre. Cancer Sun, Aries Moon, Libra Rising.
Tony Wooldridge
Tony is incredibly excited to be performing at Center REPertory Company for the first time. Tony was last seen performing the role of Graffiti Pete at Berkeley Playhouse’s production of In The Heights. He has been dancing for over 21 years and genuinely loves Hip-Hop. He is currently spending time learning music theory and applying it through music/audio production. In the Heights was the first musical Tony was ever introduced to and a part of back in 2018, which holds a special place in his heart. He would like to thank his parents, sister, friends, and Jennifer Schapiro for supporting his love for performance.
Nicholas C. Avila
Nicolas Perez
Sara Templeton
Leah Ramillano
Wen-Ling Liao
Courtney Flores-Kerrigan
Lyle Barrere
Spenser Matubang
Jeff Collister*
Alicia Lerner*
Alyssa Tryon
Steven Kroeger
MacKenzie Blair
Rebecca Rodgers
Brandon DiPaola
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
PRODUCTION STAFF |
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| Joe Coe Assistant Stage Manager & Deck Manager |
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| MacKenzie Blair Props Assistant |
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| Tyler Clark, Kira Daugherty, Bella Jacobs, Sylvia Lubman, Grant Strain, Lisa Tashkevych Deck Crew |
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| Izzi Fleury Wardrobe Supervisor |
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| Stephanie Weldon Wardrobe/Costume Technician |
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Emily Haynes, Vanessa Fitzgerald-Root |
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Sasha Andrikanis, Andi Anderson, Willow Hawker, Linda Wu |
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| Kelly James Tighe+ Technical Supervisor |
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SCENIC CONSTRUCTION by Rooster Productions
Rooster Productions is a small, employee-owned scene shop located in Richmond, California. Rooster provides each of its clients with hands-on experience, dedicated service, creative & effective technical solutions to ensure complete realization of design, production and staffing needs. Rooster's team consists of experienced, multi-disciplinary project managers, scenic carpenters, welders, sculptors, scenic artists and theatre technicians. Rooster's approach to scenic construction provides innovative solutions that are budget-sensitive, spectacular, and can be delivered as envisioned. Over the years, Rooster's theatrical client roster has rapidly grown to include many companies ranging such as Des Moines Metro Opera, Center REPertory Company, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Festival Opera, Livermore Valley, and the hit productions of Opera San Jose’s Cinderella, that was just revived in 2022.
| CENTER REPERTORY COMPANY | |
| Carolyn Jackson Managing Director |
Markus Potter Acting Artistic Director |
| Jeff Collister Production Manager |
Joe Coe Assistant Stage Manager |
| Del Medoff Master Electrician |
Sylvia Lubman Associate Producer |
| Liz Martin Costume Shop Manager |
Liesl Buchbinder Assistant Costume Shop Manager |
| Izzi Fleury, Stephanie Weldon Wardrobe |
Jeff Draper, Kerri Shawn Education Directors |
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Alyssa Tryon |
Jennifer Perry Casting Director Supported by Casting Collective: Dori L. Jacob, CSA |
| LESHER CENTER FOR THE ARTS |
| Carolyn Jackson General Manager |
| Toni Kilcoyne Production Services Supervisor |
| Daniel Aldrich, Alex Bull, Terry D'Emidio, Alex Howard, Chris Joe, Theo Neeno, Steve Pino, Matthew Roberts, Garrick Schuster, Josh Stouffer, Josh Yarnell, Steve Young Technical Staff |
| Courtney Egg Audience Services Supervisor |
| Ohemaa Asare, Cian Chu, Penelope Griffin, Hali Loyd, Marie Montany-Campbell, Robert Nolan, Julia Toon, Jeremiah Vierling, Aurora Wassmuth Ticket Office Staff |
| Peter Catalano, Katie Hall, Reece Jordahl, Karen Kopp, Denise Kruft, Katie Ladowicz, Cameron Lippincott, Krizzia Manlangit, Carole Price, Amelia Record, Lucia Robke, Sam Samuels, Bell Stark, Patti Thomas, Cheryl Wong-Ng House Managers |
| Pat Rusich Usher Coordinator |
| Linda Nomura, Sarah Wilcox Office Specialists |
| Madison Frilot, Katrienne Lemye, Elizabeth Orcutt Marketing Staff |
| CITY OF WALNUT CREEK | |
| Cindy Silva Mayor |
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| Cindy Darling, Matt Francois, Loella Haskew, Kevin Wilk City Council Members |
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| Sarah Baltazar, Jill Dresser, Jane Emanuel, Iasmine Klauber, Anne Merideth Arts Commission |
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| Dan Buckshi City Manager |
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| Kevin Safine Arts+Rec Director |