In The Heights Playbill

March 2–April 2, 2023

The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company

Presents

Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Book by Quiara Alegría Hudes

Conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Scenic Design by Rodrigo Hernandez Martinez

Lighting Design by María-Cristina Fusté

Sound Design by Travis Joseph Wright

Costume Design by Oriana Sophia

Wig, Hair, and Make-Up Design by Jocelen Smith

Production Stage Managed by Edward Khris Fernandez*

Musical Direction by Stephanie McGuffin

Choreographed by Julio Agustin

Directed by: Elise Santora

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

If you leave the theatre for any reason during the performance, it will be the discretion of house management as to when you can return to your seat.

The actors and stage managers marked with an asterisk appear on a contract with Actor’s Equity Association, the professional union of Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

PRODUCTION OF

By Madeline Sayet |

Ann Teo

APRIL 13–23

TICKETS: fac.coloradocollege.edu

Directed by Mei

In Association with Folger Shakespeare Library

THE CAST

(in order of appearance)

Usnavi De La Vega, Owner of De La Vega Bodega Marcello Audino*

Nina Rosario, a freshman at Stanford University Sydney Torres

Kevin Rosario, Nina’s father, owner of Rosario’s Car Service ................... Paul Aguirre*

Camila Rosario, Nina’s mother Marlene Montes*

Benny, Employee of Rosario’s Car Service Shabazz Green*

Vanessa Morales, works at the Salon .......................................................... Claire Nolasco

Sonny, Usnavi’s cousin Robert Spence Gabriel

Abuela Claudia, she raised both Usnavi & Sonny Johanna Carlisle-Zepeda*

Daniela, owner of Daniela’s Salon .............................................................. Susan Oliveras*

Carla, works at the Salon Yan-Carlos Diaz

Graffiti Pete, graffiti artist Ronald McQueen

Piragua Guy, sells fruit-flavored shaved ice ....................................................... Jon Rodéz

Ensemble Alex Campbell, TreVonne Coleman, Kaley Corinaldi, Cheerish Martin, Justin Pappas, Ryan Wong

UNDERSTUDIES

Usnavi Jon Rodéz

Daniela ...............................................................................................................Cheerish Martin

Carla ...................................................................................................................... Alex Campbell

Sonny......................................................................................................................Justin Pappas

THE BAND

Musical Director / Keyboards ............................................................... Stephanie McGuffin

Bass .......................................................................................... Jay McGuffin / Scott Webring

Drums .................................................................................. Richard Clark / Bobby McGuffin

Percussion ............................................................................................................. Brian Hobson

Flute ...............................................................................................Sandra Tiemens / Won Lee

Reeds Ed Hureau

Trumpet Chris Walters

Trombone Rick Crafts

Guitar Jimmy Christian

*The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, The Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

MUSICAL SYNOPSIS

THE SETTING

A tight-knit neighborhood block in Washington Heights, Manhattan. On one side of the street is Rosario’s Car Service with a dispatch booth and Daniela’s Unisex Salon. Across the street is De La Vega Bodega. Apartment windows and fire escapes tangle into the landscape. A towering view of the George Washington bridge hovers in the background.

TIME

July 3rd – 5th

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/ OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF RECORDING OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:

http://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists

I Invited Myself, vol. II

On view in the museum through July 30, 2023

fac.coloradocollege.edu

Eiko Otake, A Body on Wall Street (detail), 2016. Photo by William Johnston Exhibition supported by The Anschutz Foundation & Colorado Creative Industries

MUSICAL SYNOPSIS

ACT 1

Scene 1: Washington Heights – sunrise

IN THE HEIGHTS ................................................................. Usnavi & Company

Scene 2: On the Street

BREATHE Nina & Company

Scene 3: Rosario’s Car Service

BENNY’S DISPATCH ..................................................................... Benny & Nina

Scene 4: The Street

IT WON’T BE LONG NOW......................................... Vanessa, Usnavi & Sonny

Scene 5: The Dispatch Booth

INÚTIL (Useless) ......................................................................................... Kevin

Scene 6: The Salon

NO ME DIGA (Don’t Tell Me) Daniela, Carla, Vanessa & Nina

Scene 7: Inside the Bodega; the Street

96,000 Usnavi, Benny, Sonny, Vanessa, Daniela, Carla & Company

Scene 8: The Street

PACIENCIA Y FE (Patience and Faith) ................... Abuela Claudia & Company

Scene 9: Abuela Claudia’s Stoop

WHEN YOU’RE HOME ............................................... Nina, Benny & Company

Scene 10: The Street – dusk

PIRAGUA Piragua Guy

Scene 11: The Rosario Household

SIEMPRE (Always) Camila & Bolero Singer

Scene 12: The Club

THE CLUB ........................................................................................... Company

BLACKOUT Company

ACT 2

Scene 1: Benny’s Fire Escape – Sunday Morning

SUNRISE ..................................................................... Nina, Benny & Ensemble

Scene 2: Outside the Bodega; the Rosario Fire Escape

Scene 3: Interior of Usnavi and Abuela’s Apartment

HUNDREDS OF STORIES Abuela Claudia & Usnavi

Scene 4: Outside the Dispatch Booth

ENOUGH ................................................................................................. Camila

Scene 5: The Street

CARNAVAL DEL BARRIO ...................................................Daniela & Company

Scene 6: The Dispatch Booth

ATENCIÓN (Attention) Kevin

Scene 7: The Street

ALABANZA (Applause) Usnavi, Nina & Company

Scene 8: The Street – Later that afternoon

EVERYTHING I KNOW ................................................................................ Nina

Scene 9: Outside the Salon

NO ME DIGA (Reprise) ............................................... Daniela, Carla & Vanessa

Scene 10: The Street

PIRAGUA (Reprise) Piragua Guy

Scene 11: The Bodega

CHAMPAGNE Vanessa & Usnavi

Scene 12: The Dispatch Booth

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN ................................................... Nina & Benny

Scene 13: A shady Alleyway – Late at Night

Scene 14: The Street – Monday morning, sunrise

FINALE Usnavi & Company

In The Heights brings to life stories that typically don’t get told on the Broadway stage. Those of us involved in the original Broadway production, mostly first or second generation, were able to play characters that reflected the experiences of our families—something that is incredibly rare in the entertainment industry. It shares the stories of what it feels like to constantly negotiate the pull between two homes, two cultures, two languages as it also sheds an inside view to the contemporary immigrant experience. The neighborhood is as much a character in the play as any of the people on the stage and this Tony Award-winning musical not only celebrates diversity but also offers a poignant view into the cultural toxicity in gentrification.

The director of the Broadway and 1st national tour of In The Heights, Tommy Kail describes the ‘Heights’ characters as being “constantly in dialogue with the past and the future, and they remind us that we are all connected on a subterranean level to each other,”a true accomplishment by the Pulitzer prize-winning book writer, Quiara Alegria Hudes.

On closing night of Broadway’s In The Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show’s creator, composer, and star gave an impassioned speech assuring fans of the show that In The Heights would not end with its close on Broadway — it would have a second life in high schools and regional theatres across the country. He hoped In The Heights would, amongst other things, “teach kids in Ohio what a Puerto Rican flag looks like.”

While the original cast members helped build their characters during the show’s development for Broadway, for the touring company a whole new set of personalities had to move into these pre-set moldings. Kail stated, “I felt it was really important to allow the people who were taking the roles on the road not to feel that they were just recreating someone else’s work. There is a lot of their own DNA all over these roles.”

My focus as director had the same goal with this production — to allow this talented cast, some of whom have performed the show previously and some newcomers to the piece to have their own signature, their own heart imprinted on what has become iconic characters for our varied Latino cultures that endured, shaped, and continues to invigorate and enrich the American landscape. From our incredibly generous CSFAC Interim Artistic Associate/Line Producer Morgan Gatson and Interim Producing Artistic Director Christopher L. Sheley, to our prodigious and diverse production team working magic on every detail and impossible ask, to the razor-sharp stage managers and company management, to the beautiful stylings of our choreographer, Julio Agustin, the creatively resilient musical director, Stephanie McGuffin, and with every brilliant principal and ensemble member, that goal was supported and flowers openly on our stage.

On a personal note, I have been a performer for over 40 years and in much of that time span, I was blessed to be in the creative rooms I was in and simultaneously feeling as the solo Latina in those rooms or constantly struggling to redefine myself and my talent to fit on the stage. After years of being pigeon-holed in the few Latina roles in musical theatre, I finally had the full-circle experience of stepping on a Broadway stage in the Abuela housecoat of In The Heights and feeling an overwhelming sense of my own final arrival. At the same time, I felt like I was telling a story that was genuine to my ancestors, my parents, and my 1st generation New York experience on the musical theatre stage that I had always adored. I am eternally grateful to my cast, crew, and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center for allowing me to share the joy of it with you.

— Elise Santora

THE ACTING COMPANY

Paul Aguirre* (Kevin Rosario) is excited to make his Fine Arts Center debut in his 9th production of In The Heights. National tours: Billy Elliot, Seussical, The Who’s Tommy, How to Succeed... and How the Grinch... (cast recording- Papa Who) at Madison Square Garden. Favorite regional credits include In The Heights, Evita, City of Angels, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Music Man, Guys & Dolls, A Christmas Carol, Kismet directed by Lonny Price and Twist directed and choreographed by Debbie Allen. Paul is also the creator/owner of BroadwayDollsandGuys.com. Love to David, Nikki and Arya. Paul forever dedicates his work to Ma for her never-ending love and support.

Marcello Audino* (Usnavi de la Vega) is beyond excited to make his debut at CS Fine Arts Center with this very special show. The Atlanta Georgia native has recently been seen in In The Heights, Guys and Dolls, Cinderella, and the world premiere of Darlin’ Cory. Many thanks to Elise for being a mother figure and great leader, Chelsea, his friends, and family for their unwavering love and support. “Por mis abuelos queridos. Por mi gente de Guatemala.”

IG @marcello_audino

Alex Campbell (Ensemble; U/S Carla) (she/her) feels exceedingly blessed to work with the incredibly talented cast and crew of In The Heights. Last year she was thrilled to be a part of Cinderella as Ella with The CS Fine Arts Center, as Claudia in The Bluest Eye at Theatreworks, Viola in Twelfth Night at The Great River Shakespeare Festival, and play multiple roles in Little Red: A New Musical! with The Denver Center for the Preforming Arts. She also had the opportunity to work with Off Square Theatre Company in The Revolutionists, The Center for the Arts in Crested Butte in The Cake and will be joining Theatreworks’ production of King Hedley II this April. At the CSFAC Alex was a part of Bye, Bye, Birdie (Rose Alvarez), Shrek the Musical (Dragon), 9 to 5, White Christmas, Reefer Madness, and Mary Poppins. Other credits: As You Like It (Rosalind), Men on Boats (John Wesley Powell), The Cherry Orchard (Varya), and The Tempest (Sebastian/Prospero u./s.). In addition to her acting work, Alex is an aspiring Intimacy Director/Choreographer and teaches Acting at The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and with The Denver Center for the Preforming Arts. She is unbelievably grateful for her family’s unending love and support. Love to Moe for always welcoming her home. MFA Uconn 2020.

Alexcampbellactor.com

Presenting a beautiful mash up of handmade, locally-sourced, and inclusive goods. at

WHO’S WHO

THE ACTING COMPANY

Johanna Carlisle-Zepeda* (Abuela Claudia) (She/They) is an AZ native and proud Mexican- American. She is excited to be making her Colorado debut here at the CS Fine Arts Center. Off Broadway: AMERICANO! – (Felicitas Valdovinos) at New World Stages. Regional Credits include In The Heights (Abuela Claudia) at The Phoenix Theatre Co. & Wheelock Family Theatre, MATILDA (Miss Trunchbull) at Wheelock Family Theatre, AMERICANO! (World Premiere/Originated Role), THE TOXIC AVENGER (Mayor/Ma), NINE (Sarraghina), CURTAINS (Carmen) and MARY POPPINS (Katie Nana/Mrs. Correy/Miss Andrew ) at The Phoenix Theatre Co, STEEL MAGNOLIAS (Truvy) at Ft Peck Summer Theatre, TINTYPES (Emma) at Artistree Music Festival, THE VIEW UPSTAIRS (Inez) at SpeakEasy Stage, THE ROOMMATE (Robyn), and THE CLEAN HOUSE (Anna) at Threshold Stage Co., MISS YOU LIKE HELL(Beatriz) at Company 1/ART, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN (Molina’s Mother) at Lyric Stage Company of Boston, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Eddie/Dr Scott x3), LES MISERABLES (Madame Thernardier) and ANNIE (Miss Hannigan) at AZ Broadway Theatre. Johanna made her directorial debut at Theaterworks Peoria directing 13! She has also been an active member of The Phoenix Theatre Company Festival of New American Theatre over the years, where she has acted and directed. She is featured on the BITE SIZED BROADWAY podcast in Episode 1 THE GETAWAY starring Rick Negron. She holds a BA in Vocal Performance from Cornell College. Johanna is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association. Johanna loves mixology, baking, and all things Star Wars (especially Baby Yoda). Johanna is the proud mom to Maxximillian who is a performer in NYC, partner to Paul who is the most amazing partner on the planet and fur mom to 2 cats, Pandora and Percules. “TANTO AMOR a Elise y todo el cast, crew and staff here. You all make this neighbourhood real and vital. Thank you for letting me play here and adding to my ever-growing FAMILIA!” @divasandinista

TreVonne “Tre” Coleman (Ensemble) is a recent graduate from Colorado State University - Fort Collins, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance and a minor in Spanish Communication. His training is accredited to Patricia Goble, Walton Jones, Noah Racey, Saffron Henke, and Debbie Swan. Some of his production credits include being a featured solo performance of Life is a Bowl of Cherries for the H.O.P.E Project, the lead role of Magistrate in Lysistrata, and his portrayal of Francis Flute from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. His technical theatre credits extend to stage managing a devised play called The Sojourners Project: Bussing; which unpacks the history of desegregation busing in Denver Public Schools. In The Heights is his first production as a professional actor and feels honored to be a part of a show where he can express his intersectionality of being African American as well as Puerto Rican. His mission within theatre is to create an environment where Black, Indigenous, and other peoples of color and all their intersectional identities (LGBTQ, Disabilities, etc.) may create inclusive and intricate art. Hobbies include singing, spending time with friends, and night drives. Tre plans on moving to New York City, pursuing his career in live performance. He would like to thank his family and friends for supporting his endeavors and thanks the cast and crew for welcoming him with open arms. To our audience, thank you for your continued support of the arts. For more information on TreVonne please go to www.trevonnecoleman.com

Kaley Corinaldi (Ensemble) is overjoyed to be making her Fine Arts Center debut in this production of In The Heights. She was last seen in Theatreworks’ production of Little Women (Beth March). Kaley also starred in Theatreworks’ musical production of Lumberjacks in Love (The Kid). She also acted in a UCCS student production of The Drag (Clair) and in the UCCS mainstage production of A Flea in Her Ear (Olympia). Kaley is a sophomore at UCCS and a dual major

WHO’S WHO

THE ACTING COMPANY

IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

in Theatre and Dance. In addition, to being a full-time student and actress, she is also a professional singer and releases music under the stage name of K-Cori. Her music is available on all platforms to stream. Kaley would like to thank her family for their constant support throughout her career and so forth. She hopes you all enjoy this production and are moved by the incredible talent every artist on stage encompasses! Follow her journey on Instagram @therealkcori

Yan-Carlos Diaz (Carla) (He/She). A graduate from AMDA, NY. Yan’s excited to be telling this story once again representing his Puerto Rican roots. He wants to thank the cast and crew for their support and acceptance. Favorite Regional credits: Carla in In The Heights (Rubicon Theatre CA) Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Henegar Center), Performer in the Broadway Easter Bonnet Competition (Minskoff Theatre NY), Houdini in Ragtime (Axelrod Theatre NJ), Angel/Referee in Kinky Boots (Thomaston Opera House CT). He wants to thank his family and Friends for their continual Support. @yanncarlo_

Robert Spence Gabriel (Sonny de la Vega) is a Hispanic actor from Tampa, Florida. He attended the Theatre Conservatory at Chicago College of Performing Arts for Musical Theatre. Regional credits include Next Thing You Know (Luke - Steel Beam Theatre, IL), In The Heights (the Piragua Guy - Mill Mountain Theatre, VA), The Lion in Winter (John - Freefall Theatre, FL), and Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Pablo Picasso - Jobsite Theater, FL) Robert is thrilled to join this cast of In The Heights and sends them all warm wishes and broken legs. Special thanks to his parents and mentors, whose unwavering support and love is a well of inexhaustible inspiration to him. No pare, sigue, sigue! Follow @rs_gabriel on Instagram and @rspencergabriel on Twitter for updates on what’s coming next.

Shabazz Green* (Benny) is thankful to return to the CS Fine Arts Center. He is no stranger to Colorado performing in: Oklahoma! and A Christmas Carol (Denver Center); Cinderella, Hands on a Hardbody (CS Fine Arts Center); Topdog/Underdog and Sister Act (Lake Dillon Theatre Company). Notable New York credits include: Bars and Measures (Urban Stages); Philosophy for Gangsters (Beckett Theatre); Intruder: The Musical (Hudson Guild). Other Regional productions include: The Play That Goes Wrong (Syracuse Stage); Mamma Mia (Village Theatre); To Kill a Mockingbird (Greenbrier Valley Theatre); The Ballad of Trayvon Martin (New Freedom Theatre); Little Rock (Passage Theatre); Portrait of the Widow Kinski (Vivid Stage); Humbug (Premiere Stages). Shabazz also appeared in the film Romance in the Digital Age. @shabazzgreen; www.shabazzgreen.com FEAR NOT!

Cheerish Martin (Ensemble; U/S Daniela) is a seasoned performer and community activist in Colorado. You may have seen Cheerish in the one woman show playing Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill at Theatreworks. Other credits include: The Fine Arts Center’s Working, the Musical and the radio play series Of Spacious Skies, SET’s Motherhood Out Loud virtual performance; Little Women (Meg March), Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye (Maureen Peal u/s Claudia) , House Arrest (Lizzie McDuffie & Maggie Williams) Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon) at Theatreworks; Puerto Rican Nocturne (Adria) THEATREdART’s; Spamalot (Lady of the Lake) Funky Little Theatre Company; High Yellow (Just Right) at the Millibo Arts Theatre, and several concerts, competitions, and cabaret performances including last year›s Colorado Theatre Guild’s Henry Awards. She is a University of Northern Colorado and Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts alum. Cheerish double majored in Musical Theatre and Audiology & Speech Sciences. She is currently living her dream and working and thriving in both fields today.

THE ACTING COMPANY

Ronald McQueen (Graffiti Pete): is a 24-year-old Colorado native and has been acting since 2012. He graduated from Rangeview High School where he was also in show choir (The Chromatics) and spent some time at MSU Denver studying Theater and Dance. He’s also spent some time training at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Ronald would like to thank everyone at CS Fine Arts Center for the opportunity to work and learn. Special thanks to his close friends and family for all of their love and support throughout this process.

Marlene Montes* (Camila Rosario) - Marlene is so excited to be back In The Heights for the third time, previously playing Daniela (Moonlight Stage Productions, 2017 Craig Noel Award for Outstanding Resident Musical, and Performance Riverside). Marlene is a Southern California based actress, but no stranger to the Colorado theatre scene. You may have seen her most recently as Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast (Arvada Center), starring as «a one-woman tour-de-force» in Mala (Lake Dillon Theatre Company), or in Quixote Nuevo (Denver Center for the Performing Arts) and in numerous regional productions as Ruth in Pirates of Penzance, Emma Goldman in Ragtime (Utah Shakespeare Festival), Soyla in American Mariachi (Arizona Theatre Company, South Coast Repertory), Mazeppa in Gypsy, and Frenchie in Cabaret (Cygnet Theatre), among others. Marlene has originated roles in workshops and readings at La Jolla Playhouse, Centre Theatre Group, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Theatre Lab at FAU and Zieders American Dream Theatre. Marlene has a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Arizona. Marlene dedicates this performance to her mamá and is grateful to all who’ve supported her along the way. (Psalm 9:1). Proudly represented by KMR Talent. marlenemontes.com

Claire Nolasco (Vanessa Morales): Claire is delighted to be making her debut with the CS Fine Arts Center! She’s especially excited to be working on In The Heights because of her background as a competitive Hip Hop dancer. Favorite roles include Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Claire recently graduated last spring with a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre from Manhattan School of Music. She would like to thank her family for all their support. ig: @claireenolasco

Susan Oliveras* (Daniela): A native New Yorker and the child of Dominican and Puerto Rican parents, Susan grew up in a neighborhood similar to Washington Heights where she was able to study music and currently pursues her performance career to this day. Having worked across TV, film and theater, her proudest performance moment was portraying the trailblazing Hispanic suffragist Nina Otero-Warren in SUFFS at The Public Theater last spring. Using the In The Heights’ story of community, legacy, displacement, dreams, survival and belonging, she hopes we can all see pieces of ourselves reflected back at us and bond in our common humanity. Jeremiah 29:11 @susanoliveras

Justin Pappas (Ensemble; U/S Sonny): Justin Pappas is an Actor, Musician, and Theatre Technician from Boulder, Colorado and attended the University of Evansville and studied abroad in Harlaxton College before graduating with a BFA in Theatre Performance in 2021. Since then, they’ve worked backstage in Elf: The Musical, Stick Fly, Animal Farm, and The Liar at the Arvada Center; and most recently played Moonlight in Lumberjacks in Love at Theatreworks. JPapp’s oth-

THE ACTING COMPANY

er most memorable roles have been Moritz Stiefel in Spring Awakening, Leo in In the Next Room, and Ray Bob (violinist) in Always… Patsy Cline. Their favorite moments on stage are when they get to combine skills and collaborate with other artists to bring the magic of storytelling to life. As the proud child of a Korean immigrant, JPapp hopes to inspire other Asian-Americans who want to pursue a career in the Arts. They are thrilled to bring their unique perspective to the neighborhood of Washington Heights for their debut performance at the Fine Arts Center! Follow along @justpappas

Jon Rodéz (Piragua Guy) is a Dominican-New Yorker who is so ecstatic to be back in El Barrio! Last Spring, Jon got the beautiful opportunity to star as the Piragua Guy under the direction of the Original Broadway Cast Piraguero, Eliseo Roman. One of his favorite NYC credits include La Cancion at Repertorio Español, which is where Lin-Manuel Miranda held the earliest readings for In The Heights. Jon is forever grateful to his queens, Mom, and Jai, for being his rock! Parriba esa bandera! Follow him @thejonrod for updates on his journey.

Sydney Torres (Nina) Sydney is thrilled to be making her FAC debut, and to be playing one of her dream roles. Regional credits- New Bedford Festival Theatre: Beauty and the Beast (Belle); Playhouse on Park: Miss Bennet (Mary); Seacoast Rep: A Chorus Line (Morales); Florida Rep: Romeo & Juliet (Juliet). Sydney earned a BFA Musical Theatre from Emerson College. Many thanks to Elise, A.B., Stephanie, Julio, Risa, Angie, Ed, and the rest of the team. Love to mi familia & Dyl. To my grandparents, and to Evie, Mary & Don- thank you for everything I know. www.sydneytorres.com; @sydneymtorres

Ryan Wong (Ensemble): Born and raised in Malaysia, Ryan Wong made his professional debut at age 17 appearing on Asia’s biggest reality television street dance competition ASTRO BATTLEGROUND. In 2017, Wong left Malaysia to obtain his tertiary education in America graduating with a B.A in Dance & Theatre from Messiah University, PA. He has since achieved his Artist Visa to continue working as an artist in the States and has completed 2 national tours in the USA. Ryan is excited to make his debut at the CS Fine Arts Center, and even more so to be a part of this incredible show. He came from miles away and dropped everything to be here. He has never felt prouder to be an immigrant in America. Theatre credits include the National Tour of Rudolph: The Musical and Mary Poppins (Riverside Theatre). Thank you to my family in Malaysia, Hannah, Spark Talent Agency, and everyone who has supported my journey! Follow me on Instagram: Ryan_Wongkh

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THE BAND

Jim Christian (Guitar) is a multi-instrumentalist of the guitar, fiddle, and mandolin. Jim was in the Air Force Band for 22 years playing with their Jazz, Rock-N-Roll, and the Country-Western Bands. Jim has played on the Grand Ole Opry stage 10 times. In the Jazz World, he has played with Diane Schuur, Jon Hendricks, Ed Shaughnessy, and Joey Heatherton. In the Country World, he has played with Suzy Bogguss, Whispering Bill Anderson, and Jana Jae. He also performed for President Clinton twice during his term. When Jim retired from the Air Force, he started teaching K – 5 at Ellicott School, where he had the honor of giving the gift of music to your students. Jim now is retired, but not from music, he’s busier than before, performing with local musicians and enjoying every minute of it!

Richard Clark (Drums) has thoroughly enjoyed playing in over 68 musicals in the last 21 years at the Fine Arts Center, as well as numerous musicals at UCCS’s Theatreworks, Cripple Creek’s Butte Theater, Rampart High School, and The Colorado Springs School. An alumnus of Boston’s Berklee College of Music and Dick Grove Music Workshops in Los Angeles, he studied privately with Nick Ceroli, Herb Alpert, and Don Menza and played in numerous rock, jazz, musical theater and country bands during his California tenure. Rich is also active in many local ballroom/variety bands. He resides in Canon City, “gigs” the Southern Colorado area extensively, teaches drums and piano privately and has original material on iTunes, YouTube, and Sound Cloud. An ENORMOUS “Thank You” goes out to each one of YOU, as well as the FAC, for the rich opportunity to be a part of “live music” for “live theater!” Enjoy the show!

Rick Crafts (Trombone) has enjoyed being a member of the Fine Arts Center Band for the past 25 years. He graduated from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pa. majoring in music conservatory, trombone major. Rick began his musical/military career in 1969, as lead/solo trombonist, with the Norad Band, he then moved to the Air Force Academy Band, The Falconaires, where he retired in 1996. While performing worldwide, Rick has had the opportunity to appear with Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Williams, Diane Schurr, The Four Freshmen, Debbie Reynolds, and more. Rick also performs with well-known Big Bands, such as Jimmy Dorsey Les Elgart, Chicago Tribute Band, Frank Fanelli Orchestra, the Springs Contemporary Jazz Big Band, and more. In addition, Rick and his wife, vocalist Laura Davis, are co-leaders of their own 7 pc. Band “The Springs City Jazz Band”. For the past 18 years, Rick has been Principal trombonist for The Pueblo Symphony. Rick also freelances with many other musical groups in the region.

Brian Hobson (Percussion) was raised by music loving, Volkswagen driving, peace-loving hippies. During high school, he played drums in various cover bands as a summer job and went on to study Percussion Performance at the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho. He is a veteran of the 504th Air Force Band at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California. While in the Air Force, Brian toured the Northwest in the Commanders Jazz Band and Wind Ensembles. Brian has been playing shows at the FAC since 2017 and is looking forward to the challenging percussion parts in the In The Heights score. He is currently living in Woodland Park with his wife Cathleen and their Golden doodle, Angus. Thank you for supporting live theater!

Ed Hureau (Woodwinds) is the former Musical Director, Arranger and Leader of the US Air Force Academy Falconaires Jazz Ensemble. Ed received the bulk of his musical training from his father, Wilfred, violist with Disney’s Max Steiner Orchestra. He also studied voice at the Chicago Conservatory, clarinet with David Hite, theory, and harmony with Dale Brunig, arranging with Sammy Nestico, and managed to pick up saxophone and flute along the way. Ed is once again thrilled to be performing at the FAC with this wonderful troupe and would like to gratefully acknowledge the efforts of the Fine Arts Centers and its staff for keeping live musical theater alive and well in the Springs. Let them know how much you appreciate it too.

THE BAND

Jay McGuffin (Electric Bass) is currently the Orchestra Director and Guitar Instructor at Castle View High School in Castle Rock. Jay is excited to be back for his 33rd show at the FAC! As a multi-string specialist, he has also performed on violin, cello and guitar. As an educator in Musical Theatre, the Castle View High School Theatre Company has received 12 Bobby G nominations since 2018, winning 6 awards total including Outstanding Musical Direction (2018, Les Misérables) and Overall Best Production of a Musical (2019, Mamma Mia!). Mr. McGuffin has music directed several shows, most recently Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. In Total, he has performed in and/ or directed over 60 shows in his career. The Castle View Chamber Orchestra under his direction was nominated to the State Orchestra Finals held by the Colorado Chapter of American String Teachers Association in 2020 & 2022. He has been a member of the Double McGuffin Band on Bass and Vocals since 2002, performing regularly with his father since 2005 and has been the leader of the group since 2008. In his free time, he performs in several music groups across the Front Range including The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs (principal bassist) and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Jay would like to thank his wife Stephanie and their son Michael for all their continued support!

Sandra Tiemens (Flute) hails from Rochester, Minnesota. She currently serves as a flutist and piccoloist of the Fort Collins Symphony and she also served the Air Force for 20 years as a flutist and piccoloist in The United States Air Force Academy Band and the United States Air Force Band of Flight. She graduated cum laude from Lawrence University a Bachelor of Music degree in Flute Performance and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Mathematics. Sandy also holds the Master of Music degree in Flute Performance from the University of North Texas, where she was the winner of the 1997 Concerto Competition. She has been featured at five National Flute Association conventions and has participated in the Aspen and Texas Music Festivals. Sandra has performed with the Dayton Philharmonic, Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, Boulder Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, and Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Sandra has toured internationally and has performed as a soloist with the Lawrence Symphony Orchestra, University of North Texas Chamber Orchestra, Sinclair Community Band, The United States Air Force Band of Flight, and The United States Air Force Academy Band. Prior to In The Heights, she performed for Barnum, Sound of Music, Cinderella, and Anyone Can Whistle at the CS Fine Arts Center.

Chris Walters (Trumpet), a graduate of Ashland Univ. in Ohio, Chris came to Colorado after being selected as a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Band. For 25 years he was the lead trumpet, soloist, and leader of the “Falconaires.” Under his leadership the “Falconaires” headlined major jazz festivals across the U.S. and Canada working with such artists as Bobby Shew, Diane Schuur, and Louis Bellson. He was instrumental in presenting the “Falconaires” to the International Jazz Educators Conference in Chicago, and the MusicFest in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He also has performed with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, Temptations, John Denver, Natalie Cole, Bernadette Peters, and Jack Jones. Chris left the Air Force with over 25 years of service and resides in Colorado Springs. Chris works as a freelance musician across Colorado and loves working with this great pit orchestra.

Scott Webring (acoustic and electric bass) hails from Colorado Springs. Scott received his Bachelor of Music Education degree, with an emphasis on double bass, from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley where he was also deeply involved with the jazz studies program under the tutelage of the well-known educator, Gene Aitken. Upon graduation from UNC, Scott was invited to audition for the USAF Academy Falconaires in 1984 where, after winning the audition, he joined the group and was their bassist for 20 years and group leader for the last three years of his Air Force career. While performing for the Falconaires, Scott was fortunate to back many jazz greats to include vocalists Jon Hendricks and Dianne Shuur, saxophonists Bob Mintzer and Denis DiBlasio, trumpeters Randy Brecker and Marvin Stamm, trombonists Bill Watrous and Phil Wison, and drummers Ed Soph, Louie Bellson, and Ed Shaughnessy.

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Elise Santora (Director) is delighted to return to CSFAC as director of In The Heights. Her most recent appearance on the CSFAC stage was in the title role of Guadalupe in the Guest Room and garnered the Henry Award for Outstanding Actress. In prior CSFAC seasons, Curious Incident of the Dog... (Henry Award nominee) and Ofelia in Anna in the Tropics (Henry Award – Outstanding Actress Her professional debut at age twelve was the starring role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz directed by renowned actor José Ferrer. Her first television appearance was as one of the first Latina dancers on the syndicated TV show, Soul Train. She traveled globally as background vocalist/dancer for Bowie, Jermaine Jackson, Julio Iglesias to name a few and for UNICEF/AFRICA with ambassador, Danny Kaye. Her regional and touring credits span from principal roles in West Side Story, Man of La Mancha (with John Collum), A Chorus Line (with Bebe Neuwirth), Copacabana, Into the Wood to costarring in The Red Rose with legendary singer, Danny Rivera at the N.Y. Latino Festival, and the People Magazine in Español Festival/Central Park. Broadway: In The Heights (Abuela, Daniela), The Capeman (Paul Simon), The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Man of La Mancha (with Raul Julia). She starred as Abuela Claudia on the First National US/Japan tour of In The Heights. Off-Broadway: Yo Soy Latina (Lincoln Center), 365 Days... (The Public Theatre), Betsy (PRTT), Scissoring (Intar), Ghost Dance Woman (John Houseman). TV: For Life (ABC), Bull, Tommy, The Code (CBS), NBC’s The Manifest, New Amsterdam, Shades of Blue, Netflix’s Iron Fist, Orange is the New Black and nominated for the Indie Series Best Comedy Actress Award for her role in FabuLess (webseries). Recent film credits include The Artist’s Wife (starring Lena Olin/Bruce Dern), Swallow and The White Alligator. Directing highlights include the hip-hop production of The Minotaur (Abrons Arts Center), Fever (New Perspective Theatre), The Life of Me (NY Latino Theatre Festival), and Hopefulness (The Lark Theatre) and resident choreographer for the Stargate Company, a social justice company founded by the Manhattan Theatre Club. She has been a teaching artist for MTC, Lincoln Center, TDF and the NY Board of Ed for over two decades and was awarded the Ultimate Inspiring Latina award at the Nuyorican Poets Café. She is a Ford Foundation grant recipient for her one woman show A Woman and Her Cigar, a published poet and a life-long activist.

Stephanie McGuffin (Music Director) Stephanie is thrilled to be music directing In The Heights She has been music directing shows with the Fine Arts Center since 2016. In 2020, Stephanie was awarded the Henry Award for Outstanding Musical Direction for her work on The Bridges of Madison County. She also serves as a collaborative pianist with the Colorado All State Choir, UCCS, Colorado Springs Conservatory, and various schools and studios in the Colorado Springs and Castle Rock areas. Stephanie would like to thank her husband, Jay, and son, Michael, as well as our families for their love and support.

Rodrigo Hernandez Martinez (Scenic Designer) (they/he) is a Scenic and Costume designer and visual artist from Cancun and Mexico City currently based in NYC. Excited to be back in Colorado Springs joining new and known friends. Previous works include Something Borrowed, Something Green a commissioned performance piece at the Park Ave. Armory, NYC. Scenic Designer for LA LIBERAZIONE DI RUGGIERO DALL’ISOLA D’ALCINA at Manhattan School of Music, NYC; Costume Designer for IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at the Fine Arts Center, CO; Costume Designer for SPRING AWAKENING and Scenic Designer for SIDE BY SIDE by Sondheim at Northern Stage, VT; Scenic and Costume designer for I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS for New York Children’s Theatre at Theatre Row, NYC; Scenic Designer for EDITH CAN SHOOT THINGS AND HIT THEM and Scenic and Costume Designer for FADE at the Kitchen Theatre in Ithaca, NY. Proud member of Wingspace Theatrical Design, La Gente: The Latinx Theatre Design Network and Colegio Mexicano de Diseño Escénico. For more works visit www.rodrigohmdesign.com

María-Cristina Fusté (Lighting Designer) At Colorado Springs Art Center: Anna in the Tropics directed by Rebecca Martinez. Broadway: Jagged Little Pill, Associate LD 2021 remount. Off Broadway: Songs About Trains (Working Theater/Radical Evolution); Fur, Mud, and The Conduct of Life (Boundless Theatre Company, NYC) Regional: Cleveland Playhouse, Alabama Shakespeare, Bay Street Theater.

THE CREATIVE TEAM WHO’S WHO

American Mariachi (Goodman Theatre, Chicago); Measure for Measure (Chicago Shakespeare Co); Anna in the Tropics (Barrington Stage, MA); Airness (Geva Theatre Center, NY); Children of Eden (Aurora Theatre, GA); Sweat (People’s Light Theater, PA); In The Heights (Westport Country Playhouse, CT); The Heath (MRT, MA). Opera: Cecilia Valdés (Teatro Colón, Bogotá); Tosca, Bluebeard’s Castle, Madama Butterfly, Don Pasquale, and L’Elisir d’Amore (Ópera de Puerto Rico, San Juan PR). Training: MFA in Lighting Design (NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts). Awards: Princess Grace Award 2018, Suzi Bass Award 2016/ 2017, Nomination 2019, HOLA Award 2022. MC is the Executive Artistic Director of Boundless Theatre Company: www.boundlesstheatre.org. Website: www.mcfuste.com

Travis Joseph Wright (Sound Designer) is a Composer/Designer, currently living and working out of Brooklyn, NY. Their work focuses on devising sonic art that actors and audiences can participate in making together. Recently their designs have been featured in Elf the Musical at Constellation Stage, A Doll’s House at the Wallace Theatre, and Strange Bird at St. Ann’s Warehouse. Additionally, in collaboration with the Troy Foundry Theatre of upstate NY, they are developing a creative practice building with a focus in creating unique immersive sonic performances.

Oriana Sophia (Costume Design) is a Dominican-American Actress, Costume Designer, and stylist based in NYC. She loves collaborating with other creatives and telling stories that take the “ordinary” and magnify it into extraordinary stories. She draws from her experience as a first-generation immigrant to the U.S to explore topics related to nostalgia, comfort, safety, and identity. She is an associate artist with Boundless Theatre and Repertorio Español. Follow her work @0rianasophia

Julio Agustin (Choreographer) has directed and/or choreographed productions at Theatre Under the Stars, Geva Theatre, Hangar Theatre, Theatreworks, and others specializing in Radical Inclusivity (Reenvisioning the Classics with Contemporary Practices). Award nominations include an Audelco for Best Director (La Dulce Caridad, a Latiné adaptation of Sweet Charity @ New Haarlem Arts Theatre, NYC); Best Choreographer by the Houston Press Theatre Awards (Guys and Dolls @ Theatre Under the Stars, TX); and Syracuse Area Live Theatre for Best Choreographer (In The Heights @ Hangar Theatre). Julio has performed on Broadway in the original companies of Fosse, Steel Pier, Never Gonna Dance, Bells Are Ringing revival (“Carl”), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (“Ambite”), and was featured opposite Bebe Neuwirth in Chicago, the Musical. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Florida State University and Master’s in Directing from Penn State. Julio is the author of The Professional Actor’s Handbook: From Casting Call to Curtain Call (Rowman & Littlefield) and his essay, “Navigating the Musical Theatre Industry for Latinx Actors” will appear in the upcoming Latinx Actor Training (Routledge, March 2023). Special thanks go to Susan G. and, as always, JPM. Member: SDC, AEA, SAG-AFTRA. @JulioAgustinNYC

Jocelen Barnett Smith (Wig, Hair, and Makeup Design) is thrilled to be making her Fine Arts Center debut with In The Heights. A graduate of Indiana University-Southeast, she has worked with regional theatres across the country including the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, The Arvada Center for Humanities, The Glimmerglass Festival, American Players Theatre, Hawaii Opera Theatre, and Lees-McRae Summer Theatre. Special thanks to her husband, Forrest, her sons, August and Milo, her dog, Günter, and her friends and family for their constant support.

Edward Khris Fernandez (Stage Manager) is a Southern California based Filipino-American Stage Manager, making his return to the Fine Arts Center. Regional credits include Songs From The Border at Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Clyde’s at Center Theatre Group, Clyde’s at The Goodman Theatre, The Garden; SUMO; Not For Profit at La Jolla Playhouse, A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within, Interstate: A New Musical; Scrimmage; Vietgone at East West Players, Lewiston; Clarkston; Welcome to La Misa; Plot Points in Our Sexual Development at Diversionary Theatre, Assassins at Young Arts, and Matilda at Coronado Playhouse. Opera Credits include El Ultimo Sueno de Frida y Diego; Romeo et Juliette; Cosi Fan Tutte at San Diego Opera. Received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre: Entertainment Management from San Diego State University. Proud member of Actors Equity Association. See ekfsm.com for more!

WHO’S WHO

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Angie Ainsworth (Assistant Stage Manager) is currently in her 5th season with the FAC’s Mainstage Theatre Company; a journey which began with her first crew job on Matilda in 2018. She holds a BA in Visual and Performing Arts from the University of Colorado and has been actively working in the theatre and film industries–both locally and nationally–for the past decade. While she considers the FAC home, she loves to accept work in other parts of the country designing and stage managing for both film and theatre. Her “adventures” have taken her to some of the most memorable in her career. They include gigs with: SeaWorld San Diego’s Hallow Scream, The Young Playwright’s Festival at the Stella Adler Theatre and The Blank Theatre in Hollywood, CA, 13th Floor Entertainment Group’s City of the Dead/Asylum, Los Perdidos (Los Angeles International Film Festival), and High-Octane Pictures’ Robot Riot (The Dead Center Film Festival). She’s excited to help bring this amazing show to life and is grateful to the beautiful cast and crew for forever elevating humanity in the spaces we occupy.... above all else. Much love. To my corner crew...Dad and Mom; and my souls’ heart–J.R., and B... I love you all–thank you for your endless support and sacrifice. Everyday...Paciencia y Fe. Enjoy the show!

Almeda Beynon (Associate Sound Designer) (she/her/hers) is a Colorado Springs-based sound designer, and excited to return to the FAC! Recent credits include Aubergine (Theatreworks), It’s A Wonderful Life (Fine Arts Center, CO), Antigone (University of Denver), Is God Is, Arlington, Dress in Code (The New School, Manhattan), Saints Plays, and Call Me By Your Name (Just as Sweet) (Muhlenberg College). She is also an audiobook producer for Harper Collins Publishing. MFA: Carnegie Mellon University. For more information, please visit www.almedabeynon.com.

Paul Vaillancourt (Associate Lighting Designer) works as a designer, assistant and programmer both Off-Broadway and regionally. His designs have been seen at 59E59, Hudson Stage Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Ithaca College, Massasoit Theater Company, The Company Theater, and others. He has been fortunate enough to work at theaters such as 2nd Stage, Playwrights Horizons, Roundabout, La Mama, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Dallas Theatre Center, Ogunquit Playhouse, Westport Country Playhouse, and others. pvaillancourtdesigns.com

Sammy Gleason (Properties) is a Colorado Springs-based actor, costume designer and props artisan. Most recently he designed the foley props for It’s A Wonderful Life, A Radio Play here at the Fine Arts Center. In addition to props work, he also plies his skills in the costume department as a stitcher and craftsperson or backstage as a dresser and wardrobe supervisor for multiple productions. More recently he has started to explore the world of wig styling and supervising - most notably as an assistant wig designer for recent productions with Soho Repertory Theatre and The Classic Theatre of Harlem, both in NYC, under wig and hair designer Earon Nealey. Sammy is also one-third of WYNOT Productions - a Pueblo-based production company that specializes in custom costumes, props, and puppets for film, television, and cosplay. Enjoy the show!

Marisa D. Hebert (Intimacy Coach) (She, Her) Is an Actor, Director, Playwright, and Intimacy Director located in Colorado Springs, where she lives with her wife and rescue dogs. Marisa was a founding member of IDEA’s(tages), a grassroots outreach organization providing resources and accountability work toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility on stage. As an Intimacy professional, Marisa strives to provide a safe, inclusive, consent centered space for artists to create together. As an actor, Marisa works with Theatreworks, The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, and numerous other local and regional theatres. Directorially, Marisa has worked at The Fine Arts Center, Theatreworks, Seven Devils, Vintage Theater, and The MAT Theatre. As a playwright, Marisa penned Shepherd of the Great Mountain for City as a Venue, Just Keep Breathing and Love in the Hate State for the Of Spacious Skies radio series. Her play Pieces of Him won the FAC’s 2013 Rough Writers New Play festival, and selections from her lyrical autobiographical play High Yellow have been performed at UCCS and The MAT Theatre.“We need to be weapons of mass construction, weapons of mass love. It’s not enough just to change the system. We need to change ourselves.” Assata Shakur

THE CREATIVE TEAM WHO’S WHO

Thomas Jenkeleit (Associate Scenic Designer) is a scenic and prop designer from Queens, New York devoted to creating new, reimagined, and thought-provoking work. Recent design/prop artisan credits include: The Bridge Production Group, New Ohio Theatre, The New Studio on Broadway NYU Tisch, Columbia University, Ithaca College, Iron Crow Theater, Ithaca Shakespeare Company, Hangar Theater Company, Kitchen Theater Company, Williamstown Theater Festival, 15 Street Quarterly Meeting House, State Theater of Ithaca, RWS Entertainment Group, The Cherry Arts. BFA Ithaca College. jenkeleit.com

A.B. Lugo (Assistant to the Director) is happy to return to the CSFAC, where his credits as an actor include Anna in The Tropics (Henry Award nomination), Of Spacious Skies (True West Award winner), and Front Range Fables: To Slay the Dragon. Other Colorado credits include Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue; The Tempest; Mother Courage and Her Children; Fatherhood Up Close; and Ghost Stories of Old Manitou. He also has numerous NYC/NJ acting, playwriting, and directing credits. Much love to the cast, Elise, Julio, Stephanie, design team, and crew of this production. “And it’s all about the legacy/they left with me/it’s destiny.” Lin-Manuel Miranda

THEATRE STAFF

Christopher L. Sheley (Interim Producing Artistic Director) is in his eighteenth season as the Director of Production and Resident Scenic Designer at the FAC. He is a transplant from Chicago where he worked in live music and theatre after attending The Theatre School at DePaul University. As a scenic designer, his most memorable credits include the FAC productions of Where Did We Sit on the Bus, Tiny Beautiful Things, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Barnum, Church and State, Shakespeare in Love, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Intimate Apparel, Annie, Man of La Mancha, Enchanted April, Peter and The Starcatcher, Guys & Dolls, 4000 Miles, Dracula, Floyd & Clea Under The Western Sky, Agnes of God, The Wizard of Oz, Noises Off, Other Desert Cities, Gypsy, Assassins, Colorado College’s 23:59 and All in the Timing, The University of Denver›s Urinetown & Theatreworks’ The Servant of Two Masters. He has been nominated for six regional Henry awards and won Best Set Design for his work on Man of La Mancha. Additionally, he received the Gazette’s “Best of” award for Sunday in the Park and he also received the Denver Post’s Ovation Award of Best Set Design for his work on The Pirates of Penzance and Sweeney Todd. Other awards include the PPAC award for his set designs of 4000 Miles, Into the Woods & Sunday in the Park, as well as two True West awards for his designs of 4000 Miles and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. He wishes to thank his family for their love and support. www.christopherlsheley.com

Morgan (Moe) Gatson (Line Producer) - is starting her 8th season with the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company. For years, Moe has been the leader backstage, but this season Moe has taken on the job of Line Producer. Moe’s career has been dedicated to uplifting everyone around her. Moe is so proud to be bringing this dynamic show to Colorado Springs. Moe would Like to thank the Colorado Springs theatre community for supporting her. “To soar toward what’s possible, you must leave behind what’s comfortable.” — Cicely Tyson

Tim Muldrew (Company Manager): Tim has worked in Arts Administration for both the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College and Theatreworks at UCCS. He has been an Equity Stage Manager for over 25 years ‘calling’ such shows as the Henry Award Winning plays Guadalupe in the Guest Room and The Mountaintop. Tim’s Colorado Springs directing credits include Crazy for You, 1776 and Knuffle Bunny at the FAC. Orlando directing credits include The Weir, Love! Valour! Compassion, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and Six Degrees of Separation to name a few. He’s excited to announce that he will be directing The Boys in the Band for Springs Ensemble Theatre which will be presented this June. As a stage manager, Tim has toured the world with the world-famous Cirque organization. A love of Theme Parks has allowed him to work at Walt Disney World, Sea World, Circus World, Cypress Gardens and Cedar Point! Tim would like to thank Chris Sheley for bringing him back to the FAC! He would also like to thank his husband, Craig, who encourages and supports him in his crazy artistic life. Grá.

WHO’S WHO

THEATRE STAFF

Holly Anne Rawls (Resident Lighting Designer/Lighting Director) graduated from CU Boulder a long time ago with a lucrative pair of degrees – Technical Theatre and Anthropology. For the past seventeen seasons at the FAC she has held the position of master electrician, Lighting Director, and Resident Lighting Designer, and has helped build the technical side of the Youth Rep program. In addition, she has designed many, many FAC productions including The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (for which she won the 2020 Henry Award for Lighting Design), Intimate Apparel, Fun Home (for which she won the 2017 Henry Award for Lighting Design), Barnum, Man of La Mancha (for which she won the 2016 Henry Award for Lighting Design), 4000 Miles, The Wizard of Oz (for which she won a joint PPAC award), Guys and Dolls, Other Desert Cities, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd (for which she won a Denver Post Ovation award), and all of the Brighton Beach Trilogy plays. Before joining the FAC, Holly worked for the Lyric Music Theatre and Macky Auditorium at CU Boulder and taught technical theatre at Lewis Palmer High School. Holly enjoys spending her off hours next to the fire pit with her amazing daughter and son- in- law. She would like to thank Chris for everything.

Sarah Beth Parks (Costume Shop Supervisor) has been costume shop supervisor for the Fine Arts Center for 5 years. SB has designed and built costumes all over the country, including Hartford, CT, where she worked on the Tony-winning original productions of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Anastasia. SB holds a BA in Theatre from CU Boulder and an MFA in Dramatic Arts/ Puppet Arts from the University of Connecticut.

Jonathan Finley (Lead Carpenter) started in theater as a scenic carpenter with the University of Texas before moving on to the film industry for over 15 years. He has worked for various production companies such as 13th Floor Productions where he created theatrical shorts and films for Austin City Limits and SXSW. He also worked with the award-winning production company BentoBox Animation and Laika Studios where he and his company won a Golden Globe Award for best animated feature with Missing Link. He also won 3 BAFTA awards with Missing Link, Kubo and the Two Strings and Boxtrolls. He’s currently enrolled at Pikes Peak State College and working towards a Bachelors in multimedia graphic design. He is very thankful for the support and love from his wife Annie and 4 kids Gideon, Jeremiah, Ethan, and Shalom.

Alex Drelich (Head of Sound) joined our theatre company staff in July of 2022 as the new Head of Sound. Alex holds a B.A Degree in Theatrical Design/Production from the University of Northern Iowa, class of 2020. He brings experience as a performer, technician, and audio engineer to the team.

CURTAIN CALL

CURTAIN CALL

CURTAIN CALL

Curtain Call members! This extraordinary aficionados brings Fine Arts Center theatre Theatre Company’s award-winning and immersive youth camps, Curtain performing arts at the FAC. Your are an inspiration and we are grateful.

Curtain Call members! This extraordinary aficionados brings Fine Arts Center theatre Theatre Company’s award-winning and immersive youth camps, Curtain performing arts at the FAC. Your are an inspiration and we are grateful.

We applaud our generous Curtain Call members! This extraordinary group of live performance aficionados brings Fine Arts Center theatre programming to life. From our Theatre Company’s award-winning seasons to original productions and immersive youth camps, Curtain Call members are at the heart of performing arts at the FAC. Your enthusiasm and fierce loyalty are an inspiration and we are grateful.

2022–2023

2022–2023

MEMBERS

MEMBERS

Feb. 3, 2023)

Feb. 3, 2023)

Tosches

2022–2023 MEMBERS

(as of Feb. 3, 2023)

Gary Loo

Susan Burghart and Rich Tosches

Gary Loo

Tosches

Gary Loo

Leann Nitschke

Morland and Jerlynn Gonsoulin

Leann Nitschke

Leann Nitschke

Herman and Tang-Lin Teo-Tiemens

Erin Hannan

Herman and Tang-Lin Teo-Tiemens

Herman and Tang-Lin Teo-Tiemens

Ms. Eve Tilley-Chavez and Mr. Sol Chavez

Lynn Hannan

Leon and Heather Kelly

Ms. Eve Tilley-Chavez and Mr. Sol Chavez

Ms. Eve Tilley-Chavez and Mr. Sol Chavez

fac.coloradocollege.edu/curtain-call

fac.coloradocollege.edu/curtain-call

fac.coloradocollege.edu/curtain-call

Something New

Try Something New

Something New

Art classes for all ages

Art classes for all ages

Art classes for all ages & skill levels

Find your creative match at fac.coloradocollege.edu/bemis

Find your creative match at fac.coloradocollege.edu/bemis

Find your creative match at fac.coloradocollege.edu/bemis

FAC’s Bemis School of Art

FAC’s Bemis School of Art

FAC’s Bemis School of Art

PRODUCTION STAFF

Director: Elise Santora

Musical Director: Stephanie McGuffin

Choreographer: Julio Agustin

Scenic Design: Rodrigo Hernandez Martinez

Lighting Design: María-Cristina Fusté+

Associate Lighting Designer: Paul Vaillancourt

Sound Design: Travis Joseph Wright

Associate Sound Design: Almeda Beynon

Costume Design: Oriana Sophia

Wig, Hair and Makeup Design: Jocelen Barnett Smith

Production Stage Manager: Edward Khris Fernandez*

Assistant Stage Manager: Angie Ainsworth*

Sound A1: Alex Drelich

Sound A2: Molly Gillard

Carpenters: Joe O’Rear, Coyler Dermody, Micah Engle, Molly Gillard, Paul Martin

Electricians: Tony Caruana, Molly Gillard, Victoria Padilla

Charge Scenic: Sarah Tabala

Additional Scenic: Kiara Butts

Props Master: Sammy Gleason

Intimacy Coach: Marisa Hebert

Assistant to the Director: A.B. Lugo

Wardrobe Crew: Bekah Irwin, Amaya Egusquiza, Katherine Hall, Lauren Asselin

Light Board Operator: Madison Dillon

Spot Light Operators: Tony Caruana, Jordan Klein

Stagehands: Kiara Butts, Danielle Sanchez, Micah Speirs

Stagehand Subs: Maia Rychlik, AJ Vafiades

Covid Safety Officer: Tony Caruana & Berkeley Hart

House Manager: Trish Doyle

Production Photographer: Jeff Kearney, TDC Photography

PERFORMING ARTS STAFF

Interim Producing Artistic Director: Christopher L. Sheley

Interim Artistic Associate & Line Producer: Morgan Gatson

Company Manager: Tim Muldrew

Lighting Director & Resident Lighting Director: Holly Anne Rawls

Lead Carpenter: Jonathan Finley

Costume Shop Supervisor: Sarah Beth Parks

Head of Sound: Alex Drelich

Patron Experience Director: Rebecca Rounds

Director of Operations and Culture: Maria Capp

Patron Services Manager: Frances Huntington

Patron Services Assistant Manager: Colby Whittmore

NOTICE

Assisted listening devices are available at no charge from the ushers by request.

The use of any and all recording devices during any Fine Arts Center performance is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: cameras (still or video, including camera phones), tapes and other other devices. House management reserves the right to delete any and all data that is recorded in violation.

We reserve the right to ask anyone to leave if their behavior is disruptive to the performance environment.

The Fine Arts Center is a Constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American Theatre

+The Lighting Designer for this production is represented by United Scenic Artists, the international alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees

200 members across the US and aborad

• Supporting collaboration between musical theatre writers and producers, and among theatres nationally

• Nurturing the creation, development and production of new and classic musicals www.namt.org

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GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

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SENIOR ACCOUNT PLANNER

Teri Homick

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Felicia Anzaldúa, Betty Butron-Smith, Viktoria Costantino, Monty Hatch

FRONT DESK COORDINATOR

Madeline Berg

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Cathy Reilly

719-577-4545 • sixty35media.org

235 South Nevada Avenue

Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1906

FAC THEATRE COMPANY EQUITY STATEMENT

The power of theatre lies in its ability to bring us together, forge community, and widen our empathic imaginations through stories both within and outside of our own lived experiences. For theatre to truly maximize this potential, it is paramount that everyone feels seen, heard, and represented.

At The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Theater Company, all are welcome. We publicly and wholeheartedly affirm our commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The amplification and cries for social justice for the global majority across the world, especially highlighted by the We See You, White American Theater* movement, demand that we continually reexamine our practices and our values. We recognize our failures in the past and commit to the iterative and lifelong work of creating a brave space for all of our stories: one where we can empathize, grow, learn, and together co-create a more just and compassionate society.

We acknowledge that many of our practices in the past perpetuated systemic inequities, including but certainly not limited to the homogeneity of our programming and the distinct lack of BIPOC artists and stories. We recognize these failures and commit to working towards repairing the harm we’ve caused in the past and creating a more equitable and just future.

To hold ourselves accountable, and so you may do the same, we are sharing our action plan, which will continually evolve and grow.

To truly welcome artists and audiences in our spaces, we are committed to the following:

• The staff of the FAC Theatre Company will continue our work in anti-racism education through ongoing seminars, focus groups, and open dialogue.

• We are committed to color-conscious casting. We are dedicated to creating equitable and inclusive theatre that amplifies voices from every culture. We welcome all and encourage people of every race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, economic status or any other identity or lived experience to audition for our productions.

• By prioritizing the voices of BIPOC², feminineidentifying, and LGBTQ+ communities, we commit to curating seasons that more accurately represent and reflect our world.

• We are aligning our creative and production teams with the shows that we produce. We honor the stories that we tell onstage by centering creative artists whose lived experiences and identities align with the content.

• Moreover, we are disrupting the ways in which BIPOC artists can be “cast” only within their race by democratizing artistic opportunities across the board.

• By taking our work outside of the building, producing ancillary events, and investing in long-term relationship-building, we will authentically connect to marginalized communities who may not have felt welcomed here in the past.

• BIPOC² voices will be the priority of new play commissions for the foreseeable future.

• We have instituted the practice of land acknowledgements to honor the Indigenous Peoples who historically inhabited the lands we currently occupy. Moreover, we are programming Indigenous artists, and supporting new works to build beyond an acknowledgment with tangible action and artistic support.

• To reach new communities, we are continually interrogating and expanding our programming with events like Front Range Fables and Dragstravaganza.

• We are overhauling our student outreach practices for the FAC Theatre School, so that we can engage students from systemically excluded communities. We are also investigating new tuition structures to ensure that our programs are financially accessible for everyone.

THE WORK CONTINUES

This is just the beginning of our dedication to being an equitable, accessible, and inclusive theatre company. Please know that this is an ever-evolving commitment that will grow and change as we do. Whether you’re a loyal subscriber, a new audience member, or a guest artist, we hope to continue engaging in this dialogue together with open hearts and open minds. We are energized by the work we have done, and continually looking for opportunities to translate it into action. Most importantly, we ask that you hold us accountable. You are an essential component of the work that we do.

We look forward to our continued conversations this season. See you at the theatre.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Colorado College is located within the unceded territory of the Ute Peoples. The earliest documented peoples also include the Apache, Arapaho, Comanche, and Cheyenne.

¹Global Majority is a collective term that encourages those of African, Asian, Latin American, and Arab descent to recognize that together they comprise the vast majority (around 80 per cent) of people in the world.

²BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and people of color

* We See You, White American Theater