IN THE HEIGHTS - Official Playbill

Community Theatre at the

Count Basie Center for the Arts

September 22, 23 & 24

Sponsored by

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS Presents IN THE HEIGHTS

Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda Book by Quiara Alegria Hudes

Conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda

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

Technical Director

Kyle Santopadre

Lighting Design

Chris Cichon

Scenic Design

Kyle Santopadre

Production Stage Manager

Fran Centofante Katz

Music Director

Teddy Kernizan

Costume Design

Frankie Confalone

Sound Design

Mark Zuckerman

Production Manager

James Marhold

Choreographer

Natalie Hayes-Scott Director

Liz Gonzalez

IN THE HEIGHTS

is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

Season Sponsors: Courtyard by Marriott - Red Bank/Lincroft; The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates; World Subaru

Production Sponsor: Declarations, Inc.

Good theater has the power to transport us to far-away places, where we can discover new worlds and cultures. For the last 35 years, Phoenix Productions has created powerful stories set on small islands in the French Antilles, palaces in Thailand, small villages in rural Russia, and even small towns in Iowa. No matter where a story takes place, it seems to me that good stories boil down to this… community. Communities dealing with a shady band salesman, communities struggling to keep up with the changes of modern times, communities trying to help their kids grow up and fall in love – good theater provides a window into other communities where, hopefully, we can also see ourselves. So, as we travel 50 miles north to the foot of the George Washington Bridge to meet another community, I hope we can all see ourselves in their story as well. After all it’s the story of the original American dream – to work hard, give your kids a better life than the one you knew, and have pride in who you are and where you come from. It’s the story of a proud and diverse community not unlike our own here in Red Bank, NJ. For 35 years Phoenix has been about community. Community theater made by our community for OUR community. And we’re just getting started.

Enjoy the show.

James

A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR UN MENSAJE DE EL DIRECTOR ARTÍSTICO

El buen teatro tiene el poder de transportarnos a lugares lejanos, donde descubrimos nuevos mundos y culturas. Durante los últimos 35 años, Phoenix Productions ha creado poderosas historias ambientadas en pequeñas islas de las Antillas francesas, palacios en Tailandia, pequeños pueblos de la Rusia rural e incluso pequeños pueblos de Iowa. No importa dónde se desarrolle una historia, me parece que las buenas historias se reducen a esta… comunidad. Comunidades que se enfrentan a un turbio vendedor de bandas, comunidades que luchan por mantenerse al día con los cambios de los tiempos modernos, comunidades que intentan ayudar a sus hijos crecer y enamorarse: el buen teatro ofrece una ventana a otras comunidades donde, con suerte, también podemos vernos a nosotros mismos. Y así, mientras viajamos 50 millas al norte hasta el pie del puente George Washington para encontrarnos con otra comunidad, espero que todos podamos vernos también en su historia. Después de todo, es la historia del sueño americano original: trabajar duro, darles a tus hijos una vida mejor que la que conocías y estar orgulloso de quién eres y de dónde vienes. Es la historia de una comunidad orgullosa y diversa, similar a la nuestra aquí en Red Bank, Nueva Jersey. Durante 35 años, Phoenix se ha centrado en la comunidad. Teatro comunitario hecho por nuestra comunidad para NUESTRA comunidad. Y recién estamos comenzando.

Disfruten el espectáculo.

James

Joe Wajda, Executive Manager & Phoenix Operations Co-Chair

THE CAST

(in order of appearance)

Graffiti Pete ................................................................................................... MICHAEL DALY

Usnavi De La Vega ..................................................................................... GERSON CHECO

Piragüero .......................................................................................... GABRIEL ANGEL VALLE

Abuela Claudia ....................................................................................... ALIZA LEA LIRANZO

Carla MARIA GUERRERO

Daniela ................................................................................................ SOFIA BARRIONUEVO

Kevin Rosario ............................................................................................. EDGAR HIDALGO

Camila Rosario ...................................................................................RUTHIE ZEKARIA-LEVY

Sonny ....................................................................................................... JOSEPH NOVITSKY

Benny CARLOS ALLEN REYES

Vanessa .......................................................................................................... KITANA SULTAN

Nina Rosario .................................................................. DAGMAR MARSHALL-MICHELSON

Jose ................................................................................................................. DUANE BANKS

Yolanda ........................................................................................................... IRLEY VALLEJO

Bolero Singer GENESIS DIAZ-HALL

Ensemble ............................................ DANIELLA ALEMAN, ELIAS AVALOS, JAVIER COSS, SAMANTHA ESTRELLA, DANNY GULICS, McKAELA MAYE, KOLTER YAGUAL ROLSTON, FRANCHESCA SAMBUCCI, MARIA WOOD

UNDERSTUDIES

For Abuela Claudia and Daniela - GENESIS DIAZ-HALL; For Camila Rosario - MARIA WOOD; For Carla - SAMANTHA ESTRELLA; For Kevin Rosario - ELIAS AVALOS; For Nina Rosario - FRANCHESCA SAMBUCCI; For Piragüero and Sonny - JAVIER COSS; For Usnavi De La Vega - KOLTER YAGUAL ROLSTON; For Vanessa - DANIELLA ALEMAN.

Phoenix Productions would like to thank our dedicated cast, staff and volunteers that worked so hard to make our In The Heights show a success.

If you’d like information about auditioning for a future show, please visit our website at: www.PhoenixRedBank.com/auditions

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

Director .....................................................................................................LIZ GONZALEZ

Music Director ..................................................................................... TEDDY KERNIZAN

Choreographer NATALIE HAYES-SCOTT

Assistant Choreographer ........................................................ QUINCY SOUTHERLAND

Technical Director .............................................................................KYLE SANTOPADRE

Master Carpenter / Assistant Technical Director ............................TOREY MANGANO

Lighting Design CHRIS CICHON

Costume Design .......................................................................... FRANKIE CONFALONE

Scenic Design ....................................................................................KYLE SANTOPADRE

Sound Design MARK ZUCKERMAN

Properties ........................................................................................... AMANDA MUNICE

Scenic Charge ........................................................................................ ASHLEY CUSACK

Production Stage Manager FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ

Assistant Stage Manager .......................................................................... SYDNEY KATZ

Assistant Stage Manager .................................................................................. ISABELLA

Assistant Stage Manager AMANDA MUNICE

Production Assistant .......................................................................... DYLAN SHEPPARD

Production Assistant .......................................................................KENDALL THORNER

Dance Captains ....... DANIELLA ALEMAN, MICHAEL DALY, FRANCHESCA SAMBUCCI

Production Manager JAMES MARHOLD

Assistant Production Manager ...................................................................... JO WYMER

Artistic / Managing Director .............................................................. JAMES GRAUSAM

Scenic Crew JESSICA COGAN, MICHELLE FISHKIN, ISABELLA, JOHN LINDENTHAL, TOM MARTINI, JOSEPH NOVITSKY, JOANN SULLIVAN, DENNIS TOLENTINO

Special Thanks

COUNT BASIE CENTER MARKETING DEPARTMENT, DIANE DiYANNI, MAURER PRODUCTIONS

THE ORCHESTRA

Conductor.................................................................................................. TEDDY KERNIZAN

Keyboard 1 KARA LEIGH

Keyboard 2.................................................................................................. FRANÇOIS SUHR

Drums ...................................................................................................... EMANUEL SOLENA

Percussion 1

CHRISTIAN LOPEZ

Percussion 2 ............................................................................................ JULIAN DIPPOLITO

Bass ................................................................................................ ANDREW ROSCISZEWSKI

Guitar JAIRO CAMPO

Reed 1........................................................................................................... ALYSSA GINDER

Reed 2.......................................................................................................... HEIDI PETERSON

Trombone 1

RAYMOND FLORES

Trombone 2 ................................................................................................. OSCAR MENDEZ

Trumpet 1 ............................................................................................................ TIM WENDT

Trumpet 2 JOE MOSELLO

The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. Please turn off all electronic devices such as cellular phones, tablets, beepers, and watches. The use of cell phones in the theater is prohibited.

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

SoVonna Day-Goins (Co-Chair)

Sarah Bradley

Karen Franklin

Fran Katz

Joe Wajda (Co-Chair)

Michael Parent

Mark Regan, Jr.

Jon Vena

Jerry Conaty

Marc Goldberg

Jim Marhold

Adam Philipson

Izzy Sackowitz

Count Basie Center for the Arts, a not for profit organization

Count Basie Center Executive Committee of the Board

Jeremy Grunin Chairperson

Stephen Cutler Treasurer

Robin Klein Governance Officer

Stuart Alderoty

Mitch Ansell

Alison Banks-Moore

Tom Bernard

Sarah Bradley

Michael Bruno

Heather Burke

James M. Cadet

Puja Choudhry

Michael Parent Co-Vice Chairperson

SoVonna Day-Goins Co-Secretary

Claudia Dulac Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Maggie Riker Co-Vice Chairperson

Maria Maher Co-Secretary

Adam Philipson President & Chief Executive Officer, Ex Officio

Count Basie Center Board of Trustees

Jerry Conaty

Craig Cummings

Mollie Giamanco

Lauren Goldfarb

Yvonne Grayson

Jason Jurgens

Nancy Karpf

Marshall Knopf

Mario Monello

Mark Rohl

Peter T. Roselle

Matthew J. Saker

Carol Stillwell

Fran Turner

Joe Wajda

Tom Widener

Darrell Lawrence Willis

Kaye Wise

Edward J. Zipprich

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT 1

“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

“INUTIL” (USELESS) ...................................................................................................... Kevin

“NO ME DIGA” .................................................................. Daniela, Carla, Vanessa and Nina

“96,000” Usnavi, Benny, Sonny, Vanessa, Daniela, Carla and Company

“PACIENCIA Y FE” (PATIENCE AND FAITH) ........................ Abuela Claudia and Company

“WHEN YOU’RE HOME” Nina, Benny and Company

“PIRAGUA” .............................................................................................................. Piragüero

“SIEMPRE” (ALWAYS) ................................................................... Camila and Bolero Singer

“THE CLUB” Company

“BLACKOUT” ........................................................................................................... Company

IN THE HEIGHTS will be performed with one 15 minute intermission.

ACT 2

“SUNRISE” Nina, Benny and Company

“HUNDREDS OF STORIES” ........................................................ Abuela Claudia and Usnavi

“ENOUGH” Camila

“CARNIVAL DEL BARRIO”.................................................................. Daniela and Company

“ATTENCION” ................................................................................................................ Kevin

“ALABANZA” Usnavi, Nina and Company

“EVERYTHING I KNOW” ................................................................................................ Nina

“NO ME DIGA” (REPRISE) Daniela, Carla and Vanessa

“PIRAGUA” (REPRISE) ............................................................................................ Piragüero

“CHAMPAGNE” ....................................................................................... Vanessa and Usnavi

“WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN” ................................................................ Nina and Benny

“FINALE” ............................................................................................... Usnavi and Company

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS THANKS OUR 2023/2024 SPONSORS & DONORS

2023/2024 SEASON SPONSORS

Courtyard by Marriott - Red Bank/Lincroft

The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates - Jon & Jade D’Agostino World Subaru - Joe & Nicole Wajda

IN THE HEIGHTS Production Sponsor: Declarations, Inc.

PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS

2023/2024 SEASON DONORS

RISING STAR LEVEL: $500-$999

Joseph Ercolino, Kimberly Gelfand, Diane Tresente

FAN LEVEL: Up to $249

Susan Barschow, Alfred Bevaqua, Nancy Cavaliere, Elaine Donovan, Ellen Easton, Eric Klings, Rita LaBrecque, Donna Pinamonte, Red Bank Smiles, Charles Rodman, Barbara Saake, George Weiss

STARS ON PHOENIX’S “WALK OF DREAMS”

Todd Aikens, Andrea Andrews Zawadzky, Matthew Blankley, Grace Brancato, Brothers Commercial Brokerage, The Brown Family, Chloe Carone, Erin O’Malley Chiaravalloti, Sarah Coleman, Liz & Randy Cooper, Sophie Creed, The Cullen Family, The D’Agostino Family, Mike & Betty Ann Dalberg, Bobby Davis, Lily DelPresto, In Memory of Mildred & Patrick DeLuca, Tina & Mike DeVito, Denise DiBona DDS, The Dobbs Family, Hudson Eder & Jo Wymer Music Studios, Joe Ercolino & Melvin Polisher, FILCO Red Bank, Immediate Care Medical Walk-In & CEO Sal Cannizzaro, In Memory of Jakob Franke, Bob Fuller, Carmen Gemellaro, Kayla Goins, Jennifer Grasso, James Grausam, Anthony Greco, Keegan Robert Haack, Holly Hankins & Family, Don & Lois Heirman, Thomas K. Hessman, Taylor Nicole Kaplan, Nancy Karpf, Fran Centofante Katz, Sydney & Jason Katz, Zoe & Molly Kenney, George & Kelly Kerrick, The Kinneman Family, The LaRue Family, James, Kathleen & Patrick Marhold, The Martini Family, In Loving Memory of Pat Mercandetti, The Monteleone Family, Jillian Mueller, Scott Naef, The Nodes Family, Don Olah Hair/Wigs, Alexa Origlio, Christine Paccillo, Wayne, Daniel & Marisa Peck, The Pennington Family, Joanne Penrose, Red Oak Mortgage, The Regan Family, Remember Jones, Lily Grace Riddle, Kara Robertelli, Harper Robinson, The Robinson Family, The Scherzo Family, Haley & Chris Schmalbach, Thomas Scove, The Sheftel Family, Carl Sterling Smith, Jack & Joyce Sica, The Stefanelli Family, The Thorner Family, Mary Jo Tort-Bergeron, Carol Wade, The Wagar Family, Ellen & Michael Walsh, Amanda Winter, Lindsay Wood, Chip & Ilda Wood, World Subaru

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

DANIELLA ALEMAN (Ensemble, u/s Vanessa, Dance Captain) is thrilled to make her debut with Phoenix Productions in a dream show! Other credits include: Seussical (Bird Girl), Into the Woods (Florinda), Shrek The Musical (Gingy) and RENT (Mimi). Many thanks to the whole production team and cast for this unforgettable experience. Break a leg everyone!

GABRIEL ANGEL VALLE (Piragüero)

is very honored to be a part of this production. Their recent credits include: IN THE HEIGHTS (Piragüero), Addams Family (Fester), You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Pig Pen). Gabriel prefers cherry on their piragua. They would like to thank everyone who has supported them. BORIQUA! @gabrielangelvalle

ELIAS AVALOS (Ensemble, u/s Kevin Rosario)

is ecstatic to make his NJ debut with Phoenix Productions and grateful for this amazing cast and community. Past credits include: Spamalot (Ensemble; Royal Star Theatre), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble; CM Performing Arts), Priscilla (Ensemble; CMPAC), Mamma Mia! (Ensemble; CMPAC), Disney’s Newsies (Albert; RST). Elias thanks his family and friends for their incredible support… @spiceitall

SOFIA BARRIONUEVO (Daniela)

is a first generation Mexican-American and is thrilled to return to the Count Basie stage after being in The Wedding Singer. Recent credits include: A Bronx Tale (Rosina) and Urinetown (Little Sally). Offstage you can find Sofia working on her Etsy business (Monina Studio). Sofia would like to thank production for the opportunity, the cast & crew for making this experience so memorable, and her family & friends for their continued support!

DUANE BANKS (Jose)

is so excited to join this stellar cast of IN THE HEIGHTS! Duane is a NYC/NJ based performer. Off Broadway: Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Little Princess. Local/ Regional: Ragtime, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and Once on This Island. He serves as the Co-Founder of the Inspired Tomorrow. @_duanebanks

GERSON CHECO (Usnavi De La Vega) is overjoyed to once again step into the role of Usnavi (3rd time), this time at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, a huge dream come true. As a Dominican-American actor, it’s Gerson’s biggest honor to wave the Dominican Republic flag on a theater stage in front of his family. IG: @a_guy_named_gerson

JAVIER COSS

(Ensemble, u/s Piragüero and Sonny) is very proud to be working with Phoenix Productions for IN THE HEIGHTS! It’s been 5 years since he’d done a musical but is beyond excited to take the stage once again! He would like to thank his family for supporting him and also would love to especially thank his boyfriend, Tyler, for pushing him to follow his dreams!

MICHAEL DALY

(Graffiti Pete, Dance Captain)

Michael is excited and grateful to be in the cast of IN THE HEIGHTS. He’s a songwriter/vocalist from Manalapan, NJ, where he started out performing in his high school productions, and attends Montclair State University. As a former gymnast, he is thrilled to flip his way through the show!

GENESIS DIAZ-HALL

(Bolero Singer, u/s Abuela Claudia and Daniela) is delighted to be back on the Count Basie stage! She has enjoyed working with this talented cast/creative team and thanks them for all their hard work. She thanks everyone here to support her and is thrilled to share this show with you! Corinthians 16:14

SAMANTHA ESTRELLA (Ensemble, u/s Carla)

This is Sam’s first show at Phoenix, but you might have seen her as Carla in CDC’s NJACT Perry Nominated, IN THE HEIGHTS. Sam is proud to show off the result of everyone’s hard work (and sore muscles). Thanks to the production staff for pushing Sam’s limits as a performer, and for helping her improve her skill set.

Sofia Barrionuevo

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

MARIA GUERRERO

(Carla)

is thrilled to make her Phoenix debut (¡No me diga!). She’s a Senior Vocal Major at RBRHS. Favorite shows include: CAMP (Marjorie; Off-Broadway), West Side Story (Maria), & High School Musical (Gabriella). Maria would like to thank the production team and cast for an amazing time “In The Heights”!

DANNY GULICS (Ensemble)

is so proud to be in his first Phoenix Production, let alone that being IN THE HEIGHTS! He would love to thank the cast, crew, and production staff for being so welcoming and kind. He can’t wait to share his passion with you tonight!

EDGAR HIDALGO (Kevin Rosario)

Prior stage credits include: IN THE HEIGHTS (Kevin), Seussical (General), Mary Poppins (Admiral/Chairman), The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho), and Legally Blonde (Dewey/Ensemble). Prior Directorial credits include: IN THE HEIGHTS, The Vagina Monologues and Chess (2020 Perry Award for Outstanding Direction). Edgar is a Privacy Attorney for The Walt Disney Company and an adjunct professor at MSU.

ALIZA LEA LIRANZO (Abuela Claudia)

is incredibly proud to portray Abuela Claudia in Phoenix Productions’ presentation of IN THE HEIGHTS. She hopes this character brings you strength, love and hope, the same way it did for her. A mi familia, los amo mucho, gracias por creer en mí. Enjoy! Paciencia Y Fe!

DAGMAR MARSHALL-MICHELSON

(Nina Rosario)

is thrilled to be back at the Basie and in the Barrio! She is receiving her BFA in Musical Theatre and Double Minor in Psychology/ Dance at The New School. She would like to thank this amazing cast and team for their incredible work! Por mi familia, Abuela, Mami, Gracias por todo lo que sé, te quiero mucho. Esto es para ti. PR, we are NONSTOP! @daggy6260

McKAELA MAYE (Ensemble)

is ecstatic to be performing in IN THE HEIGHTS. It is her passion to be part of the art world. She is an incoming junior at Colonia High School. Her first role on stage was in Hairspray (Little Inez). One of her more recent roles was in Once on This Island (Ensemble, u/s Timoune) which brought her great joy.

JOSEPH NOVITSKY (Sonny)

is excited to be making his debut with Phoenix Productions at the Basie in this production of IN THE HEIGHTS. Joseph attends Donovan Catholic High School where he has appeared in numerous stage productions throughout his school career. Joseph would like to thank Liz Gonzalez and the rest of the team for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful cast and is so grateful for his family, friends and teachers who have been so supportive. This all would not be possible without you.

KOLTER YAGUAL ROLSTON

(Ensemble, u/s Usnavi De La Vega) is incredibly excited to be performing in one of his dream shows with Phoenix Productions. He is so incredibly grateful for the sense of community that this cast has created. A special thank you to his father, his family here, and his family in Ecuador for their love and support. Alza su bandera

CARLOS ALLEN REYES (Benny)

is incredibly grateful to be back on the Basie stage! A proud Filipino, he is excited to represent in IN THE HEIGHTS. Credits: Mike & Mindy’s Wild Weekend Jam (OffBroadway) and West Side Story (Chino, Priscilla Beach Theatre). Pace MT. Much love to family, friends, Leana, Zach and his team Bobbie and Deborah.

FRANCHESCA SAMBUCCI (Ensemble, u/s Nina Rosario, Dance Captain)

is a freshman at Wagner College currently studying theater performance. She is extremely excited to make her Phoenix debut as the understudy of Nina/Ensemble. Franchesca would like to thank her incredible family, cast and crew for the immense support on her journey.

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

KITANA SULTAN (Vanessa)

is grateful to have gotten to work alongside such a talented and passionate group of people. She would like to thank the production staff for giving her this opportunity, and the cast for being a pleasure to work with. This has been her favorite musical for the longest time, and she is ecstatic to get to live out this dream. Currently a senior at Rutgers University, her past shows include: Tick, Tick…Boom! (Karessa), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Esmeralda), and Pippin (Leading Player). Enjoy the show!

IRLEY VALLEJO (Yolanda)

is ecstatic to be on stage once again after taking a break to start a family and recover from injuries! She is even more excited to be doing it with such a beautiful cast! Thank you God, Bernie, Ayden, Mom, and Dad for your love and support! @elita2496

MARIA WOOD (Ensemble, u/s Camila Rosario)

is grateful for the opportunity to pay homage to her Puerto Rican roots by making her debut in IN THE HEIGHTS Maria has performed Latin dance around NJ with South Street Salsa. She is devoted to serving the community and volunteers for several local organizations. Maria lives in the area with her husband, three sons and the best dog ever.

RUTHIE ZEKARIA-LEVY (Camila Rosario)

It’s been 5 years since the last time Ruthie has been on any stage. The last show she performed in was IN THE HEIGHTS on this very stage in the same role! Her favorite roles include: Hello Dolly! (Dolly, Axelrod) and Follies (Sally, Axelrod). Ruthie is a proud mom to 26 year old Sammy. She loves this incredible cast and phenomenal production team, and is so grateful for this experience!

Joe Wajda, Executive Manager & Phoenix Operations Co-Chair

WHO’S WHO ON THE PRODUCTION TEAM

CHRIS CICHON (Lighting Design)

is the Head of Sound and Lighting at Plays-in-thePark in Edison, NJ and the Technical Director at Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville, NJ. He would like to thank the entire Phoenix team for their professionalism and kindness, and to his wife who happens to be the Director, Elizabeth Gonzalez, for being the best work and life buddy ever.

FRANKIE CONFALONE (Costume Design)

is thrilled to return to Phoenix, previously seen onstage as Will in American Idiot! Favorite Costume Designs: Boeing, Boeing at Monmouth HS and Rock of Ages, Hair & Little Shop of Horrors at Exit 82 Theatre (with partner Desiree Davenport). Next Up: Director for Exit 82’s Elf JR and It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play!

ASHLEY CUSACK (Scenic Charge)

is a freelance scenic designer and artist working throughout the tri-state area. She holds an MFA in Scene Design from Mason Gross School of the Arts, and loves transforming spaces into magical environments to be explored and developed. Everyday life with her wild-child daughter keeps her on her toes and ready for any adventure that comes along.

LIZ GONZALEZ (Director)

is so excited to make her Phoenix debut directing IN THE HEIGHTS! Liz has a BA in Theatre from Ramapo College and works full time as the Production Stage Manager at Music Mountain Theatre. She would like to thank the cast, crew, and team for their passion, dedication and hard work on this production as well as Phoenix Productions for this incredible opportunity! Endless love and thanks to her parents and her husband, Chris.

JAMES GRAUSAM (Artistic / Managing Director) has directed several productions for Phoenix at the Count Basie including: Fiddler on the Roof, The Full Monty, Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy, The 30th Anniversary Gala Concert, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Songs for a New World, Smokey Joe’s Café, Spring Awakening, Elf, Putting It Together, Evil Dead The Musical, American Idiot, and The Music Man. He continues to direct and perform other places as time allows. As always, for Olivia.

NATALIE HAYES-SCOTT (Choreographer)

is an educator, teaching artist, and performer from Long Branch, NJ. She started working with Phoenix Productions in 2020. When not at Phoenix, Natalie is the Program Manager of the Be S-Well Program for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. A special thank you to the production team, to this amazing cast, and to her husband, family, and friends for their love and support! She dedicates her work to her mom, Susan Hayes-Stasio.

ISABELLA (Assistant Stage Manager)

is a senior at East Brunswick Magnet School studying Arts Technology and has done almost twenty shows since being in high school. She has worked on multiple productions at Two River Theater among school productions. This is her first time with Phoenix Productions and she’s excited to be here!

FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ (Production Stage Manager)

is excited to be back in the booth after serving as Production Stage Manager for Once on This Island last season. Fran started with Phoenix Productions in the cast of Peter Pan back in 1997 and since then has been a part of all aspects of the organization both on stage and behind the scenes, most recently as Production Manager for Guys and Dolls. Fran would like to thank her Assistant Stage Managers and Production Assistants for all of their hard work as well as Stew, Sydney and Jason for their love and support.

SYDNEY KATZ (Assistant Stage Manager)

is a senior at Marlboro HS and is excited to work on her 7th Phoenix production! She was last seen in the Dance Ensemble of The Music Man this summer and has previously been on crew for Nice Work If You Can Get It and A Christmas Carol. She’d like to thank the rest of the production team and the cast for the fantastic learning experience!

TEDDY KERNIZAN (Music Director)

is excited to be returning to Phoenix Productions as Music Director. He is a pianist, conductor, and educator from Mount Holly, NJ. Previous Music Director and Keyboard credits include: School of Rock, The Wizard of Oz, Guys and Dolls, and Once on This Island (Count Basie Center); Anything Goes, Gypsy, SpongeBob the Musical and Cinderella (Spring Lake Community Theatre); The Addams Family and Avenue Q (Axelrod Theatre). Teddy would like to thank the AMAZING Production Team here, this talented cast, and a special thank you to his supportive parents and 3 sons for all of their love and support.

JAMES MARHOLD (Production Manager)

has been a performer and Production Manager at Phoenix for nearly 35 years! Production credits include: Once on This Island, Evita, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, West Side Story, Legally Blonde, Spring Awakening, Songs for a New World and many others. Thanks to Kathy and Patrick for their love and support!

WHO’S WHO ON THE PRODUCTION TEAM

AMANDA MUNICE

(Assistant Stage Manager/Properties)

is delighted to return to some of her favorite roles behind the scenes to support this talented cast and crew. She was last seen on the Phoenix stage in The Music Man as Maud Dunlop. Previous backstage credits with Phoenix include: Stage Manager for A Chorus Line, City of Angels, and CATS; Lights/Sound for Jeffrey and A New Brain.

KYLE SANTOPADRE

(Scenic Design/Technical Director) has a BA in Theatre with a Design Concentration from Rowan University. After college, Kyle worked for Royal Caribbean as Technical Stage Staff on board the Oasis of the Seas (CATS, Frozen in Time, Come Fly With Me, Oasis of Dreams). He is currently the Assistant Technical Director and Lighting Designer for The Count Basie Center for the Arts. Past designs include: Spring Awakening, A Chorus Line, The Wizard of Oz (Phoenix Productions), Hello, Dolly! (Capital Productions), and Noises Off (Raritan High School). Many thanks to a wonderful production team!

DYLAN SHEPPARD (Production Assistant)

is excited to be helping on her second show at Phoenix. She was most recently a Production Assistant for The Music Man. Currently, she goes to Muhlenberg College for Theatre and Music. She hopes the cast and crew have an amazing run. Alabanza!

QUINCY SOUTHERLAND

(Assistant Choreographer)

is excited to be a part of the creative process of IN THE HEIGHTS! This is Quincy’s tenth show with Phoenix dating back to Phoenix’s 2018 production of IN THE HEIGHTS. Since then Quincy has worked for Royal Caribbean and Axelrod Contemporary Ballet. He is very thankful for the opportunity to work with this amazing production team and talented cast. @quincydances

KENDALL THORNER (Production Assistant)

is excited to be a first-time Production Assistant! She has been a part of many productions as an actor, but is so grateful to be part of the crew to learn more about what happens backstage to make a show look spectacular! She wishes the cast luck and thanks the Production Team for their guidance!

JO WYMER (Assistant Production Manager)

is a Navy Veteran, a 2x AMA award winner & a 2x Grammy nominee for her original music written for TV & film. Recent credits include: The Bikinis (Karla) - Asbury Park Theater Company, International touring cast of IN THE HEIGHTS (Abuela Claudia). Phoenix Productions credits: Evil Dead The Musical (Production Stage Manager), The Wizard of Oz (Assistant Stage Manager), Mamma Mia! (Rosie Mulligan), Every Wednesday Night (Teresa/Gloria Genovese), IN THE HEIGHTS (Abuela Claudia), Evita (Juana Duarte/Aristocrat). She is the 2023 NJACT Perry Award Nominee and Phoenix Award winner for Outstanding Stage Management for Phoenix Productions’ presentation of Guys and Dolls. She is grateful for her family and her Phoenix family. Que Dios Te Bendiga. @jowymermusic

MARK ZUCKERMAN (Sound Design)

is excited to return to Phoenix Productions for IN THE HEIGHTS. Mark was the resident sound designer and engineer for Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford, New York for over 10 years and works extensively throughout the New York and Nashville metro areas. Favorite credits include: Aida (Studio Tenn), Phantom, Jekyll and Hyde, Hairspray, Always… Patsy Cline, as well as the regional premier of IN THE HEIGHTS (Westchester Broadway). More at MarkSZuckerman.com & MZTheatrical.com

Book and Lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado

Music by Galt MacDermot

Directed by James Vásquez

30th