WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

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

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.

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

Sofia Barrionuevo

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

(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.

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

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.