In the Wings

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

When a young Latino theater composer by the name of LinManuel Miranda first burst onto the scene in 2008 with this groundbreaking show, it started a revolution. For the first time on the Broadway stage, audiences were able to experience a new, 21st century kind of theater. Where modern language and contemporary musical sounds were meshed together in a wholly original story and song cycle that included Composer and lyricist, Lin-Manuel Miranda (left) with Director, Benjamin Perez (right). rap, hip-hop, salsa and traditional Broadway ballads. A universal immigrant story that includes three generations, was highlighted with familiar characters, fresh orchestrations, and electrifying dance numbers. IN THE HEIGHTS was Lin’s first major work, and in my mind, it’s his emotional masterpiece. While he has gone on to great success and notoriety with his multi-award-winning phenomenon HAMILTON, (as well as family-favorites MOANA and ENCANTO) he admits that much of what he succeeded in doing in HAMILTON, he learned from writing IN THE HEIGHTS. This show has absolutely changed my life. It’s given me a nationwide Family of performers and friends. It’s expanded my understanding, knowledge, and respect for our hard-working people whose only hope is to live their American Dream. It’s breathed new life into the musical theater. It’s touched older people with its depiction of a generation that is seldom represented on the stage. It’s inspired young people and people of color to find their place in the Arts. It is a distinguished story of a Latin culture that doesn’t include gangs, drugs, guns, pregnancy, or prison. It has given me more joy and pride in the past 10 years than I can possibly express. I hope you embrace our Familia as your own. We are your grandparents and parents, your children and your friends, your neighbors, and the people you work with. We are a vibrant, loving community of American immigrants searching for a better life. We are figuring out what to bring with us from the old country, and what to embrace in this new century. Take the journey, feel the rhythm of our neighborhood, and let us into your heart. I promise you, it’s a ride worth taking. Benjamin Perez, Director

WHO’S WHO

STEVEN-ADAM AGDEPPA (Ensemble) is excited to be returning to the La Mirada stage! Credits: CATS (Mungojerrie, La Mirada), Newsies (Albert/Scab, La Mirada), Mamma Mia! (Ensemble, East West Players), The Music Man (Ensemble, Musical Theater West), and stage shows at Disneyland and Knott’s. In his spare time, Steven choreographs for The Young Americans, teaches yoga/mindfulness, loves to read, practice yoga, and hang out with his partner and their 6-year-old pit bull rescue, Karma. Steven thanks his family, sisters, and fiancé, Nick, for their unending support. Special thanks to Lisa and Julie at Go2Talent, and MRE for this wonderful opportunity. Paciencia y fe! IG: Stadam.agdeppa.

MARCOS ALEXANDER (Ensemble, u/s Sonny) is beyond ecstatic to make his La Mirada debut and even way more beyond ecstatic to FINALLY be back on stage with such a beyond talented cast. Being a part of this show has re-sparked his passion and has filled him with immense joy for the craft. Past credits include Chino in West Side Story and Domingo in In the Heights (Moonlight Amphitheatre), Evita (Musical Theatre West), Pablo in Sister Act (Candlelight Pavilion). I love you mama! IG: @marcsalexander.

REMMIE BOURGEOIS (Ensemble) started dancing at 13 at NewStyleMotherlode Dance Company where he found his love for dance. In 2012, Remmie moved to LA for Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular. He has since worked with award-winning choreographers Chuck Maldonado, Rich and Tone Talauega, Denise Faye, Robert Ashford, AJ “Akamon”Jones, Andy Blankenbuehler and more, being in music videos, movies, and other live stage performances, including productions of Ragtime, Damn Yankees, Tarzan, Dreamgirls, and Ted 2. Remmie has performed around the world including LA, Las Vegas, Chicago, Tokyo, most recently Hamilton at the Pantages Theatre. Remmie’s also a choreographer, loving all things artistic.

BIANCA BRANDON (Ensemble) danced competitively and did gymnastics. She trained in various styles but Tap, Jazz and Contemporary are her favorites. She graduated with a BFA from Point Park and a minor in Broadcasting. She has worked with choreographers like Travis Wall, Dwight Rhoden, Renny Harris and many others. Her credits include Disney Cruise Line, “So You Think You Can Dance,” Abby Lee Dance Company, a Sheetz commercial, Pittsburgh CLO faculty member, Disney Musicals in Schools, and has choreographed and taught all over the country. Bianca is also working as a judge and teaching for various dance competitions and conventions. RUBÉN J. CARBAJAL (Usnavi) is thrilled to be making his LMT debut after more than 1,000 performances as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton in the hit musical Hamilton in more than 10 cities nationwide, including San Juan, P.R. alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda. BFA from Cal. State Fullerton. Favorite credits include Breathe, directed by Jeff Calhoun at NYC’s 92nd Street Y, In the Heights, Spring Awakening, and …Charlie Brown. Television: “Fear The Walking Dead,” “Punk’d,” “Kingpin,” “Zoey 101.” Thanks to Benny, Marissa, and the LMT team for the opportunity! Love to Mom, Dad,

abuelitos, sisters, Jen, Bubba, and A3 Artists Agency. Ad majorem Dei gloriam. Instagram/ Twitter: @rubenjcarbajal.

LINDSEY DANTES (Carla) is honored to be making her debut at La Mirada Theatre. Previous theatre credits include Una Noche en Tejas (Selena), The Diary of Anne Frank and more. Film: Popping the Question and Red Velvet. Endless thanks to the creative team for opening the door. “To my inspiring family, love you forever.” @lindseyanne.d ANDREA DOBBINS (Ensemble) is a proud native of St. Louis, Missouri. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Chapman University. She is so excited to be making her debut at La Mirada. Special thanks to Mom, Dad, James, and Bloc Talent Agency for their unwavering love and support! SHADIA FAIRUZ (Daniela) is a NY-based actor/ singer whose vocal force, range, and sensibility have led to a diverse career performing on renowned national and international stages. Highlights include Broadway-bound Sing Street; 1st National Broadway Tour, On Your Feet! (u/s Gloria Fajardo, Consuelo); In the Heights (Daniela, Camila), Mason St. Warehouse, Saugatuck, MI (Broadwayworld Best Actor Nominee); Engeman Theater, Northport, NY; US Spanish Premiere, Gala Theatre, DC (Helen Hayes, Best Supporting Actor Nominee); Axelrod PAC, Deal, NJ. Co-star in the Off-Broadway sensation I Like It Like That, PRTT, NYC. TV/Film Credits: Hallmark Channel, Sugar Plum Twist (Supporting). Rep. DGRW.

CRISSY GUERRERO (Camila) is thrilled to make her La Mirada Theatre debut. Credits: On Your Feet (Gloria Fajardo, Moonlight Amphitheatre), American Mariachi (Soyla, South Coast Repertory, originated role for Denver Center for Performing Arts/Old Globe Theatre), In the Heights (Camila, Dallas Theater Center), Fun Home (Helen, Theatreworks), Black Butterfly (Mark Taper Forum), La Posada Magica (SCR), Wild in Wichita (LATC). Web: Studio C & C talk shows/variety shows (Producer/Host), Emmy-nominated series, “Home for Mom. ” TV: “Conan,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “George Lopez,” “Mind of Mencia.” VO: “Parks and Recreation,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Handy Manny,” “Big Mouth. ” Senior fellow in the Eric Futterer Vocal Studio of AAVT, the Academy of Advanced Vocal Technique. IG: @crissyg1.

JUAN GUILLEN (Ensemble) is so thrilled to be revisiting In the Heights at La Mirada Theatre. National Tour: Mamma Mia! (Swing, Eddie u/s). Other favorites: Cinderella at The Muny (Duke of Cheshire, Ensemble), Evita at Riverside Theatre (Perón u/s), Matilda at La Mirada Theatre, …Spelling Bee (Leaf) at 3-D Theatricals, Sunset Blvd. at Musical Theater West. Juan would like to thank his family and Lil Baby for their love and support. Enjoy the show! Insta: @juanguillenactor. Website: juan-guillen.com. HALEY IZURIETA (Ensemble, u/s Graffiti Pete) is excited to be back in Washington Heights for the third time! Professional credits include West Side Story (Anita) with The Chance Theatre, West Side Story (Consuelo) with Performance Riverside, Legally Blonde (Mother/Judge/ Ensemble) and Saturday Night Fever (Annette) with Candlelight Pavilion, Arcane: Enter The Undercity with Secret Cinema, and most recently seen in the reading of América Tropical (Cha-Cha) with McCoy Rigby Entertainment. Other credits include A Chorus Line (Cassie), In the Heights (Daniela), Songs for a New World (Woman 2), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Miss

Flannery), and many more. Protect the BIPOC LGBTQIA+ community. RACHEL JOSEFINA (Ensemble, u/s Carla, Dance Captain) is thrilled to be making her debut at La Mirada Theatre! Credits: The Music Man, starring Adam Pascal and Legally Blonde (5-Star Theatricals), How To Succeed…, Oklahoma!, In the Heights, My Fair Lady (Candlelight Pavilion). She’s also sailed the seas as a singer/dancer with Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean Productions. Additionally, Rachel is a Mindset Coach for performers, helping them create the career and life of their dreams with less shame along the way. She’s so grateful for the love and support from her given and chosen familia! And always thanks the Universe for its abundance of magic! @rachel.josefina

DAISY MARIE LOPEZ (Nina) is a recent graduate of Hussian College, majoring in Musical Theatre and Film. She has worked on countless musicals and film sets but could not be more excited to tell this story. In the Heights was the first musical that truly moved her and made her feel represented. She is over the moon to be debuting at La Mirada in her dream show, dream role, and sharing the stage with incredible artists. Love to her family, friends, and Abuela Juanita. “No pare! Sigue! Sigue!”

JODI MARKS (Ensemble, u/s Camila, Daniela, Abuela Claudia) is thrilled to be returning to McCoy Rigby where she was last seen in The Sound of Music. Other credits: Once On This Island (Moonlight Theatre), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Stage Door Rep), Evita (P3 Theatre), Tarzan (Performance Riverside). She is so grateful to be in this show and would like to thank the entire creative team, cast and crew for making this show one she will never forget. Most of all she would love to thank FSE, her family and friends for their continuous support and love. www.jodi-marks.com, IG: jodimarks. CLAUDIA MULET (Vanessa), born and raised in Havana, Cuba, is an actress, singer, visual artist, and director based in New York, and graduated from ISA (Superior Institute of Arts) with a BFA. Claudia was in The Nederlander’s historic production of RENT in Havana, which was filmed and became a documentary, Revolution Rent (HBO MAX). Credits: On Your Feet 1st National Tour, In the Heights, Viva Broadway, and recently made her directorial debut as Associate Director of In the Heights at Oklahoma City University alongside Director, Luis Salgado. Claudia believes in the improvement of the human being through theater and arts. www.cmulet.com @claudiamulet89 HOSEA MUNDI (Benny), born in Columbia, Maryland, is so excited to be making his La Mirada Theatre debut in his all-time dream role, Benny! His recent credits include Man 1 in Songs for a New World, Sid Sorokin in The Pajama Game, Crybaby in Crybaby The Musical, and Professor Bhaer in Little Women. Hosea grew up playing music and singing in the church from the age of four. Through his music he has found beautiful ways to connect others together. Hosea would like to thank his friends and family for all the love, support, and teachings they have shown him! MONIKA PEÑA (Ensemble, u/s Nina, Vanessa) is grateful to continue her stay with MRE after making her debut in The Sound of Music ensemble (with performances as Maria)! Monika is an actor, singer, dancer, and veterinary ophthalmology technician from sunny Southern California. Her favorite roles include the titular roles in Lizzie, The Musical and Violet (Chance Theater), Aldonza in Man of La Mancha (Candlelight Pavilion), and Betty