Event Playbill

Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Book by Quiara Alegría 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

CREATIVE TEAM:

Director & Choreographer - Corey Wright
Vocal Director - Gabrielle Maldonado
Musical Director - Dr. Michelle Do
Assistant Musical Director -  *Joey Miranda
Conductor -  Dr. David Lopez        
Costume Designer - Jojo Siu
Assistant Costume Designer - *Alexis Cisneros
Lighting Designer - Axiom Cutler
Assistant Lighting Designer - *Nathan Swiderski
Audio Designer - *Samuel Moss
Audio System Design & Tuning - *Thor Fay
Associate Audio Designer - *Justin Lee
Assistant Audio Designer - *Natalee Stephenson
Makeup & Hair Designer - Kaylynn Sutton
Assistant Makeup & Hair Designer - *Sarah Rose Kruse
Property Designer - *Megan Dos Santos

PRODUCTION STAFF:

Dean of Fine Arts - Dr. Grant Linsell 
Theatre Arts Dept. Coordinator - Zachary T. Harless
Business Manager - Selene Parral
Production Manager - Zachary T. Harless
Production Stage Manager - *Kayla Dewberry
Stage Managers - *Nicole Rickard
Assistant Stage Managers - *Emalee Corona & *Willow Shook
Dance Captain - *Mary Thomas
Scenic Coordinator - Kevin Clowes
Scene Shop Supervisor - Matthew Muranaga
Costume Shop Supervisor - Vannessa Poveda
Lighting Supervisor - Katy Streeter  
Head Electricians - Victor Amaya & Andrew Rivas
Properties Consultant - Lisa Palmire
Graphic Artist - John Michnya 
Social Media Assistant - *Juliet Parker
House Manager - Cherie Mathews 
*Current Fullerton College Students

DIRECTOR’S NOTE:

Washington Heights is such a lively neighborhood. When I lived there, I knew it came with a preinstalled cultural diorama of sorts for the Latine/Hispanic communities. But it wasn’t always. Indigenous people were first. Then the rich and White Dutch, the British, and the Irish. White humans weren’t keen on a colorful Heights and were clear: Washington Heights begins where Harlem ends. If that ideation prevailed, we wouldn’t have the show you’re about to see. 

Who owns a culture and how? What is cultural resilience and from where do we learn it? How important is it? What are inter- and intracultural discrepancies? Who owns a neighborhood? Is gentrification intrinsically bad? As so many spaces have excluded Black and brown bodies, is it appropriate to do the same for White bodies?  These are the conversation questions that were the vehicle for the direction of this show. 

I saw In the Heights  back in 2008 when it opened on Broadway. I remember sitting in the balcony and looking down at this set that looked like Washington Heights where I lived at the time. My heartbeat increased while obviously passionate performers bounded across the stage. I remember the music and how it caused my insides to jump. I felt that way when I auditioned for the show before it hit Broadway and didn’t know what it was. Fast forward, to December 2022 when I was given the opportunity to be inducted into the ITH family not as a performer, but as a Director/Choreographer. 

But the excitement wouldn’t settle in for a while.

My first task: holding the hands of cast members who couldn’t fully celebrate the literal fulfillment of their dreams because of pushback on casting. It was a time when we all – inside of the safe space that was created – held on to one another and fostered a true sense of community. We embraced nuance and feelings. We talked about each other as people and our experiences and realized that we’re the same but different. We embraced nuance. Accepted ambiguity. Gave grace to people’s emotional complexity. We discovered our own dimensionality. Fears, delights, loves…much like the people in this story. 

What you are about to experience is a collaborative community of stunning,  colorful, and talented humans and artists who tell a story of not only accepting reality but also changing it. There are many versions of In the Heights and you may have seen one or more of them. But this is our version. Crafted by truth and held by public spirit. We invite you to participate both emotionally and intellectually. 

Alza la bandera de tu humanidad.

CAST BIOS:

Ramy Alhawari (Usnavi) is currently a second-year student at Orange Coast College majoring in Music Performance. He recently performed as Warner Huntington III in Legally Blonde and Benny in Rent at BraverPlayers Theater Company. He hopes to perform in NYC in the future and continue to spread happiness through the arts.

Magaly Becerra (She/Her) (Daniela) feels honored to be playing Daniela in this production of "In The Heights". She has previously played Nina in her high school production and is really excited to play with a character who is the complete opposite of her. Magaly is currently studying Musical Theatre at Fullerton and plans to continue her career in Broadway someday. Magaly has been in productions such as "Grease: The Musical" , "12 Angry Jurors", "Tarzan: The Musical", and most recently and her debut at Fullerton College "The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Nighttime". She is so excited to share this show with the community and is really grateful for everyone in the cast. She would like to thank Corey for the amazing opportunity and thanks everyone who believed in her and who encouraged her to audition. Wepa!!!!

Ashlieh Calderon (Ensemble/U.S. Camila) grooves in for this year's production of In the Heights! Over the last ten years, Ashlieh's been in over 20 shows such as Bring it On and Legally Blonde with In the Heights being lucky number 21! When's she's not acting live on stage, she's behind the mic voice acting! She's producing her own cartoon series under the username Snoopy7c7 on Youtube coming soon. Her favorite line of the show: I'm Home.

Angie Chavez (Vanessa) is ecstatic to perform with Fullerton College for the first time! Her previous acting credits include The Rocky Horror Show (Janet Weiss), Greenday’s American Idiot (Heather), and her personal favorite, Next to Normal (Natalie Goodman). Angie continuously travels to New York for one on one training with industry’s top casting directors such as John Mara and also Tony Award Nominees Taylor Louderman (Mean Girls), Lilli Cooper (Spring Awakening), and Drama Desk Nominee Leslie Kritzer (Beetlejuice). She is currently applying to the Institute of American Musical Theater based in Washington Heights and Circle in the Square in Manhattan, New York to further her education in voice, acting, and dancing. Lastly she’d love to thank every single one of the In The Heights cast and crew, her family, and voice coach Anthony Lopez for making this possible! Wepa Vanessa! 

Jaimar Davis, (J-Eye-Mar) (Ensemble/U.S. Graffiti Pete) Jaimar has been blessed with opportunities to perform in both of his favorite musicals here at Fullerton College, Hunchback of Notre Dame and In The Heights. He performed in the 2020 production of In The Heights at Cypress College, but quarantine… Jaimar thanks God for this blessing and amazing opportunity and hopes everyone enjoys the story and family we created, Welcome to the Barrio!!

Maddie Duran (Ensemble/U.S. Abuela Claudia) is thrilled to be a part of the cast of In the Heights! She has been involved in musical theatre for around 5 years and some of her favorite roles include Bea from Something Rotten and Margret from Much Ado About Nothing! She would like to thank her mom, dad, and 3 sisters for always being supportive of her dreams to pursue the performing arts. If you would like to get in touch with her she is @maddieeraee on Instagram. She hopes you
enjoy the show!

Gisela Flores (Abuela Claudia) is excited to be back for her second production at Fullerton College, most recently seen as Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.  She has trained with Laura Harrison, Jane Shim, and Dr. Anthony Moreno who helped her grow in jazz, classical, and musical theatre. Previous show credits include, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Lucy VanPelt), The Addams Family (Ancestor), Shrek (Dragon), Hello, Dolly! (Dolly Levi), In the Heights (Ensemble), and Chicago (Velma Kelly). She was nominated for Best Actress by the Spirit of the MACY Awards for her portrayal of Joanne Jefferson in Rent during her sophomore year of high school and was later nominated for Best Vocalist for her portrayal of Miss Sherman in Fame her senior year. She would like to thank her family and her best friend Daniel for their continuous support.

Gavin Hamze (José/Ensemble/U.S. Sonny) This is Gavin's second show at Fullerton College and he is thrilled to be part of the cast of In The Heights. He is a 2nd year student at Fullerton College majoring in History and plans to become a teacher. Gavin has been a part of the Musical Theatre program here at FC for two years and is taking a number of Musical Theatre classes. Past credits include: Rooster (Annie), Scuttle (The Little Mermaid), Reporter/Ensemble (Drowsy Chaperone), Judah (Joseph...Dreamcoat), Hugo (Bye Bye Birdie), Choir (The Hunchback of Notre Dame). Gavin was also nominated for OC artist of the year in both 2020 and 2021. Gavin would like to thank God for opening many doors for him and for his constant blessings-Jeremiah 29:11. He would also like to thank his family and friends for their endless love, support, and help. Disfruta el espectáculo! If you want to see more of Gavin, check out his Youtube page @gavinhamze

Sarah Rose Kruse (Camilla) is honored to jump back on a Fullerton College stage for In The Heights, with this show being her Campus Theater debut. Recently completing the musical theater program at Fullerton College, you can catch Sarah Rose performing at Knott’s Berry Farm, with various princess party companies, or backstage makeup designing, a position she performed for this show as well. Other credits include The Spitfire Grill (Fullerton College), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Riverside Community Players).

TJ Little (Benny) has been training in classical voice for nine years and has been doing musical theater for eleven. Much like Benny, he is learning to speak Spanish and he’s studying Spanish and acting here at Fullerton College. TJ is a songwriter and producer and he hopes to follow in the footsteps of his biggest inspirations, Rihanna and Rosalía. He is honored to be in his all-time favorite musical, In the Heights

Benjamin H. Mayhew (Ensemble/ U.S. Usnavi) is a student at Fullerton College and is currently a musical theatre major. He has portrayed many roles, such as Beast in Beauty and the Beast and Javert in Les Misérables at BPYT, and was most recently Caleb Thorpe in The Spitfire Grill at Fullerton College. He hopes to one day have a career in acting, and continues to hone his skills every day.

Stephanie Medina (Nina Rosario) is very excited to be making her Fullerton College debut! Recent credits include: The Little Mermaid (Ensemble), Spring Awakening (Ensemble), and The Wolves (#14). She is currently working on her AA to transfer for Musical Theatre right here on campus! She plans to transfer to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre, and also her teaching credentials. She wants to send a HUGE thank you to the cast, crew, and production team for their incredible work! Thanks Mom, Dad, KK, & Coop. ig:@stephhmedina13 

Joey Miranda (Sonny) also helping Dr. Michelle Do as (Assistant Music Director) has always wanted to perform in In the Heights. Being a part of the Puerto Rican community, he felt he could help show his pride and love for his family by doing this show. He wants to give a shoutout to his great grandma, Carmen Torres, (Grandma Cita), for showing him to be proud of who he is. He loves you very much. You may have seen Joey in other shows at Fullerton College: The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Spitfire Grill. This is Joey's last production at Fullerton College as he is planning to transfer to a 4-year to pursue music. He thanks everyone who helped him achieve his goals at Fullerton College. Joey loves his cast with all his heart and he will always support them and others whose voices haven't been heard. He wants you to leave with the feeling of love, family, and community. Hope you enjoy the show!! Instagram - (ajoeymiranda)

Taylor Ozuna (Ensemble/U.S. Daniela) is thrilled to join the cast of In the Heights for her musical debut and Understudy for Daniela and a member of this fantastic ensemble. A former gymnast, she trained in acting, singing and dance at UC Irvine while obtaining her degree in mechanical engineering. When she isn’t on stage or engineering, you’ll find her training in parkour and tricking. She plans to continue growing as a performer to see where the arts take her. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Jacob Palacios (Ensemble/ U.S. Piragua Guy) is excited to celebrate his Latin roots in this production of In The Heights. Jacob received his degree of Acting Performance in Film and Television from The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and is now continuing his education at Fullerton College in the Musical Theatre Program. After playing the Dentist in The Little Shop of Horrors he went on to study film and is ready to return to the stage. 

Juliet Parker is delighted to be joining the cast as Carla in "In the Heights!" She has been enjoying her time with her wonderful cast and amazing director Corey. Some of her favorite roles include Swing/Company in the first National Tour of NORTH the Musical, Richie (A Chorus Line), Esmerelda U/S, Ensemble (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), and Bree (Fancy Nancy). In her free time she enjoys taking pictures and headshots! See her work on instagram @JulietParkerPhotography. She would like to thank everybody involved in this production for making her feel welcomed and for this amazing opportunity. She also would like to thank God, her Parents, Chavyn, Josiah, her family and friends for their love and support. Instagram: @JulietParkerOfficial

Alejandro Reynoso (Kevin Rosario) is a second generation Mexican-American. This will be his second show at Fullerton College. Other favorite past roles include Pete in Almost Maine, Sheriff of Nottingham in Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood, and Flip Johnson in Our Lady of 121st. He plans on transitioning to film/tv later this year while continuing to pursue theater. Alejandro hopes you enjoy this wonderful story about his culture and people. ¡Si se puede! @alexrey11

Noelle Suit (Ensemble/U.S. Vanessa) is incredibly grateful to be a part of the cast of In the Heights! This is her favorite musical and is so excited to tell the story of Washington Heights. She’s been involved in Musical Theatre for around 5 years and recently earned her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts at Cal State Fullerton! She would like to thank her parents, siblings, and boyfriend for all of their love and support! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Mary Jean Thomas (Dance Captain/Ensemble) is eager to share the music, dancing and life of the barrio once again.  She has previous credits in In the Heights as Carla/Dance Captain at Diamond Bar High School, Jekyll & Hyde as Nellie, and Sweeney Todd as ensemble at Stage Door Repertory Theater.  You also may find her performing in various shows across the Disneyland Resort.  

Mark Torres (Piragua Guy) has always wanted to tell this beautiful story. Mark studied classical voice at Cole Conservatory of Music. Researching the self-esteem effects of musical theatre performance in undergraduates, Mark continues to find the musical theatre stage. Credits include: The Who's Tommy (Tommy), Wedding Singer (Robbie), Sister Act (Curtis), Xanadu (Danny), Spamalot (Robin), Spelling Bee (Doug), Sweeney Todd (Anthony),  Evita (Magaldi u/s), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Wingwoah), Toxic Avenger (Professor), Jekyll & Hyde (Stride), Rocky Horror Show (Eddie), 1776 (Livingston), and Legally Blonde (Sundeep).

Alyssa Ultreras (Ensemble/ U.S. Nina) is 18 years old and is a first year at Cal State University, Fullerton. She is majoring in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. She is excited to participate in her first Fullerton College production! Prior to this show, Alyssa has been involved in 10 productions with the Buena Park Youth Theatre including Les Miserables as Fantine and Beauty and the Beast as Belle. She has recently become a director for the youth theatre’s junior program as well! She partners with her sister, Angelene Ultreras who she shares a love of the arts with. Outside of the youth theatre, she is a Cast Member at the Disneyland Resort where she performs in the parades. She would like to thank her friends, family, creative team, and those affiliated with FCC who have helped in making the theatre her home over the years. enjoy the show!

Angelene Ultreras (Ensemble) is 20 years old and is a third year at Fullerton College. She is majoring in Business  Management and is also getting her certificate in Musical Theater. She recently became a director for the Buena Park Junior Performers with her first show, Aladdin, under her belt. Angelene is also a Cast Member at the Disneyland Resort where she works on Main Street in Retail. This is her first production with Fullerton College and is forever grateful for her little sister Alyssa Ultreras for being on this journey with her. Angelene would like to thank everyone involved with making this show including this incredible cast. Enjoy the show!

Daniel Velazquez (Graffiti Pete) certainly doesn’t have enough words to describe his excitement for his performance of In The Heights. Taking on past roles such as Rapunzel’s Prince in Into The Woods and Jud Fry in Oklahoma! Daniel fell in love with performing. He is working to pursue his career in Voice Acting and Motion Capture and hopes to be remembered as someone who inspires others to never give up on their dreams and goals.

CREATIVE TEAM: 

DIRECTOR

Corey Wright’s world in the arts all connects to one thing: storytelling. As an award-winning Director/Choreographer, Corey has worked in both educational and professional arenas and cross-pollinates the concepts of both.. His original choreography for CHICAGO at Moonlight Amphitheater earned him a Craig Noel nomination for Best Choreography and his original choreography for Grease at Musical Theatre West earned him a Broadway World Nomination for Best Choreography.

Additionally, he directed UCLA’s mainstage spring production of Pippin. Corey is slated to direct The Bodyguard, to choreograph The Wizard of Oz with Musical Theatre West, and also to direct the world premiere of his original play Finding Chase with New Canon Theatre. IG: @coreycor (Btdubs, he never posts.)

MUSICAL DIRECTOR:

 Dr. Huyen Khanh Do (Musical Director) is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where she received a Doctorate of Musical Arts under Stephen Pierce. She previously attended institutions such as Indiana University (MM) and California State University – Fullerton (BM). She has been a laureate of competitions such as the Gail Newby Concerto Competition, the La Mirada Arts Competition, the Music Associates Competition, the Redlands Bowl Young Artists Auditions, the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, the American Protégé International Concerto Competition, and the Latin American Recording Competition, among others. She is a National Guild artist and has earned the Paderewski medal for her achievements. Huyen Khanh has given concerts in several venues nationwide, including the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace Memorial, Roselle Hall, Meng Hall, and the Redlands Bowl. She made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2014, in Weill Recital Hall. Her studies have allowed her to participate in several masterclasses, among which were taught by Menahem Pressler, Gabriela Montero, and Nelita True. Michelle has also been active nationwide; she completed a concert tour in 2010 entitled “Music for Peace” as part of the International Music Institute and Festival, giving performances across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. Huyen Khanh has appeared as a soloist with the La Mirada Symphony Orchestra, Orange County Collegiate Orchestra, the Southern California Philharmonic, and the Indiana University Philharmonic. A versatile collaborative pianist, she formed the Deuxieme Trio with violinist Darryl Black and cellist Benjamin Coyte, performing chamber concerts across Southern California. She continues to remain active in Southern California as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative pianist. www.huyenkhanhdo.com

VOCAL DIRECTOR:

Gabrielle Maldonado (Vocal Director) is thrilled to be a part of Fullerton Colleges production of, ‘In the Heights’ as Vocal Director. In previous years, Gabrielle has had the privilege of working as both a Performer and Musical Director in Southern California. Most recently, Gabrielle has developed additional skills after supporting with song writing, track development, and becoming the lyricist for an original show- Arena: A House Musical in Boyle Heights. Additional achievements include performing in the NAACP award winning cast of Beauty in the Beast at CASA0101. Since then, she has focused on using her musical talents to support individuals on stage, helping actors and actresses build the confidence needed to transform themselves into a part of the story we all seek to tell. Previous credits include: James and the Giant Peach, Little Women, The Drowsy Chaperone, Hair, Hairspray, Grease, Spring Awakening, In the Heights, Seussical, The Colored Museum, Into the Woods, Sister Act, Legally Blonde and many others at many locations in the last 10 years. After completing her Masters in Teaching from USC, she has jumped right back into her love of musicals by developing the beautifully written story of ‘In the Heights.’ She would like to thank her family and friends for their undying love and support for all projects she brings to life!

STAGE MANAGEMENT

Kayla Dewberry (PSM) is excited to be continuing her work at Fullerton College. This is her fourth show at Fullerton and is looking forward to what is yet to come.

Nicole Rickard (SM) 

Emalee Corona (ASM) is eager to be an assistant stage manager for her first production at Fullerton College. As a second year student, she is currently working on a double major in Communications and Film Studies. She is also aiming to complete her stage management certificate before she transfers. Emalee would like to thank her parents, cast, fellow stage managers, and Ryan for all their love and support.

Willow Shook (ASM) This is Willow's debut as an assistant stage manager. They previously held a position as a student property designer for both 'Hunchback of Notre Dame' and 'The Spitfire Grill'. Also previously was the light board op for 'The Curious incident of the dog'. They are currently on course to achieve their lighting technician and stage management certificates and have already received a scenic artist certificate.