CARLOS DIEGO MENDOZA*(Usnavi De La Vega) is a Bay Area native who began his acting career on stage and is honored and excited to be back after a three-year hiatus. With the love and support of his family, Carlos graduated from San Francisco State University in 2014 with a degree in Theater Arts. He is an actor, rapper, director and drama teacher. Carlos has been fortunate to work with theater companies throughout California and now resides in Los Angeles where he works in television and film. “I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors and my family. I owe you the miracles of my life." You can support and follow Carlos atschauspielercarlos.com. CRISTINA HERNANDEZ(Nina Rosario) will appear with Berkeley Playhouse for the second time. Cristina received her BA in Performing Arts from San Jose State University. She completed her vocal lineup with Jennifer Schapiro. Cristina was in the City Light production ofin the heights, as Nina, in the Berkeley Playhouse production ofwest side storyas Rosalita and María and the production of Ópera San Joséwest side storylike Francesca. She is grateful to her friends and family for their love and support, as well as those who continue to encourage her in her career.
Erick Casanova(Kevin Rosario) (he/she) is thrilled to make his Berkeley Playhouse debut with this incredible cast and this wonderful show about the Latinx experience. He was last seen at the Alterarena Playhouse inThe cage of the crazy(Georges) y no Douglas Morrisson Theatre em¡Hola Dolly!(Cornelius Hackl). Other credits include classics likethe fantastic; new job like candace forestlong live clam!; workshops/demo recordings such as El Raton Pérez by Mary Feinsinger; and a variety of self-produced cabaret shows at the historic Duplex Cabaret Theater in New York's West Village. She would like to thank her husband for her endless love, patience and endless encouragement. www.erickcasanova.com SHEILA VIRAMOTEN(Camila Rosario) is thrilled to join the Berkeley Playhouse for the first time. A lover of her Latin roots, she played Lucia at the Town Hall Theatre.Women at the edge of a nervous attackShe won her second Shellie, the Camilla Award at Tri Valley Repertory.in the heights, Diana Moralesa chorus lineand Anita inwest side story, both from the Contra Costa Musical Theatre. One of her favorite roles is that of the Wicked Witch of the West.The Wizard of Ozincluded in the Tri-Valley Repertoire - yes, it can fly! After I started playing Mariawest side storyat Diablo Valley College, Sheila is now a true Granny! This show is dedicated to Jessica and James, who are her daily inspiration and who made her so proud to have appeared in her own production ofin the heights. I love you! JORDAN COVINGTON(Benny) has been fascinated by the magic of the theater from a very young age and has no intention of breaking free of its clutches. He will return to the Berkeley Playhouse, having previously appeared with them in their productions ofwest side storymiReinette. Other performances he is known for are Richieina chorus lineand clean seaweedtired out. Jordan captivated audiences with a genuine passion and deep respect for the art of acting. He brought his talents to the game, including:mother and twilight(Cristobal),Spell #7(Ross), zPerfect(To hunt). After establishing a solid footing in the Bay Area, Jordan is now taking on the Los Angeles film industry in hopes of furthering his acting career. Follow him on Instagram @jawdincov to follow his journey.
MELISSA RIVERA(Vanessa) FINALLY makes her Berkeley Playhouse debut! She has performed with opera companies, musical theater, and concerts across the country, but she is excited to be back in the Bay! Previous theaters in the Bay Area include: 42nd Street Moon, Mountain Play, and Boxcar Theatre. Her favorite roles include: Mimi (Wash), Belinda (Dido and Aeneas), Wendla (spring awakening) y Hermia (Summer night Dream.) She attended LAByrinth Theater Company's Intensive Company in New York, where she studied with Philip Seymor Hoffman, among others, and has an MA in Opera and Musical Theater from Southern Illinois University. To my boys, Rich & N.I.N.; You have my heart, I adore you. mom of the family, amber, maya and willey; you were with me from the beginning Thank you! This is for you! patience and trust.
. JACOB HENRIE-NAFFAA(Sonny) is very excited to return to the Berkeley Playhousein the heights. Jacob is an actor and author born in the Bay Area who now lives in Los Angeles. Jacob began acting as Michael Darling in the first Berkeley Playhouse production at the age of seven.Peter Pan, and has been performing in Bahia ever since. Some recent credits include Captain Hugh Crummond in the California Premier ofBullshot Crummond: The Evil Eye of Jabar and the Invisible Bride of Death(Plotline Theater Company), Berkeley Playhousea christmas story(Fantasy Villain/Ensemble), Utopia Theatre Project'sThree sisters(Ferapont), Plotline Theater CompanyBullshot Crummond(Bullshot Crummond) y PCRTwest side story(Snowman/Nozzle). When he's not on stage, Jacob enjoys teaching, working out, writing scripts, and hiking. ANITA VIRAMOTES(Abuela Claudia) has been performing locally since 1982. Credits include: Shellie Award for Onstage Theatre'sangry housewives;Dream role at age 21 as Eva inEvitafor the Tibbits Opera Foundation in Michigan; Grandma Claudiain the heightsfor Tri Valley Rep, Plethos Productions and Contra Costa Civic Theater for which he received a Theater Bay Area nomination. Current Favorites: Joanne inLook forfor Ghostlight Theatre; a concert version ofcrazy thingsas Stella Deems with 42nd StreetMoon;become Eleanor Rooseveltcom New Deal Theatre Co. ei'm running for my lifefrom The Nineteen about the June 1 riots at the Capitol, produced by Marilyn Langbehn. Anita performs lead vocals for the JD and Company event band and performs at numerous company weddings and parties. Anita's spectrum includes country, swing, disco, rock, R&B, blues, and standards. From 1997 to 2003, Anita performed lead vocals in The Great Time Out Band for The Golden State Warriors at The Oracle Arena and The Latin Project 2005 with top Latino artists from the Bay Area Santana and MALO. Anita is a featured soloist in Mr. Dean Lesher's closing services. Anita thanks her loving husband Orazio for her continued support!
Estefania Baumann(Daniela) is excited about her debut at the Berkeley Playhouse.in the heightsIt was such a special show for her. She has been a hairdresser for 16 years and has owned her business for 8 years. She has a lot in common with Daniela and she is very happy to represent her Latin culture on stage. You may have seen her as Daniela at the City Lights Theater Company in their production ofin the heightsin 2018. She thanks her family and friends for all their love and support.
VANESSA DALPIAZ(Carla)(she) is an actress, director and artist educator. Originally from the East Bay, she is excited to make her debut at the Berkeley Playhouse. Vanessa graduated from Pomona College with a BA in Theater and studied at the London Dramatic Academy. Her previous acting roles include: Celia in As You Like It (Masquers Playhouse), Antonio in The Tempest (Vallejo Shakespeare), Morticia in The Addams Family (The Green Room) and Amy in Little Women (Pomona College). As a multiracial Latina, Vanessa is excited to be a part of bringing this rich and culturally significant show to life.
TONY WOOLDRIDGE(Graffiti Pete) is thrilled to be back performing at the Berkeley Playhouse. Tony was last seen playing Baby John here.west side storyHe has been dancing for over 20 years and sincerely loves hip-hop. Her most recent project was El privilegio de la choreography.Urinstadta Scotts Valley High School.in the heightsIt was the first musical introduced to Tony, and part of it holds a special place in his heart. He would like to thank his parents, his sister and Jennifer Schapiro for supporting his love of acting.
JESÉ CORTEZ(Piragüero/Ensemble) (he/he) is honored to return to the stage at the Berkeley Playhouse. He won Best Showtunes Cabaret at Martuni's in 2013 and is a member of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. His previous productions include, among otherssister in law(Berkeley Playhouse) miBilly Elliot(Berkeley Theatre). Other popular theater credits areThe cage of the crazy(Haus Altarena),rock of the times(repertory theater center) andSweeney Todd(Hillbarn Theatre). He dedicates his performance to his late partner Thomas White. Rest in peace. Praise. Learn more at www.jessecortzmusic.com.
NICHOLAS JAOCHICO(Ensemble) have just burst onto the Bay Area theater scene and are beyond grateful to be working with this acclaimed company. Nico graduated in 2021 from Cal State East Bay with a Bachelor of Music (Vocal Performance) and most recently starred as "Mark Cohen" in the Landmark Musical Theater production ofWashIn San Francisco. Nico would like to dedicate his performance to his wonderful friends and family and most importantly to his late mother who encouraged him to keep going as this is just the beginning. Contraction: nicojaochico. YouTube/Instagram/Twitter: neekdadeek
Alexandra Rosen(set) is a Latino artist from Marin County. After graduating from the Marin School of the Arts, he continued his passion for dance at Goucher College. Choosing an interdisciplinary major with components in biology, chemistry, and dance allowed her to explore diverse interests while continuing to perform and choreograph. Throughout her career, Alexandra has performed with the 1021 Hip Hop Team, Dancers of Color Coalition, Christopher K. Morgan, and others. More recently, you may have seen her in a Marin Musical Theater Company production.Wash. When she's not singing, dancing, or acting, she can be found swimming, biking, and running in local triathlon races.
MILES MECKLING(joint) (he/she) hopes to return to the Berkeley Playhousein the heightsThis show was over two years in the making, so he's excited to finally tell this beautiful story. He graduated from Sacramento State with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater. His recent credits include The Berkeley Playhouse:little shop of horrors;Carpenter:Stop;Sacramento Theater Company:oh mom,HMS apron;Classical theater:The magician's gift;State of Sacramento:sweat,in the heights;Musical Theater of Bahía Sur:Look for Maine; Waldoper:sister in law,News;William Jessup:seven brides. Finally, she thanks her family and friends for their love and support. Instagram: @leroi23
ALYSSA FREDZESS(ensemble) is excited to return to the Berkeley Playhouse Stage this year. Previously performed at Berkeley Playhouse'slittle shop of horrors, which recently ended its run of success. She would like to thank everyone who made this show's makeover possible and is delighted to finally have the opportunity to tell this important and moving story. As always, he thanks his family and friends for their continued support and hopes everyone enjoys the show.
Malcolm Leon(joint) (he/she) recently moved to Oakland from Southern California. Before moving, he was a resident choreographer at the California Theater in San Bernardino. Some of the choreographer's credits are as follows, but are not limited to:in the heights,News,American idiot, and more. Malcolm was part of the production.in the heightswith Berkeley Playhouse shortly before closing 2 years ago. He is honored to be back with this incredible cast and to take the stage in his Berkeley Playhouse debut. He would like to thank his fiancée and his loved ones for all the love and support they have shown him. Instagram: @Pirwete_777
megan mcgrath(Ensemble) Performed on the Julia Morgan StagePeter Pan,annie,Reinette, zThe Wizard of Oz(a production she also choreographed). Her choreography has been performed at various theaters in the Bay Area, including the Berkeley Playhouse 2019-2020 season premiere.oh mom. Megan is the director of youth production for the Berkeley Playhouse and currently runs KidStage.Mathilde Jr.It is an honor to share the stage with such an incredible cast. The pandemic has hit the theater community hard and Megan is grateful for her support. All the best to Billy and Loreina.
kevin gruwell(Ensemble/Dance Captain) (he/she) is excited to return to the Berkeley Playhouse for this production ofin the heights- a bittersweet moment, as it was scheduled to occur in the CenterREP production prior to the COVID shutdown. Some popular acting credits include:west side story(Berkeley Playhouse),oh mom!(Mitte REP),Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat(Napa Valley Broadway Playhouse),Rubio natural(Missouri Street Theater). Kevin also works as a choreographer and teacher in the Bay Area. Follow his work @kevmgru/
ANN WARQUE(Essemble/Dance Captain) (She/She) is a Filipino-American musical theater artist from the East Bay area and is pleased to make her Berkeley Playhouse debut. She recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in dance and performing arts from Loyola Marymount University. Her recent credits include:crazy things(SF model house),Cooked! the musical(FaultLine Theater),in the heightsas Vanessa (Loyola Marymount) andwest side story(Other productions). In addition to acting, Ann likes to hit the beach and create weirdly specific Spotify playlists. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her dreams and she hopes you enjoy the show. IG: @warque.af @blackiris.fp
LESLY GABRIELA RAMIREZ(Ensemble) is very grateful to be making his Berkeley Playhouse debut on your favorite show. He had the wonderful opportunity to attend the world premieres.Stayed: The Musicalas Sonia Sotomayor andthe cat in the hatas Thing 2 with Bay Area Children's Theater as well[dreamer] Project: An Undocuplaylike Kenya,The Edwin Drood MysterymiSeussianas a set with DVC Drama. She would like to thank God, Blake, Ev, June, her CDG family, the Patchins, and friends for their faith, love, and support. And Abel, we love you and miss you, this is for you.
Megan Mateosky(Ensemble) is a trained opera singer from Melbourne, Florida and is excited to make her Berkeley Playhouse debut. Megan is currently completing her Master's in Vocal Performance at the SF Conservatory of Music, where she performed as The Witch.Juan and Maria, "Tolomeo" inJulius Caesar, and "The Old Woman/Book of Destiny" inenchanted pig. Most recently, Megan played the "surrogate nun/mother abbess" inThe sound of the musicSoy Throckmorton Theatre en Mill Valley, CA.
*Member of the Actor's Equity Association, the association of professional actors and stage directors in the United States.