Dear Friends:

Welcome to In the Heights! I first fell in love with this sweet, simple story of neighborhood and family when I was taken to see the Off-Broadway production by my friend and mentor Normand Kurtz, a brilliant Tony Award-winning producer.

Normand, his wife Margie and daughter Susie were the best scouts imaginable, and they are responsible for many of the shows and artists you have seen at Rubicon over the years. (Normand passed away last year and this production is dedicated to his memory.)

In the Heights also remains my favorite of the more than 50 summer youth musicals produced at Rubicon. Closing night marked the first “graduation” from our program of several students who had been a part of the theatre since its inception, some since they were 5 years old. Many were going off to college or conservatory programs (some leaving the next day). Every time Jesse Graham as Usnavi sang or spoke the word “home” in the final song, I burst into tears. The talent and dedication of that cast gave me great hope for the future. And although our youth programs are more about teaching valuable life skills than developing future professionals, several members of that In the Heights cast are already taking the theatre world by storm.

This production of In the Heights is also very special because Luis Salgado said “yes” after a months-long courtship. He and Valeria Cossu and his international team from Salgado productions have a deep connection to the piece. (Luis was the Latin Dance consultant and performed in the Tony Award-winning Broadway production; and he helmed the first Spanish-language production which won 9 Helen Hayes awards in D.C.). From our first phone conversation, I knew he would create a unique new production for our community – not a cookie cutter version of what was (amazing ‘though it was), but one that would be fresh and original and true to this moment and this place.

Our values were also aligned related to community. How could we do a show about community and not do everything we could to engage our own? Two team members (Bryan Ernesto Menjivar and Mariana Herrera Juri) came from New York and Colombia to run free summer dance and vocal workshops for local individuals (mostly Latine’) who had raw skills and passion or who were interested in rekindling their interest in musical theatre. More than 85 people participated and it was the joy of a lifetime to see their dedication and drive. Of those that decided to audition, three won their auditions, standing toe-to-toe with the remarkable professionals you see on stage: Ximena Valentina Alvear, Raegan Delgado and Dreamer Rae Wilson.

The conversations led to further brainstorming with Hannah-Beth Jackson, Sabrena Rodriguez (President of the Board of Ventura Unified School District), Assistant Superintendent Greg Bayless, and Oxnard High School arts champion Marcell Brickey. The result was groundbreaking new partnerships. In addition to three daytime student matinees at the theatre, our cast members went into area high schools sand middle schools for the first time in years, performing assemblies and conducting classroom workshops which reached more than 5,000 students during an intensive two-week pause in rehearsal.

“This was probably the best assembly in my 9 years here. The individual impact this had on our students was powerful and personal. Representation matters and our students could see themselves and their stories in today’s performance and performers. The actors were engaging, funny, inspiring, and ‘real’ with students.” – Deidres Monares, Principal

“I don’t even know what to do or say, I have never seen people who look like me on stage telling stories like mine.” – PCH Student

I hope the impact of this production will be felt by our community for years to come. And I am overjoyed to be sharing this show with you in my final weeks as a staff member at Rubicon.

After 25 years, for those that may now know, I retire as Producing Artistic Director of Rubicon Theatre Company on closing day of In the Heights. It’s been a long and beautiful run and my husband, Rubicon Co-Founder Jim O’Neil and I will forever be grateful to those we have met here in Ventura for teaching us the meaning of community and showing us what can happen when dedicated and passionate volunteers come together in pursuit of common goals. We are excited to be able to spend more time with our own “familia” and to begin a new chapter.

What we are most excited about, however, is the opportunity to pass the torch to two longtime friends and collaborators, Beverly and Kirby Ward. They are incredibly talented veteran performers with West End, Broadway and National Tour credits. They first came to Rubicon for She Loves Me some year ago, with Kirby directing and Bev playing Ilona. They returned for Return to the Forbidden Planet and Jim’s production of King Lear. Four years ago, they joined the staff as Directors of Education and Outreach, and Bev has been driving the development and fundraising effort for the last couple of years. They have been an integral part of the team. Since joining the staff, they also created the gorgeous production of Big River which was presented not long before the pandemic.

Parting with people and places you love is always sweet sorrow, but we leave knowing that this is the right time to infuse new vitality and vision into the organization as Bev and Kirby move Rubicon from a founder-driven organization to a strong and sustainable institution.

There are many people to thank, among them our first angel Barbara Meister and our wise sage Jordan Laby; our bevy of soulful beauties at the beach – Mary Ann Cohen, Judith R. Nelson, Eileen Ogle and Marilyn Hilton; our partners in the art, especially Jenny Sullivan, Joseph Fuqua, Joe Spano, George Ball and Amanda McBroom, Stephanie Zimbalist, Linda Purl, Susan Clark, Chris Butler, Katharine Farmer, Lauren Patten and Michael Jackowitz; Christina and Jessie Vacchiano, Stephanie Coltrin, Sandy, Steve, Shelly, Greg, Sasha, Ellen, Seryozha, Katy, Vanessa, Barbara, Israel, Frank, David and Mike; our board presidents Claire, Paul, Bill, Claire, Roz, Richard, Diane, Claire and Doug; Honorary Chairs Rosa Lee and Al; board members Jeanne, Stephanie, Brad, and Kevin; volunteer chairs Dottie, Penny, Wendy and Lois; and dedicated volunteers Lane, Madeline, Kay x 2, Freddie and Walt; along with countless others.

Jim and I look forward to time together to more fully express our gratitude. Above all, we look forward to seeing what future “heights” will be attained by Bev and Kirby with your continued support.

Blessings, 

Karyl Lynn Burns

LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA (Composer and Lyricist) is a Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy and Tony award-winning songwriter, actor and director. He is the creator and original star of Broadway’s Tony-winning Hamilton and In the Heights. His additional Broadway credits include Freestyle Love Supreme (2020 Special Tony Award recipient, co-founder, guest star), Bring It On: The Musical (co-composer/co-lyricist, Tony nomination for Best Musical), and West Side Story (2009 revival, Spanish translations). Lin-Manuel is the recipient of the 2015 MacArthur Foundation Award, the 2018 Kennedy Center Honors and the 2019 Portrait of a Nation Prize. He received an Emmy Award with Tom Kitt for their song “Bigger” from the 67^th Annual Tony Awards. Lin-Manuel and The Miranda Family actively support initiatives that increase the representation of people of color throughout the arts and government, ensure access to women’s reproductive health, and promote resilience in Puerto Rico. His 2021 film credits include “In the Heights,” “Vivo,” “Encanto” and his directorial film debut “tick, tick… BOOM!” Additional TV/film credits include “Hamilton,” “His Dark Materials,” “Fosse/Verdon,” “We The People,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (2018 Emmy Nomination, Guest Actor), “Saturday Night Live” (2017 Emmy Nomination, Guest Actor), “Sesame Street,” “The Electric Company,” “House,” “DuckTales,” “200 Cartas,” “The Odd Life of Timothy Green,” “Moana” (2017 Oscar nomination, Grammy Award for Best Original Song), and “Mary Poppins Returns.” Lin-Manual received his B.A. from Wesleyan University in 2002. He lives with his family in New York.

QUIARA ALEGRÍA HUDES (Bookwriter) is a playwright, professor of writing and theatre at Wesleyan University, and a native of West Philly. Hailed for her works’ exuberance, intellectual rigor, and rich imagination, her plays and musicals have been performed around the world. In addition to In the Heights (winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and Pulitzer finalist), Quiara’s works are: Water By the Spoonful (winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama), Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue (another Pulitzer finalist), Daphne’s Dive, The Good Peaches, Miss You Like Hell, and The Happiest Song Plays Last. Hudes is a playwright-in-residence at New York’s Signature Theater and a proud alum of Philadelphia Young Playwrights.

XIMENA VALENTINA ALVEAR  (Ensemble) (she/her) is a local actor of Chilean and Venezuelan descent. She studied theatre and music at Ventura College, during which time she performed in shows such as Cabaret, Ghetto, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and others. This is her first professional stage production and she is thrilled to participate in a story to which she feels so connected. “Thank you to Karyl Lynn Burns, Abra Flores, Brian Hotchkin, and Brandon King for your constant support and belief in me. A special thank you to my parents and my sister, who immigrated here from South America and are my inspiration for telling this story. Te quiero mucho.” @ximenavalentinaaa

DANNY BOLERO (Kevin), a native Angelino, is happy to return to Rubicon Theatre after having made his debut in the company’s award-nominated production of World Goes Round. In 1993, Danny made his Broadway debut in Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, returning in 2009 to join the Broadway cast of In the Heights. While on Broadway, he landed the principal role of Kevin in the 1^st National Tour of In the Heights, which played the Pantages Theatre in 2010. Danny recently played alongside Sarah Jessica Parker and Mathew Broderick in the Broadway revival of Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite, directed by John Benjamin Hickey. In 2019, Danny made his New York Public Theater debut as Manuel in Miss You Like Hell (cast soundtrack). In addition, he’s a proud member of the award-winning PBS Kids animated series “Alma’s Way,” now in its second season, giving voice to the character of Abuelo. A SHAMELESS PLUG:  Danny invites Rubicon audiences to his one-man show They Call me Cuban Pete, in which he portrays Desi Arnaz; Cuban Pete will have its West Coast premiere at Hollywood’s Gardenia Room December 1 and 2. “Thank you to Clear Talent Agency and my managers at Entertainment Labs for connecting the dots. As always, thank you to the Angels on my shoulder.” 
IG: @ELAactorinNYC, www.dbolero.com

LAURA CASTRILLÓN (Camilla) is delighted to make her U.S. debut with Rubicon Theatre and Salgado Productions on this show. Born in Cataluña and raised in Madrid (Spain), she is the director and international vocal coach of Acting America, a performing arts school in New York acceding students globally. Recent credits include Spanish productions of Ghost and Jovencito Frankenstein with Let’s Go Producciones; and No Way to Treat a Lady, I Love You, You’re Perfect…Now Change! and tick…tick…BOOM!, for which she received a Best Actress Award. Laura has contributed to concerts like Songs Off Broadway and Girls of the Dressing Room. She may be seen in TV shows like “La que se Avecina” and “Centro Medico.” With a musical theatre degree from Scaena, Laura has trained with Mariano Detry. Ruth Iniesta and Fernando Lázaro. Laura thanks her husband, family and friends for their incredible love and support, without borders.

YAN CARLOS DIAZ (Carla), (he/she), is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, NY. Yan is excited to be part of this incredible cast and show and to share his Puerto Rican roots with audiences. Favorite regional/professional credits include Blessica Williams in Gorgeous (The Renaissance Theatre), Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Henegar Center), Angel/Referee in Kinky Boots (Thomaston Opera House, CT), Performer in the Broadway Easter Bonnet Competition (Minskoff Theatre, NY), and Houdini in Ragtime (Axelrod Theatre, NJ). Yan thanks his family and friends for their continuing support.

MALACHI DURANT (Ensemble) was born in Columbus, Ohio and was raised in Wisconsin, where he first started performing. He moved to Las Vegas in 2013 to pursue his dream of being a performer. In recent years, Malachi has been in major productions such as Showstoppers, and has been a featured dancer/character in Cirque du Soleil’s O. Malachi has danced with artists such as J-Balvin, Will Smith, Carrie Underwood, Hugh Jackman, and more. He was also a featured singer on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Malachi recently played leading roles in “California Dreamin’” directed by Aaron Parpart, the feature film “Nighthawk” directed by Dustin Robison and Hank Tracy, and “Scorched Earth” directed by Alissa Knoght. Malachi thanks his mother, supporters, and, most importantly, God, for everything that is and what is yet to come.

RAEGAN DELGADO (Ensemble) dreamed of becoming a singer or ballerina as a child, and enjoyed dancing in recitals, participating in talent shows, singing at graduations and weddings, and belting out show tunes while driving. Life led her in a different direction and she pursued a dual B.A. in Psychology and Language Studies from UC, San Diego and an M.S. in Behavioral Psychology from the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine. Raegan currently works for a non-public agency serving the autism community as a clinical supervisor for in-home intervention programs. She is a wife and mother of three, plus one fur baby. Raegan is a black belt in Shotokan karate and loves participating in sports and outdoor activities such as soccer, running, hiking, and bird watching while spending time relaxing on the beach. Never in her wildest dreams did she think something like this would be possible. “Thank you, family and friends, for their love and support on this incredible journey; and Rubicon for opening your doors to the local community and making this dream a reality.”

LUIS-PABLO GARCIA (Sonny) is a 20-year-old first-generation Cuban-American and Miami Native. He graduated from New World School of the Arts High School in 2020. Luis has recently been seen in the World Premiere and pre-Broadway tryout of The Karate Kid: The Musical and In the Heights at Stages St. Louis. He is delighted to be making his Rubicon Theatre debut this season. @luis_pabloo

SUZANNA GUZMÁN (Abuela Claudia), tv/radio host and principal soloist with orchestras and opera houses around the world, is thrilled to make her Rubicon debut. Fresh from McCoy/Rigby’s The Sound of Music as Mother Abbess, Guzmán came to international attention for her portrayal of the title role in Bizet’s Carmen. She is a champion of premieres, creating the role of The Duchess in the Kennedy Center production of Menotti’s Goya, Paula in Daniel Catan’s Florencia en el Amazonas, Lucha in Industry Opera’s Hopscotch and Sheila in Eric Whitacre’s Gift of the Magi, to name a few. Honors include two L.A Area Emmy Awards as Co-Host of “Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration” (PBS/SoCal), a Grammy nod for Best Classical Recording, Southwest Chamber Music, and Helen Hayes Award Best Actress nod for Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors directed by Giancarlo Menotti. Suzanna is host of the KCET weekly TV series “Open Call,” is a 2022-2023 L.A. Opera Legacy Ambassador, holds an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Occidental College, and is a recipient of the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nederlander family for service to Arts and Community. Future engagements include a World Premiere of Nick Benavides’s Carvana de Mujeres for Opera America in NYC. “Grateful to Mijo, Mija y la familia para todo. ¡Paciencia y Fe!”
www.suzannaguzman.com

MARIANA HERRERA JURI (Graffiti Pete/Associate Choreographer), age 18, is a versatile artist – an international dancer, choreographer and teacher who brings her own style and passion to the stage and the classroom. She was born in Colombia, and began her training at age 3 at the Be Danza School. She obtained a musical theatre scholarship at the age of 8, which enabled her to travel to New York City for periodic training workshops through R.Evolución Latina and Salgado productions. Her U.S. credits include productions of Bountiful, Ragtime, Aida, The Tempest and Matilda, among others, in New York and New Jersey. She has recently been focused on directing and teaching with her new company Fire Dance Complex (located in Cali, Colombia) which is committed to guiding and developing young Colombian lives and helping families grow through the beauty of art. Mariana has been an annual National Champion in urban dance 2013 – 2016 in the junior category, and 2017, 2018 and 2020 in the varsity category, then representing Colombia in international and world championships events in jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap dance and ballet in Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Mexico, Orlando, San Diego, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

LAURA LEBRÓN (Vanessa), is an actress, singer and acrobat born and raised in the Dominican Republic. Laura moved to NYC in 2010 and currently lives in Las Vegas, NV. She won a Helen Hayes Award for playing Nina Rosario in Gala Hispanic Theatre’s production of In the Heights in Spanish. Other U.S. credits include In the Heights (Vanessa), Goldilocks, a New Musical (Lisa), The Temple of the Souls (Ensemble), and the TV show “SMILF” on Showtime. Her credits in the DR include La Lamada (Susana Romero), Venus in Fur (Vanda), Blackbird (Una), Legally Blonde: The Musical (Vivienne Kensington), Fiddler on the Roof (Chava), Hairspray (Tammy), and High School Musical on Stage (Sharpay Evans), among others. Laura was twice nominated for Best Actress in the Dominican Soberano Awards. As an acrobat, Laura has performed in various venues in NYC, Portland and Las Vegas.  IG: @lauralebron333

PRANJAAL LUNA’RAI (Ensemble/Yolanda) was born in Rochester, New York, and raised in Puerto Rico. She received her B.A. in Performing Arts from the University of Sacred Heart (PR) and continued her training at M&M Studio (Mexico City) and Broadway Dance Center (NYC). This “Boricua” is honored to be a part of In the Heights at Rubicon Theatre making her California debut and is thrilled to be working again with Salgado Productions. Favorite credits include “No Me Compares” (FlixLatino), Ragtime in NJ, Fame En Español in DC, In the Heights and Cuatro, Un Musical in Puerto Rico, and “Fantasy Island” (Fox TV). “A special thank you to my family and friends for always believing in my dreams, Agradecida por siempre.” @pranjaalrai.pr

JALON MATTHEWS (Benny) is excited to make his Rubicon debut. Recent regional credits include The Lehman Trilogy (Center Theatre Group), Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance and Coalhouse U/S in Ragtime (Utah Shakespeare Festival), Roger in Grease (Musical Theatre West), and Sebastian in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Musical Theatre West). Jalon holds an M.F.A. in Acting from UC Irvine and a B.A. in Acting from Pepperdine University. “Thank you to family, friends, Bubba, and FSE for the love and support!”

BRYAN ERNESTO MENJIVAR (Ensemble/Dance Captain) is originally from Hollywood, California, now living in Harlem, NYC. He attended AMDA for musical theatre and graduated in 2008. His Off-Broadway credits include Rappucinni’s Daughter (Grimlock) and Sgt. Stubby (Marvin). Regionally, Bryan has appeared in Fame (Joe U/S), Saturday Night Fever (Cesar Rodríguez), In the Heights (José/Usnavi u/s), Evita (Ensemble), and On Your Feet! en Español (Kenny/Asst. Choreographer). He dedicates this production to his family, his cast, his amazing dog Oliver, and most importantly his amazing partner Theo. “Te Amo Te Quiero Te Adoro y ALULU. Xoxo.” Insta: hauz_of_be

CORINNE MILLER (Nina) is elated to be making her debut at Rubicon Theatre Company. Corinne received her B.F.A. in Music Theatre from The Hartt School. Her credits include Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals, The Last Five Years (Cathy), Hands on a Hardbody (Heather), and Spring Awakening (Martha). One of her favorite moments on stage was singing backup for Kristin Chenoweth at the Ridgefield Playhouse.  She thanks her family for being the best supporters a girl could ask for! She dedicates this performance to her mother Julie and late grandmother Ruth. “Love you to the moon and back!”

JEFFREY NUñEZ (Piragua Guy) has a B.F.A in Musical Theatre from Penn State University. He was recently seen in In the Heights at the Geva Theatre and the Hangar Theatre (Piragua Guy), and in the Second National Tour of In the Heights (various roles), NYMF’s The Tenth Floor (Cheche), ICAP production of IChoose (Carlos), PACS production of The Apple Tree (Ensemble), and as a featured performer in the Broadway on Allen Concert Series.

SUSAN OLIVERAS (Daniela), a native New Yorker, is ecstatic to be making her West Coast regional theatre debut here at Rubicon! Having worked across TV, film and theatre, her proudest performance moment was portraying the trailblazing Hispanic suffragist Nina Otero-Warren in Off-Broadway’s Suffs at The Public Theater in NYC last spring. A child of Dominican and Puerto Rican parents, she is proud to be in a show that reflects the same kind of community she grew up in while uplifting and celebrating Latin/Hispanic culture. Bringing up the next generation of young Latiné performers is a cause Susan cares deeply about. In honor of this run, she has made a donation to Rubicon Theatre in support of the company’s continued work with the Latiné youth here in Ventura. Jeremiah 29:11 @susanoliveras

JOSE CARLOS RIVERA (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Rubicon debut with this beautiful cast and creative team. He is an Orlando-based actor born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Favorite regional credits include Sonny in In the Heights at La Mirada Theatre, Clyde Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde at Theater West End, Eddie Birdlace in Dogfight at Theater West End, Jean-Michel in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Orlando Repertory Theatre, and Hot Blades Harry in Urinetown at Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol. @chejoserivera

RACQUEL WILLIAMS (Ensemble) is elated to be making her Rubicon debut in In the Heights! Raised in Birmingham, Alabama, she found her passion for musical theatre as a member of Red Mountain Theatre Company. After graduating from high school, she moved to New York, attending the American Musical and Dramatic Academy for two years. Directly after college, she was hired as a lead singer with Norwegian and Celebrity Cruise lines, where she had the opportunity to travel the world for two years. In 2019, she appeared as Cathy in The Last Five Years with Cygnet Theatre in San Diego. She also starred as Natalie in Next to Normal at Vanguard Theatre. Most recently, she appeared in The Magnificent Seven, a new Off-Broadway musical about the 1996 Atlanta Olympic gymnastics team, playing Dominique Dawes. She is grateful to be back in beautiful California doing what she loves. “Thank you to my friends and family for staying supportive of me!”

DREAMER RAE WILSON (Ensemble) (she/her) is a local actor from Oxnard. She studied at Ventura College (VC), where she performed under Nathan Cole and Brent Wilson, winning the Outstanding Acting and Acting Proficiency awards. During her time at VC she performed in productions such as Ghetto, Cabaret and The Crucible. In the Heights is her first professional stage production and she is very excited to be a part of telling this beautiful story. “Thanks to Karyl Lynn, friends, family (especially dad) and mentors that helped me get to where I am and always supported me on my journey.” @dreamerraex

JOVANY RAMIREZ (Ensemble) is elated to be at Rubicon Theatre sharing this beautiful story. A native of Orlando, Florida, past credits include In the Heights (Sonny) at Mason Street Warehouse, and work at Sacramento Music Circus, Stages St. Louis, Walt Disney World Ent., Nickelodeon Television Network, and more. He is an emerging theatre choreographer and hopes of continuing to carry forward the Latino Theatre Legacy. “Thanks to my family and my Clear Talent Group Agents.”  @theonlyjovany

RYAN REYES (Usnavi) is excited to be making his Rubicon debut. Ryan recently made his Off-Broadway debut at New World Stages in Americano: The Musical, where he played Fro Valdovinos. Ryan’s previous roles include Chino in West Side Story at Florida Repertory Theatre, Ritchie Valens in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story at North Shore Music Theatre, and Don Armado in Love’s Labour’s Lost at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. When not on the stage, Ryan is a horse trainer and a stuntman for Western independent films. “Thank you to Rubicon Theatre, and a shout out to the Hell’s Kitchen Agency, and to friends and family for their endless support!” @iam_ryanreyes

KOREY SANDERS (Production Stage Manager) is stoked to be making his West Coast debut! A local resident of Washington Heights, Korey is proud to be a part of this production. He is currently the Head Carpenter of the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors and is grateful for the support to be here at Rubicon. Favorite past credits include Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Barrow Street Theatricals), Cinderella (New York Live Arts), and Rock of Ages (Off-Broadway). For KJS, always. AEA member.

JULIA DONLON (Assistant Stage Manager), born and raised in Oxnard, California, graduated from Pepperdine University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Production Design with an emphasis in Stage Management. She spent the years following doing theatre onboard a cruise ship in New Zealand, around Los Angeles, and now in Ventura County. Previous credits include Les Misérables, Mamma Mia! (Rubicon Academy of Drama), Lonesome Traveler: Generations (Rubicon), Crazy for You, Die Zauberflöte: The Magic Flute, Curtains, Medea, Well (Pepperdine University), and The Abode (Edinburgh Fringe Festival). Julia recently was the Company Manager for Rubicon Academy of Drama’s 2022 Summer Season and stage managed the Rubicon’s mainstage production of Almost, Maine. She is passionate about theatre and human connection, planning to pursue a theatrical career in New York starting this June. She thanks her family and boyfriend for supporting her endlessly.

LUIS SALGADO (Director/Choreographer) is an international director, choreographer and educator from Puerto Rico currently based in New York City, who is honored to be working at Rubicon with this cast of international performers. He was the Assistant Latin Choreographer of In the Heights on Broadway, which won four Tony Awards. Luis directed and choreographed the U.S premiere of the Spanish version of In the Heights at GALA Theatre in Washington D.C which received nine 2018 Helen Hayes Awards including Best Musical, Best Direction and Best Choreography. Luis was the director and choreographer of Viva Broadway’s When We See Ourselves concert as part of the Curtain Up event in Times Square produced by Playbill and the Broadway League. In 2019, Luis worked as the Associate Director/Choreographer of Cirque de Soliel’s Paramour in Hamburg Germany. Among the productions he has directed/choreographed in the United States and abroad are the fantasy musical Ella Es Colombia in Bogota, Colombia with MISI Musicals, the Holland Production of On Your Feet!, Ragtime, To Be or Not to Be…a Shakespearean Experience, Aida, Fame, Amigo Duende the Musical, Matilda, Song of Solomon, Speed the Plow, The Tempest and Candela Fuerza y Pasión in Lima, Peru. In 2019, Luis directed/choreographed a new adaptation of the musical Fame at GALA Theatre that received the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Musical. He has appeared on Broadway in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Rocky, In the Heights and On Your Feet!; as well as Off-Broadway shows and Broadway tryouts The Mambo Kings (Frankie Suarez), Fame on 42nd Street (Joe Vegas, understudy) and Aida, among others. Film credits include “American Gangster,” “Dirty Dancing 2,” “Havana Nights,” the television remake of “Dirty Dancing,” “Enchanted” and “Step Up 2, The Streets” (Alejandro), for which he also was assistant choreographer. Luis is the founder/director of R.Evolución Latina, an affiliate of the non-profit organization Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.  Luis’ personal mission as an artist and a leader is to empower society through the arts to make a change for the better.

VALERIA COSSU (Associate Director), an international choreographer and director, began her career as a performer at the Opera Lirica in Italy. She toured throughout Europe as part of dance and theatre companies such as Mayumana and Yllana. Stepping into more leadership roles, Valeria served as Assistant Director on the Broadway production of The Wedding Singer in Spain. Upon moving to NYC, she choreographed Ser o no Cer…Vantes, 2011 R.Evolución Latina Choreographers Festival, Bountiful, To Be or Not to Be, and The Tempest. As a director in NYC, Valeria won Best Director for the musical Discovering Magenta, and the play Until Death Do Us Part was nominated for Best Play (New York Theatre Festival). She served as Choreographer/Associate Director in the LONJ Opera production of La bohème. Valeria has been a part of Salgado Productions for several years working alongside Luis Salgado as Associate Director/Choreographer in many productions such as In the Heights, Ragtime, Fame, Aida, Matilda, and the World Premiere of On Your Feet! en Español.

BRENT CRAYON (Music Director) is a music director and pianist based in Los Angeles. He has collaborated with many notable artists such as Stephen Schwartz, Jason Robert Brown, Daisy Prince, John Caird, Paul Gordon, Richard Maltby, Jr., and John Bucchino. Favorite theatrical productions include the West Coast premieres of First Date at La Mirada, and Songs for a New World and Tick, Tick…BOOM! at Rubicon, as well as the World Premiere productions of Stephen Schwartz’s Snapshots and John Bucchino’s It’s Only Life. Brent can be seen and heard in McCoy Rigby’s production of A Night with Janis Joplin streaming on Broadway HD. Brent is thrilled to be back at Rubicon!

CHRISTOPHER SCOTT MURILLO (Scenic Designer) (he/him/his) is a designer, artist, and educator based in Los Angeles. Most recently, his work has been seen at Sierra Rep, Native Voices at the Autry, New Village Arts Theatre, and the Getty Villa. Christopher is a member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829. As a production designer, his work can be seen on Paramount+ on “Halo the Series: Declassified”, “Peak of the Week,” and “The Ready Room” with Wil Wheaton. Christopher is an Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at Loyola Marymount where he teaches courses in stagecraft, set design, and the collaborative process. He is a 2016 recipient of the Princess Grace Foundation Theater Fellowship – Pierre Cardin Award.

MIKE BILLINGS (Lighting Designer) returns to Rubicon having designed Almost Maine, The Gin Game, Big River, Heisenberg, South Pacific, Return to the Forbidden Planet, Buyer and Cellar, A Christmas Carol, Incognito, Gulf View Drive (Ovation Nomination), Sylvia, See Rock City (Ovation Nominations), Copenhagen, Last Train to Nibroc, The Last Five Years, and Conviction. Recently, Mike designed the West End production of Dreamworks’ The Prince of Egypt at the Dominion Theatre, and also the international touring exhibitions of Downton Abbey and Harry Potter: The Exhibition. He has designed for Bay Street Theater, Laguna Playhouse, American Theatre for Actors, Guild Hall, Gallery Players, Abingdon Theatre Company, Bated Breath Theatre, Quintessence Theatre, Spirit of Broadway Theatre, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, Dorset Theatre Festival, and Busch Gardens Theme Park in Williamsburg, VA. Mike holds a B.F.A. from the University of Connecticut and is a member of United Scenic Artists Local USA 829.
www.mikebillingsdesign.com IG: @mikebillingsdesign

DANNY FIANDACA (Sound Designer) served as Assistant/Associate to Peter McBoyle for ten years for productions across the U.S. and Asia as well as Broadway (Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away). Danny designed all of the musical theatre productions for Princess Cruises between 2010 and 2020. During this time, he collaborated with Stephen Schwartz and the Jim Henson company on multiple stage productions. Favorite credits include The Secret Silk (Stephen Schwartz/Princess Cruises), Henson Inspired Silliness (Jim Henson Company/Princess Cruises), Fantastic Journey (THEA Award – Princess Cruises), Once – Enchanted Storybook (Vinpearl Land, Phu Quoc, Vietnam) and Lonesome Traveler: Generations (Rubicon Theatre).

EDUCATION DONORS

Anonymous   
Susan Adamich  
Amanda McBroom and
George Ball  
Penelope Barnds  
Norma Beck  
Gary Best     
Marla Brown  
Bonnie Hellman Brown  
Donna Burger  
James and Lori Burke  
Robert and Carol Cole   
Barbra Conway  
Coastal Copy  
Loretta Collet  
Freddie Contarino  
Melinda Dannenberg  
Michelle and Matthew Demaria  
Lynda and Fred Evans  
Ken and Carolee Feltch  
Judith and Mark Fleischman  
Rebecca Fox  
Nancy and Richard Francis  
Katie Goode  
Jeannie and Rick Graham  
John Hankins  
Julia and Walter Hamann 
Eileen Hansen  
The Harry and Judy Friedman
Family Foundation 
Martha Jaffe  
Donna Jones  
Joanne Kaplan   
Judy Kerr  
Jordan Laby  
Kate Larsen 
Ed McCombs  
Robert and Elmira McDonough  
Lily Mallare  
Carol Manzani  
Jennifer Macafee   
Paul and Christine Magie  
Geoffrey Matlock  
Laura Lee Merewether Fund*
Katharine Metropolis  
William Mitchell  
Heather Nicksay  
Ruth and George Owens  
Debbie and John Perry   
Derek and Carey Poultney  
Georgianna Regnier  
Joyce A. Robinson  
Christopher Rowland  
Stacy Ruppel  
Doris Schaffer  
The Sence Foundation   
Lorraine and Frank Serena 
Jody Shapiro   
Arthur and Nancy Simpson  
Dawn Stidham-Husted  
Robert Stroh  
Karen Trainor   
Ken and Adela Trainor  
Allen Vail 
Carol Ann Wiley  
Stephanie Zierhut  

*Administered through the Ventura County Community Foundation

The listing below reflects gifts received from October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022. To make a donation, or to notify us regarding any errors or omissions, please contact Araceli Aggarwal, Development Associate, at 805.667.2912, ext. 246, or aaggarwal@rubicontheatre.org.

$50,000+

Jordan Laby
Barbara Meister
Eileen Ogle

$10,000 – $49,999

Judith Nelson
Thomas Pecht
Lori and Richard Reisman
Smith-Hobson Foundation Fund*
Steven Snyder
The Kurtz Family in Honor of Normand Kurtz
The Steven E. Kurtz Foundation
Anne Smith Towbes
Susan Van Abel and Eric Oltman
Stephanie and Kurt Zierhut

$1,000 – $9,999

Norma Beck
Claire and Reid Bowman
Anonymous
Donna Burger
Ginger and Kim Caldwell
Betsy Chess
Sol Chooljian
Carol and Robert Cole
Barbra Conway
Randy Encinas and Doug Halter
Frances Elson
Abra and Ed Flores
Evelyn and Howard Boroughs
Education Fund*
Judi and Manny Garcia
Renee and Mark Garrett
Lynn and Al Geller
Jeffrey and Gerald Grove
Gene Haas Foundation
Jessica and Harvey Harris
Mary and Jim Harrison
Genevieve and Tom Hinkle
Ann and Jon Ives
John Johnston
Marilyn Juday
Alan Keevy
Lucien Lacour
Sandra and Neal Lassila
Irene Lawler
Limonera Foundation Fund*
Terri and Mark Lisagor
Lloyd Properties
Jeannette and Dennis Longwill
Michael Mance
Doris Mleczko
Kay and Jerry Rich
Susan and Louis Samonsky
Mary Schaeffer
Darrel Schultz
Diana Troik and Art Shaffman
Jody Shapiro
Rebecca and Jeffrey Smith
Sparagna & Sparagna
Kevin Surace
Jeri Sutherling
Kathryn and R. Allen Urban
Nancy Rasmussen and William Wayson
Laurie and Steven Weiss
Jo Beth Williams
Annie Winch
Birgit and Harald Wulff
Leah and Jim Zondlo

*Administered through the Ventura County Community Foundation

$100 – $999

Michael Ahn
Denise and Wendell Allen
Denisse Ambert
Brooke and Everard Ashworth
Catherine and John Baker
Jill and Edward Banman
Casey Barbaro
Penelope Barnds
Sara and Andrew Barnicle
Victoria Basolo
Donna and Gerald Beatty
Kim Bell
Robert Benham
Jane Berg
Dell and Paul Bishop
Theresa Brenner-Farrell
Kathy and Robert Brooks
Suzanne and Peter Brown
Barbara Brown
Bonnie Hellman Brown
Colleen Bruns
Douglas Burbank
Donna Burger
Carole Burns
Patricia Butler
Faye Campbell
Kathy Campitelli
Antonio Casares
Kim and Bobby Castagna
Sonia Chala Tower
Peter Chapa
Amy Cherot
Gloria and Ronald Chess
Harriet Clune and Rich Stewart
Shelley and David Cole
Takako Colman
Dorothy and Gary Davis
John Dobroth
Leonard Dryer
Lorraine Ebdon
Elaine Edwards
Wanda Edwards
Jennifer Jannone and John Edwards
Lynda and Fred Evans
Paul Finkel
Lois and Roy Fischman
Linda Kay Fisher
Anita Flood
Terrence Foley
David Fuhrmann
Clarissa and Bill Garlington
Joyce Gelsinger
William Goldsmith
Marjorie Goldstein
Lea Gould
Stephanie Greger
Barbara Harison
Lori and Gregory Harris
Cynthia Hashbarger
Deanna Hehl
Ellen Henahan
Barbara and Larry Hilburn
Marilyn Hilton
Kathie Hira
Linda Hitt
Charlotte Hoyt
Janice and Bruce Hunter
Hannah-Beth Jackson and George Eskin
David Jaffe/Lisa West Charitable Trust
Martha Jaffe
Robert Gibson Johnson
Lisa Kadowaki
Joanne Kaplan
Marion Keiter
Karen and Doug Kirk
Alan Kirschbaum
Wendy Leib and Ronald Kopp
Jean Kraabel
Ronald Kramar
Carol Lande
Haady Lashkari
Edward Lay
Harriet and Eric Leibovitch
Nancy and Robert Lopez
Heidemarie Lundblad
Valerie Magro
Rita March
Paula Markgraf
Manuel Marquez
L. Paige Marvel
Margaret and Gerald Matchin
Nancy Maxson
Christopher May
Emma Mayer
Stuart McDaniel
Brian McDonald
Kay McElroy
Sharon McGahan
Stephanie McNamara
Angelina Melero
Suzanne and Ernie Melonas
Margaret Melton
Jean and J. Midgley
Margret Miller
Diane Moore
Carlton and Peter Nebreklievski
Phyllis and Richard Nielsen
Jean and Zelma Olson
Judith Owen
Matty Park
Lauren Patten
Diane and Judge Steven Perren
Gene Pitman
Susan Poulson
Michelle Prichard
Lynda Racimora
Chris Rae
Jeane Renick
Margery Ricards
Eleanor and Dr. Mark Richman
John Russell
Judy Russo
Mary and Sam Saputo
Cheryl Schuler
Lainey and Dan Scully
Lorraine and Frank Serena
Nancy Sieh
Dale and Stuart Silfen
Harvey Silverberg
Mary Sorrelle
Elizabeth Stookey
Jenny Sullivan
Adriana Sullivan
Debra Renick and Greg Thayer
Rosemary Tobin
Jane Totten
Kim Trainor
Allen Vail
S. Blake and Charles Wade
Beverly and Kirby Ward
Marie Warner
Pam Warren
Kathy Weber
Judith and Mort Weisman
James Whitney
Sylvia and Duane Wikholm
Carol Ann Wiley
Duane Williamson
Judith and David Wittig
Hiroko Yoshimoto
The Yuss Family Trust

$50 – $99

Jane Advani
Tamara Ashford
Michael Beyries
Lynn and Jim Brady
Mary and Bob Braitman
Donn Browne
Dianna Burdick
Marsha and John Carroll
Kim Charnofsky
Stephanie Coltrin-Beyries
Dale Alan Cooke
Lilia Coppa
Chice Davison
Susan Drapkin
Kathleen and Robert Ellison
Paula Feinberg
Judith and Mark Fleischman
Pamela Fuller
Give Lively
Arline Grether
Martha Groszewski
Shirley Hackleman
Jean Hall
Betty Harris
Karen Harter
Anyce Hency
Victoria Hill
Camille Hunter
Ruth Johnson
Karen and Martin Kinrose
Cheryl Lewis
Kay Liddi
Joanne Lopez-Rojas
Lou Lotorto
Meredith McMinn
Irene Miller
Janna Minsk
Arlene Miro
Debra and John O’Neal
Jone Pence
Sandi Pierce
James Roberts
Robert Rubin
Sandra Rush
Jackie Saltz
Jean Smith
Ellen and Leslie Spiegel
Lane Stalbird
Dale Stamos
Robert Ward

Tributes are made to honor a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or remember those who have passed away. Thank you to the following individuals for commemorating landmark moments with a gift to the theatre. These listings reflect one-time gifts of $100 or more, received October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. To make a gift, or to let us know about a correction, please contact Araceli Aggarwal, Development Associate, at 805.667.2912, ext. 246, or aaggarwal@rubicontheatre.org.

In Honor of Karyl Lynn Burns
Barbara Meister
James Whitney

In Memory of Richard A. Burns
Carole A Burns

In Honor of Julia Campbell
Fred and Lynda Evans

In Honor of Mary Ann Cohen
Lynda Paige Marvel
Cheryl Schuler

In Memory of Susan Cooper
Gloria and Ronald Chess

In Honor of Jack and Rivie Drapkin
Susan Drapkin

In Memory of Diana Einhorn
Leonard Dryer

In Memory of Karen Finkel
Paul Finkel

In Honor of Roy Fishman
Judi and Manny Garcia

In Memory of Rite Harris
Lori and Gregory Harris

In Memory of Tom Hashbarger
Cynthia Hashberger

In Honor of Patricia Lay
Edward Lay

In Honor of Joseph Fuqua
Penelope Barnds

In Honor of Doug Halter and
Randy Encinas
Sonia Chala Tower

In Memory of Normand Kurtz
Jane Berg
Deanna Hehl
Jenny Sullivan

In Honor of Barbara Meister
Eleanor and Dr. Mark Richman

In Memory of Nick and Olga Melonas
Suzanne and Ernie Melonas

In Honor of Loretta and Mike Merewether
Penelope Barnds
Donna Burger

In Honor of Lori and Richard Reisman
Barbara Meister

In Memory of Marlena Daly Roberts
Wanda Edwards

In Memory of Nancy Tonkin
Emma Mayer

In Memory of Kim Weiskopf
Jody Legendre

In Memory of Kathleen Yuss
The Yuss Family Trust