In the Heights

DIEGO KLOCK-PÉREZ (Usnavi) Diego is returning as Usnavi to honor artist that gave us power and permission to rise up. Born and raised in Miami, attending New World School of the Arts, Frenchwoods, Boston Conservatory of Music at Berklee, and just now arriving back from Kimmendale, where he brought to life the Mayor at Florida’s Renaissance Festival. Other credits include work out of Fulton Opera House, Pioneer Theatre Company, SpeakEasy Stage, Wheelock Family Theatre, National Television, National Tour, and Symphony Hall! Dedications are to Robert E. Mason, Mom and Papa, Richard, Karen, Elizabeth, Kayla, Chris, and the ever-lovely Lauren. Be here entirely, enjoy the show, and stand up for what you know is good and right.

ISA MARTINEZ (Nina) Isa Martinez is grateful to be back home! You may have seen them on the Aurora stage in Christmas Canteen ('21-'24), King of Pangea, Song and Dance, Cinderella, and Sister Act (Suzi Winner for Best Supporting Actor). Other favorite Atlanta credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Overture Series), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Actor's Express), And Then the Moon Swallowed the Sky (Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern), and Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote (Center for Puppetry Arts). Muchisimo amor a mi familia, gracias por tu amor y apoyo!

RUSSELL ALEXANDER II (Benny) Russell can be found cruising the seas with his solo headliner show, or inspiring young minds at Savannah College of Art & Design. Recent Credits- TV/Film: “Ironheart” (Marvel/Disney+), A SPARROW CRIES AT NIGHT(Toshiba Productions), “Jefferson County: Probation” (Comedy Central), “Heaux Phase” (FUBU Prod.) STAGE: Christmas Canteen, Children of Eden, Newsies, Mamma Mia!, Ripcord (Aurora Theatre), The Wild Party, A New Brain (Jennie T Anderson Theatre), The Wiz, Memphis (Red Mountain Theatre), Occupants (Kennedy Center), The Addams Family (Lyric Theatre). Follow Me @_alexanderii

LAUREN HORGAN (Vanessa) Lauren is thrilled to be making her Aurora Theatre debut! Off Bway: Dune: The Dunesical (Chani/Kate). National Tour: On Your Feet! (Rebecca Fajardo/Gloria Estefan u/s). Regional: Rent (Theatre Aspen), Cabaret (Zoetic Stage), A Chorus Line (LPAC), The Spongebob Musical, Head Over Heels, Kinky Boots (Slow Burn Theatre), Evita, Mamma Mia! Havana Music Hall, On Your Feet! Jersey Boys, Man of La Mancha (Actors’ Playhouse). Lauren, a Cubanita born and raised in Miami is a proud graduate of FIU Theatre. Lauren recently made her Joe’s Pub debut in The Evolution of Mimi and Con C De Cuba! When she’s not on stage, she is a background vocalist for Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine. Much love to her family and friends! @laurenhorgannn

ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ (Kevin Rosario) Anthony is a career non-profit leader, is proud to be the first Executive Director of the Hub404 Conservancy. HUB404 is an innovative 9-acre “cap park” that will soar above GA 400 and provide a direct connection to MARTA’s Buckhead rail station. HUB404 will create a dynamic, active, gathering place for the Metro-Atlanta region and transform the core of Buckhead. Prior to joining HUB404, Anthony was President and CEO of Aurora Theatre, a professional theatre he co-founded 26 years ago. He currently serves on various boards, both nationally and locally, including Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Alliance for Musical Theatre (Vice President), Theatre Communications Group, the Citizens Advisory Board for Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, and the Advisory Board for Public Broadcasting Atlanta which includes the NPR station WABE and PBS station PBA30. Anthony is a past Chair of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, the first Latino and first Arts Leader to hold that position. He served as Vice Chair of Arts for the Chamber and Chair of Partnership Gwinnett and serves on the National Steering Committee for the Latinx Theatre Commons. Anthony is a graduate of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute, Leadership Atlanta (#2classes) and the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures’ Leadership Institute and Advocacy Institute. Anthony, born in New York, and raised in Atlanta, graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre.

DENISE ARRIBAS Proud Boricua in Atlanta striving to make her ancestors proud every day! She has humbly blessed the stages of the Alliance, Horizon, and Actors Express. TV credits: Ozark, Hawkeye, Echoes, or Reasonable Doubt.​ Feliz to be back at Aurora after a 10-year hiatus, last seen in Vanya and Sonia…​and Sotto Voce. Off stage, she serves as Dir of Engagement at the Down Syndrome Assoc. of Atl and Artistic Dir. of Unexpected Encores,​ a program bringing joy/connection to memory care residents. Love to AC/Ricardo, y all the primos for sharing the playground with her. Muchas gracias, audience member, for supporting our amazing Latiné culture, especially in these times. To quote Walter Mercado, mucho, mucho amor to my Daniel. @denisetheawesome

FELICIA HERNANDEZ (Abuela Claudia) Aurora Theatre presented On Your Feet, and Ms. Hernandez played Abuela Consuelo. She is very grateful to be returning to this amazing team, in the reprisal of the role, Abuela Claudia. Last Summer Felicia was a part of a Resident Choir at Exetor Cathedral in Exetor, England. She has sung in many Churches and venues, but you may hear some of her solo work on YouTube where she can be featured in the New South Festival Singers, since 2004. She loves to thank her Lord and Wonderful family for continued undergirding and encouragement.

LILLIANGINA QUIÑONES (Daniela/Abuela U/S) Lilliangina is excited to reprise her role, having previously been in Aurora's electric production of In The Heights in 2016. Notable Regional Credits: Daniela/Abuela Claudia in In The Heights (City Springs Theatre Company), Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden in Next to Normal (Jennie T. Anderson Theatre), Ensemble in Once On This Island (Jennie T. Anderson Theatre), Gloria Fajardo in On Your Feet (Aurora Theatre), Mrs. Corry in Mary Poppins (City Springs Theatre Company), Angie in The Wedding Singer (Atlanta Lyric Theatre). New Musical Workshops: Dust and Shadow & The Yellow Wallpaper (Alliance Theatre). To Frankie and my amazing daughters: I love you! IG: @lilliangina

JACKY SEGUÍ (Carla) Jacky is a proud Puerto Rican (¡WEPA!) performer and arts administrator who is thrilled to be back on stage as Carla after six years away. Some of her credits include Nina in "In the Heights" (SCAD), Amy in "Rock the Presidents", and Ensemble in "On Your Feet" (Aurora Theatre). As Aurora's Senior Manager in Community Engagement, she connects Gwinnett communities through culturally rich programming. Jacky believes the arts foster connection, cultural preservation, and collective healing while strengthening and sustaining communities. Endless thanks to her husband Bryan, mother-in-law Haydee, sweet son Mateo, and her family and friends unwavering support to make this dream a reality. ¡Los amo!

BRYAN MONTEMAYOR (Piragua Guy) is thrilled to back at Aurora Theatre! Bryan is an Atlanta based actor, singer, and teaching artist, as well as a graduate of Purdue University's MFA Acting program and the Aurora Theatre Apprenticeship Program. Bryan sends his love to his family and friends, who have always been there for him. Suavecito Con Amor.

Previous Regional Credits Include: Piragua Guy in In The Heights, Ensemble in The Music Man, (City Springs Theatre Company), Fighting Prawn in Peter and The Star Catcher (Stage Door Theatre), Ernest in Fredrick (Synchronicity Theatre), Oscar in Sweat (The Warehouse Theatre), Brick in Escape to Margaritaville (Legacy Theatre)
IG: @bm631

ALEX DE LA VEGA (Sonny) Alex is in the class of 2026 at the School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett and he is in the Theater Conservatory. He has been in shows such as Hadestown, Singing in the rain, Les Mis, and many more. He has also choreographed multiple numbers for the musical theater showcase at his school. He has a passion for dance and entertainment and hopes to pursue that as a career.

VICTORIA BERLACK (Ensemble) Victoria is a dancer, choreographer, and actor who fully emerges herself in work that is spiritually rooted. This work involves healing through movement and various artistic expressions by means of self discovery and reflection. She focuses on introspective practices that align the mind, body and soul. Along with dance, she has a theatre background of ensemble work in the Mel Brooks musical “Young Frankenstein” and the role of Sampson in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”. She worked with choreographers including Juel D. Lane, Kyle and Donita Clarke, Katie Thurman, Brielle Lucas, also, choreographing for singers like ZaRio. Victoria has also performed with singer Jimmie Allen and was an NFL Cheerleader for the Philadelphia Eagles.

NIKO CARLEO (Ensemble,  Usnavi U/S) Niko is an Atlanta-based actor and puppeteer. Their most recent credits include Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch with Actors Express, Sebastian in Twelfth Night with the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, and puppeteer ensemble for Rainforest Adventures at the Center for Puppetry Arts. In addition, they also perform one person touring puppet shows with Puppet Guy Prodductions. They would like to to think their wife and acting coach Adalene for their unwavering support and love.

TESSA MARIE GARCIA (Ensemble) Tessa is excited to join the ensemble of In the Heights. She began her training at New Image Dance Company under Barbara Delgado, and later continued her studies at New World School of the Arts, training in Horton, Graham, Limón, and pointe. Rooted in her Puerto Rican and Haitian heritage, Tessa grew up dancing salsa, bachata, and rumba, training with various instructors and developing strong cultural and technical foundations in these styles. Tessa’s experience also spans film and stunt performance. She trained under choreographer Sandalio Alvarez for the feature film Otra, and worked as a stunt woman under Rob Mars and Brooke Guido for both Otra and a Netflix series.

JOEL HARLAN-LEDBETTER Joel is an Atlanta-born singer, actor and dancer. Previous Credits: The Wiz(Aurora Theatre), Cabaret(Actor's Express), Young Frankenstein(GTA), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee(GTA). Joel has recently graduated from Brenau University and is a member of Aurora's AppCo26. Thank you for coming to see the show. Joel thanks his friends and family.

JENNA RITCHEY Jenna grew up in Clarkston, Michigan, and studied at Anderson University SC getting her BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance. Favorite credits: Sweet Summer Nights (Dollywood); Euterpe, Xanadu (SCSA); Lucinda, Into The Woods (SCSA); Christmas Canteen(Aurora Theatre). Thanks to Mom, Dad and Jasmine for always believing in me. IG: jenna.ritchey 

VICTORIA ROSE REYES Victoria is a recent graduate of West Texas A&M University, where she earned a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance. Aurora credits include Initiative (World Premiere, Meg U/S), Flat Stanley, The Play that Goes Wrong (Sandra U/S), and Christmas Canteen (cast). Some of her favorite roles include Isabella (TEXAS! Outdoor Musical), Biondella (Shakespeare in the Canyon), and Lady Larken (Once Upon a Mattress), for which she was recognized by the Kennedy Center for exemplary performance. Victoria enjoys writing song parodies, thrifting, and building lego sets. She would like to thank her family, friends, and AppCo 26 for their love and support, and she'd like to thank God for giving her life each day! @victoriarosereyes

GADIEL ASCENCIO-URBINA (Ensemble/ Graffiti Pete U/S) Gadiel is so excited to join the ensemble of ITH and to be able to make his regional theatre debut here at the Aurora Theatre. He is an Atlanta native and graduated from the Cobb County Center of Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School ('25) and is now currently studying to get his BFA in Musical Theatre at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati ('29). He would like to thank his family, friends and mentors for their continued support and love!

ROSE SETON Rose Setons professional credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical as Little Eva, The Color Purple as Olivia, and The Wiz as Ensemble (Aurora Theatre). Artistry is her passion in which she hopes she gets to spread!

XAVIER SHEPHERD Xavier is a member of Appco26 and was last seen in Flat Stanley: The Musical, Christmas Canteen, and The Wiz! He is very grateful to have spent this past year as an apprentice surrounded by talented, hardworking, and kind people. Favorite past credits include: Footloose, Freaky Friday, To Kill A Mockingbird, Our Town, Big Fish, Ragtime and more. He would like to thank to his family, friends, and boyfriend for all of the love and support! <3 IG: @xavierqshepherd

KARI TWYMAN* (Ensemble) Recent Performance Credits: DAWN in Waitress (Aurora), JUNIE B JONES in Junie B Jones (Georgia Ensemble), JUDY in White Christmas (Overture Series). Recent Choreography Credits: Waitress (Aurora Theatre) *Suzi Award Winning, Hot Jambalaya (Dad's Garage), TGHSMTA: The Shuler Awards (2022-2025), Matilda The Musical, The Addams Family Musical (Atlanta Lyric), Cabaret, Head Over Heels (Actor's Express). Directing credits: Guys & Dolls , Footloose (TPGASH), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Sister Act (GTA). BFA in Musical Theatre from Brenau University. www.karitwyman.com.

THOMAS HAMILTON (Track 6 / Graffiti Pete) Thomas Hamilton is an Atlanta native and proud graduate of DeKalb School of the Arts, bringing charisma, rhythm, and a touch of mischief to every stage he steps on. His performance credits span productions like Travel’n Black, Black Nativity, A Soulful Christmas, and Dead Man’s Party at Six Flags Over Georgia, along with dancing alongside Christian artist Anthony Evans. Most recently, he appeared in the ensemble and as understudy for the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz at City Springs. You may have also spotted him on television as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance and during the BET Soul Train Awards. Thomas is thrilled to bring his energy and flair to In the Heights at Aurora Theatre.

CHEALSEA STEVENS (Female Ensemble Swing) Chealsea Stevens is a versatile and dynamic dancer, specializing in hip hop, jazz, contemporary, modern, and musical theatre. With a passion for movement that spans across multiple genres. Chealsea has performed on stages with renowned artists including Queen Naija, Bobby Wilson, and Sunshine Anderson, as well as numerous independent local artists. She has showcased her talents with Norwegian Cruise Line and Carowinds Theme Park, enriching her craft through diverse performance environments. She serves as the choreographer for the annual spring musical at various high schools in Douglas County, Georgia. Chealsea Stevens continues to push the boundaries of her craft, inspiring audiences and dancers alike.

BRYSON ROSS (Swing) Bryson is thrilled to be making his Aurora debut! He currently holds a BFA in musical theatre from Brenau university. Notable credits include "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (StageDoor Theatre) "The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe (Gainesville Theatre Alliance) "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (Gainesville Theatre Alliance). He would like to thank all of his friends and family who continue to support his love of doing the splits on stage for all of Atlanta to see! <<33

CEDRINA SHARI (Daniela U/S) Cedrina is a Philadelphia-born native, who's made "all the world" her stage. Her theater credits include Pagliacci (Houston Grand Opera), The Producers (City Springs Theater), Love Lies (dir. Hinton Battle), Jelly’s Last Jam, Crowns, Black Nativity, and By a Black Hand (NBTF). Cedrina trained at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and Full Sail University and built an international career performing across Europe and Asia, including work as a backing vocalist for disco legend Boney M and opening for Akon and George Clinton. Her screen credits include NAOMI (CW, dir. Ava DuVernay) and WOKE (Hulu). She is excited to be joining the cast of In The Heights for her first production with Aurora Theater!

ANTHONY ZUNIGA (Piragua Guy (u/s), Kevin Rosario (u/s)) Anthony is thrilled to make his debut at Aurora Theatre in, In the Heights! He is represented by Aligned Stars Agency, with recent work in film and commercials across the Southeast. Theatre credits include Feste in Twelfth Night, Gomez in The Addams Family, and more recently, Harlan in Verity High: Canceled (Atlanta Fringe Festival). Anthony trained with Broadway professionals at the Open Jar Institute and holds BAs in Theatre and Music from Brevard College. He is proud to celebrate this love letter to Latinidad and grateful for the support of his family and friends. Follow him for more of his journey @anthonyzuniga77