Coconut Grove Theater Festival
The Lesser Leyendecker
Thursday, April 16 | 7:30 PM
Written by Arianna Rose | Directed by Ana Calise
Playwright
Arianna Rose
Arianna Rose is an award-winning playwright/musical theatre writer and educator, produced in thirty-
seven states and eleven countries. Born-and-bred New Yorker, living in South Florida since 2016.
Recipient: numerous Best Play Awards; MAC Award: Song of the Year; Top 3 finalist, Kenneth Branagh
Award for New Drama Writing UK. Participant: Kennedy Center Playwriting Intensive, William Inge Play Festival, Miami-Dade Playwright Development Program. Her work has been presented throughout South Florida (and the nation), including Theatre Lab @FAU, Microtheater Miami, Fantasy Theatre Factory, City Theatre Miami, True Mirage Theater, Femuscripts, Finstrom Festival, Seaside Players, MAD Performing
Arts, ACT Studio Theatre, Miami New Musicals, Broward College, TAPShorts, Miami One-Acts, Curtain
Call Playhouse, New City Players, Barclay Performing Arts. Two-time finalist, Kleban Award for
Lyricists/Librettists. Published: Applause Books, Smith & Kraus, Theatre Odyssey, Ghostlight Publications.M.F.A., NYU Tisch Graduate Musical T heatre Writing Program; B.A. Bucknell University;
BMI-Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Writing Workshop. Member: ASCAP, LMDA, Maestra, New Play Exchange, South Florida Theatre League, The Dramatists Guild.
www.ariannarose.net
Director
Ana Calise
Ana Marie Calise is a Portuguese-American director, actress and writer. She graduated from NYU Tisch with a BFA in Drama and recently graduated from FAU with her MFA in performance. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Theatre and Nonprofit Management. Ana spent numerous years working as an actor, director, and writer in NYC and currently resides full time South Florida . Recent acting credits include Mrs. Phagan in Parade (Slowburn), Mags in Painting Churches (Pigs Do Fly) Rachel/Amanda in A Shonda (The Foundry) and May in Fool For Love (Think Now Theatre Company). Recent directing credits include: Firebringer (FAU) Theatre Lab's New Play Festival (FAU), La Cage Aux Folles (Stadium Theatre), and Thanksgiving Eve (Miami One Acts). www.anamariecalise.com
Assistant Director/Assistant Stage Manager
Phoenix Aragon
Phoenix is so excited to be working with the Coconut Grove Theater Festival for the first time! She has previous theatre experience as an assistant to the lighting technician at Actors’ Playhouse, the Stage Manager for Area Stage’s Broadway Bites, and the Co-Director of Mamma Mia! at MAST Academy.
Frank Xavier (FX) Leyendecker
Gustavo Garcia
Currently an MFA candidate at FAU, Gustavo is ecstatic to work on the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival! He has a passion for new work, accent coaching, and stage combat. Favorite credits: The Frankenstein Project (Owl New Play Festival), Tartuffe (FAU), A Christmas Carol (New City Players)
Livvy
Magali Trench
Magali Trench is a Miami-based actor and coach. She earned her BFA in Acting from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and studied further at Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Since graduating, she has worked professionally in theatre and film internationally. Magali is thrilled to now be back in Miami, where she grew up, running her own acting studio and training actors through classes and private coaching. Learn more at magalitrench.com or follow her on Instagram @magalitrench.
Joseph Christian (JC) Leyendecker
Ari Feldman
Ari Feldman is a Jewish actor, voiceover artist, and dramaturg from Miami Beach, and is honored to be participating in the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival! Ari has performed onstage, on-camera, and in film and theatrical readings all over South Florida with Conundrum Stages, Filmgate Miami, JCAT, and others. Recent theatrical credits include Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays (Ronnie Larsen Presents / Plays of Wilton), the immersive site-specific production Stephen's: A Love Story (Abre Camino Collective), and the current run of Stop Kiss at the Gray Box Theater in Wilton Manors (Lesbian Thespians). Ari is also a photographer for Miamiartzine, and a standardized patient for the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Ari would like to thank God, his family, strong Cuban coffee, and the entire cast and crew of CGTFest. Bless Up!!!
Mary Leyendecker
Celine Hakoun
Celine is overjoyed to be back for the second Coconut Grove Theater Festival. She is excited to be working once again on a play by Arianna Rose. She had previously been honored to portray Etta Cone in the world premiere of Arianna Rose’s award-winning "The Equivalent of Sensation", in South Florida. Last year, she had the pleasure of closing the inaugural festival as Amelia Beauchamp in "The Feral Spinster Society". Previous credits include "My Old Lady" as Chloe with the West Boca Theater Company, "The House of Bernarda Alba" as Bernarda and "The Workshop" as Gisele. Beyond theater, Celine also appears in films, most recently in the feature "Wastelands". Celine also lends her voice to a wide range of fabulous characters as a dubbing actress. In 2020, she was heard in movie theaters across Québec as the French voice of the butt-kicking main character in Combat Wombat, an animated feature.
Charles Beach
Israel David Vinas
Israel is delighted to make his debut in the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival. Israel believes that Theatre can move the unmovable mountain, change minds, and touch hearts.
He is the scheduling coordinator for Fantasy Theatre Factory and is currently writing his flagship show, "Darling Billie; The Broadway Inspired Musical."
Israel believes that Love can, and will win.
Thank you for supporting the Arts in Florida! AF!
Norman
Johathan Plamer
Jonathan Leslie Palmer is a DMV(D.C, Maryland, Virginia)-based actor currently pursuing his Master’s degree at Florida Atlantic University. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Drama (Performance) from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He is deeply inspired by theatre’s unique ability to connect people through the authentic depiction of humanity. With a background in poetry and creative writing, Jonathan has developed a deep appreciation for language. Recent credits include the title role in Tartuffe at Florida Atlantic University. He dedicates his performance to his mother and father and hopes to take you on a journey.
Local Luminary
Camille Marchese
Camille Marchese's love of art festivals began in 1972, when her parents took her to a local art show and let her buy her first piece. She studied art in college before pursuing a marketing career in New York City, Washington, DC, and Atlanta. Returning to Florida in the 1990s, she opened a paint-it-yourself pottery studio and rekindled her passion by volunteering at the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival — eventually joining its Board of Directors and serving as President. After 23 years with the festival, she joined the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, rising from Artist Director to Executive Director, where she now leads one of Miami's most celebrated cultural events. Camille serves on the boards of the National Association of Independent Artists, Florida Festivals & Events, King Mango Strut, and the Greater Miami Festival and Event Association, and is an active member of the Women's Club of Coconut Grove and the Coconut Grove Rotary.
Ama. Egg. Oyá.
Friday, April 17 | 7:30 PM
Written by Lori Felipe-Barkin | Directed by Sara Jarell
Playwright
Lori Felipe-Barkin
Lori Felipe-Barkin is a bilingual (English & Spanish) playwright, performer, and voiceover artist based
out of NYC and Miami. She is the 2025 Page 73 writing fellow, a 2026 NYSCA grantee, and is part of the
2026 “Irons in the Fire” development series at Fault Line Theatre. Her plays include Flor Underwater,
Ama. Egg. Oyá., and The Peepholeman. Her work has been selected to be read at Play Penn, Iati Theater,
INTAR Theater, Playwrights Horizons, La Jolla, and BAM Fischer Theater. She has been a finalist for the
2023 Risk Theatre Award, the 2023 Austin Film Festival Playwriting Competition, and the 2024 Royer
Award. She also received an honorable Mention for the 2021 Terrence McNally Award. She holds an MFA
in playwriting from Brooklyn College.
Director
Sara Jarell
Sara Jarrell is thrilled to be a part of the Coconut Grove Theater Festival. They are a founding member of Creators Under No Theater, and currently Artistic Director of Main Street Players. Some of their previous directing credits include “Ms.Holmes and Ms. Watson Apt. 2B” by Kate Hamill with MSP, and “ Recent acting credits include Willy Wonka with Loxen Productions and Ragweeds with Lakehouserance.png. When not performing Sara can be found teaching. They have been a teaching artist in Miami for the last 10 years, and currently is the Drama Magnet Teacher at South Miami K-8 Center. A Miami native, Sara received their BFA in Theater Performance from New World School of the Arts, University of Florida. They would like to thank their fabulous husband, for continually holding down the fort so that they can pursue their dreams. You can follow them @singing_loudly on instagram.
Assistant Director/Assistant Stage Manager
Paola Esterás
I am a performance artist in South Florida based in Miami. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I am very proud of my culture and island. After graduating from FIU with a BFA in Performance, voice and movement have become a medium of expression that I enjoy and take part in. I have experience with stage performance, mask work, clowning, and creating my own movement pieces. Other than stage work, I make collage art and write poetry. Some of my themes include sense of wonder, memory, addiction, and nature.
Ama
Lucía Vázquez Guerra
Lucía Vázquez Guerra is a Cuban American artist born and raised in Miami, FL. They recently graduated from Ball State University where they got their BFA in Musical Theatre and BA in Spanish. They have been a part of countless productions, some of their favorites being Lucy the Slut & Others (Avenue Q), Bobby Strong (Urinetown), René Rivera & Others (Sonnets for an Old Century), Nurse (Medea), and Ensemble and Oscar u/s (Sweat). Miles de gracias a mi familia querida. Luciavazquezguerra.carrd.co
Yanislet
​Vanessa Elise
Vanessa Elise is a vibrant multidisciplinary artist, actor, voice actor, educator, and creative producer based in Miami, whose work spans theatre, film, television, dance, music, and immersive performance. Some past theatre productions include 'Miami Motel Stories' (4), 'Women Playing Hamlet', 'Clark Gable Slept Here', 'Wrongful Death', and her original solo piece 'Noise: An Interruption', presented Off-Broadway at the United Solo Theatre Festival. Her work has earned her a Silver Palm Award and Carbonell Award nominations.
Beyond the stage, her voice and on-screen work can be heard and seen across major platforms, while her passion for community fuels her work as a facilitator, director, and producer of immersive, socially driven experiences. She is Vice President of Cosmic Creatures Collective and visual and performance art collective based out of Texas.
Vanessa is beyond thrilled to be part of the 2nd Annual Coconut Grove Theater Festival.
Olí
Zuleiny Garcia
Zuleiny Garcia is a Miami-based actor drawn to emotionally grounded, character-driven stories. She continues to explore work across stage and film.
Go
Henry Cadet
HENRY CADET is a Haïtian actor and recent graduate from the University of Florida's (nwsa) where he received a bachelor degree and was so honored to perform in roles such as LARRY from company, AKOSUA from Oskuneru, and MR BENNET from pride & prejudice. Henry is a classically trained non-equity actor currently based in South Florida. Henry was last seen in the Florida premiere of “Fat Ham” where he had the privilege to play JUICY. He was also seen in Florida Children’s Theater’s Show “Why Mosquitoes Buzz”, Fantasy Theater Factory’s “Heroes in my House: A Magical Journey Through Black History", "The Three Messketeers”, Abre Camino’s “Stephen’s Deli.” Maroon isle’s “Oskuneru” Maroon Isle’s “Jealousy”, and was most recently seen on Maroon Isle’s “Don Juan: Pride and Paradise”
Local Luminary
OKAN
Taking its name from the word for heart or soul in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria, 2-Time JUNO Winner OKAN fuses Afro-Cuban and other global rhythms with jazz, folk and classical forms.
Embracing genres and roles that have historically been dominated by men, co-leaders, composers and multi-instrumentalists Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne bring a fresh perspective to Latin and world jazz fusion through their powerful vocals, incredible musicianship and potent lyrical content.
Both are JUNO-nominees for their work with Battle of Santiago and Grammy-nominees for their contributions to Jane Bunnett and Maqueque of which they are former members.
Having worked with Bomba Estereo, Lido Pimienta, Bianca Gismonti among others, OKAN follows up on their Juno-nominated and Independent Music Award-winning debut album Sombras, with their JUNO Award-winning album Espiral, and a JUNO Award-winning album OKANTOMI, out on the Lulaworld Records label.​
William’s Great Adventure
The CGTFest Children’s Matinee
Saturday, April 18 | 2:00 PM
Written by Brandon Urrutia | Directed by Emilia Lirman
Playwright
Brandon Urrutia
Brandon Urrutia (they/them/él) is from South Florida (born and raised). Their work is influenced by their relation to the Hispanic community and their desire to feel closer to it. Urrutia is the recipient of the ENGAGE@GableStage grant and was awarded "As Miamense as Possible" by the Antiheroes Project for his Solo Performance "Lo Siento mi Espanol es Tremendo Mal". They are also Co-Founder and Artistic Director of LakehouseRanchDotPNG.
Director
Emilia Lirman
​Emilia Lirman (she/her/ella) is a bilingual Argentinian-American director splitting her time between NYC and Miami. Her recent directing work includes Mamma Mia! (Vanguard Theater Company), Much Ado About Nothing (Fordham University), Our Dirty War (The Tank), and Chaos at 26! (Moxie Arts NYC). She was the Resident Director of Real Women Have Curves on Broadway. Associate Directing credits include The Harder They Come (The Public Theater), Real Women Have Curves (American Repertory Theater), Kiss My Aztec! (Hartford Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theatre), Arrabal (American Repertory Theater), and The Great Wave (Berkeley Repertory Theatre). Upcoming projects include developing and directing new works by Rae Binstock, Molly Rose Heller, and Camila Madero. Emilia was a Bret C. Harte Directing Fellow at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, a guest artist of the Woodward Residency and a member of Roundabout Director’s Group. BA: Columbia University. @emilia.lirman
Assistant Director/Assistant Stage Manager
Melissa Tavara
Born in Peru, raised in Dade County, Melissa is a theatre artist with a passion for design and management. She is currently pursuing her BFA in Light Design at FIU, where she was the Light Designer for Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Michael Yawney.
William
Marla Lopez
Marla Lopez is a Cuban–Mexican American actress based in Miami, Florida. She holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Florida International University. Marla is a proud company member with LakehouseRanchDotPNG and has collaborated with several emerging theatre companies, including WhatifWorks, True Mirage, and 11th Hour Productions, helping bring multiple world premiere plays to life and supporting new work in the South Florida theatre community.
Most recently, she completed her second tour with GableStage’s Shakespeare in Schools program, portraying Lady Macbeth in Macbeth and Horatio/Polonius in Hamlet. Some of Marla’s favorite credits include The Wife in The Yellow Wallpaper (WhatifWorks), Macbeth in Macbeth (Miami Light Project), and Bernarda Alba in The House of Bernarda Alba (FIU).
Penelope James
Samantha Gonzalez
Samantha is a Cuban-American actress, singer, director, and creative. She is a Miami native and an alumnus of FIU. Her recent credits include: Martha Cratchit in A Christmas Carol and May/Camille in Junie B Jones, The Musical with Actors’ Playhouse and Dusty in POTUS with Miami Acting Company. She is thrilled to be supporting and developing local theatre with the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival and all of these amazing artists! Samantha would like to thank her family, friends, and Josh for always supporting her. IG: @sam.gonzalez26
Mr. Max
Harry Wood
Harry Wood is an actor and writer currently based in Los Angeles, California. For nine years, he has performed, directed, and written for THE STORY PIRATES, an award-winning children's theater company. He has previously appeared in new work readings of WILLIAM JOHNSON HIPPOPOTAMUS for New Victory Theaters and the Henson Foundation, and FOUNTAIN for New Victory Labworks and the Music Theatre Factory. He's extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival, not least of which because it means he gets to spend more time with his fiancé, who is completing their Masters degree in Miami and is endlessly cooler than he.
Security Guard / George
Malik Archibald
Malik is an actor/storyteller born and raised in Miami. His past credits include Drake in Annie at Areastage Company; Doctor Bird in Three Little Birds; and Kenneth in A New Newer Normal. His thanks goes out to his mother and to the city of Miami for giving him countless opportunities to create art in a meaningful way.
Martha / Prince of England
Amanda Facosta
Amanda Facosta is delighted to join Coconut Grove’s 2nd Annual Theatre Festival. At a time when the arts feel more essential than ever, she’s passionate about bringing these stories to life. Her love of performance extends beyond the stage into medical education, where she works in human simulation at the University of Miami.
You can also hear her vocal work on podcasts including Dungeons & Drimbus, Into The Blood, The Ballad of Janis Matthews and The Dodo Scouts, among others.
She’s deeply grateful to the creative teams for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show!
Jenny
Stephany Marquez
Stephany Marquez is an actress born and raised in Miami, Florida. Having had a passion for performing in any facet from a young age, she is excited to make her professional debut with the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival. Currently a sophomore at Florida International University, majoring in theatre, she continues to pursue her love of the arts and performance. She has appeared in shows at FIU through the Carpe DM program, such as Silly Teen Prom Play and Wishless, and hopes to continue collaborating with others on future creative projects.
The Steward Senbi II
Mikha Mendoza
Mikha is extremely excited to be making his CGTFest debut! Throughout his professional career, Mikha has been fortunate enough to play roles such as Tio in the South Florida premier of Fat Ham, as the voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, and Don Juan in Don Juan; Pride and Paradise to mention a few. Mikha would like to thank those close to him for always encouraging and believing in him. Without their continued love and support he wouldn’t be the actor he is today.
Instagram/TikTok: @mikhathestoryteller
Local Luminary
Fernie Bustamante
Fernie Bustamante is a Miami-based entrepreneur, media executive, and Co-Founder of Pink Grove Agency. With over a decade of experience at NBCUniversal and multiple Emmy nominations, she has built a career rooted in storytelling, partnerships, and elevating talent and brands to stand out.
A proud Latina from Miami, Fernie is passionate about creativity, culture, and community, and believes in creating spaces where stories are not only told; but remembered.
What the Bread Says
The CGTFest Children’s Matinee
Saturday, April 18 | 2:00 PM
Written by Vanessa Garcia | Directed by Victoria Collado
Songs by Vanessa Garcia and Nicole Garcia | Music Direction by Jessica Novas
Playwright/Songs By
Vanessa Garcia
Vanessa Garcia is a Cuban-American multidisciplinary writer -- screenwriter, playwright, novelist, and journalist/essayist -- who has written and worked for Sesame Street, where she’s been nominated for an Emmy (Monster Meditation), and won two Telly Awards (Tamir On the Street). She’s also worked on Caillou; Behind the Beats (a French animated show about the history of music and how it’s all connected), and other shows.
She’s the author of the novel, White Light, which won an International Latino Book Award and was one of NPRs best books of 2015. Her first Picture Book for children, What the Bread Says, launched October 1, 2022.
Theatrically, she’s the author of The Amparo Experience, an immersive hit that People en Español called “Miami’s Hottest Ticket.” Other plays include: Sweet Goats & Blueberry Señoritas, which she co-wrote with Obama’s Inaugural poet, Richard Blanco; #Graced about a woman searching for what it means to be American right now, which premiered at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, and Jenna & The Whale, about a town in Florida facing the suicide of a young man, which premiered at Ground Floor Theatre in Austin, Tx in 2023.
Her journalism, essays and thought pieces have appeared in The LA Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, National Review, ESPN, The Hill, Catapult, Narrativel.ly, and numerous other publications.
Vanessa also hosts a podcast about family with her own sister and mother called Never The Empty Nest, available anywhere you listen to podcasts.
She holds a PhD from the University of California Irvine in Creative Nonfiction. Her dissertation focused on Cuba.
Director
Victoria Collado
Victoria Collado is a Cuban-American director known for her dynamic storytelling in both theatre and film. She was named Best Director of 2020 by Miami New Times for her work on The Amparo Experience, a hit immersive theatre piece that ran for eight months and was named “Miami’s Hottest Ticket” by People en Español. She also directed the Anthem Award-winning digital piece Black Feminist Video Game by Darrel Alejandro Holnes and received the 2023 Carbonell Award for Outstanding Direction for her production of Native Gardens.
Songs By
Nicole Garcia
Nicole Garcia is a Cuban American actress/singer/songwriter, born and raised in Miami FL. She has a BA in Drama from Loyola University New Orleans. She has also been trained at The Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in NY, as well as The Hangar Theatre Lab Company in Ithaca, NY, and several Acting for TV and Film workshops in Los Angeles, CA. For several years, Nicole was the Assistant Artistic Director of a non profit Theater/Arts organization called The Krane and traveled the world performing and directing for many of its original plays. She has written music for original plays written by Vanessa Garcia, such as Model City, Amparo, The Sunflower Cafe, and #Graced. She has an EP entitled Lost Baggage and her songs have also been placed in major network television. Nicole lives in Los Angeles with her husband and 2 children and continues to create, perform and tell stories that inspire her.
Music Director
Jessica Novas
Jessica Novas is a vocalist and instructor at School of Rock who is helping as Musical Director for Coconut Grove’s Theatre Festival, to create harmonies and complete melody and rhythm for songs in the musical, “What The Bread Says”. Based in Miami, Jessica has found herself in many projects performing and producing tracks for about eight years. She is currently in a local band called “earworm”, that helps her express heavier rock melodies and gritty vocal techniques. Her second project will be her solo release, named “Paloma Blanca” and it allows her to exercise more infectious pop structures and melodies, working with layered harmonies and skills in audio production. She teaches a variety of different instruments, including piano, guitar, bass, and drums. You can catch her on YouTube where she shares past projects as well, under her full name. As we dive into this years musical journey, we can welcome her to guide us through!
Assistant Director/Assistant Stage Manager
Anastasiia Perevozova
Anastasiia is glad to be a part of CGTFest again this year. She most recently played the role of Sally in "Golden Moments" and Nadia in "Freestyle". She was a part of the production team for "The Lehman Trilogy" at GableStage, as well as an ASM for "Model Behavior" by Theatre Movement Bazaar.
Papan (Severo)
Ryan Rodriguez
Ryan has a BFA in Theater Performance from FIU. Miami-born and raised by amazing Cuban parents. Credits include Amparo, The Cook, RENT, and The Who's Tommy.
Vanessa (Child and Adult)
Marcela Paguaga-Fuentes
Marcela Paguaga-Fuentes is a Cuban American trained theater actress and singer born and raised in Miami, known for her role as Margarita Maria Mendoza in Miami’s hit immersive theater production The Amparo Experience. She has worked with multiple theater companies across South Florida, Boston, and New York. Outside of theater, Marcela hosts From Someone Who Gets It, a podcast about life, mental health, and everything in between. In late 2025, she built a growing digital audience through Miami Mary, a character-driven comedy series she created on social media. Marcela is excited to be working with Abre Camino Collective and making her debut at the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival.
Pedro
Luis Otamendi
Luis Otamendi is a Venezuelan-Born Miami based actor graduated from Florida International University. He was last seen in The Man of La Mancha (Actor’s Playhouse), and the World premieres of Art Duty and Four Coloring (Lakehouseranchdotpng). When not auditioning or teaching his Middle Schoolers (Go Troupe 89687!) he can be found wandering the streets and singing. @luisrotamendi
Elvira+
Mari Dosil
Mari Dosil is a versatile, Miami-based actor known for her ability to bring warmth, strength, and authenticity to every role. She naturally connects with maternal and emotionally grounded characters, delivering performances with depth and sincerity. A confident singer, Mari brings both heart and presence to her work.
Instrumentalist
Eddy Gatoe
Born in NYC to Cuban and Colombian parents and raised in Miami, Eddy has been writing and performing music in Miami at since the age of 13. Starting his songwriting with the punk and grunge in the 90s and evolving into an eclectic mix of all his influences from clasical, classic rock, salsa, Motown , and hip hop. He is also an actor in independent film, works in theatre, and hosts events for musicians.
Local Luminary
Fernie Bustamante
Fernie Bustamante is a Miami-based entrepreneur, media executive, and Co-Founder of Pink Grove Agency. With over a decade of experience at NBCUniversal and multiple Emmy nominations, she has built a career rooted in storytelling, partnerships, and elevating talent and brands to stand out.
A proud Latina from Miami, Fernie is passionate about creativity, culture, and community, and believes in creating spaces where stories are not only told; but remembered.
Shadows and Light: The M Ensemble Story
Saturday, April 18 | 5:00 PM
Written by Mysia Anderson-White | Directed by Ali Tallman
Playwright
Mysia Anderson-White
Mysia Anderson-White is a playwright, performer, and scholar whose work explores Black performance, memory, and place. She is an Assistant Professor in the department of Theatre and Dance at the University of California, San Diego, and the creator of Shadows and Light: The M Ensemble Story, a multimedia performance on Florida’s oldest Black theater company. Born and raised in Miami, she comes from three generations of South Floridians. Her grandmother was born on a dairy farm in Davie, and her parents met while working at a McDonald’s in Hialeah. She is an artist-scholar rooted in African Diasporic world-making, and the inaugural Black Miami Studies scholar at the University of Miami’s Center for Global Black Studies. As she completes her forthcoming manuscript, Black Miami in the Eye of the Storm: Performing Black Sustainability, she moves between Miami and San Diego, continually returning home to study, honor, and engage the city that shapes her imagination
Director
​Ali Tallman
Ali Tallman is a director-choreographer, dramaturg, and writer. She has been the Resident Dramaturg at GableStage since 2024 and is a member of the Artistic Ensemble at New City Players.
Previous regional credits include The 39 Steps (Director-Choreographer, NCP), From Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill (Director, Orchestra Miami), All My Sons (Assistant Director/Dramaturg, NCP), A Streetcar Named Desire (Dramaturg, NCP), and the '24-25 and '25-26 GableStage Seasons (Resident Dramaturg).
Ali has been honored to be part of the development and first stagings of many brilliant new plays, including XOXOLOLA (Director-Choreographer, LakehouseRanchDotPNG), The Last Christmas (Assistant Director/Dramaturg, NCP), FIU's 2025 Greenhouse Program (Dramaturg), The Wonder Show (Dramaturg, GableStage), Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet (Co-Adapter/Dramaturg, GableStage & FIU Theatre).
Ali proudly serves as a founding member of the review board for the Florida Intimacy Professionals Collective, as well as a Carbonell Awards judge and as a board member and dance instructor for Swing Out, South Florida. Previously, she lived in Santa Fe, NM where she Artistic Directed &Sons Theatre, an ensemble-driven company. www.alitallman.com
Assistant Director/Assistant Stage Manager
Amelia Furlong
Amelia Furlong is thrilled for her first Coconut Grove Theater Festival! Originally from Massachusetts, Amelia is a multi-hyphenate theater artist. She is a graduate of the National Theater Institute with a certificate in directing and a current sophomore student at the University of Miami studying Stage Management. Recent Credits: Twelfth Night (PSM, University of Miami); Artists' Atlas (Director, Eugene O'Neill Theater Center/NTI); Fun Home (PSM, Weston Drama Workshop); and A Stranger's Questions (Playwright, Boston Theater Marathon XXVII). Amelia loves lots of things, including but not limited to: lemonade, the sunshine, her friends, sports, chocolate chip cookies, and her amazing family! @ameliafurlong
Shirley
Marlo Rodriguez
Marlo Vashti is a Cuban and Haitian actress, teaching artist, and jazz vocalist based in Florida. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from Florida Atlantic University, Marlo was instrumental in founding The Black Undergraduate Theatre Collective. Her commitment to the arts extends beyond the stage as she currently serves as the Community Engagement Manager for New City Players and is a proud ensemble member of both Art Prevails Project.
Pat
Cassidy Joseph
Cassidy Joseph is so honored to be apart of the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival to tell this story! As a local actor, you might've seen Cassidy play Opal in Fat Ham with Brévo Theatre or more recently play Agnes in The Way North at the Perlberg Festival of New Plays. Cassidy is eternally grateful to her support team of friends and family for always pushing her to strive for her dreams.
T.G. Track
David H. Hepburn
David H. Hepburn is a Miami-based, non-union actor and improviser known for his grounded dramatic presence and bold comedic versatility. A longtime performer with Just The Funny Theater and founding member of The Black Improv Alliance, he specializes in character-driven storytelling, musical improvisation, and freestyle rap. With a background in visual arts and film studies at The Cooper Union, he brings a cinematic sensibility to both stage and on-camera work. He plays ages 35–65.
Sam Track
Simon Anderson
Simon Anderson is an emerging actor and graduate of Florida Atlantic University, where he earned his degree in Communications with a minor in English Studies. With a strong foundation in storytelling and language, Simon brings a thoughtful and expressive presence to the stage.
He previously appeared as the narrator in a staged reading of Shadows and Light: The M Ensemble Story, where he helped tell the story of the rise of the historical M Ensemble. His work wants to reflect a growing passion for theater as a means for connection, reflection, and community.
Simon is excited to be part of the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival and looks forward to continuing to develop his craft and contribute to meaningful theatrical experiences.
Company Member Track
Tyquisha Ariel Braynen
Tyquisha Ariel Braynen is an actress, dancer, model and choreographer with over ten years of experience in performing arts based in Miami, FL. Her recent stage credits include Bunny in Detroit ‘67 by Dominique Morisseau with the Marshall L. Davis, Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center and Lenora in Knock Me A Kiss by Charles Smith and Ann in The River Niger by Joseph A. Walker both with The M Ensemble Company. Beyond the stage, Ariel serves as a children’s dance director and choreographer, producing her own original dance productions and leads Ariel Braynen Visions LLC, a creative brand dedicated to the art of dance, décor, design, and production. She also specializes in stage management and directing, continuing to share her passion for the arts with audiences and young performers alike.
Local Luminary
Leslie Cooper
Leslie Cooper has been in the field of Music Education for over 30 years. She is a lecturer, adjunct professor, former school administrator and an active community volunteer in several organizations.
In public school, she is chair of the department of fine arts teaching chorus, band, orchestra and piano. She is also known as “Miss Leslie”, teaching early childhood music enrichment group classes to infants and toddlers, with their families, at bookstores, libraries and formerly with the University of Miami’s UM MusicTime. Leslie uses an award-winning interdisciplinary opera education curriculum for both general and special education students and was named Educator of Note by the Young Patronesses of the Opera. The experience includes Leslie taking students to full-dress rehearsals presented by the Florida Grand Opera at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. A complete educator, Cooper seizes every opportunity to teach black history, Hispanic heritage, and women’s history through the arts.
Bunnies Inside of Her
Saturday, April 18 | 8:00 PM
Written by Ann Gillespie | Directed by Katherine Siegel
Playwright
Ann Gillespie
Ann Gillespie is a playwright and performer who lives in Brooklyn, New York. She recently performed her solo-shows “The Dictionary: Live! Onstage!”, and “Flowers: Live! Onstage!” at The Owl Music Parlor. Ann’s darkly comedic and nuanced writing for theater and film emphasizes movement, ambiguous moral dilemmas, and strong female characters. Plays include The End of a Sound; Choreographing a Rape Scene to go into a Feminist Play, and Bunnies Inside of Her. Her stop motion animation work has been streamed on Broadstream.
While earning her BFA in Drama at Syracuse University, Ann was able to study performance at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. Ann later went on to earn an MA in Text and Performance from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. The End of a Sound was a Semi-Finalist for The Relentless Award, and was workshopped at Texas Tech University.
In September 2025 Ann’s radio play, adapting the ballad of “The Wreck of the Old ‘97” was performed live in Pikeville, Kentucky. It will be released early 2026 in an episode of The Storied Song podcast, by the Appalachian Book Co.
anngillespieplaywright.com
Director
Katie Siegel
Katherine Siegel is a director, writer, intimacy choreographer, and producer. She is also
the Co-Founder and Co-Artistic director of Lost Girls Theatre. Katherine holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Miami and multiple certifications from Chicago’s Second City where she trained in improv and comedy writing. She is a certified intimacy
choreographer, having trained with both Theatrical Intimacy Education and Intimacy Directors & Choreographers, respectively. Previously, she held the position of Artistic Director at Eclectic Full Contact Theatre in Chicago, and has directed productions for American Demigods, Three Crows Theater,
Metropolis Performing Arts Center, and the University of Miami. Past directing productions include As You Like It, The History Boys, Gideon’s Knot (A Jeff Award
Recommended Production), Trojan Women, Fuddy Meers, Terra Nova, Dear Brutus, The Secret of the Biological Clock, and Juliet Among the Changelings. Past intimacy design credits include Richard III, A Kind of Love Story, and The Glass Protégé. Currently, she is Intimacy Choreographer with the GableStage: Shakespeare in School production of Romeo & Juliet.
Outside of theatre, Katherine spends her time listening to podcasts – she even directed two – and raising a ginger cat named Snipps, an aspiring nepo-baby.
Assistant Director/Assistant Stage Manager
Ari Zarzosa
Hello I’m Ari Zarzosa, from the Bahamas. I am passionate about directing. I am currently a student at FIU working towards a BA in Theatre. For FIU I have ASM’d John Procter Is The Villain, assistant sound designed Uncle Vanya, stage managed The Moors. I also stage managed Area Stage’s Lady Miasma. Most recently I have directed Not I by Samuel Beckett at FIU.
Mary Toft
Krystal Millie Valdes*
A Cuban-American AEA Actor-Musician, she is delighted to make her CGTF debut! One of American Theatre Magazine’s People To Watch, theatre credits include Bad Dog, Birthright, Lincoln Road Hustle, Dangerous Days (Miami New Drama), Brighton Beach Memoirs, Plaza Suite (Maltz), Refuge-Silver Palm Award, Tar Beach (TheatreLab), The Glass Menagerie, Proof, Little Montgomery (New City Players), Murder…Express, One Man Two Guvnors, (Actors Playhouse), Amparo (AbreCamino), House of Blue Leaves (Palm Beach Dramaworks), Peter & the Starcatcher (Slowburn), As You Like It (Tour: Paris, France). Film: Summoning the Spirit (Best Actress…Feature Film - HHFF, Prime Video, Apple TV, Tubi), Fallen Fruit (Tubi) Cajita (Best Feature-NYLFF), 93 Miles (Cannes Film Festival) Three Bedrooms (Prime) Thank you, Places (FLIFF), Pompano Boy (Prime). BFA- New World School of the Arts. Love you, Ian. krystalmillievaldes.com | @Krystalmillie
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* The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
The Lead Actor
Samuel Krogh
Samuel loved watching CGTFest last year and is now proud to be a part of it as an actor this time! He is a company member of LakeHouseRanchDotPng, an experimental and absurdist theatre collective dedicated to developing original work in South Florida. Samuel is the inaugural Dave Coulson Education Fellow at GableStage Theatre Company, where he also works as a Box Office Assistant, Wardrobe Supervisor, and as an actor in GableStage's award winning "Shakespeare-In-The-Schools" Tour for the last four years.
Joshua Toft
Matthew Ferro
Matthew Ferro is a recent New World graduate. Some credits include City Theatre’s How to Break in a Glove (swing), Gablestage’s If I Forget…(Joey), Essential Theatre’s (Atlanta) The Outrage Machine (Isaac), and MainStreet Player’s Bad Jews (Jonah).
Ann Toft
​Pamela Hankerson
Pamela S. Hankerson is a native to South Florida. She's been acting since the age of eleven. She attended a performing arts high school, and went on to study theatre at the Florida State University, where she earned her BFA degree.
Her theatrical credits include: Oklahoma (Aunt Eller) Rent (Joanne), Beehive (Pam), August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson (Berniece) and Two Trains Running (Risa), For Colored Girls (Lady in Red), Once on This Island (Ti Moune; Asaka), and Avenue Q (Kate Monster; Gary Coleman). Theatre is and will forever be her first love.
Dr. John Howard
Murphy Hayes
A local actor, Santa, and Graphic Designer who loves the South Florida Theatre community and is excited to have been asked to participate! Can't wait to tell this story!
​Actor Mary Toft
Zoë Darragh Garnett
Zoë Darragh Garnett graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida at New World School of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre (Acting). Zoe is currently working professionally in South Florida, both on the stage and behind the scenes. Some of Zoe's professional Acting credits include Olympe De Gouge in The Revolutionists with Main Street Players, Josephine in Big Fish with BARCLAY, Minnie u/s in Where or When with Lost Girls Theatre, Ọya/Colonial Women in Oskuneru with Maroon Isle Productions & a Superfool in CARABOOM! The Greatest Carwashow on Earth — an immersive splash filled adventure. Zoe is a proud company member of Lost Girls Theatre and a board member with Maroon Isle Productions. Zoe would like to thank Katie, Andie, and Sarah for their constant love and support.
Local Luminary
Tola Porter
Tola Porter, Ph.D. is the Assistant Director for Learning, Engagement, and Technology at the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami. Dr. Porter earned a Ph.D. in art history from Washington University in St. Louis, a master’s degree from the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU, and a master’s degree from Columbia University. A native of Boca Raton, Tola is delighted to live and serve her community in Coconut Grove. Tola is a member of the Women’s Club of Coconut Grove and served as a judge for the 2026 Coconut Grove Arts Festival.
The Second Coming
Sunday, April 19 | 4:00 PM
Written by Patrick Rodriguez | Directed by Joel Castillo
Playwright
Patrick Rodriguez
Patrick Rodriguez is a playwright, actor, and producer from Miami. Currently obtaining his MFA in Acting from Wayne State University. As a performer, he has worked at some of the premiere regional theaters in South Florida including Actor’s Playhouse, Slow Burn Theatre, and Florida Grand Opera. He is a founding member of Villain Theater, a company member of Lost Girl’s Theatre. He has been a teacher/teaching artist at Palmetto Middle School, Pinecrest Preparatory Middle High, Miami Children’s Museum, and Miami Theatre Center. He currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors at the South Florida Theatre League. He received a BFA in Theater from Florida International University.
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Director
Joel Castillo
Joel Castillo is a theatre artist from Hialeah, FL. He earned a BA in Theatre Arts with a minor in Arts Education from the University of Miami in 2020 and currently serves as a Drama Teacher at Coral Reef Senior High, where he co-leads an award-winning theatre program of over 100 students. He also serves as president of New Wave Drama, a new theatre company in Miami aiming to highlight the BIPOC and Miami based voices of the city. His favorite credits include directing and designing Mamma Mia! with the Seminole Theatre Players, winner of Broadway World Miami’s Best Musical Award (2021); playwright for Balloo(n) for City Theatre’s Summer Shorts: Homegrown Edition (2023); playwright for Rotting at Dixon Place Theatre in New York City as part of 938collective’s Short Play Festival (2024); and producer and director for one of South Florida’s first professional productions of The 24 Hour Plays (2025). Joel’s mission is to break down financial, racial, and systemic barriers so that everyone can experience the magic of theatre that changed his life.
Assistant Director/Assistant Stage Manager
KJ Young
KJ Young is a former Musical Theatre Student with 7 years of experience and has been working with GableStage since May 2023. They are focusing on pursuing a career in Arts and Entertainment Management. KJ is currently a full-time business student at FIU and co-founder of a Youth Basketball Program named Miami Command. They've been on the Advisory Council for Culture Shock Miami 2 years in a row and has done work with the Adrienne Arsht Center and Miami New Drama. Their passion is bringing awareness to and elevating the Arts Industry in Miami.
Gabe
Alex Alvarez*
Alex Alvarez is an actor, director, and educator from Miami, FL. He is a Carbonell and Silver Palm award winner who has worked with GableStage, City Theatre, Thinking Cap Theatre, Island City Stage, Zoetic Stage, Palm Beach Dramaworks and Arca Images. As a voice actor, he most recently appeared in the English dubbed version of Gintama, now available on Netflix. Alex has an MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage from Point Park University in Pittsburgh. His short screenplay Will was a semi-finalist in the BlueCat Short Screenplay competition. Alex is a faculty member at Nova Southeastern University where he teaches acting and directing. He is also a proud member of Actors' Equity Association since 2012.
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* The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Carlos
Peter Mir
Peter Mir is the founder and artistic director of Villain Theater since 2015. Peter has produced and performed in hundreds of weekly shows across 10 years of Villain Theater, most notably as the head writer and director of Propaganda Machine Sketch Comedy Show. He has taught hundreds of students in his mission to foster homegrown Miami talent.
Ashley
Kayla Marie Urra
​Kayla Marie Urra, born and raised in Miami, is currently a junior in the BFA Performance program at FIU. She recently starred as Marcy Park in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and has been a part of other productions as an actor, assistant director, and choreographer. When she's not acting, you can find her writing a play, eating Cuban food, or watching more movies to get her full money's worth of her Letterboxd annual subscription.
Johnathan
Christian Ruiz
A graduating senior at Coral Reef High School in the Drama Magnet. He will be attending Northwestern University in the fall and plans to continue pursuing his passion for theater. He would like to thank his family and friends for their unconditional love and support!! Favorite credits: Orpheus (Hadestown: Teen Edition), Will Parker (Oklahoma), Peter (Peter and the Starcatcher), Banquo (Macbeth).
Gloria
Jannelys Santos
Jannelys Santos is a founding member, co-owner, instructor, and Chief Operations Officer at Villain Theater. She studied with the National Michael Chekhov Association, American Conservatory Theater, Patsy Rodenburg, The Actor’s Movement Studio, and more. Santos has starred in and produced hundreds of shows at Villain Theater, most notably Propaganda Machine Sketch Comedy Show, every week for the past 10 years. Last year, she hosted City Theater’s Summer Shorts as Rhonda Sanchez. Santos is passionate about creating and fostering alternative theater while keeping the arts accessible to everyone.
​Stephanie
Melissa Almaguer
Melissa Almaguer is a Cuban-American, born and raised Miamian, actress, director, producer and theatre teacher. She is honored to be back with the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival, this time as an actress. She is a dog mom to Tarzan, who has a horrible reputation on the streets but is a sweetheart at home. She is an aunt, a daughter, and a sister and she loves being a part of play development projects and helping to tell new stories.
Maria/Nurse
Madelin Marchant
Madelin Marchant is thrilled to be in the cast of the Second Coming and CGTFest. Cuban born, Miami raised, she has appeared in numerous stage, film, TV, commercials and voice actor projects. Previously: Second National Broadway tour of On Your Feet. Currently: AppleTV+ Bad Monkey w/ Vince Vaughn as Ines Campesino. She was in On Your Feet, En Español, in DC garnering a Helen Hayes nomination for Consuelo. Other credits: Anna in the Tropics at Asolo Theatre, The Good Peaches at American Stage. Retired theatre teacher after 21 years. Current Faculty at MDCC Wolfson. She thanks her family, besties, friends, alum, students for their support. Thanks to William, Joel, Patrick, Taylor & everyone involved with this play and festival and the cast/creatives for the experience. Thank you God for my blessings. Thanks to my bf John. Best production to date? My 2 daughters. Follow me on FB/IG @madelinmarchant. Enjoy!
Local Luminary
Christian Hernandez
7-time award-winning artist. A graduate of Miami Dade College and Florida International University, Christian has left a permanent mark on the South Florida stage. He is best known for his roles in Little Women: The Musical, The Mikado, and his Best Supporting Actor winning performance in In The Heights.
Beyond his own performances, Christian is a celebrated director and choreographer. He has mentored young talent in productions of Legally Blonde, Chicago, Spongebob: The Musical, and Violet—the latter three earning Superior awards at both District and State levels.
With a career defined by artistic excellence and community impact, Christian is thrilled to return to the stage this year as a Local Luminary for The Second Coming by Patrick Rodriguez, Directed by Joel Castillo.
638: An Uncommonly Comical Review of an Accidental Assassination Attempt of Fidel Castro
Sunday, April 19 | 7:30 PM
Written by Edward G. Excaliber | Directed by Katerin Crespo-Montano
Playwright
Edward G. Excaliber
Edward G. Excaliber is a Los Angeles-based, Miami-born Puerto Rican writer, a sci-fi/fantasy videogaming nerd who blends his darkly comedic, self-deprecating voice with emotionally sincere characters, focusing on grounded, personal stories in elevated genre worlds. The youngest of three, his passion for writing began at an early age, writing comic books, poems and lyrics, shifting to narrative storytelling in college, where he wrote and directed stage plays. He transitioned to writing for film and television while attending the AFI Conservatory, earning an MFA in Screenwriting. Edward is an alum of the NBC Writers on the Verge and National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) writing programs. In 2024, Edward won the Hollywood Fringe Festival Theatre Theater Playwright Award. He’s written episodes of Parcast’s lost treasure podcast series, Gone. He’s worked as a story analyst for Sony Pictures, Amblin Partners, Focus Features, Austin Film Festival and Coverfly. Edward has twice been selected for the Read Latinx Initiative. Currently, Edward’s learning to play guitar, practicing amateur archery and developing new projects.
Director
Katerin Crespo-Montano
Katerin Crespo-Montano is a director who recently graduated in Fall of 2025 from FIU Theater. She is currently Choreographing FIU’s upcoming spring musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Ppelling Bee”. She has directed “Salida” & “what do you do after a war” as part of Fiu’s Carpe DM program. She also Assistant directed “Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella” FIU’s ‘25 spring musical. Katerin is excited to be joining CGTFest this season, she is extremely passionate about creating art both on stage and on screen and helping with the revival of theater in south Florida.
Assistant Director/Assistant Stage Manager
Yvette Perdomo
Long-time theatre aficionado. Previously worked with youth as a public school theatre educator for 7 years. Glad to be back in the neighborhood, helping to workshop and stage manage an original production in the heart of Coconut Grove
The Presenter
Matthew C. Mur
Matthew Mur is a South Florida–based performer, writer, and creative producer. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida International University and spent several years working in Chicago’s theater scene as a company member with Collaboraction Theatre Company, an ensemble known for socially conscious, high-energy performance work.
Since returning to South Florida, Matthew has focused on improv, sketch writing, and short-form comedy at Villain Theater in Miami. Matthew created and produced the inaugural season of the South Florida League of Lady Arm Wrestlers (SOFLLAW), a theatrical arm-wrestling spectacle that raised money for local charities while proving that performance art and competitive arm wrestling belong together.
He is thrilled to be part of this production and this festival.
Oscar Carrera
Alejandro (Alex) Dominguez
Born and raised in Miami, Alex Dominguez discovered his passion for acting at an early age, performing in his first play at just eight years old. He attended Florida International University before heading west to Los Angeles to fully pursue his craft.
In LA, Alex trained at The LA Acting Studio, Lesly Kahn & Company, and The Groundlings, among others. His on-screen work includes the television pilot Sincerely Ted L. Nancy and more than two dozen national SAG commercials. On stage, he has performed at The Second City and The LA Improv.
After returning to Florida two years ago, Alex has continued building his career in television and film. Most recently, he appeared on ABC’s RJ Decker.
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Gonzalo Carrera
Alberto L Blanco
Alberto L Blanco is a proud Miami born and raised performer. Graduate of FSU Music Theatre. Select Tour/Regional/Film Credits: How the Grinch Stole Christmas National Tour (Young Max); The Palace Theatre: A Chorus Line (Paul), Jersey Boys (Joe/Frankie US); All of My Dreams (Nando and Dance/Vocal ensemble); Millbrook Playhouse: Rent (Angel); Glow Lyric Theatre: In the Heights (Sonny); Zoetic Stages: The Inheritence Part 1 (Young Man 3); Interlakes Theatre and Oregon Cabaret Theatre: Chicago (Mary Sunshine), Thanks to Gio, Mami, Papi, Buela, Buelo, and friends. Bendicion!
@alberto.sings
Candida Carrera
Kelly Gabrielle Murphy*
​Kelly is thrilled to join CGTFest! Kelly is a Hispanic American actor recently relocated to Miami from NYC. Kelly played Tzeitel in the First National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof directed by Tony Award Winner, Bartlett Sher. She toured with Fiddler for three years, totaling over 700 performances. Previously in South Florida, Kelly was in Passion (Clara u/s) and Sunday in the Park with George (Dot u/s / Celeste #1) at Zoetic Stage. Regional Credits include: She Loves Me (Amalia Balash), Jekyll & Hyde (Emma Carew), Guys & Dolls (Sarah Brown), A Little Night Music (Anne Egerman), Sweeney Todd (Johanna Barker), Little Women (Meg March), and Mamma Mia (Sophie Sheridan). Kelly holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from The University of Miami and a Master of Voice Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College. www.kellygmurphy.com @KellyGabrielleMurphy
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* The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Vida Maria Carrera
Jazmine Amira Jimenez
Jazmine Jimenez is excited to be a part of Coconut Grove’s Second Annual Theatre Festival. She is a current Junior at Florida International University, working on getting her BFA in Performance. She has appeared in the university’s production of Uncle Vanya as well as student-led productions like Not I. Jazmine Jimenez is overwhelmingly passionate about creating theatre and building a community through it. Let’s do this! :D
Fidel Castro
Paul Rogers
​Paul is a Miami-based performer whose work spans comedy, theater, and immersive storytelling. They spent over a decade studying and performing improv, graduating from iO Theater in Chicago where they performed as a member of Harold team Dig, and have performed at Second City, The Annoyance, and ComedySportz. Back in Miami — where they got their start at Just the Funny — they have appeared in Tales from Magic City Tower, an immersive bicycle-theatre production by Olympia Arts Miami and Front Yard Theatre Collective, and Good Grief, a comedy showcase exploring loss through laughter. They continue to perform, teach, and direct improv in the Miami community.
Fabian Escalante
Alex Gabriel Perez
Hello there! My name is Alex Gabriel Perez, and I have been an actor for the past 10 years. I started acting at Miami Killian Senior High School, under Ms. Sierra Karr and Mr. Alfredo Ruiz, continued to pursue theatre at Miami-Dade College, under Professor Alpern, and graduated with an AA in 'Drama or Drama Education'. I am also an FIU|Theatre alum, having graduated Summa Cum Laude, with a BFA in 'Theatre'. My credits consists of 10-plus theatre plays and a handful of film works. A few notable plays I have been Blessed to be a part of are: 'CLYBOURNE PARK', 'UNCLE VANYA', & 'INTIMATE APPAREL'. Hot off a touring production of 'ROMEO & JULIET', with GableStage and FIU|Theatre, I am very excited to be apart of, not only my first in-person, public play reading, but also, my first Cocount Grove Theatre Festival!
Thank you and God Bless!
Rosa Escalante
Stephanie Perez
Steph Perez is a Miami-based actor, comedian, and improviser whose work blends humor with raw, personal storytelling. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from Florida International University and spent 5 years studying improv, including performing as a cast member at Chicago’s iO Theater. She is the creator of Good Grief, a comedy showcase exploring loss through laughter, and the writer/performer behind the solo show Sad Chonga. Steph also teaches improv and creates character-driven comedy online, building a growing audience on TikTok and Instagram under @dalestefunny.
​Julio Escalante
Luis Penaherrera
Luis Penaherrera (Julio) is thrilled to take part in in this production with CGTFest. Recent Stage Credits Include: A Flea in Her Ear (Camille), Why Mosquitoes Buzz (Python). Recent TV/Film Credits: Los Cuadros by Peso Pluma (Chicano). BFA with New World School of the Arts.
Waitress/Miranda
Erica McGuire
Erica McGuire (they/she) is a queer, latinx actress currently based in sunny Miami, Florida. They earned their BFA in Acting from University of Florida’s New World School of the Arts. Some Film and TV credits include The Symbolism of a Dead Bird (Sophie), Domino Effect (Emma), and Bad Monkey (Extra). Notable theatrical credits include Stephen's: A Love Story (Shelly) and their original one person show Death of a Butterfly (Ana). Outside of acting, Erica is also a writer, stylist, model, and content creator! Connect with them on www.erica-mcguire.com and @ericamcguiree
Local Luminary
Carlos Frías
​Carlos Frías is a bilingual writer and journalist with more than 30 years of experience. He is also the author of an award-winning memoir published by Simon & Schuster, "Take Me With You: A Secret Search for Family in a Forbidden Cuba." He has traded dirty jokes with Hall of Fame basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, fed croquetas to Nobel Peace Prize nominee José Andrés, and dodged Cuban soldiers on the island while on assignment. Miami is both his hometown and his muse.
The Production Team
Founder & Artistic Director
William Hector
William Hector is a Miami-born playwright, novelist and the founder of the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival. A lifelong Grovite, he was one of four playwrights in Miami Dade County’s 2015-17 Playwright Development Program where he worked with fellow writers on productions with WLRN and at the Deering Estate. His work includes a production of Unbound at the Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano ShowOff! International Playwrighting Festival, as well as staged readings of his plays, Turbo Hybrid, Sheol, Draco, The Monster with 21 Faces and The Kipling Backpack Thief. He was awarded a Knight Foundation New Work Miami grant to write, produce, and stage G7: 2070: An Immersive Theatrical Summit which premiered at The Kampong.
Producer
Caroline Gardner
Caroline Gardner is excited to join the team of Producers for the second annual Coconut Grove Theatre Festival. A Coconut Grove-based producer, entrepreneur, and community-driven storyteller, Caroline is dedicated to turning adversity into impact. As creator and host of the podcast Why We Tri, she built a platform rooted in resilience, amplifying powerful human stories that inspire connection and growth. Her work consistently bridges business and community, from founding Miles for Meals during the pandemic to support frontline healthcare workers and local Chef Demitiris Harvalis’ restaurant, Elia’s Cafe, to building and scaling ventures from the ground up.
Since relocating to Miami from Unionville, Connecticut, in 2003, Caroline has remained deeply committed to community. Contributing, volunteering, and driving growth for both local businesses and nonprofits with a relationship-first mindset. In 2024, she launched CBG Virtual Grove through CBG Consulting Agency, LLC, helping small businesses redefine and reach their goals through organizational management and strategic storytelling. She is proud to champion emerging voices and foster the kind of strong, supportive community that shaped her and continues to guide her work. Bringing that same philosophy to her consulting, where she helps turn business chaos into clarity. For business inquiries, contact caroline@cbgvirtualgrove.com.
Producer
Genevieve Block Apaza
Genevieve is a Miami native who grew up with a deep love of theatre before pursuing that passion formally at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, where she earned her BFA in Drama. She went on to work in theatre and commercials in New York and Los Angeles before eventually returning home to Miami. She is grateful for the opportunity to help nurture new art and is thrilled to be a part of bringing theatre back to the Grove.
Producer
Taylor Lyn Dawson
Taylor Lyn Dawson is thrilled to be helping bring theatre back to the Grove! Originally from Blacksburg, Virginia, Taylor is now based in Miami by way of New York City. She is an actor, singer, and producer!
As a producer, Taylor has brought new, strange, and innovative works to off-off-Broadway audiences in NYC, including Erin Proctor’s Time Hole, and Dante Piro’s escape room style one man show,The Verge.
As an actor, her most recent production was Spy for Spy with Kutumba Theatre Project. New York credits include the world premiere of Current World Record by Brandon Urrutia at The Tank, and winning first place at The Fresh Fruit Festival’s 10-Minute Play Competition with For Sale By Owner by Sam Turlington.
Outside of the theatre, Taylor is a certified personal trainer and passionate advocate for health and wellness.
Follow her on Instagram @taylorlyndawson or visit www.taylorlyndawson.com
Production Stage Manager
Sofía del Cueto Pérez
Sofía del Cueto Pérez is a freelance Stage Manager who received her bachelor degree from Florida State University. This is her first time as a PSM and is grateful for the experience and the opportunity to work with so many local Miami artist. She has previously worked as an ASM for Seminole Theatre -- Lion King Jr. & Aida, as an ASM for Illinois Shakespeare Festival -- Comedy of Errors, and as ASM for Pompano Cultural Arts Center -- Steel Magnolia & Boca. She has also worked as the SM for Fiol Studio -- Frozen & The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, and as the SM for UM's Department of Theatre Arts -- Failure: A Love Story. She would like to thank her family and friends for believing in her and not letting the imposter syndrome stop her from pursuing her passions.
Poster Artist
​Anastasia Samolylova
Anastasia Samoylova is an American artist who alternates between observational photography and studio practice. Her recent solo exhibition Floridas: Anastasia Samoylova and Walker Evans was on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, from October 14, 2024, to May 11, 2025.Samoylova’s recent exhibitions include the Saatchi Gallery, London; Nasher Museum of Art; C/O Berlin; V&A Dundee; Fundación MAPFRE Madrid and Barcelona; Amerika Haus Munich; George Eastman Museum; Chrysler Museum of Art; and Kunst Haus Wien.Her work is held in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, New York; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Pérez Art Museum Miami; High Museum of Art, Atlanta; and the Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago, among others. Her published monographs include FloodZone (Steidl, 2019), Floridas (Steidl, 2022), Image Cities (Fundación MAPFRE and Hatje Cantz, 2023), Adaptation (Thames & Hudson, 2024), and Atlantic Coast (Aperture, 2025).
Graphics Intern/Artist
Ana Lucia Torres
Hello! My name is Ana Lucia Torres and I worked on a variety of illustrations and digital works for the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival! As an artist I love utilizing as well as interchanging between multiple mediums as a way to experiment and challenge myself. I particularly have passion towards motion design, as well as cinematography and photography. I want to connect with audiences through my pieces, captivating the feeling that my pieces are alive so viewers can feel a sense of immersion.
Video Intern/Videographer
Mauro Suarez-Fleitas
Mauro Suarez-Fleitas joins this year’s CGTFest as our Videographer Intern. Mauro is a visual storyteller focused on documenting the natural world through photography and videography. His work, featured on his YouTube channel; @MauroSuárezF, explores nature and culture with an emphasis on atmosphere, movement, and narrative. Driven by a passion for storytelling, Mauro aims to create immersive visual experiences that connect audiences to the environments he captures.