Marco Giacona
ROLE: Tony Marco is thrilled to be making his La Comedia debut. He recently graduated with his B.F.A. in musical theatre from Emerson College. Some favorite credits include Will Bloom in Big Fish, Jack Kelly in Newsies, u/s Jack in Into the Woods and u/s Melchior in Spring Awakening. Upcoming projects include u/s Frankie Valli/Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys. He would like to thank his family, his teachers and his friends for their endless love and support. marcogiacona.com
Stephanie Garcia
ROLE: María Stephanie is thrilled to be making her La Comedia debut in one of her dream roles. Originally from Miami, Florida, she is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC and now resides in Colorado while performing all over the country. Favorite credits include Gabrielle in Cinderella, Maria Elena in Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story, Go-To-Hell-Kitty in Chicago, Rosalia in West Side Story, Judy Haynes in White Christmas, Marty in Grease, and Jeanie in Hair. To her real life Tony, “Te Adoro Landon!”
Allyn Bessee
ROLE: Diesel Allyn is thrilled to be making his La Comedia debut in this timeless classic. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, this is his first time leaving his home state to pursue his love of theatre. Some of his favorite roles include Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can, Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, u/s Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Riff in West Side Story, and Hortensio in Kiss Me, Kate. He thanks his family, friends, and incredible girlfriend Lexi, who all continue to choose to support this wild dream of his. See what else Allyn’s up to! @allynbesseeactor
Baylor Browning
ROLE: Riff Baylor is extremely excited to be a part of such an iconic show. He graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy’s Integrated (musical theatre) Conservatory. Baylor was born in Merced, California, and danced with the Merced Academy of Dance for six years prior to going to AMDA. He has also been a part of his community theatre, Playhouse Merced since he was six. His credits include Buttons in Newsies, Know-It-All in The Polar Express, and multiple shows at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Jordan Thomas Burnett
ROLE: Action Jordan is excited to be making his La Comedia debut in such an iconic show. Previous theatre credits include Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain, Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors, Tully Mars in Escape to Margaritaville, Nick Bottom in Something Rotten, Sky in Mamma Mia!, Mordred in Camelot, Charlie Price us/performed in Kinky Boots and Lucas Beineke in The Addams Family. Jordan also performed at the MGM Beau Rivage as a lead vocalist in Rand Production’s original show, Finding Christmas, and as a lead vocalist on the Norwegian Spirit in original productions of Blazing Boots, Broadway Cabaret, Elements and World Beat. Jordan holds a B.A. in theatre performance with a dance concentration in tap from Wagner College in Staten Island, NY. He would like to thank his family for their continued support. www.jordanthomasburnett.com, Instagram @jordanthomasburnett, YouTube @jordanthomasburnett_performer.
Luka Ashley Carter
ROLE: Pepe Luka is happy to be making his La Comedia debut. Prior credits include Big Willy/Billy/Bill/Villy in The Musical of Musicals, Clopin in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Vocalist in Love is Love, Tony Elliot in Billy Elliot, Paul San Marco in A Chorus Line, Link Larkin in Hairspray!, Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein, Rick DeMarco in the national tour of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, Tom in Murder Ballad, Henry in Next to Normal, Ernst in Spring Awakening, Band Leader/keyboards in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Liver Lips Louie in Guys and Dolls, Slim in Oklahoma!, Tonka the Elf in The Frostbite Follies, The Butcher in Robin Hood, Phillipe in The Baker’s Wife, Sonny in Grease! Special thanks to the cast & crew, to Connie, and as always to Miss Snyder — “I never could/would be here without you.”
Julianna Cauterucci
ROLE: Francisca Julianna is a recent graduate of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles California with a degree in international relations. She has toured and assisted with over eight national dance conventions. Her recent credits include being the lead female tap dancer and the dance captain at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, White Christmas at Regional Theatre of Palouse (Ensemble, Stage Manager), Ensemble in Mack & Mabel at the El Portal Theatre, RuPaul’s Drag Race (Plasma-Don’t Rain On My Parade) and being a Swing for My Plate! The Food Guide Musical. Julianna would like to thank her family and friends for the support.
Sarah Condon
ROLE: Velma Sarah is thrilled to return to La Comedia, after just being seen as a Hot Box Girl in Guys and Dolls. She is a choreographer, dance/tumbling instructor, and social media manager at Boyd Dance Studios in New Bremen, Ohio. Sarah trained at Boyd Dance Studios in the Performing Arts Company, Aerial Worx in Las Vegas, Power Pak in Orlando, and the Broadway Dance Center in New York. She has performed at King’s Island, Cincinnati Landmark Productions, Disney Springs, with Cole Swindell in the Citrus Bowl Half-time Show, All Wheel Sports, Joybrasileira, Daniel O’Donnell’s Back Home Again Tour, RWS Entertainment, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “To my family, fiancé, and future family – I love you all so much, thank you for supporting me! All glory to God for the many opportunities He has blessed me with.” “Let them praise His name with dancing,” Psalm 149:3
Anthony J Contreras
ROLE: Luis Anthony is an actor based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in Adrian, Michigan, performing at the historic Croswell Opera House. He is a 2023 graduate of Xavier University with a B.A. in musical theatre. Previous credits include Kinky Boots at The Carnegie, Something Rotten at Xavier Theatre, and producing his thesis cabaret, Finding my Place directed by OBC ‘Company’ star, Pamela Myers. In addition to acting, Anthony is a drag queen in Cincinnati, performing throughout the city. You can find him/her @AntCon33 and @RockElleWoods on social media. He’d like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for guiding him to this very moment in his life and pushing him to keep moving along. “Enjoy the Show!”
Colin Cranstoun
ROLE: Krupke/Glad Hand Colin returns to the La Comedia stage after most recently appearing in Guys and Dolls. Other La Comedia credits include LeFou in Beauty and the Beast and the operator of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors. He has also been seen here in Grumpy Old Men, Just Desserts, Footloose, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Little Mermaid, The King and I, Sister Act, Fiddler on the Roof, A Christmas Story, The Addams Family, South Pacific, Miracle on 34th Street, Happy Days, Titanic, and A Christmas Carol.
Jarrett R. Crowthers
ROLE: Baby John/Dance Captain Jarrett hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is ecstatic to be returning to La Comedia and to share this story. Previously, Jarrett has been seen here in Shrek and The Little Mermaid, and elsewhere in productions of Mamma Mia!, and Bring it On. All their love goes out to their friends, family, their mom, and to God. “Shine bright, stay you, and do your thing.” @jarrettrcrowthers “Enjoy the show!”
Tina DeAlderete
ROLE: Anita Tina is a professional singer, dancer, actor, director, choreographer, and photographer based out of Ohio, Chicago, and Nashville. She is so excited to be back after a long hiatus from La Comedia in this exciting role (and full circle moment). Tina began her professional career at age 19 touring the country as a pro tap dancer. She appeared in her first professional theatrical production here in the ensemble of La Comedia’s first production of West Side Story. Favorite credits include Mimi in RENT, Diana in A Chorus Line, Sherrie in Rock of Ages, and Velma in Chicago. Film & national commercial work led to branching into music. Tina is lead vocalist for the band Tropicoso and host of Cincinnati’s Salsa on the Square. She has also held positions in the dance/theatre departments at the University of Dayton, Sinclair College, the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, and Cincinnati’s School for the Creative and Performing Arts. She is grateful to her parents, and to Macy, Chris, Kris and the entire cast and production team for the opportunity to do such an amazing show.
Laurel Dobrozsi
ROLE: Anybodys Cincinnati-native, Laurel Dobrozsi, is excited to be joining La Comedia for her first ever professional production. Previously in her acting career, she has performed in talk-worthy shows such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as a Wife and dance captain, as Bridget in Bring It On, and as Ellie in Freaky Friday. Off stage, you can catch her supervising at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and the Aronoff. She would like to thank her directors, production team, and fellow castmates for such a spectacular experience. “POW POW!” Instagram: @laurel.dobrozsi
Elihu Guerrero
ROLE: Bernardo Elihu is thrilled to make his La Comedia debut. He is a Mexican-Filipino actor from Sacramento, California, and a graduate of Jessup University with a B.A. in theatre. He was last seen in SF Playhouse’s A Chorus Line as Frank but covered Paul’s track for five performances. He’s been dancing for eleven years as a hip hop dancer but his Jessup degree helped him explore ballet, jazz, and tap. After working in NorCal, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles, he’s grateful for this opportunity to work out of state at La Comedia. Finally he’d like to thank his family and God for providing him with all their help and support. You can follow him on his socials, @elihu_1313.
M. Javi Harnly
ROLE: Quique Javi is a San Francisco Area-based artist and is thrilled to be making his La Comedia debut. In addition to performing, his work can also be seen as a scenic artist at many Bay Area theaters. Credits include Al DeLuca in A Chorus Line, Young Ben in Follies, King, Prince Rick in Sleeping Beauty, Mortimer in The Fantasticks, Lipton, Paul in Big, James…Peach, Annie, Sister Act, Gad in Joseph…, Saturday Night Fever, Aida, Beauty and the Beast, Ramon Guzman in Bandito!, Bernardo and Chino in West Side Story, Mimeasaurus in Triassic Parq, Omar in My Beautiful Launderette, Scimbleshanks in Cats, 42nd Street, and The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe. “Infinite Thank You’s and Gratitude to Charley, Mom and Dad for your endless support and unwavering love.”
Ed Iverson
ROLE: Lt. Schrank Ed is excited to return for his fifth production here at La Comedia. Previous roles include Maurice in Beauty and the Beast, Mayor Shinn in The Music Man, Sharktooth in How I Became a Pirate, and (Orange) Ed in Godspell. He recently finished the dramatic production of Peter Pan at Town Hall Theatre, portraying one of his favorite roles, Captain Hook. He thanks you for coming out to support live theater in the Miami Valley, and hopes you enjoy the show.
Marco Puente
ROLE: Indio Marco hails from San Diego, California , and is thankful to be appearing at La Comedia for the first time. National/International credits include Fosse tour (UK/ Greece), Batir (Celebrity Cruise). Regional: Fosse (Gateway Playhouse), Cats (Media Theatre), Sweet Charity (Downtown Cabaret Theatre), Chicago (San Diego Musical Theatre). “This one’s for you Grandma!”
Naomi Quigley
ROLE: Minnie Naomi is excited to be back at La Comedia for her tenth production, after most recently appearing as a Hot Box Girl in Guys and Dolls. She recently graduated high school and from Southern State Community College with an associates of arts. Some of her credits include Ensemble in Cinderella, Fern in Charlotte’s Web, Cheryl in Miss Nelson is Missing, Rumpleteaser in Cats, Gertie Cummings in Oklahoma!, Aladdin Jr, Annie Jr, Music Man, A Christmas Story, and Urinetown. She is also a part of the street cast at the Ohio Renaissance Festival, and enjoys spending time with her cats. She would like to thank her Mom and Meg for always supporting her.
Mark Reuter
ROLE: Doc This is Mark’s 30th production with La Comedia. He is very excited to be back on stage. Previous La Comedia credits include J.D. in Escape to Margaritaville, Jean Shepard (The Narrator) in A Christmas Story, and Santa Claus in Elf: The Musical. Other credits include Rooster in Annie, Max in The Sound of Music, and Fagin in Oliver! He has also portrayed Santa Claus for Fairy Godmother Productions. He is looking forward to presenting this show to all of you and working with this fantastic cast and crew. He also wishes to thank his family and friends for all of their love and support, especially this past year.
Brianna Saavedra
ROLE: Consuela Brianna is excited to be making her debut at La Comedia. She is a graduate of the BM Musical Theater program at Oklahoma City University (Go Stars!) and is currently based in NYC. Some favorite past credits include Morticia in The Addams Family, Anita in West Side Story, Maria in The Sound of Music, and Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She would like to thank her incredibly supportive family, friends, and mentors.
Valerie Salcedo
ROLE: Rosalía/Voice Captain Valerie is a native of Central California and is making her La Comedia debut and first visit to Ohio. Some regional theatre credits include Soul Girl in Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables (Ensemble), Bianca in La Rondine, Mimi in Rent, and Sweeney Todd (Ensemble). Valerie is most often seen performing for military veterans singing the National Anthem for honor flights in Washington D.C. She most recently performed a solo concert debuting her first original song, “You Gave All.” She is a recipient of the Legion Of Valor Bronze Cross Achievement Award for her work as a vocalist for the veteran community. She sends a huge thank you to God and the most amazing, supportive family and friends. www.valeriesalcedo.com
Emily Thamm-Avsyuk
ROLE: Graziella Emily is a NYC-based dancer, singer, and actress. She is so excited to be making her La Comedia debut with this incredible cast and crew. Emily’s recent theatrical credits include Joseph…Dreamcoat, The Little Mermaid, Ordinary Days, Monster Stomp, and Christmas at the Southern Palace. Recent TV credits include The Time Traveller’s Wife (HBO) and Evil (Paramount+). Emily is so thankful to Glitter Talent Agency for their endless support. Emily sends all of her love to her incredible husband and rock, Greg, and her Gramommy for always being her biggest cheerleaders and encouraging her to follow her dreams. www.emilythamm.com Instagram: @emilycthamm
Kyle Vasquez
ROLE: Chino Kyle is excited to make his professional debut at La Comedia. Originally from Colombia, he grew up in Miami, Florida, where he attended Somerset Arts Conservatory. In tandem with theater, they have been lucky to work in television production, his favorites credits being “Feud” and “American Horror Stories.” They majored in psychology and history at William & Mary, and he thanks his family, friends, partner, and vocal coaches for encouraging him to dream so much bigger than he could imagine. A huge thank you to the incredible team for having him along. Instagram: @kylevasquez
Riley Vogel
ROLE: Snowboy Riley is ecstatic to be snapping his fingers in La Comedia’s production of West Side Story. He was recently seen as Cosmo in Singin’ in the Rain and in the Ensemble of Escape to Margaritaville. Other credits include, 42nd Street, Broadway Palm Through the Decades, The Rocky Horror Show, Finding Christmas, La Cage Aux Folles, Kinky Boots, and Mamma Mia! When he’s not traveling, you can find him in Chicago by Lake Michigan either lounging or rollerblading. A proud Roosevelt University alum, he’d like to thank his parents, roommates Katie and Ciara, and everyone in the cast and crew for such a wonderful adventure. Keep on rocking @riley.vogel; www.riley-vogel.com
