Aurora Arts Theatre's 2025 'West Side Story' Playbill
Welcome to the Aurora Arts Theatre! We are honored to have you join us as we celebrate a significant milestone in our journey—our 15th anniversary. Over the years, this theatre has become more than a venue; it has become a home for creativity.
In marking our 15th anniversary, it feels meaningful to present a show as powerful and enduring as West Side Story. This masterpiece, with its unforgettable music and poignant story. At its heart, it explores themes of love, prejudice, and the search for belonging—ideas that resonate as deeply today as they did when the musical first premiered. In a world that often feels divided, the story of Tony and Maria reminds us of the power of love and understanding. It challenges us to reflect on how we treat one another and inspires us to strive for unity and empathy in our own lives.
To our patrons, both longtime supporters and those joining us for the first time, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support has made these past 15 years possible. You are the heartbeat of this theatre, and your presence tonight reminds us why we do what we do. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just discovering Aurora, know that you are a vital part of our story.
Thank you for being here to celebrate this milestone with us. Here’s to 15 years of live theatre baby and many more to come.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Continuing Ed’s Legacy
Edward Chapa was a passionate visionary whose love for the arts led to the creation of Aurora Arts Theatre. What began as a simple idea with his wife, Mary, became a reality, driven by his dedication and belief in the power of community theatre. Aurora’s success stands as a testament to his vision and the unwavering support of volunteers and patrons who continue his legacy.
Presents
WEST SIDE STORY
Based on a Conception of JEROME ROBBINS
Book by ARTHUR
LAURENTS
Music by LEONARD
BERNSTEIN
Lyrics by STEPHEN
SONDHEIM
Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by JEROME ROBBINS
Originally Produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince
By Arrangement with Roger L. Stevens
Director
Peter Lopez, Laurie Guajardo-Hoefelmeyer
Stage Manager
Sandra Cisneros, Michael Treadwell
Musical Director
June Vado
Choreographer Cast, Donovan Reagan, Lance Valdez
Lighting Design
Amber Badaldu, Drake Jackson
Prop Master
Peter M. Lopez, Alyce M Oblad Vocals
Set Builder Paul Braly, Roland RIos
Scenic Artist Liz Lucido
Lighting Op Amber Badaldu Sound Op Ozzy Vela
Ernest Pruneda Tech
Sarah King
Trumpet
Antwon Carson Trumpet Aidan Case
Reed 3
Robert Navarro
Percussion
Angelica Delgado
Trombone
Charles Horn
Drums
Victor Lara
Reed 1
Paul Klemm
Brandon Lowe Bass
Reed 2
Monique Case
Synthesizer
Danae Moreno
Meet the Cast
Korey Sayre
Cash Cisneros
Nick Mendleski
Ricky Martinez
Patrick Chuzel Brayden Jake
Rafael Hernandez
Christopher Salinas
Ryan Rocha
Michael Gomez Olivia Moretzsohn Nastassia Abshire
Paul Farias
Jonathan Alvarez
Cameron Spencer
Alex Barrera
Jakk Yarbro
Kate Connor
Jessica McLerran
Mariah Treadwell
Meet the Cast
Imani Alvarado
Leah Guerra
Dominic Cruz
Ally Torres Sydney Daniel Ailenis Trujillo
Hunter Holloway
Mario Aguilar
Everett Flores
Meet the Cast
Cash Cisneros (Baby John) is back for his second show at Aurora. You might recognize him as Bugsy from Bugsy Malone. Cash is excited to share the stage with his girlfriend Jess (Maria) and work with his mom Sandra. He would like to thank his mom & dad for their support.
Ricky Martinez (Tony) is excited to return to West Side Story after being part of the 2016 production. Recently, he was seen in The Rocky Horror Show at Aurora Arts Theatre and A Christmas Carol at Harbor Playhouse.
Patrick Chuszel (Action) hopes you enjoy the show!
Jonathon Alvarez (Chino) is excited to be back at Aurora. Previous roles include Mitch Mahoney in Putnum, Judas in Godspell, Princeton in Avenue Q, Earthworm in James & the Giant Peach, Riff Raff in Rocky Horror, Lurch in Addams Family, and Steve in RENT. “Enjoy the show!”
Paul Farias (Anxious) is thrilled to be making his debut on the Aurora stage! Starting as Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Del Mar College), he then went on to play guitar for The Rocky Horror Show 2024, followed by playing Mr. Hawkins in A Christmas Carol (Harbor). He would like to thank both, his friends at Del Mar and those in the Corpus theatre community for their support. “Here’s to a good show, everybody!”
Jessica McLerran (Maria) is making her debut at Aurora! She is grateful to play her first lead role as Maria. She’s been Ensemble in High School Musical, 9 to 5, A Christmas Carol (2023), and Sally in A Christmas Carol (2024) at Harbor Playhouse. She thanks her parents, sister Kyley, friends, and wonderful boyfriend Cash for all the support! “Enjoy the show!”
Korey Sayre (Riff) is thrilled to be making his debut at Aurora. Korey is currently in his final semester of his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He is majoring in Theatre with an Acting/Directing concentration, while also minoring in dance. His previous show credits include Macbeth(Murderer 1/Angus), Priscilla Queen of the Desert(Ensemble), The Ballad of Maria Marten(Thomas Corder), and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Ensemble). Korey would love to thank his mom, dad, and sister for their constant love and support and he hopes you enjoy the show!
Ailenis Trujillo (Teresita) is thrilled to be part of West Side Story and to return to Aurora for the third time! She was previously seen as Fizzy in Bugsy Malone and the ensemble of A Christmas Story. She sends a heartfelt thank you to her loved ones for their unwavering support.
Jakk Yarbro (Anybodys) is thrilled to make his appearance in his third show in a row at Aurora Arts Theater, previously playing in the Rocky Horror Show and A Christmas Story. “Somethings comin’... Somethin’ good!”
Alex Barrera (Luis) is immeasurably excited to debut at Aurora in his very first musical appearance. As foreign and new as this experience has been for him, working alongside his super supportive brother (Nick Mendleski) and incredibly talented friends has made this an absolutely unforgettable experience. He thanks all for their kindness and encouragement in welcoming him onstage.
Cameron Spencer (Snowboy) is excited to be in their second show at Aurora Arts Theatre. They would like to thank their friends and family for all the support.
Meet the Cast
Everett Flores (Glad Hand) has returned to the stage! He continues to be humbled by the sheer amount of talent his fellow actors have and has learned a lot from them. Everett wants to thank all who have encouraged him into this art medium.
Ryan Rocha (Pepe) is excited to be part of West Side Story! He has held supportive and ensemble roles in multiple productions, both here, and at Harbor Playhouse. His last role was as Tad in CCISD’s production of Finding Nemo Jr (2024).
Brayden Jake (A-rab, Riff U/S) is so glad to be back on the Aurora stage, taking part in his dream show! Brayden has done theatre all around Texas (Amarillo, Dallas, Rockwall, Arlington, Fort Worth), as well as many here in the Coastal Bend! Some of his favorites include Zeke Baylor (High School Musical), Male Tap Lead (Singin’ in the Rain), as well as Max Bennett (The Play That Goes Wrong). He is currently studying Media and Journalism at TAMUCC (Go Islanders!). He’d like to thank his mom (hi mom!), his friends, Dylan Rios, Peter Lopez, and Sandra Cisneros for all the support they gave him through this journey. Stay Cool! *tough guy snaps* @that_theatre_boii
Imani Alvarado (Anita) will be returning to the Aurora stage fulfilling yet another childhood dream role of hers and she couldn’t be more grateful! Her favorite roles have been RENT (Aurora Arts Theatre) as Mimi Marquez, The Giver (ThinkTank Theatre, TYA) as Fiona, Snoopy!!! (ThinkTank Theatre, TYA) as Lucy Van Pelt, and Heathers (madTheatre) as Heather Chandler. She would like to thank her husband for always believing in her dreams, being the best partner/friend she could ever have, and blessing her with their amazing son. Imani aspires to one day teach and mentor young adults in theatre, offering them the same support and opportunities that shaped her own journey. She dedicates her performances as Anita
to her grandparents, who immigrated from the BEAUTIFUL island of Puerto Rico to New York, and whose strength and legacy continue to inspire her every day.
Mariah Treadwell (Minnie) is excited to be making her second appearance on the Aurora stage! Her previous work involved stage managing for A Christmas Story (2024), Godspell, Winter Wonderettes, Noises Off, Laundry & Bourbon, and Lonestar. She would like to thank her friends and family both, at home and in Aurora for their encouragement and support!
Michael Gomez (Nibbles) is excited to be back on stage once again! His most recent credits include A Christmas Story (Swing), Bugsy Malone (Cagey Joe), Finding Nemo Jr. (Chum), Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Ensemble), and his UIL OAP Treasure Island (Squire Trawlawney). He also works the Aurora Arts Theatre camps during the summer where he finds joy in helping kids learn and love theatre. He hopes you enjoy this amazing show!
Leah Guerra (Francisca) is excited to be back on the Aurora stage! You might’ve seen her most recently as Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show. She would like to thank her family and fiancée for their continued support. Enjoy the show!
Christopher Salinas (Bernardo) is thrilled to return to West Side Story, the show that first introduced him to musical theatre in 2016. Revisiting this production is a fullcircle moment. Aurora audiences may also remember him as Frank N. Furter (The Rocky Horror Show) and Seymour Krelborn (Little Shop of Horrors).
Hunter Holloway (Officer Krupkee) is excited to return for his fourth production at Aurora, marking his 14th show overall. He is grateful for the unwavering support of his family and friends and extends a special thanks to this phenomenal cast. “Enjoy the show!”
Meet the Cast
Sydney-Merieux Daniel (Consuelo), is a Houston native who has been immersed in the performing arts since the age of three. She earned her Bachelor of Art in MusicVocal Performance from Texas Southern University, in Houston, where she received classical training. Sydney is a 3-time performer at the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival in California and collaborated with Houston Grand Opera as part of their Giving Voice program. She also studied dance for a brief period under the renowned Lauren Anderson. Her performance credits include Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Dorabella in Così fan tutte, and an ensemble role in The Wiz. Currently, Sydney is pursuing an MBA at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. This production marks her debut at Aurora.
Nastassia Abshire (Velma) is excited to be on the Aurora stage once again! You may have seen her in The Rocky Horror Show (Janet Weiss), and Harbor Playhouse in Oklahoma! (Laurey Williams), and A Christmas Carol (Emily/dance core) in 2024. She wants to thank her family, friends, and production teams for all their never-ending love and support, as well as God for his love and for giving her these opportunities to share her given talents with our community.
Rafael Hernandez (Gee-Tar) is making his debut and is proud to call West Side Story his first show.
Mario Aguilar (Doc) is very excited to play the part of Doc in AAT’s presentation of West Side Story. He has performed in a couple of feature films made in South Texas (Muerte: Tales of Horror) and (Evil Inheritance) that are currently in production, along with starring in a few local short films. He is no stranger to Aurora Arts Theater; he played Dr. Scott in 2023’s rendition of The Rocky Horror Show. He would like to thank the director, his castmates, and his family for supporting his performance.
Dominic Cruz (Lieutenant Schrank) is THRILLED to be in this production of West Side Story with an OUTSTANDING cast and crew! “When I was 16, Michael and I, got parts in West Side...” How those words ring true right now! It is a spectacle of a show for the ears, eyes, and heart. He dedicates this show to Charlie Chapa. We love and miss you.
Kate Connor (Clarice) is back on stage for her 12th production. Previous roles include A Christmas Carol (Dance Core), Oklahoma (Rose), and Frozen Jr. (Dance Core). She is so thankful to be a part of this production!
Nicholas Mendleski (Big Deal) is happy to be doing another show at Aurora. He most recently played Frank-N-Furter in last year’s Rocky Horror Show. He would like to thank his friends & family as well as every single one of you for supporting him, the theatre, and the arts.
Olivia Moretzsohn (Graziella) is thrilled to be a part of this production. West Side Story is a show that she has been drawn to since she was a kid, and she is grateful for the opportunity to help out. Previous credits include A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Future), The Rocky Horror Show (Columbia), and James and the Giant Peach (Spider). “Enjoy the show!” (She/Her)
