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asolorep

Ana Isabelle & Friends

IN CONCERT

TH E STARS OF EVITA ARE BACK!

April 15–25, 2021

asolorep PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Michael Donald Edwards MANAGING DIRECTOR Linda DiGabriele PROUDLY PRESENTS

Ana Isabelle & Friends

IN CONCERT

Direction and Musical Staging by JOSH

RHODES

Music Direction by JAMES RUSHIN Music Supervision and Arrangements by SINAI TABAK Tango Choreography by JUNIOR CERVILA & GUADALUPE GARCIA Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Sound Design Projection Design Resident Hair & Make-up Design Associate Director Production Stage Manager Design Associate Dramaturg Assistant Stage Manager Voice & Dialect Coach Production Assistant Spanish Language Consultant Spanish Language Playbill Translator

ADAM C. SPENCER DAVID M. COVACH & APRIL ANDREW CARSWELL ETHAN VAIL MATTHEW PARKER PAUL TATE DePOO III MICHELLE HART LEE WILKINS NIA SCIARRETTA BRIAN McMULLEN JAMES MONAGHAN JACQUELINE SINGLETON PATRICIA DELOREY INDIA MARIE PAUL ORLANDO SÁNCHEZ GABY RODRIGUEZ

CAST

in alphabetical order JUNIOR CERVILA ..........................................................................................Performer GUADALUPE GARCIA......................................................................................Performer ANA ISABELLE ..............................................................................................Performer JUSTIN GREGORY LOPEZ...............................................................................Performer

MUSICIANS

in alphabetical order NICK BRUNO...............................................................................................Percussion JONATHAN GODFREY..........................................................................................Guitar MAURICIO J. RODRIGUEZ.....................................................................................Bass JAMES RUSHIN......................................................................Music Director/Keyboard Ana Isabelle & Friends in Concert: Stand Back, Sarasota! will be performed without an intermission. Directors are members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society; Designers are members of the United Scenic Artists Local USA-829; Backstage and Scene Shop Crew are members of IATSE Local 412. Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. 02

A N A I S AB E LLE & F R I EN DS in Concer t

MUSICAL NUMBERS OPENING STAND BACK SARASOTA................................................................................Ana & Justin LET’S GET LOUD...................................................................................................Full Cast FEELING GOOD.....................................................................................................Full Cast YO TE RECUERDO.........................................................................................................Ana BROADWAY MEDLEY DON’T RAIN ON MY PARADE.........................................................................................Ana BEING ALIVE............................................................................................................Justin LET IT GO....................................................................................................................Ana ONE SONG, GLORY...................................................................................................Justin IT WON’T BE LONG.......................................................................................................Ana WAVING THROUGH A WINDOW..................................................................................Justin SOMEWHERE................................................................................................Ana & Justin CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT................................................................Ana & Justin SUDDENLY SEYMOUR....................................................................................Ana & Justin MEMORY.....................................................................................................................Ana WHY GOD................................................................................................................Justin DEFYING GRAVITY.......................................................................................................Ana ALL I ASK OF YOU.........................................................................................Ana & Justin YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT............................................................................Ana & Justin MILONGA........................................................................................Junior & Guadalupe GOOD NEWS SONG FOR YOU........................................................................................................Justin A PARENT’S PRAYER............................................................................................Full Cast Spanish Translation by Jaime Lozano LATINA MEDLEY RHYTHM IS GONNA GET YOU............................................................................... Full Cast CONGA................................................................................................................Full Cast GUANTANAMERA.................................................................................................Full Cast HAVANA..............................................................................................................Full Cast NO ME QUEDA MAS......................................................................................................Ana DREAMING OF YOU...............................................................................................Full Cast COMO LA FLOR.....................................................................................................Full Cast BIDI BIDI BOM BOM..............................................................................................Full Cast WHENEVER, WHEREVER.......................................................................................Full Cast NO ME AMES.................................................................................................Ana & Justin LA VIDA ES BELLA................................................................................................Full Cast EVITA MEDLEY ON THIS NIGHT.................................................................Justin, Junior, and Guadalupe SURPRISINGLY GOOD FOR YOU............................................................................Full Cast OH WHAT A CIRCUS/DON’T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA......................................Justin & Ana RAINBOW HIGH/YOU MUST LOVE ME....................................................................Full Cast HIGH FLYING ADORED..............................................................................................Justin DON’T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA....................................................................................Ana FINALE STAND BACK SARASOTA.......................................................................................Full Cast asolorep.org

An Interview with Director, Josh Rhodes

HOMECOMING| This is a never before seen show, created just for the Terrace Stage. What has guided the process of creation? This show is all about the amazing artists on stage and who they are as people and creators. They aren’t portraying a character like normal, they are really bringing themselves to the performance and sharing their stories. When we first started, there were a lot of phone calls, emails, Zoom chats, mostly about the music that has inspired them throughout their lives or that captures some element of their hopes and dreams. If there was one guiding question I asked of this fantastic group of Latinx artists it was “What music do you love and why?” That of course has been very different for each of them. Ana is deeply steeped in all kinds of Spanish music, while Justin’s list had a huge range of styles represented – and of course, plenty of Broadway from both of them. My goal as a director is to take all those great ideas and help shape an evening full of energy that really shows everyone off. How is dance specifically being incorporated? In every way we can! Junior and Guada are adding so much beautiful choreography to the show. There is a joy in their work that leaps from the stage. They are known around the world for their Tango; so we knew we wanted that authentic style and expertise that they bring. But we also knew that we wanted to integrate Tango with many other dance styles. Junior and Guada are well versed in so many Latin dance styles and we want to include as many as possible. And Sinai, the arranger, is making custom music arrangements to fit the many dance styles they bring to the evening. And Ana wants to dance every moment she is on stage; so having the opportunity to dance on stage again brings the entire cast so much joy. Talking with the artists about the past year and what brought joy inspired the “good news” section of the show where we get to hear a little bit of the positive things happening in their lives. There has been so much struggle this past year and so much darkness, it is refreshing and invigorating to bring in a little light and share a celebration with music and dance. 04

A N A I S AB E LLE & F R I EN DS in Concer t

The show is a homecoming for the actors and I think it will be for the audience as well. Ana is a born entertainer.

Does directing and creating a show outside, rather than in the Mertz Theater for example, create any additional challenges or opportunities? I’m very excited to be working outdoors. Every time I’ve had the opportunity to do it throughout my career at places like the MUNY in St. Louis, it always lends an epic quality to the work. Being under the stars and in the elements is another layer of storytelling we can use to bring people together. And the idea of using the building as our canvas with projections is hugely exciting. We can really go wild with some wonderful visuals. Since there isn’t a narrative story per say, we can provide a more experiential evening, inviting the audience to let the sound and lights transport them. Also very excited to use tools like projections to engage with the Spanish in the show, which is so critical to all our performers and many of our audience members. Not exactly supertitles like an opera, but a way to include and honor everybody’s perspective on the material. All of these artists were also a part of Asolo Rep’s 2017 production of Evita, which you directed. What’s it been like to bring everyone back together? The most joyous reunion you can imagine; it really is a group of good friends coming back together. And after such a rough year for everyone, in the performing arts industry in particular, of near total shutdown, everyone is so hungry to be back on stage. We would be thrilled to be back on stage telling any story, but to have this opportunity to showcase these artists with their unique talents and stories is all the more exciting. The show is a homecoming for the actors and I think it will be for the audience as well. Ana is a born entertainer, she just wants to reach people and get them excited about life! The joy and the hope and the championing of Latinx artists is going to be an irresistible combination.

An Interview with Music Supervisor and Arranger, Sinai Tabak

ON MUSIC. What are some of the styles of music in the show? I try not to get bogged down by genre or form. I tend to approach music as music, knowing that the performers, Ana and Justin in particular, will own it and make it uniquely theirs. That said, there’s a bit of everything: Broadway showtunes, older standards, a suite of Latin music that ranges from contemporary Latin pop to traditional, classic styles. The show is in part a celebration of music so we want to showcase as many styles as we can. What’s the secret to a good medley? You start by answering the questions ‘what songs do we want?’ and ‘what order do we want them in?’ Otherwise it’s just too overwhelming. With the Broadway Medley, one thing Josh and I imagined was the sound of walking down Broadway, and all the theater doors were open so you could hear bits from every show; West Side Story in one theater and Dear Evan Hansen next door. That idea allowed us to include songs from all over the Broadway songbook. Once you decide on the songs, you try to think of some order that will tell a story or make sense musically. Then you have to decide ‘do we want the whole song or a cut of it, and if a cut, which cut?’ To answer that, you’ve got to be clear on why you’re including that particular song in the first place and identify which part of it is important to hear. Once the medley has a general shape and sequence, I’ll sit at the piano and play through it and react to what I’m hearing: I’ll look for things like common chords or rhythms that certain songs share, and I use these clues to start fine-tuning the transitions. The transitions are what make the medley feel like a cohesive piece, but figuring them out is like solving a giant, musical Rubik’s cube; every time you change one piece it affects something on the other side. But I love the challenge, and it’s so satisfying when it all comes together.

Music seems to both represent specific cultures and cross effortlessly between them. Do you find that to be true? Music is inherently cultural. It’s written and enjoyed by people and people are what make culture. One thing we felt strongly about from the beginning was that we want to celebrate everyone on stage as amazing artists with a diversity of skills and backgrounds. Ana is from Puerto Rico and we wanted to bring that culture into the concert, but we also wanted to show her performing a giant Broadway medley, because that’s part of her story. Justin is an amazing performer who has done all these different shows, but he has much more to his story and identity, and we were all really excited about having him sing in Spanish, which he doesn’t usually do. Then there’s dance, which is so closely tied to the culture of music. In fact, many styles of music are really styles of dance; waltz, disco, and of course, tango. We really wanted to explore this culture of tango, and who better to do it with than Junior and Guadalupe. But, as with Ana and Justin, we didn’t want to limit them to just “doing a tango number,” so we wove them throughout the entire concert. I think it really showcases how all of these different cultures come together and create a beautiful piece of theatre. Are there any unique challenges with performing music outdoors? I benefited a lot from speaking with Steve Orich who has now had the experience of doing two shows on the Terrace Stage. The main thing is that it’s easier outdoors to work with electronic instruments. It eliminates the variable of the microphone and the potential for wind or other noise to get picked up. Normally, I prefer using acoustic instruments (I like the real thing!), but the electronics works great for this concert not just because it’s outdoors, but because we move through a lot of different styles and need to have the ability to create different sounds. With just one click of a button, our drum set set can be programmed to go from something you’d hear in the 50’s to a modern kit that J-Lo would have on tour. Has there been anything about putting this show together that has surprised you? The whole thing has been a “discover as you go” kind of process, like taking a big chunk of clay and shaping it into a form. After this past year plus of constant surprises, I just expect to be surprised and learn new things as they emerge. With this kind of process, there are always going to be things that come up and need to change, but that’s part of the fun. I’m so thankful that we get to work together and be inspired by those changes even if we aren’t all in the same room at once. I will say, I was surprised at how fun it was to put together a Selena medley and how much Ana sounds like her. It’s unbelievable. The thing that isn’t surprising is that this is a great reunion. Evita was a wonderful experience and we are all thrilled to come back together at Asolo Rep. At least for me, this is the first real production I’ve worked on in over a year. It’s a blessing. asolorep.org

An Interview with Ana Isabelle

THIS IS HISTORY ! How have you been doing this past year? What has kept you energized artistically? I’ve been in Puerto Rico since the start of the pandemic and I’ve been active the whole time. Like all other artists, I haven’t been able to make the movies and theatre I’m really passionate about, but I’m privileged to continue to be able to work in other ways. I work with ABC Puerto Rico to host a show that airs every night focusing on the entertainment industry and new artists. So that’s a fun, new opportunity to connect with my country and its people that I haven’t had since I first got started. I’ve also been writing and recording in the studio and I’m continuing to train from home, taking acting and ballet classes and recently adding tap dance online, which is not easy. I’m always on the go, I need that for my spirit to be excited and free. What was the process of developing this show like? Michael Edwards called to see how I was doing and he asked if I would be interested in doing a concert. I said, ‘Are you kidding me?! Me, back to Sarasota with the people I adore and the beaches that I’m still in love with and the theatre that gave me so much?! ‘Yes, let’s do it!’ So I started sending Michael ideas and we realized pretty quickly that this would be a different concert from what “Ana Isabelle” would normally do. In the past I’d use my band and have my repertoire but I’d like to do something new and different. That’s when we realized we needed to call the dream team, Josh Rhodes and Sinai Tabak. So Michael reached out and it grew from there. At one point I asked if we could have dancers and he had the brilliant idea to reach out to Junior and Guadalupe. Once we had the team, Josh and I started brainstorming songs – we should sing Latina songs from people I admire like Gloria Estefan, Selena and Broadway hits too. I think what we have is really amazing. It’s like a potpourri – a little bit of everything. Have you discovered anything surprising while creating the show? Traveling is going to be something that feels new again. Coming to Sarasota is my first big trip after this year 06

A N A I S AB E LLE & F R I EN DS in Concer t

of basically being in my house. I feel like we’re in a moment where we are missing theater, and it’s important to me to recognize that because the world needs theatre. And also to honor my roots – I’m Latina, no matter how you look at me – I am Latina. I don’t want to create a stereotype of what a Latina is because we come in all different styles, but that’s who I am. I would love to honor those realities with a certain consciousness and to inspire hope. It’s been a difficult year and we as a team are giving our all to make this concert fun and joyful. But at the same time, I believe that we can change the world with music and art. That’s something I’ve been realizing I hope to do with my voice and this show. How does it feel to be working with Josh, Justin, Junior, and Guadalupe again? I think we’re all excited to come back home. Because to me Sarasota is home – the first theatre to believe in me and trust me with the opportunity to be the lead in a Broadway caliber musical. There’s also a lot of gratitude. It’s this feeling of ‘Oh my God, I’m going to be able to work again’ with people I adore and admire. And that’s a privilege I appreciate now more than ever. This is history! I don’t have kids yet, but yesterday I was thinking, I can tell my grandkids, ‘You know your grandma was one of the first concerts that was done after a global pandemic that stopped the whole world.’ So for me, it’s just a precious opportunity. What do you hope the audience takes away from the performance? We’re all one. The world is changing and we need to change and grow with it as one universe, as one world, as one humanity. I just hope the music that we’ve put together, these iconic songs from Broadway, Latin American, and my own writing will bring that message of hope and of humanity and of happiness. We want people to know that we’re back.

2017 Ana Isabelle as Eva Perón in Evita.

| We want

people to know we’re back. asolorep.org

THE

CRE ATIVES

APRIL ANDREW CARSWELL

FIRST SEASON (Costume Designer) is a freelance costume designer and technician. She received her MFA in Costume Design/Technology from the University of South Carolina before joining the Alliance Theatre costume staff in 2014 first as a design assistant and then as the assistant shop manager for 7 years. She enjoys freelance costume design and production work around the Southeast with recent local design credits including: A Very Terry Christmas, Courtenay’s Cabaret, Knead (The Alliance Theatre); Downstairs, Head Over Heels, An Octoroon (Actor’s Express); The Servant of Two Masters, Much Ado About Nothing (Oglethorpe University); Hey Willy, See the Pyramids, Gimme Please! (Alliance Theatre for the Very Young); Bring It On: The Musical (Kennesaw State University); Ella Enchanted (Synchronicity). Upcoming projects include Guys and Dolls (The Walker School) and Lizzie (Actor’s Express).

DAVID M. COVACH

TWENTY-SIXTH SEASON (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be joining the production team for Ana Isabelle & Friends. Over the last 26 seasons, he has designed costumes for several Asolo Rep and FSU/Asolo Conservatory shows including The Last Five Years, Broadway, The Last Night of Ballyhoo and The Sisters Rosensweig.

PAUL TATE DEPOO III

FOURTH SEASON (Scenic Designer) Recent and upcomingAsolo Rep: The Sound of Music, Evita, Josephine. Muny: Unsinkable Molly Brown; Jesus Christ Superstar; Young Frankenstein. Toronto: Grease. ODKorea: Titanic. Signature: Titanic; A Little Night Music; Crazy For You; Girlstar. Goodspeed: Thoroughly Modern Millie; Sign of the Times; Guys and Dolls. Maltz: South Pacific; The Producers; Me and My Girl; The Wiz; Les Misérables; Will Roger’s Follies; Annie; The Music Man; Hello, Dolly! Off-Broadway: White Guy Bus; Himself and Nora; Romance Language; Pageant; Look Upon Our Lowliness. Ted Talks: Boston. Classic Stage Company: Othello. Santa Fe Opera, Curtis Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Bard Opera. Yale: The Rocky Horror Show. Broadway associate designer: Lincoln Center’s Sweeney Todd; Lady Day; How to Succeed…; Nice Work If You Can Get It; Bengal Tiger; Follies; Anything Goes. www.pauldepoo.com

MICHELLE HART

EIGHTEENETH SEASON (Resident Hair & Make-up Designer) designs for Asolo Repertory Theatre and FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Other credits: Sarasota Ballet, Palm Beach Dramaworks, freeFall Theatre, Urbanite Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, Banyan Theatre, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Venice Theatre, Dorset Theatre, Barrington Stage and Open Stage Theatre. She has also done hair and/or make-up for Joan Rivers, Doris

A N A I S AB E LLE & F R I EN DS in Concer t

Roberts, Martin Short, Jane Russell, Arlene Dahl, Soledad Villamil, Jane Pauley, Richard Dreyfuss, Castille Langdon, Christopher Higgins, Mary Mara, Heather Robb, Lauren Sweetser, Justin Long, Paul Downs, Douglas Sills and Nia Hills. Music videos include “Second Chance” by Shinedown, “Reverse Cowgirl” by T-Pain. Film and television: Paradise, FL and The Real Stephen Blatt.

BRIAN MCMULLEN

FIRST SEASON (Design Associate) has recently worked as the Projection Designer of Beehive (The Rev Theatre Company) and Nathan Gun Flying Solo (Laguna Playhouse). Brian has also worked as the Associate Projection Designer for Jagged Little Pill, The Cher Show, and The Parisian Woman (Broadway); Blue Man Group: Speechless, On Your Feet (National Tour); as well as a Video Content Creator for the 70th through 72nd Annual Tony Awards (CBS). www.brianpmcmullen.com

MATTHEW PARKER

TWENTY-EIGHTH SEASON (Sound Designer) received his BFA in Theatre Production Design and Technology from Ohio University. He was the resident sound designer at Monomoy Theatre in 1990. He has worked sound and special effects at The Flat Rock Theatre in North Carolina on such shows as I Hate Hamlet, the world premiere of Gilligan’s Island: The Musical and others in the 1992 season. Since 1993, Mr. Parker has designed sound for most of Asolo Rep’s productions. In addition, he wrote and performed the musical scores for The Count of Monte Cristo and Nicholas Nickleby. Outside the theatre world he has designed and programed the show control system for Livingston's Amusements Bazooka Ball arena, and produced livestream expositions for the National Watercolor Society.

JOSH RHODES

SEVENTH SEASON (Director) is thrilled to be back at his “artistic home.” At Asolo Rep, Josh directed The Sound of Music, Evita, and Guys and Dolls, and choreographed Barnum, Working, My Fair Lady, and Yentl as well as the upcoming Knoxville. Other directing credits include Grand Hotel (NY City Center Encores!); The Who’s: Tommy (Kennedy Center); Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville (Old Globe Theatre); Paint Your Wagon, Jersey Boys (Muny); Guys and Dolls (Old Globe); Spamalot (5th Ave.); Showboat (Bucks County Playhouse); and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. He also choreographed the Broadway productions of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, It Shoulda Been You, First Date and Bright Star. On London’s West End, he choreographed Carousel at the English National Opera and Sweeney Todd starring Emma Thompson. Other choreography credits include Company starring Neil Patrick Harris and Sondheim: The Birthday Concert (PBS) and the U.K. tour of Doctor Dolittle. Rhodes is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.

THE CREATIVES, continued

JAMES RUSHIN

FIRST SEASON (Music Director) is a New York City-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and music director who is often at work developing new shows including: We Will Not Be Silent, Island Song, Captain Zuke, Dee, Khan!!!, Hypatia and the Heathens, and Cubamor. Two of his favorite compositional credits include Walken on Sunshine (with Dave Droxler) and Off With Her Maidenhead (with Amy Claussen). James is equally at home in studio and on stage writing and performing with The Walkout Project, Lyndsey Smith and Soul Distribution, and improvised hip-hop group Northcoast. He recently released a new album with folk artist Brianna Barnes. James has taught at Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Academy, Point Park University, and New York University. He recently led a lab of Hadestown at The Eugene O’Neill Center.

NIA SCIARRETTA

NINTH SEASON (Production Stage Manager) Selected Asolo Rep credits include stage manager for The Sound of Music, Into the Breeches, Knoxville, The Music Man, Sweeney Todd, Sweat, Shakespeare in Love, Roe, Born Yesterday and Disgraced; assistant stage manager for Guys and Dolls, All the Way, South Pacific, and Hero: The Musical. Previous Off-Broadway credits include work on Jesus Hopped the A Train, In the Blood, and The Wayside Motor Inn at the Signature Theatre. Nia has also worked with Creede Repertory Theatre, Hangar Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Flea Theatre, and Penguin Rep.

JACQUELINE SINGLETON

SECOND SEASON (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back at Asolo Rep! She was last a member of the Stage Management team during the 2018-19 season for The Crucible, Noises Off, and A Doll’s House, Part 2. She has just concluded her nineteenth season at American Players Theatre (Spring Green, WI) most recently stage managing This Wonderful Life as well as a series of Zoom play readings in partnership with PBS Wisconsin. Other stage management work includes Animal Farm at Milwaukee Repertory and Baltimore Center Stage; Outside Mullingar at the Clarence Brown Theater (Knoxville, TN); three seasons at Forward Theater (Madison, WI); seven seasons at Madison Repertory Theatre; and work at numerous theaters in Chicago including the Goodman Theatre, Writers’ Theatre, and Next Theatre.

ADAM C. SPENCER

FIRST SEASON (Scenic Designer) is excited to join the Asolo Rep design team. He received his BA in Theatre from Chadron State College and MFA in Theatrical Design from Illinois State University. Adam has served as Technical Director, Resident Designer, and Scenic Design Professor at Louisiana Tech University and University of Houston–Downtown. He has worked at theatres such as Playhouse on the Square (scenic

design), Theatre Under The Stars (asst. lighting and asst. scenic design), Lexington Children’s Theatre (lighting and scenic design), Birmingham Children’s Theatre (Resident designer and Technical Director), TUTS’ Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (lighting and scenic design), Olney Theatre Center (props design), and Main Street Theatre (scenic design).

SINAI TABAK

SIXTH SEASON (Music Supervisor/Arrangements) is thrilled to be back at Asolo Rep, where he most recently served as music supervisor/arranger for The Sound of Music and has previously music directed Evita, Guys and Dolls, Josephine, and Luck Be a Lady. He most recently served as the Associate Conductor of The Cher Show on Broadway. Other music direction credits include Paint Your Wagon (Muny), Les Misérables (Dallas Theater Center), Stars of David (Off-Broadway), Footloose (Kennedy Center), The Rocky Horror Show (Bucks County Playhouse), Johnny Baseball (Williamstown Theatre Festival), Family Album (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Bells Are Ringing (Berkshire Theater Festival), and workshops of The Total Bent (Public Theater), Damascus Square, American Psycho, and Murder at the Gates. Sinai received a degree in Music Composition from NYU.

ETHAN VAIL

FOURTH SEASON (Lighting Designer) Credits include–The Players Centre for the Performing Arts (Sarasota, FL): Head Over Heels, All Shook Up; Millbrook Playhouse (Mill Hall, PA): 65 productions including the regional premiere of Fun Home, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Rock of Ages, The Little Mermaid; Compass Rose Theatre (Annapolis, MD): Cat on a Hot Tin Roof; Manatee Players: Anne of Green Gables. He was the recipient of the 2013 USITT YD&T Award, sponsored by Barbizon Lighting Company, for A Midsummer Night’s Dream that he designed at Purdue University. He is also the Master Electrician at Asolo Repertory Theatre.

LEE WILKINS

FOURTH SEASON (Associate Director) Direction/ Choreography: NBC Universal Upfront 2018/2019 (Radio City Music Hall); The Little Mermaid (Casa Mañana); First Date (Straz Center); The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS); The Hatfields and McCoys (NBC pilot); Alpha House (Amazon Studios); Broadway Bares: Happy Endings, and the 2XIST fashion show (New York). Choreography: Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (national tour); and Spamalot (5th Ave.). Broadway Associate Choreographer: Bright Star, It Shoulda Been You, First Date, and Cinderella. Other: Scotland, Pa (Roundabout Theater); Paint Your Wagon (Muny and 5th Ave.); Doctor Dolittle (UK tour); Company and “Sondheim: the Birthday Concert” (Avery Fisher Hall); God Bless You Mr. Rosewater (Encores Off-Center); Grand Hotel, Big River (New York City Center Encores); The Sound of Music, Evita, Guys and Dolls (Asolo Rep); and Carousel (English National Opera).

asolorep.org

THE

CAST

ANA ISABELLE SECOND SEASON is a multi-hyphenate artist who will next be seen in Steven Spielberg’s feature film version of

JUNIOR CERVILA

the Broadway hit musical West Side Story. Other films include Imprisoned

SECOND SEASON has performed on

opposite Laurence Fishburne; After

Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre with

Everything with Marisa Tomei & Maika

Tango Argentino, as well as Lincoln Center and Town Hall in New York. He danced in the Carlos Saura’s film Tango which was nominated for the Foreign Film Academy Award. He filmed for the BBC with the prima ballerina of the Royal Ballet of London, Deborah Bull, and starred in Tanguera which toured to Amsterdam, London, Munich, Paris among other cities. He was a dancer with the orchestra of Daniel Barenboim and has served as a judge of the World Tango Championships since 2007. He served as the Tango Choreographer and featured performer in both Evita and Grand Hotel, directed by Josh Rhodes. cervila@gmail.com–914.349.0488

GUADALUPE GARCIA SECOND SEASON is a national teacher of Argentine folk dances who has performed in various tango productions such as Tango Malambo, Tango Cabaret, Piazzolla Tango, and was the Principal Dancer in Glorias Porteñas partnering Juan Carlos Copes. She was a member of Argentina Tango: A Selection which toured Europe and was featured in the World Yeosu Expo held in Korea. She travels worldwide performing, teaching courses and seminars together with her partner Junior Cervila, as well as serving as a judge of the world tango championships. She has served as the Tango Choreographer and featured performer in both Evita and Grand hotel, directed by Josh Rhodes. tangoguada18@hotmail.com– 347.462.7520

A N A I S AB E LLE & F R I EN DS in Concer t

Monroe; and Seasons of Love with Gladys Knight, Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson, LeToya Luckett and Cliff “Method Man” Smith. Ana Isabelle is also a Puerto Rican music star who got her start when she won the hit Latin reality music television Viva El Sueno. Since then, she has released three albums, with a fourth in development, and her YouTube channel has hundreds of millions of views.

THE CAST, continued

ORCHESTR A NICK BRUNO FOURTH SEASON (Percussionist) is very pleased to return to Asolo Rep for the 2021 season. A proud Sarasota-native, Nick is an active percussionist and teacher within the Sarasota/Tampa Bay Area. He is a fifth-generation professional musician as well as a local first responder.

JONATHAN GODFREY THIRD SEASON (Guitar) is thrilled to be returning to the Asolo Rep stage where he has played for The Sound of Music, Ragtime, and Evita since his debut during the 2017-2018 season. He is a regular with the Florida Orchestra and serves on the faculty of the State College of Florida. IG: @

JUSTIN GREGORY LOPEZ

jongodfreymusic www.TampaBayGuitar.com

SECOND SEASON has recently appeared in Dave Malloy’s hit off-Broadway musical Octet (Drama Desk Award for

MAURICIO J. RODRIGUEZ

Outstanding Ensemble Performance)

FIRST SEASON (Bass) Bass player,

and original cast recording, as well as NBC’s Emmy-winning, Grammynominated Jesus Christ Superstar Live starring John Legend and Sara Bareilles.

composer, producer, and educator, Mauricio J. Rodriguez is one of the finest musicians of his generation in

This performance is dedicated to those

Cuba. He was a member of Fervet Opus

we have lost and especially to those

jazz quartet, one of the most important

in our hardest-hit communities. As the

Latin jazz bands in Cuba in the 80’s.

product of a working-class Puerto Rican

His compositions have been performed

family, it is a great privilege to do this for a living. My deepest gratitude to the courageous and dutiful theatre makers,

around the word, from the BBC Prom 62 to Miami Symphony Orchestra.

and to the audiences who continue to support the arts.

asolorep.org

YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT!

The Continued Growth of Latin influences in American Pop Culture

B R O A D W A Y Ana Isabelle’s growing success highlights a larger trend in American pop culture: the expanding popularity and visibility of Latin American artists. From Billboard charts and Spotify playlists to musicals and the cinema, more Spanish sounds and influences have been occupying our cultural moment.

A N A I S AB E LLE & F R I EN DS in Concer t

In the 2000s, Broadway showcased Latin flavors with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first hit musical before Hamilton, the 2005 show In the Heights. Set in the predominantly Hispanic neighborhood of Washington Heights, Manhattan, the show incorporates salsa music into the story of immigrants navigating love, adversity and the American dream.

2005 Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights

YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT!, continued

B R O A D W A Y

Ricky Martin 2015 Gloria Estefan's On Your Feet! 2015, Latin music sensation Gloria Estefan premiered the musical On Your Feet about the story of her life, set to the soundtrack of her own hits. Estefan, who is worth over $500 million, is considered one of the most financially successful pop singers alive today.

Other Latin pop stars like Ricky Martin have also found crossover success on Broadway by guest starring in productions like Evita. Before being forced to close early with the pandemic, the 2020 revival of West Side Story leaned in to the musical’s Latin American-connection, replacing some of the original score with Latin and hip-hop influenced music. asolorep.org

YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT!, continued

Shakira + Lopez

B I L L B O A R D The internet age and modern globalism generally have encouraged the influence of world music on American pop charts, but Latin beats have been especially successful. Latin music is currently the top music genre on both Spotify and YouTube. With the accessibility of streaming services like Spotify, Pandora and Apple Music, it is easier than ever before for listeners to explore popular international genres. 14

C H A R T S

While established stars like Enrique Iglesias and Shakira have enjoyed decades-long careers in pop music, only more recently have their songs in Spanish charted highly. Along with Jennifer Lopez, Shakira became the first female Latin American performer to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2020, where they sang a mix of English and Spanish hits. In 2010, Shakira released the official FIFA World Cup song “Waka Waka,” blending African and Latin sounds, and the single charted worldwide throughout that year.

A N A I S AB E LLE & F R I EN DS in Concer t

2021 More recently, Lopez performed at President Joseph R. Biden’s 2021 inauguration where she sang the American classic “This Land is Your Land” and also recited part of the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish.

YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT!, continued

MUSIC

TRENDS

The 2010s have been shaped strongly by the Puerto Rican style of dancehall known as reggaeton—exemplified in the eponymous 2017 hit “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee (remixed with Justin Bieber). This style of music also crops up in remixes and guest verses on pop songs by hitmakers such as Beyonce and rappers like Cardi B and French Montana. Amidst the drastic industry changes from the pandemic, 2020 saw the rise of one Latin American reggaeton star in particular—Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. The 26-yearold released three albums within the year and was named the most popular artist streaming on Spotify in 2020.

Bad Bunny Beyonce

Cardi B

French Montana

2018 Luis Fonsi performs "Despacito" at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, New York.

asolorep.org

YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT!, continued

2017

H O L LY WOO D

Pixar hit Coco

T E L E V I S I O N

2021 Spielberg's West Side Story with Ana Isabelle as Rosalia. Just this year, Hollywood is set to release two of the biggest Latininfluenced musical films in years: the movie adaptation of Miranda’s In the Heights and Steven Spielberg’s longawaited West Side Story, featuring Ana Isabelle. Beyond stage adaptations, American cinema has celebrated the sounds of Latin music in movies such as the 2017 Pixar hit Coco. Inspired by Mexican Day of the Dead traditions, the children’s movie won an Oscar® for the original song Remember Me, which features Spanish guitar sounds. 16

A N A I S AB E LLE & F R I EN DS in Concer t

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez Netflix dramatized the tragic life story of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in 2020 with Selena: The Series. Starring an all-Latin American cast, the show follows the musical beginnings of the iconic Mexican pop singer.

Theatre camps and classes for Ages 8-18

In-person and online programs run July 5th - July 31st Asolo Rep Summer Sessions are a place for students to be inspired by professional artists, their peers, and themselves. Join us as we create and connect through theatre!

p is a “Asolo Re t your place to le ar to so creativity level ” t its highes t

– Studen

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LOST IN TRANSLATION?

Take a deeper dive into the meaning of these unforgettable songs.

YO TE RECUERDO.........................................................................................................Ana GUANTANAMERA..................................................................................................Full Cast NO ME QUEDA MAS......................................................................................................Ana BIDI BIDI BOM BOM..............................................................................................Full Cast WHENEVER, WHEREVER.......................................................................................Full Cast NO ME AMES.................................................................................................Ana & Justin LA VIDA ES BELLA................................................................................................Full Cast

Yo Te R e c u e r d o Sabes, amor Yo nunca te he olvidado Te recuerdo en cada Estrella Siempre que aparece Sabes, amor Siempre te recordado Y te miro en cada flor Que al colibrí se ofrece Sabes, amor Yo siempre te he encontrado En cada malva que florece Y en cada pájaro que canta Cuando amanece y anochece Ay, Yo te recuerdo Cuando las hojas bailan Cuando el aire no las mese Cuando la noche es blanca Cuando a las siete se oscurece Cuando la lluvia cale Cuando desaparece Cuando la luna sale Y cuando el sol se mete Ay, Yo te recuerdo

You know, love I have never forgotten you I remember you in every star Every time they appear You know, love I always remember you And I see you in every flower That gives itself to the humming bird You know, love I have always found you In every malva that blossoms And in every bird that sings During dawn and dusk Oh, I remember you When the leaves dance When the wind doesn’t rock them When the night is white When at seven it gets dark When the rain falls When it disappears When the moon comes out And when the sun sets Oh, I remember you

Hah eh eh eh Ehh Yo te recuerdo Na hn hn mmm

Hah eh eh eh… Ehh… I remember you Na hn hn mmm

A N A I S AB E LLE & F R I EN DS in Concer t

Guantanamera Guantanamera, guajira Guantanamera Guantanamera, guajira Guantanamera Cultivo una rosa blanca En Junio como en enero Cultivo una rosa blanca En Junio como en enero Par el amigo sincere Que me da su mano franca Guantanamera*, guajira* Guantanamera Guantanamera, guajira Guantanamera I cultivate a white rose In June as in January I cultivate a white rose In June as in January For my sincere friend Who lends me his honest hand *Guantanamera A Cuban word to refer to a woman from Guantanamo (a province in Cuba) *Guiajira A Cuban nickname for Cubans that are from the rural or country parts of the island.

LOST IN TRANSLATION?, continued

No Me Queda Mas No me queda más Que perderme en un abismo De tristeza lágrimas No me queda más Que aguantar bien mi derrota y brindarte Felicidad No me queda más Si tu regreso hoy sería una imposibilidad y esto que no era amor Lo que hoy niegas Lo que dices que nunca pasó Es el más dulce recuerdo de mi vida Yo tenía un esperanza En el fondo de mi alma Que un día te quedaras, tú conmigo Y aún guardaba una ilusión Que alimentaba al corazón Mi corazón que hoy tiene que verte como amigo Y aunque viví enamorada Y totalmente equivocada, no me importa Porque esto, sí fue amor Por mi parte, lo más lindo, el más grande amor y aunque siempre lo renuncias, para mí Fue lo más bello

I have nothing left Except to lose myself in and an abyss of sadness and tears I have nothing left Except but to hold my defeat And offer you happiness I have nothing left If your return today is impossible and this wasn’t love What you negate today What you say never happened Is the sweetest memory of my life I had hope In the bottom of my soul That one day you were going to stay, with me And I still kept an illusion That filled the heart My heart that today has to see you with me And although I lived in love And totally mistaken, I don’t care Because this, was love For me, the most beautiful, the biggest love And although you always renounce it, for me It was beautiful.

Yo sé que tienes un nuevo amor Sin embargo, te deseo lo mejor Si en mí no encontrastraste felicidad Tal vez, alguien más te la dará Como la flor (Coma la flor) con tanto amor (con tanto amor) Me diste tú, se marchitó Me marcho hoy, yo sé perder Pero, Ah-ah-ay ¡cómo me duele! Ah-ah-ay, ¡cómo me duele!

I know that you have a new love However, I wish you the best If in me you did not find happiness, maybe someone else will give you that. Like the flower (Like the flower) that with so much love You gave me, it withered Today I leave, I know how to lose, But oh oh oh How it hurts!

Bidi Bidi Bom Bom Bidi bidi bom bom Bidi bidi bom bom Bidi bidi bidi bidi bidi bom bom Bidi bidi bidi bidi

Bidi bidi bom bom Bidi bidi bom bom Bidi bidi bidi bidi bidi bom bom Bidi bidi bidi bidi

Cada vez, ooh Cada vez que lo veo pasar (Bidi Bidi Bom Bom Ooh) Mi corazon se en loquce (se en loquce) Y me empieza a cantar (cantar) Me canta asi (Asi) Asi! (Asi)

Every time, ooh Every time that I see you go by My heart goes crazy And it starts to sing It sings like this Like this! asolorep.org

Whenever, Wherever

LOST IN TRANSLATION?, continued

Whenever, wherever We’re meant to be together I’ll be there, and you’ll be near And that’s the deal, my dear Contigo, mi vida Quiero vivir la vida Y lo que me queda de vida quiero vivir contigo Lucky you were born that far away so We could both make fun of distance Lucky that I love a foreign land for The lucky fact of your existence Yo puedo escalar los Andes sólo Por ir a contar tus lunares Contigo celebro y sufro todo Y mis alegrías y mis males

Whenever, wherever We’re meant to be together I’ll be there, and you’ll be near And that’s the deal, my dear With you, my life I want to live the life And what I have left of life, I want to live with you Lucky you were born that far away so We could both make fun of distance Lucky that I love a foreign land for The lucky fact of your existence I would climb the Andes solely To count the freckles on your body With you I celebrate and suffer everything My happiness and my bad moments.

Ledo lo le lo le, ledo lo le lo le Whenever, wherever We’re meant to be together I’ll be there, and you’ll be near And that’s the deal, my dear Contigo, mi vida Quiero vivir la vida Y lo que me queda de vida quiero vivir contigo

Can’t you see? I’m at your feet. Whenever, wherever We’re meant to be together I’ll be there, and you’ll be near And that’s the deal, my dear With you, my life I want to live the life And what I have left of life, I want to live with you

No Me Ames Dime porqué lloras De Felicidad Y porqué te ahogas Por la soledad Di porqué me tomas Fuerte así mismanos Y tus pensamientos Te van llevando Yo te quiero tanto Y porqué sera Loco testarudo No lo dudes más Aunque en el futuro Haya un muro enorme Yo no tengo miedo Quiero Enamorarme No me ames, porque pienses Que parezco diferente Tú no piensas que es lo justo Ver pasar el tiempo juntos No me ames, que comprendo La mentira que sería Si tu amor no merezco No me ames, más quedate otro día No me ames, pues te haré sufrir Con éste corazón que se llenó de mil inviernos No me ames, para así olvidarte de tus días grises Quiero que me ames sólo por amarme No me ames, tú y yo volaremos Uno con el otro y seguiremos siempre juntos. Este amor es como el sol que sale tras de la tormenta No me ames, no me ames 20

A N A I S AB E LLE & F R I EN DS in Concer t

Tell me why you cry Out of Happiness And why you drown Out of loneliness Tell me why you squeeze Hard my hands And your thoughts Take you I like you so much And why Crazy stubborn Don’t doubt it anymore Although in the future there could be a huge wall I have no fear I want to fall in love. Don’t love me, because you think That I look different You don’t think it is just That we spend our time together Don’t love me, because I understand The lie that it would be If I don’t deserve your love Don’t love me more, stay one more day Don’t love me, because I will make you suffer With this love that is filled with thousands of winters Don’t love me, so that you can forget your sad days I want you to love me only to love me Don’t love me, you and I will fly With each other and we’ll always be together This love is like the sun that comes out after the storm Don’t love me, don’t love me

LOST IN TRANSLATION?, continued

La Vida Es Bella Abro los ojos muy agradecido Porque sigo vivo un dia mas Gracias a dios me siento bendecido Porque estoy contigo al despertar

I open my eyes thankful Because I’m alive for one more day Thanks to God I feel blessed Because I’m with you when I wake up

Porque otra mañana toca Mi ventana y trajo El aire para respirar La voz y la brisa Llama una sonriza Que me está invitando a caminar

Because another morning knocks In my window and brings The wind to breathe The voice and the breeze call a smile That invites me to walk

Llena algo de alegria mi corazon Sumándole energía a Cada ilucion La vida es bella Es una bendición La vida es un regalo Hecha pa yao malo Canta mi canción La vida es bella Es una bendición Rescata la alegria Del amor que esta En peligro extincion (está En peligro extincion)

It fills my heart with happiness Adding energy to every illusion Life is beautiful It is a blessing Life is a gift Send away the bad Sing my song Life is beautiful It is a blessing Recue the happiness Of love that is In danger of extinction (In danger of extinction)

Viva la vida que La vida es bella La vida es bella Viva la vida que La vida es bella La vida es bella Viva la vida que La vida es bella La vida es bella Viva la vida que La vida es bella La vida es bella Es una bendición La vida es un regalo Hecha pa yao malo Canta mi cancion La vida es bella Es una bendición Rescata la alegria Del amor que esta En peligro de extinción (Es peligro de extinción) La vida es bella (Whoa) La vida es bella ((Wo oh oh) Wo oh Vida es bella La vida es bella (Whoa) La vida es bella ((Wo oh oh) Wo oh Vida es bella

Live life because Life is Beautiful Life is Beautiful Live life because Life is Beautiful LLife is Beautiful Live life because Life is Beautiful Life is Beautiful Live life because Life is Beautiful Life is Beautiful It is a blessing Life is a gift Send away the bad Sing my song Life is Beautiful It is a blessing Recue the happiness Of love that is In danger of extinction Life is beautiful Life is beautiful Life is beautiful Life is beautiful Life is beautiful Life is beautiful asolorep.org

2021 Terrace Stage Outdoor Series Sponsors HEADLINE SPONSOR Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR ASOLO REP’S OUTDOOR SERIES IS GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY: Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and The Linnie E. Dalbeck Memorial Foundation Trust

SEASON PRESENTERS Beverly and Bob Bartner • Betty-Jean and David Bavar • Susan and Jim Buck • Don and Jo Ann Burhart Ann and Tom Charters • Carole Crosby, Ruby E. and Carole Crosby Family Foundation Diane Taylor Foxman • Andrew and Judith Economos • Larry and Debbie Haspel Charlie Huisking, The Huisking Foundation • Stanley Kane* • Carolyn Keystone and Jim Meekison Tom and Paula McInerney • Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth • Mercedita OConnor Paulette Samowitz, Samowitz Foundation Trust • Hobart and Janis Swan • Geri and Ron Yonover

2020-2021 CO-PRODUCERS George Allison and Alan Watkins • James A. and Maryann Armour • Pat and Bob Baer Bobbi and Don Bernstein • Gerald and Sondra Biller • Lynda and Brad Blaylock Carol B. Camiener • Joan and Larry Castellani • Kathy Cole, in loving memory of Trent Cole Even Collinsworth Fund, in honor of Joan H. Wood • Henny and Dennis Dirks • Susan Dweck Harriet Eisner and Dean Eisner • Annie Esformes, in loving memory of Nate Esformes • Mike and Ellen Esposito Deborah Farrington • Wendy and Jerry Feinstein • Ann and Larry Garberding • Shelley and Sy Goldblatt Candy and Scott Greer • Fr. Jeffrey Hamblin, MD and Mark-Alan • Nona Macdonald Heaslip Marc and Beth Hirsch • Holmes Family Fund • Renee Aberson Hymson • Barbara Jacob • Ken and JoAnn Johns Dr. Sidney Katz and Elaine Keating • Design Works/Donna and David Koffman • Beverly L. Koski Philip and Nancy Kotler • Diana Lager • David and Lucie Lapovsky India Benton Lesser Foundation, India B. Lesser and Bruce Lesser • Nancy Markle • Betsy and Tom Marshall John A. Matta • Betty Menell • Sean and Melanie Natarajan Dr. Alan and Claudia Porter, Porter Radiation Oncology • Peter and Joanne Powers • Bob and Sharon Reitsch Skip and Gail Sack • Marge and Bill Sandy · Betty and Bud Shapiro · Stan Pastor and Stephanie Shaw Carol Siegler, in loving memory of Morton Siegler • Alan and Cindy Silverglat Lois Stulberg • Susan Talarico and Mike Sundermeyer Marcia Jean Taub and Peter Swain, in loving memory of Ethel and Ron Taub • Cheryl and Mel Taub Douglas Thweatt, in memory of Paul Grootkerk • Mary Lou and Ed Winnick Margaret Wise in loving memory of Bill Wise • Joan H. Wood • Merrill and Sheila Wynne/Aprio *in memoriam

With deep appreciation to the Sarasota County Commissioners who utilized CARES Act funding to support the Arts.

IN MEMORIAM

Asolo Rep would like to recognize those performing arts advocates who passed away during the last year. Their memories will live on in the stories we tell. Ed Alley • Charlie Beye • Margot Coville • Ron Greenbaum • Judith Handelman • Stanley Kane • Stan Katz John Lucas • Judith Markstein • John Maxheim • Terrence McNally • Carol Phillips • Flori Roberts Gail Rubin • Richard Rubin • Mort Skirboll As of January 20, 2021 22

A N A I S AB E LLE & FRI EN DS in Concer t

MAJOR CORPORATE SPONSORS

FOUNDATION AND PUBLIC PARTNERS Virginia B.Toulmin Foundation

Koski Family Foundation

Cordelia Lee Beattie Foundation

Charles Henry Leach II Fund

William H. Donner Foundation, Inc.

Linnie E. Dalbeck Memorial Foundation Trust

Appleby Foundation

asolorep.org

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

The coronavirus pandemic has had overwhelming economic implications for Asolo Rep and our ability to continue to bring you stellar performances. We invite you to join the special company of those who sustain and encourage excellence on-stage and off-stage with a contribution to Asolo Rep’s “There’s No Place Like Home” campaign. Your unrestricted gift will: •

Support artistic excellence and new play development

•

Sustain important and deeply integrated education and community engagement programs

•

Support local artists, artisans and administration

•

Allow us to plan for tomorrow

While we keep you engaged with little-to-no-cost virtual and socially distanced programming (such as Asolo Rep Engage and the Asolo Rep Outdoor Series) know that your gift will make a critical difference as we navigate the challenging months ahead. With your support, and three heel taps, we look forward to roaring back soon, stronger than ever. Afterall, there’s no place quite like Asolo Rep. There’s No Place Like Home.

A N A I S AB E LLE & F R I EN DS in Concer t

Photo: Sorcha Augustine

Photo: Matthew Holler Photo: Cliff Roles

Photo: Cliff Roles

The performing arts raise spirits, provide joy, and spark inspiration for many in our community. We believe it is vital that the show go on, and that it does so as safely as possible. For the safety and confidence of our performers and those attending our venues, we are requiring masks and social distancing for all joining us for live performances.

Thank you for supporting the arts. We hope to see you soon!