2023 The Fantasticks Playbill

BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL AND BELEN JESUIT THEATER GROUP PRESENTS THE FALL 2023 MUSICAL SHOW

A night of magic, laughs, song and dance under the stars!

NOVEMBER 1 to 4, 2023 IGNATIAN CENTER PATIO Book & Lyrics by Tom Jones Music by Harvey Schmidt Directed by Carlos Acevedo

THE FANTASTICKS A night of magic, laughs, song and dance under the stars!

The Fantasticks is a 1960 musical with music by Harvey Schmidt and book and lyrics by Tom Jones. It tells an allegorical story, loosely based on the 1894 play The Romancers (Les Romanesques) by Edmond Rostand, concerning two neighboring fathers who trick their children, Luisa and Matt, into falling in love by pretending to feud. The show's original off-Broadway production ran a total of 42 years (until 2002) and 17,162 performances, making it the world's longest-running musical.

The Fantasticks is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, and their two fathers who try to keep them apart. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. The boy and the girl fall in love, grow apart and finally find their way back to each other after realizing the truth in El Gallo's words that, "without a hurt, the heart is hollow." It’s a moving tale of young lovers who become disillusioned, only to discover a more mature, meaningful love that is punctuated by a bountiful series of catchy, memorable songs, many of which have become classics.

With its minimal set and staging, The Fantasticks is an intimate show that may be performed in virtually any space, engaging the audience's imagination and showcasing a strong ensemble cast. At the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE WELCOME TO OUR WORLD! Theater is a special place, a very special place, a community where, driven by the joy of true selfexpression and the freedom that creativity provides, we come together as one, we are all in. We master our fears, revel in artistry and rejoice in accomplishing our goal; to serve as men and women for others through our art, just as this very special Jesuit school.

From the first day, I have felt the warmth, friendliness and support of this community that I now proudly call home. Every day I am in awe at the high standard of excellence, at the staff and teachers and in their commitment and selflessness, and at the outstanding, loving, courteous and talented students all around, especially in my classes. You can feel the empathy in every corner. Thank you, Fr. Willie, Mr. Roca and staff for trusting and welcoming me to your special place, and for supporting theater as it should be; a special place in education.

But this one goes to my cast and crew of students. You are the reason I am here; you are the reason I work so much and so hard, tirelessly to bring my best. You are the reason I am enjoying this so much; you are the reason for THIS. Your passion, talent and joy in coming here everyday and having such a wonderful, fun time sharing and being yourselves are what created this, our theater community, and what ignites the light that will make you SHINE during these performances of THE FANTASTICKS. This is your world, your special place, and we’re just grateful to be welcomed in it.

Now it’s your time to SHINE! Mr. Carlos Acevedo Theater Director Belen Jesuit Preparatory School

CAST CAST A: (Wed. 1st, Fri. 3rd) 01. EL GALLO 02. THE MUTE 03. HUCKLEBEE 04. BELLOMY 05. HENRY 06. MORTIMER 07. MATT 08. LUISA

Giancarlo Berumen Lucas Arias Hugo Dorta Mauricio Arias Gonzalo Lacayo Gabriel Vázquez (Sat. 4th) Tito Suero (Fri. 3rd) Alberto Sosa Kelly Rodríguez

CAST B: (Thu. 2nd, Sat. 4th) 01. EL GALLO 02. THE MUTE 03. HUCKLEBEE 04. BELLOMY 05. HENRY 06. MORTIMER 07. MATT 08. LUISA

Máximo García-Tuñón Matías Rosado Máximo Granados Jorge Ros Gonzalo Lacayo Gabriel Vázquez (Sat. 4th) Tito Suero (Fri. 3rd) Miguel Pittier Kelly Rodríguez

CREW

DIRECTOR ASSISTANT/STAGE MANAGER VOCAL COACH/DIRECTOR CHOREOGRAPHERS PIANIST (full show) FACULTY PRODUCTION

TECH DIRECTORS SET DESIGN SET CONSTRUCTION

LIGHTS & SOUND DESIGNER LIGHTS TECH SOUND TECH PROPS & COSTUMES MAKEUP & HAIR PROMO ART & PLAYBILL SETTING Somewhere, U.S. (20th century)

Carlos Acevedo Angeline Medina Debra Lynn Consuegra Verónica Rodríguez and Kelly Rodríguez Andreas Haberlin Ignatian Center for the Arts staff (Sylvie San Juan, Carlos Acevedo, Isidora Ulloa) Carlos Acevedo and Orlando García Carlos Acevedo Mani Alexander, Jordan Cordero, Brandon DeGoti, Andy Fernández, Juanchy Franco Perini, Juan Granados, Gavench Marcelin , Luca Albis, Jorge Ros, Richard Blanco, Chase Pulles, Ignacio Dueñas Orlando García and Belen Jesuit Maintenance Department Carlos Acevedo Jorge F. Labayán Lorenzo Saldaña Carlos Acevedo Cast Teresa Martínez

CAST BIO Giancarlo Berumen (El Gallo) Giancarlo is excited to be part of The Fantastiks as El Gallo. He is a 12th Grader at Belen and this is his fifth Belen appearance. During his Belen years, he has been a member of the productions of Much Ado About Nothing as Benedict, The Outsiders as Twobit, All Quiet on the Western Front as Krupp, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged. In addition, Giancarlo has been active in drama since the 4th grade in various roles at The Miami Children’s Theater as well as studying theatre at the University of Notre Dame. He has also received Superior Ratings and the “Critics Choice” Award at District Competitions. In addition to acting, Giancarlo plays the percussion in the Belen Jazz Band and has formed a Jazz Trio Band with two other Belen students. He also plays the piano, bass guitar, and sings. He would like to thank his family for their support. He especially would like to thank Mr. Acevedo for continuing to enrich the drama department and the Belen administration and Fr. Willie for their support of the performing arts.

Máximo García-Tuñón (El Gallo) Máximo is a junior at Belen Jesuit. His love for the arts was pursued at a very young age, and he continues to express his passion for theatre in the Belen program.

Miguel Pittier (Matt) Miguel is so excited to be bringing his character to life in The Fantasticks.

He has also performed in Legally Blonde and Shrek the Musical as an ensemble, Beauty and the Beast as Chip, Newsies as Les, Don John in Much Ado About Nothing, and Michael Tindy in All The Ways The World Will End But Not You. When he is not in school, he enjoys playing tennis and video games. He would like to thank Mr. Acevedo and the whole cast because without them, none of this would have been possible. He would also like to thank his Mom, Dad, and two sisters for always supporting him in theater and never standing in his father in laws kumquat.

Alberto Sosa (Matt) Alberto is a sophomore at Belen and is extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to be part of his third production with Belen’s theater program. He would like to extend his gratitude to his friends, family and to the teachers who have supported and assisted him throughout this journey!

Kelly Rodríguez (Luisa / Choreographer) Kelly is a senior at Divine Savior Academy. Her previous credits include Jo in Little Women and her Belen Theatre debut as Hero in Much Ado About Nothing. She was also awarded a Superior at the district level for the Solo Musical category. She would like to thank her family for supporting her and the incredible cast and crew for their tireless effort in putting this show together :) Hugo Dorta (Hucklebee): Hugo has recently started his involvement in theater and enjoyed putting forth a lot of hard work to bring The Fantasticks to life.

Máximo Granados (Hucklebee) Max is a freshman student at Belen. He would like to thank his family and the cast for their warm welcome and all the fun.

Mauricio Arias (Bellomy) Mauricio is a senior at Belen who made his debut in last year’s show, The Outsiders. He would like to thank his friends and family, as well as the cast, who have become a second family to him. His dream is to understand what a Kumquat is, and why people can step on it so easily.

Jorge Ros (Bellomy) Jorge is a freshman, having made his debut in 8th grade as Johnny Cade in The Outsiders. He also played Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing that same year. He would like to thank his family for supporting him, Mr. Acevedo for directing, Mrs. Consuegra for her vocal coaching, and all the cast and crew (including Joanne and Lorenzo) for working on this awesome show. He would like to say that he just can’t stand when people are in his kumquat! And of course, stay gold.

Matías Rosado (Mute) Matías is a junior at Belen who is very excited to participate in The Fantasticks. This is his third production after performing in The Outsiders and Much Ado About Nothing. He would like to thank Mr. Acevedo, the wonderful choreographers Kelly and Vero, the stage manager Angie, and finally, his sister, who encouraged him to try theater in the first place. He hopes that you enjoy the show and that his character will serve as a reminder that you don’t necessarily need to have lines in a play to be important. Have fun!

Lucas Arias (Mute) Lucas Arias is an aspiring actor mostly loved for his comedy and his performances at Belen. He is grateful to be in this wonderful cast and would love to continue acting. He would like to thank his parents, peers, and teachers for helping him with this hobby. He thinks that the performance as Mute will be his most challenging and fun performance to date. He hopes to have fun and to get a few hehe and hahahahaha."Float like a Cadillac sting like a beemer" Gonzalo Lacayo (Henry) Gonzalo is an 8th grader at Belen. He would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him through roles in The Outsiders, (Ponyboy) Much Ado About Nothing, (Dogberry) All the Ways The World Will End, (Jackson) and finally, in The Fantasticks! He feels very blessed and thankful for this opportunity. He would also like to thank Mr. Acevedo and the cast for their brilliant ideas, collaboration and assistance while performing. Enjoy the show!

Gabriel Vázquez (Mortimer) Gabriel is a junior at Belen who is excited to participate in his second play at Belen. He made his debut in last year's production of Much Ado About Nothing. He would like to say thank you to his family and friends. He would also like to thank Mr. Acevedo and the cast (also including Vero, Des, Angie, and Lorenzo), who have become like a family to him. He would like to extend his gratitude to everyone at Encore/Mini Mirage. His biggest dream in life is to one day be able to think of a clever joke to put in his bio!!!

Tito Suero (Mortimer) Tito (Mortimer) is a 7th grader at Belen Jesuit. This is his third Belen production. Tito is having a lot of fun and hopes you guys have a good time watching this show. He is very excited to be part of this production and wishes you all the best.

Angeline Medina (Director Assistant / Stage Manager) Angie is very excited to be able to work with such wonderful actors. She is grateful for the new experience of being an assistant director in a great production. Angie wants to thank her parents for always being supportive, Mr. Acevedo for directing such a great show, and the entire cast for their dedication and enthusiasm to their roles!

Verónica Rodríguez (Choreographer) Veronica is very excited to have worked as a choreographer in The Fantasticks! Her recent stage credits include Zanna, Don’t!

(Candi/Karla/Loretta), Much Ado About Nothing (Hero), and A Chorus Line (Cassie). Additionally, she’s choreographed several musicals and showcases throughout her high school career. She’s also been fortunate enough to work in multiple short films and web series. She would like to thank God, her parents, and her friends for always supporting her. Finally, a huge thank you to the cast and crew of this wonderful show for being so amazing to work with!

DIRECTOR’S BIO Carlos R. Acevedo is an accomplished, award-winning producer, director, writer and actor in professional stage, film and television.

As the Artistic Director for his organization, Dramarama, Inc. (1994present), Carlos has produced, directed and/or written 62 shows (in English & Spanish), with a specialty in Shakespeare works, including Hamlet, Othello, Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Richard III, As You Like It. Other credits include the World Premiere of renowned author Paulo Coelho’s best-selling book adaptation Eleven Minutes, the Americas (north, south) premiere of Pedro Almodovar’s Oscarwinning Film adaptation All About My Mother (Best Foreign Film), Pulitzer and Tony Award Winner Angels in America, Death of a Salesman, The Crucible, and Glengarry Glen Ross among many others. As a playwright, Carlos is the only three-time winner of the “Playwright of the Year” award by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña. This is Carlos’ 2nd year as the Belen Jesuit Theater Director and Teacher, having moved from Jesuit Dallas where he directed The Great Gatsby, Romeo & Juliet, Of Mice And Men, Shakespeare in Love and Grease (the musical) amongst others. The Outsiders and Much Ado About Nothing were Carlos' first Belen shows in 2022-23.

SPECIAL THANKS To José E. Roca, Fr. Guillermo García-Tuñón, S.J. and Administration office staff for your full support, and for welcoming me to this wonderful school. May this be your pride and joy!

To Orlando García, Lorenzo Saldaña, Jorge Labayán, and crew for all the attention, initiative, work, and support in making our theater a worthy and beautiful performing space. We couldn’t have done it without your outstanding work helping with the set and tech.

Orlando, thanks for taking upon yourself to do whatever is needed and always be present to assist.

To Sylvie San Juan, Humanities Department Chairperson for all the guidance, support and mentoring, and to Isidora Ulloa for all your essential assistance and for your love of theater.

To Debbie Consuegra for saying yes once again, bringing such enthusiasm along with your wonderful talent, and work to prepare our cast to sing this musical show. My big gratitude for all you did.

To Verónica and Kelly for taking on the hard task of creating the choreography for this musical. I am in awe of your great talent and discipline. Thank you very much!

To all of Mr. Acevedo’s Stagecraft students, this work is as much yours as ours. Now you can see you are all artists!

To our wonderful and outstanding cast, keep having the time of your lives, SHINE!