WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

GIANCARLO BERUMEN (BENEDICK)

Giancarlo (11th grade) is excited to be part of Much Ado About Nothing as Benedick. Performing at Belen for the fifth time, he played Two-Bit in Belen’s Fall 2022’s The Outsiders, Kropp in Spring 2022’s All Quiet on the Western Front, and in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Spring 2021). Giancarlo has been active in drama since 4th grade at The Miami Children’s Theater with credits such as Into The Woods (Baker), The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric) and The Sound of Music (Kurt von Trapp). He has also received Superior Ratings and the “Critics Choice” Award at District and State Thespians Competitions. In addition to acting, Giancarlo plays percussion in the Belen Jazz Band and has formed a Jazz Trio with two Belen students in order to spread his talents for all to enjoy. He would like to thank his family for their support. He especially would like to thank Mr. Acevedo for bringing renewed energy to the drama department. He also appreciates the role of the Belen administration and Fr. Willie for the course of this production.

JOSEPH HARING (BENEDICK)

Joseph is a 9th grade student at Belen. He would like to thank his family and the cast for their warm welcome and all the fun.

SOPHIA VALENCIAGA (BEATRICE)

Sophia is a senior at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy. Her previous credits include ‘Portia’ from Julius Caesar, ensemble in Disney’s Frozen Jr., and lead role as ‘Hamlet’ from Hamlet, Prince of Denmark and Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead. She has also received a “Superior” score at both District and State Florida Thespians Festival for musical theatre. Sophia is thrilled to bring the role of ‘Beatrice’ to life on stage, and would like to thank Mr. Acevedo for the opportunity to perform at the Roca Theater. She would also like to thank the wonderful cast for the lasting memories, and her family for supporting her. She also hopes that Benedick stops talking, because no one is listening to him.

ISABELLA RIVERA (BEATRICE)

Isabella is a 10th grade student at Doral Academy. She would like to thank her family and the cast for their warm welcome and all the fun.

MATTIAS MANZANO (DON PEDRO)

Mattías is a senior at Belen Jesuit and is thrilled to be part of Much Ado About Nothing. This is his third and final production at the Roca Theater and he is very grateful for taking the stage one last time at Belen. Mattias’ previous credits include Ponyboy Curtis (The Outsiders), Paul Baumer (All Quiet on The Western Front), Kristoff (Frozen Jr.), The Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland Jr.), Cogsworth (Beauty and the Beast Jr.) and Michael Darling (Peter Pan Jr.). Mattias has also competed in the Florida Thespians festival, receiving a ‘Superior’ score in the District level for acting. He would like to thank his friends for putting up with all of the late nights helping him run lines, his fellow cast and crew who have become like a second family, his parents for being so loving and supportive these past few months and Mr. Acevedo for giving him this incredible opportunity. He hopes you enjoy the show!