Prison Dancer : The Musical (2012)

Romeo Candido (Writer / Composer / Creator)

Romeo Candido has directed 2 feature length films, 3 documentaries,3 television pilots, a 13 part documentary television series and numerous television ads, music videos, and experimental video projects. He is also an accomplished musician, editor, writer, and nominated for awards in the various disciplines. Romeo’s professional career started in Miss Saigon, as an original Canadian cast member.  His next theatre gig, a one man show entitled EAT AWAY AT ME went on to be adapted into his first film LOLO’S CHILD, a musical dramedy about a musician finding his voice in the wake of his father’s funeral. LOLO’S CHILD went on to tour film festivals eventually winning the prestigious ISHMAEL BERNAL at the CineManila film festival 2002. THE KUYA MEDLEY, and DANCERS! PICK UP YOUR BAMBOOS!, two short ‘musical’ documentaries, went on to tour festivals the subsequent years. Romeo went on to direct and co-write a television narrative drama called ST JAMESTOWN.  After a string of television commercials in Southeast Asia, Romeo went on to write, direct, edit, and soundtrack his second feature film ANG PAMANA : THE INHERITANCE, a supernatural thriller/horror which was theatrically released in the Philippines.  It was a critical success and nominated for multiple URIAN awards and went on to win the Audience Choice Award at the Winnipeg International Film Festival.  From 2007-2010 Romeo has worked for CTV for MuchMusic, MuchMoreMusic and MTV developing music related content.  After a 16 year hiatus from musical theatre, Romeo went on to compose and co-write PRISON DANCER : THE MUSICAL with former Miss Saigon castmate Carmen DeJesus who was also a writer on ANG PAMANA.  Prison Dancer: The Musical is intended to be a live theatrical event, feature film, and extended web series.  It had 2 successful theatre workshops in 2010 to sold out crowds.  www.prisondancer.com

Carmen De Jesus (Writer / Creator)

Carmen De Jesus is the writer for both PRISON DANCER: THE MUSICAL and PRISON DANCER: THE INTERACTIVE WEBMUSICAL, the Youtube webseries. As a screenwriter, the film she co-wrote with Romeo Candido, Ang Pamana:The Inheritance, toured the international film festival circuit, was released in movie theatres nationwide in the Philippines and is also distributed online. She is also a practicing Certified Hypnotherapist and the Editor-In-Chief of The Philippines Magazine, International. While she began her career in the original Canadian cast of MISS SAIGON at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, PRISON DANCER is her first theatrical work as a playwright. Carmen is a California native and life coach, cruise director and mominatrix to her 5 year old son, Phoenix Orison.

Ana Serrano (Producer)

Ana is the Founder and Director of CFC Media Lab, the world-renowned and award-winning institute for interactive storytelling she created in 1997 at the Canadian Film Centre. With her visionary direction and digitally-forward approach to organizational growth, Ana built the CFC Media Lab into a unique blend of training facility, incubator, and creative production house, that continually re-invents itself as new media demand new approaches – from the early exploration of Web-based entertainment, to today's world of mobile smart-phones and iPads. To date, she directed the development of over 130 interactive media projects, mentored over 50 start ups and produced some of Canada’s seminal works in interactive media including the influential Great Canadian Story Engine, one of the World’s first digital storytelling sites and Late Fragment the first interactive dramatic feature film to be featured at the Toronto International Film Festival and distributed by Mongrel Media. Ana is a three-time winner of awards from the Canadian new media industry, including Visionary of the Year and frequently speaks at digital media and film festivals throughout the world about the emerging realms of interactive art and entertainment.

Prison Dancer is her first independent “transmedia” production whose storyworld extends across the web, live theatre and mobile platforms. http://www.prisondancer.com

 

Jenn Rapp (DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER)

JENN RAPP is a Director/Choreographer living in NYC.  She recently worked on two Off-Broadway musicals, "Carrie" and "Lucky Guy," "Winner Take All" for FringeNYC, and an original rock musical, "Outlaws," for NYMF 2011.   Twice a year she boards a cruise ship to direct & choreograph the ongoing NCL production of LE CIRQUE BIJOU, a mix of aerial circus choreography and modern dance.   She has extensive experience mounting national and international tours of popular cartoon TV characters, putting the likes of Dora The Explorer, Spongebob Squarepants, Thomas The Train, Nemo and Scooby-Doo into original musical theatre productions.  She has traveled to numerous countries, working for companies such as Dreamworks, Nickelodeon, Disney Creative Entertainment, HIT Entertainment, and Warner Brothers Entertainment and worked with casts in English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, German, Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hebrew and French.

Jose Llana (CHRISTIAN ESCODERO)

Jose most recently appeared as President Ferdinand Marcos in David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim’s Here Lies Love (dir. Alex Timbers) at the Williamstown Theatre Festival prior to its World Premier at The Public Theater in Spring 2013.  Broadway: El Gato in Frank Wildhorn’s Wonderland (dir. Gregory Boyd), Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling (dir. James Lapine, Drama Desk Award), Wang Ta in Flower Drum Song (opposite Lea Salonga, dir. Bobby Longbottom), Angel in RENT (dir. Michael Grief), Jessie-Lee in Streetcorner Symphony and Lun Tha in the 1996 Revival of The King and I opposite Lou Diamond Phillips and Donna Murphy. Off-Broadway: Adam in Falling For Eve at The York Theatre, Gabey in On the Town (dir. George C. Wolfe, Delacorte/NYSF) and Adam Guettel’s Saturn Returns (dir. Tina Landau, Public Theater).  Regional: Cameron Mackintosh’s Martin Guerre (Guillaume, Guthrie Theater), Ballad of Little Jo (dir. Tina Landau, The Steppenwolf Theater, Jefferson Nomination - Best Supporting Actor) and Candide (The Prince Theater, Barrymore Nomination - Best Actor). Workshops:  Love’s Labour’s Lost (dir. Alex Timbers), Ever After (dir. Kathleen Marshall), The Kid  (dir. Scott Elliott), Allegiance (dir. Stafford Arima), Tales of the City (dir. Jason Moore), Havana (dir. Nilo Cruz), The Long Season  (dir. Peter duBois), Kafka’s Songs (dir. Diane Paulus), Melchior in Spring Awakening (dir. Michael Mayer), among others.  TV/film appearances include HBO’s Sex and the City opposite Margaret Cho and Hitch opposite Will Smith. 

Besides numerous cast albums and benefit CD’s, Jose is a best-selling recording artist in his native Philippines releasing his self-titled solo album under the VIVA Philippines label.

Jose is a constant advocate for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS & Broadway Impact for Marriage Equality. www.josellana.com

Jeigh Madjus (LOLA)

Born and raised in Toronto, Jeigh Madjus is currently playing Jacob in the 1st National Broadway tour of La Cage aux Folles. Past theatre roles include Mark in Altar Boyz (Angelwalk-Dora nominated), Chip Tolentino in Spelling Bee (STC) and Man 3 in Myths and Hymns (TIFT). Film/TV : Servitude. Jeigh is so excited to be doing Prison Dancer in NYC and to part of NYMF. Having been involved with the project since it's initial workshop in Toronto, he is so proud to be a part of a beautiful Filipino story. Salamat to Derrick Chua for introducing him to Romeo. To Romeo and Carmen for creating this piece of work that celebrates what is it to be a Filipino and to Ana for getting it out to there. Salamat to Pete and everyone at Talent House and most of all his Parents, brother and family for all their love and support AND for being Filipino. 

Catherine Ricafort (CHERISH)

Catherine is currently appearing on Broadway as “Ali” in Mamma Mia! While working on her Masters degree in Engineering Management AT USC, Catherine moved to New York City to finally chase her dream of being a performer! Other favorite projects include NBC’s “The Sing-Off”, in which she appeared as a member and featured performer of “The Backbeats” who placed in the Final 3. She also enjoyed touring the country playing the principal role of Connie with the Broadway National Tour of “A Chorus Line.” Catherine originated the role of Cherish in Prison Dancer: The Interactive Webmusical. 

Albert Guerzon (TONDO)

ALBERT GUERZON is currently in Ghost on Broadway.  Fav credits include Mamma Mia! (Broadway and 2nd National Tour),  The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Twyla Tharp, The Wiz (La Jolla),  Cutman (Goodspeed), David Byrne’s Here Lies Love (Public Theater), and Flower Drum Song (50th Anniversary).  Albert choreographed for Kaci Battaglia feat Ludacris, Emii feat. Snoop Dogg, and NY Fashion week.  Check out www.albertguerzon.com.   LOVE YOU ES!

Andrew Eisenman (THE WARDEN)

Andrew Eisenman has worked with NYSF/Public Theater, Ma-Yi Theater, National Asian American Theater Company, Lark Theatre, IMUA! Theater, The New Group, Immigrants’ Theater Project, Diverse City Theater, Fluid Motion Film & Theater, Living Image Arts, American Bard Theater Company and Leviathan Lab. TV & Film credits include The Sopranos, Rigodon, Cardiac Arrest, Missy, The Vanished, Johnny Loves Dolores, Pagpag.

Marc delaCruz (HOOKAPS)

 

Marc is excited to join the inmates of Prison Dancer!  This is his NYMF debut. New York credits include various readings, concerts and workshops such as David Byrne's HERE LIES LOVE (dir. Alex Timbers, The Public Theater), Jason Ma's GOLD MOUNTAIN (Hunter College), PhilDev's SUITES BY SONDHEIM (Lincoln Center), Timothy Huang's AND THE EARTH MOVED (CAP21) and Will Parker in OKLAHOMA! (dir. Baayork Lee, National Asian Artists Project).  Other credits include Dara in the world premier of WHERE ELEPHANTS WEEP in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the first national tour of Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and work in several regional houses such as the 5th Avenue Theatre, Village Theatre, San Jose Repertory and North Carolina Theatre.  Maraming salamat to the creators and previous casts of Prison Dancer for bringing this show to life!  

 

Moses Villarama (SHAKESPEARE)

Moses’ regional credits include Arabian Nights (Kansas City Rep); Elephant Man,Working, King Lear, A Christmas Carol, Amadeus, Season’s Greetings, 1001, and The Ladies of the Camellias (Denver Center); and Fornicated From The Beatles (A.R.T.’s Emerging America Festival).  New York productions include One Fat Day In Babylon,Lifetime Fairytale, Romeo & Juliet and In The Zone (Columbia Stages); and Henry VI, Part 3 (Wide Eyed Productions).  He received his training at the National Theatre Conservatory and is a regular performer in Shotz  with aMios Theater Company.  This summer you can catch a remount of Fornicated From The Beatles in New York. www.fornicatedfromthebeatles.com

Enrico Rodriguez (NANA)

 

Broadway/Off-Broadway: BIG-THE MUSICAL (Original Bway Cast), RENT (Steve, Angel u/s), ZANNA DON'T! (Mike, original cast), FAME on 42nd St (Joe Vegas u/s), RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR; National Tours: MAMMA MIA! (Pepper), RENT (Angel u/s, Benny Tour), MISS SAIGON. Regional: MISS SAIGON (Walnut Street Theatre, Houston TUTS, Pittsburgh CLO), FOOTLOOSE (Ren, North Shore Music Theatre), CRAZY FOR YOU, BYE, BYE BIRDIE, WEST SIDE STORY (Pittsburgh CLO). Cast recordings: ZANNA DON'T, FAME, BIG. Readings/workshops: ALLEGIANCE (Young Sam), SKIPPYJON JONES (Skippyjon), Maury Yeston's PEONY PAVILION, BRING IT ON. 

 

Cosmo Clemens (Oo Oo)

Cosmo Clemens is thrilled to be making his NYMF debut in Prison Dancer. Cosmo is a recent graduate of Indiana University (BFA in Musical Theatre). His regional credits include: Chip Tolentino (Spelling Bee), Gangster No. 1 (The Drowsy Chaperone), The Wiz (The Wiz). Collegiate credits include: Rent, West Side Story, Anything Goes. www.CosmoClemens.com

Nathan Ramos (GUARD/SWING)

Nathan Ramos is so excited to be making his NYMF debut in Prison Dancer.  He spent the last two years as an Actor/Teacher at the Great Lakes Theater.  NY Credits: THE AWESOME 80's PROM Regional Credits include: FEVER/DREAM (Cleveland Public Theatre), ANYTHING GOES, MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, DRACULA (Monomoy Theatre), BFA in Theatre Performance from Ohio University.

Alexander Rovang (MUSICAL DIRECTOR)

Alexander Rovang is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory, which is about as far from the Philippines as you can get.  Having worked internationally in both musical theatre and opera, his recent credits include the Chinese Tour of Fame, Sawdust Palace w/ Susan Marshall & Co., Monkey: Journey to the West at the Spoleto Festival (USA), and John Mercurio’s multi-award winning show Academy which garnered him a Carbonell nomination for Music Direction.  A native Nebraskan, and lifelong fan of Garrison Keillor, Alexander hopes someday to get a real job like his mother (a cardiologist) or completely throw in the towel and race motorcycles like his dad.  www.luckbedamned.biz

Ricky Whitfield (ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER)

Ricky is a Northern California native who currently resides in NYC.  Ricky is excited to be working as the Associate Director/Choreographer for PRISON DANCER : THE MUSICAL at the 2012 New York Musical Theatre Festival. Ricky served as Associate Choreographer to Tanisha Scott (Choreographer for Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Beyonce) on the musical THIS ONE GIRL'S STORY, which was also part of the 2011 New York Musical Theatre Festival. Ricky is the Director of the musical BAND ON THE RUN for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Ricky also serves as the Resident Associate Director/Choreographer for LE CIRQUE BIJOU for Norwegian Cruise Lines.  Ricky recently worked as Director/Choreographer for the musical WINTER WONDERETTES at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre in Lewisburg, WV. Ricky has mounted such shows as HOLLYWOOD TO BROADWAY (Shanghai Center Theatre, China) and THOMAS AND FRIENDS LIVE! (US/Australian/UK Tours). As a performer, Ricky has done national and international tours of shows such as RENT and A CHORUS LINE. Ricky also worked as a back-up dancer for recording artists Jesse McCartney and Paul McCartney. As an instructor, Ricky teaches Hip Hop and Musical Theatre at CRUNCH Fitness NYC and various Dance Studios from the East Coast to Hawaii. www.rickywhitfield.com.

 

Betsy Adams (LIGHTING DESIGNER)

Betsy Adams is a New York-based Lighting Designer whose work has been seen from Alaska to London.  She designed Outlaws, directed by Jenn Rapp, for NYMF last year. Recent designs include Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet for the Juilliard School; Always…Patsy Cline for Cincinnati Playhouse; the world premiere of When I Come to Die for Lincoln Center, LCT3 at The Duke (Lortel Award nomination); and the tour of The Laramie Project +The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later. Among the many world premieres she has designed are The People’s Temple (Berkeley Rep); The Laramie Project (Denver Center Theatre); and Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde. (Lortel Award nominations for NY productions of Laramie and Gross Indecency). Her work has also been seen on the stages of Alabama Shakespeare Festival; Arena Stage; Baltimore Center Stage; Gielgud Theatre (London); Guthrie Theater; Irish Rep; La Jolla Playhouse; Mark Taper Forum, Paper Mill Playhouse; Perseverance Theater; San Diego Opera; Seattle Opera; and Westport Country Playhouse. Her company, Blue Hill Design, provides lighting design services for corporate events worldwide. Projects include product launches for Pfizer, Gillette, and IBM (Radio City Music Hall) and the James Beard Foundation Awards at Avery Fisher Hall.

Travis Brendle (STAGE MANAGER)

NYC: CARRIE (MCC Theatre); Motel Cherry (Clubbed Thumb/New Georges), Quake (Imported Talent). Regional: The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil (Cirque du Soleil/MGM Resorts); Sweet Charity, Cabaret, Oklahoma (Summer Stock Austin); Becky's New Car, The Marvelous Wonderettes (Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati). Upcoming: Pre-Broadway workshop of One For My Baby: The New Harold Arlen Musical. CCM Grad. Proud AEA Member. www.travisbrendle.com

Angela Kiessel (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER)

Angela F. Kiessel is a freelance stage manager and member of At Hand Theatre Company.  Favorite credits include MCC’s Carrie, At Hand's As Wide As I Can See, StarKid Productions’s Starship, The Active Theater’s Magnetic North, and the Weathervane Theatre’s 2008-2010 seasons.  She is a proud member of AEA and graduate of the University of Michigan.  Thanks and love to Travis, Jenn, and Jeff