written by
Gregory Jafari Van Acker
set/projection design by
Scott Lilly
musical arrangements
and orchestrations by
Sinuhé Padilla
lighting design by
Anna Carhart
musical direction by
Felipe Fournier
costume design by
Christopher Vergara
choreography by
Argélia Arreola
sound design by
Nathan Leigh
directed by
Elena Araoz
Cast
Sugar Skull
Valeria Aceves (ella/they/she)
is a proud Mexican actor and Neighborhood Playhouse graduate. Credits include Rock of Ages (Wolfie Award for Best Newcomer), The Waiting Room, and Ferdinand: The Musical. A preschool teacher by day and babysitter by night, Valeria combines artistic passion with inspiring young audiences. This performance honors their abuela.
Vita
Yuliana Sleme (she/her)
began with Mexico's "Mosca Morada Teatro" in productions like Beauty and the Beast and Little Shop of Horrors. NY credits include "Abandon All Hope" and "Pieces of People." Film work spans "Death on The Border" (Amazon) to "Poker Face" (Peacock), earning Best Actress awards at multiple festivals.
Mama/ Abuelita
Brenda Flores (she/her)
is a Los Angeles-based actor, dancer, and choreographer bridging tradition and imagination. Starting Mexican Folklore at 16, she toured internationally with Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernández. As Disney Treasure's inaugural cast member, she developed Plaza de Coco, portraying multiple characters including the spirited dancer Marisol of Santa Cecilia.
Marigold/La Bruja
Felicia B. Avalos (she/her)
is a dynamic tejana storyteller and NYC-based educator. Her original works blend cultural heritage with social activism, gracing stages from DC to Australia. She collaborated with artist/activist Guillermo Gómez-Peña and holds advanced degrees from George Washington University and NYU. This marks her third year touring with SUGAR SKULL.
Ancestor/Chaneque
Christopher Cortez (he/his)
a California native, began Folklorico training at 17 through Righetti High's programs, earning his AA in Fine Arts: Dance from Allan Hancock College. Since relocating to NYC in 2012, he's performed with prestigious companies and artists including Lila Downs and Los Tigres del Norte, graduating from Alvin Ailey in 2015.
ACKNOWLEGEMENTS
“El Coco” Puppet Designer—Jessica Scott
Additional costumes and props—Jules Peiperl, Benjamin Hidalgo, Alda Reuter
Voice Over Actors—Cynthia Bastidas, Eliud Kauffman
Casting by Gregory Jafari Van Acker, The Casting Collaborative
Producers
Rhythm of the Arts was founded in 2005 in NYC to provide a platform for culturally specific performing arts companies to reach greater audiences. We celebrate authentic storytelling, multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural collaborations, and live music.
We produce. We connect.
We provide consulting services for artists, cultural institutions, and performing arts centers.