Evita

Richard Bermudez (Che) is making his Skylight debut having previously performed Che for Musical Theater West opposite Davis Gaines and most recently for Drury Lane Productions (Joseph Jefferson Award winner). Other credits include Giorgio in Passion (Boston Court), Tarzan in Tarzan the Musical (Performance Riverside), Valentin in Kiss of the Spiderwoman (Welk Resort, Craig Noel Award winner), The Stoker in Titanic, Radames in Aida, Marius in Les Misérables (Moonlight Amphitheater), and Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Candlelight Pavilion).

Gabriel Burdette (Ensemble, ECP) has been seen in shows throughout Wisconsin such as Hair, Urinetown, Little Women, and most recently as Crutchie in Newsies at Sunset Playhouse. When not on stage he can be caught behind the sewing machine, fixing it, being a costume connoisseur, or altering clothes for his family. As a Milwaukee native, Gabriel is overjoyed to be a part of Skylight’s Early Career Professional Internship Program and can’t wait to make his Skylight debut!

Alexis Cimoch (Ensemble, ECP) is thrilled to be part of the Early Career Professional program and make her Skylight debut! Alexis holds a BA in musical theatre from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Favorite university credits include Amy March in Little Women, Hope Cladwell in Urinetown, Jenny Hill in Big Fish and Lana Sherwood in War of the Worlds. Special thanks to family and friends for their constant love and support. Instagram: @alexiscimoch

Christian Feliciano (Magaldi) is a proud Boricua making his Skylight Music Theatre debut. Regional credits include Roy in A Chorus Line at Stages St. Louis, Snoring Man in White Christmas at Fireside Theatre, Juan in Man of La Mancha at Porthouse Theatre, and George in Sunday in the Park with George at Cohen Theatre. Many thanks to his agents at Clear Talent Group. Much love to Sett and his family. @christian.felic

Kaleigh Rae Gamache (Ensemble) has been performing on international stages while traveling as a widely published photographer. She’s been seen as Queen of the Night in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with BARE Opera and Manhattan Opera Studio, in roles of Somtow Sucharitkul’s Das Jati world premiere operas in Bangkok, Thailand with Opera Siam, and the one-woman monodrama in the title role in The Diary of Anne Frank by Grigori Frid also with Opera Siam. Other notable performances include the Maid in Thomas Adès’ Powder Her Face  with Skylight Music Theatre and Cunegonde in Candide with Third Avenue Playhouse. She received her BFA in Opera/ Vocal Performance and Minor in German from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and received her Zertifikat in Germany at the Folkwang Universität der Künste.

King Hang (Ensemble/ECP) is ecstatic to be a part of the Early Career Professionals program with Skylight. A recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, King is a proud Milwaukee resident. Recent credits include A Jolly Holiday at Skylight Music Theatre, Much Ado About Nothing (Claudio) with Summit Players Theatre, The Mole Hill Stories (Moon) and Freaky Friday (Louis) with Children’s Theatre of Madison, Macbeth (Banquo) with Sunstone Studios, and Miracle on 34th Street (Wallace) with Forte Theatre Company. 

Lucia Harris (Young Performer) is honored to be making her Skylight Music Theater debut in Evita. She has previously appeared in four productions at First Stage, most recently as Rudolph in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical. She also plays ukulele, guitar and volleyball and enjoys hanging out with friends and family. 

Emily Honigman (Young Performer) is so grateful to make her Skylight debut! She is 11 years old and a sixth grader at Whitefish Bay Middle School. Emily recently appeared in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at First Stage (Clarice). Offstage, she enjoys playing violin with MYSO, writing, soccer, and spending time with family and friends. 

Mariano Logiudice (Tango Dancer) performed in New York City Center’s Evita as a tango soloist and featured couple, and at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York. He was in Tango of the Americas at Washington DC’s Kennedy  Center with the Pan American Symphony Orchestra, and at Rochester’s Kodak Theatre with the Philharmonic Orchestra. He danced with Tango Argentino at the 2021 closing ceremonies of the World Tango championship in Buenos Aires and has participated in numerous tango festivals around the world.

Guillermina Quiroga (Tango Dancer/ Associate Choreographer) was chosen by The New York Times in The Best Dance of 2015. She is renowned for appearances in Tango Argentino  and Forever Tango on Broadway; EVITA 19 World Tango tour with Julio Iglesias; her own Tango, Historias Breves; Tango Magic at Carnegie Hall; and Evita at NY City Center. Her choreography includes “Libertango” for Olympic gold medalists Grishuk-Platov, and the finale of Forever Tango (Tony nomination). She appeared in the movies Valentina’s Tango and 12 Tangos.

Adam Qutaishat (Ensemble) is a Milwaukee-based theatre artist. Previous Skylight credits include ensemble in Carmina Burana, and as Richard Dauntless in Ruddigore. Acting highlights include work with Milwaukee Rep, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, The House Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Next Act Theatre, and Theo Ubique. Adam also serves as Associate Artistic Director for Music Theatre of Madison, Artistic Associate for All In Productions, and as the creator of audio fiction podcast company Button Podcasts. adamqutaishat.com

Ashley Rodriguez (Perón’s Mistress) was last seen at Skylight as Hattie in Kiss Me, Kate. She recently performed various roles in Renaissance Theaterworks’ Best of Brink Briefs. She returned to her former college, the College of Lake County, as a guest artist portraying the Witch in Into the Woods.

Rána Roman (Eva Perón) is a Milwaukee native whose previous Skylight credits include Lilli/ Kate in Kiss Me, Kate, Yum-Yum in Hot Mikado and Nina in In the Heights. Most recently, Rána was seen at the Milwaukee Rep, as Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre in Mala, at First Stage Theater, as Mámi in On the Wings of a Mariposa, and at Forward Theater of Madison, as Ella in Life Sucks.

Andrew Varela (Juan Perón) has been seen on Broadway and in National Tours of Les Misérables (Jean Valjean, Javert) Phantom of the Opera (The Phantom), Little Women (Prof. Bhaer), Roundabout’s Sunday in the Park with George (Jules); South Pacific in concert at Carnegie Hall. Skylight credits include Sweeney Todd (Sweeney), Les Misérables (Javert), Wizard of Oz (Lion), The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King), Annie (Warbucks) and Kiss Me, Kate (Fred). Other Milwaukee credits include Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Guys and Dolls (Big Jule) and Titanic (Ismay). For Susan.

Sarah Zapiain (Ensemble, ECP) is a Milwaukee based performer and director with a BA in Theatre from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Additionally, Sarah has trained with Shakespeare & Company and British-American Drama Academy.  She recently appeared in The Sound of Music (Maria) and Little Women the Musical (Jo March) with Forte Theatre. Other credits include Maria in The Tamer (Sunstone Studios), and The Porter/Witch #2 in Macbeth (Voices Found Repertory) and Louise in Gypsy (The Snug Theatre).

Gustavo Zajac (Director and Choreographer) was most recently Director and Choreographer for  Guys and Dolls  at Arkansas Rep and  Choreographer for  Carmen  at New York City’s Lincoln Center. On Broadway he was Associate Choreographer for  the Tony Award-winning revival of Nine with Antonio Banderas and Chita Rivera, and Associate Choreographer for  Fiddler on the Roof  starring Alfred Molina.  He  choreographed  Evita at Repertory Theater of St. Louis, and  Pirates of Penzance at City Center. In Asia, he directed  Yerma, Blood Wedding, Bernarda Alba, Fiddler on the Roof, Barnum,  and  Cyrano.  In Buenos Aires, his hometown, he directed An Act of God, Fiddler on the Roof, Victor Victoria, and Man of La Mancha, among others. http://www.gustavozajac.com

David Bonofiglio (Music Director) holds a BFA in piano performance from Cardinal Stritch University. Selected credits as musical director: Mamma Mia!, The Full Monty, Little Shop Of Horrors, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Oklahoma, Urinetown, and Pippin for Skylight Music Theatre; Little By Little, Scrooge In Rouge, A Cudahy Caroler Christmas, and Jesus Christ Superstar for In Tandem Theatre; Sunday In The Park With George for Windfall Theatre. As assistant musical director: A Christmas Carol for Milwaukee Repertory Theatre.

Erik D. Diaz (Scenic Designer) is excited to return to Skylight for Evita. He is the Director of Technical Theatre and Design at the Noble and Greenough School. Regional credits: Chicken & Biscuits (FrontPorchArts), Peter and the Star Catcher (POTS),  Between Riverside and Crazy – IRNE Winner, (SpeakEasy), Guys and Dolls (NSMT),  Heisenberg (TheatreWorks C.S.), Mary Poppins (CSFAC). TV: HGTV’s Designed to Sell, CBS–WBZTV Boston.  Proud member USA Local829. Love to Holly, Ezra and Zander. www. DESIGNBYDIAZ.com

Kristina Sneshkoff (Costume Designer) A designer and educator by trade, her regional design credits include Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Skylight Music Theatre, Children’s Theater of Madison, FirstStage, Forward Theater Co., Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, McLeod Summer Playhouse, Ivoryton Playhouse, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Barrington Stage Co, Two River Theatre Co., Seaside REP, Florida Studio Theatre, Asolo REP, Opera New Jersey, Ballet Nouveau Colorado. Previous faculty positions at UW20 Skylight Music Theatre 2022-2023 Season Stevens Point, Rutgers University, Princeton University, Western CT State University, North Park University. www.kristinasneshkoff.com

Latrice Lovett (Lighting Designer) (M.F.A. UMKC, B.A. NCCU) resides in the triad area of North Carolina. She designs lighting for theatre and live entertainment. She’s also been working with different companies on her project L.I.T. (Lighting in Theatre), where she teaches the basics of lighting/minimal designs. Other Credits: Stick Fly (The Playmakers Repertory); The Mountaintop (Heritage Theatre Festival), Five Guys Named Moe (Skylight Music Theatre), Jitney (Pittsburgh Playwrights).

Chad Parsley (Sound Designer) is a Chicago based Sound Designer who is delighted to return to Skylight after designing sound for Hunchback of Notre Dame. Other designs include The Book of Mormon (Networks Entertainment), Jersey Boys (Norwegian Cruise Lines), Emma (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Joseph and … (Dallas Theater Center), The Wiz (Dallas Theater Center). Chad has spent the last 25 years working in the sound departments of Hamilton: An American Musical, The Book of Mormon, SIX, and many more.

Lane Palmer (Projections Designer/Assistant Audio Supervisor) makes their regional theatre design debut with Evita! In addition to audio, they are also a lighting and video technician. Lane is Skylight’s main operator for the audio board and can be seen in the Dress Circle running it during most shows. Lane would like to thank their partner, Annabelle, for all of her support and encouragement. Enjoy the show!

Kate L. Ferdinandi (Production Stage Manager) is elated to be a part of the team at Skylight! Regionally, Kate has worked at theatres from Colorado to Rhode Island (her home state), and many places in between, since 2008. Favorite productions have included The Bridges of Madison County (Colorado Springs FAC), Fiddler on the Roof (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), Mamma Mia! (Theatre By The Sea), and White Christmas at Ocean State Theatre Company. Thanks to mom for the roots and wings! Proud AEA member.

Susan Varela (Interim Executive Director) Originally from Milwaukee and a graduate of UW-Stevens Point, her professional career as a performer has taken her from the Broadway stage (Les Misérables) to the Skylight stage (Les Misérables, Into the Woods, Wizard of Oz, Sweeney Todd). She has performed at the Denver Center Theatre (Tony Award-winning season) and the Yale Repertory Theatre, among others. She has been Skylight’s Director of Artistic Operations since 2019. 30-year member of AEA.

Michael Unger (Artistic Director) For Skylight, Michael has directed Dennis DeYoung’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Little Shop of Horrors and A Jolly Holiday before that, amongst many virtual offerings, he directed the Broadway World Award-winning Being Earnest, now available worldwide online. He was previously Associate Artistic Director of Off-Broadway’s York Theatre, credits included You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and Big. For nine years, he was the Producing Artistic Director of NewArts, started with a local father in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy; directing 17 productions working with over 650 area-children. Other selected directing credits include A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theatre for 18 years), Two Point Oh (NY Times Critics’ Pick), Time Stands Still (Cape Cod Chronicle Best 2015), My Sister in This House (Deaf West, Ovation Recommended), and new versions of The Happy Time and The Rink. World premieres include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Caligula, and A ROCKIN’ Midsummer Night’s Dream (featured in the award-winning documentary film “Midsummer in Newtown”). He has directed 14 operas plus benefit concerts honoring Susan Stroman, André DeShields, Maltby and Shire, and Leslie Uggams, as well as for the communities of Sandy Hook, CT and Parkland, FL.

Marion Frank (Assistant to the Director, ECP) is proud to pioneer the Directing ECP position for Skylight’s 22-23 season! Marion recently graduated from Knox College with a major in Theatre and minors in German and Dance. Directing credits include The Violent Outburst That Drew Me To You, Let Me Hear You Whisper, and Machinal, which she conducted as her undergraduate Honors Thesis project. She looks forward to learning more from Skylight’s theatre artists this year.

Tim Rice (Lyricist) has worked in music, theatre and films since 1965 when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, a fellow struggling songwriter. Their works together include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. Tim has since worked with other distinguished popular composers such as Elton John (The Lion King, Aida), Alan Menken (Aladdin, King David, Beauty and the Beast), Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Chess), and Stuart Brayson (From Here to Eternity). He has also written with Freddie Mercury, Burt Bacharach and Rick Wakeman among others. As an EGOT, he is one of only 17 people in the world to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award. He was knighted by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1994.

Andrew Lloyd Webber (Composer)   has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. From Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat  (1969) to  Bad Cinderella  (2022), his work has been consistently seen on world stages. When Sunset Boulevard joined School Of Rock, CATS and The Phantom Of the Opera,  he equaled Rodgers & Hammerstein’s record of four shows running simultaneously on Broadway. He is one of the select group of artists with EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards.

Actors’ Equity Association (“Equity”), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 50,000 actors and stage managers. Equity seeks to foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. #EquityWorks

• REVIEW: 4 Reasons to See ‘Evita’ at Skylight Music Theatre – Milwaukee Magazine
• The Art and Politics of ‘Evita’ – Shepherd Express
• REVIEW: Singer Does Justice to ‘Evita’ in Skylight Musical Theatre Production – Shepherd Express
• REVIEW: EVITA Wins Hearts & Raises the Bar at SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE – BroadwayWorld
• REVIEW: Skylight Music Theatre presents: EVITA – Ozaukee Living Local
• REVIEW: 3 reasons to see Skylight Music Theatre’s musical ‘Evita’ – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• REVIEW: “Evita” Milwaukee reviewed by Amy Menzel – Around the Town Chicago
• Meet the Star of Skylight Music Theatre’s ‘Evita’ – Milwaukee Magazine
• Director Gustavo Zajac brings Argentine heritage to Skylight Music Theatre's 'Evita' – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• Skylight Music Theatre Announces Cast, Creative Team for Seven-time Tony Award-Winning Musical "Evita"