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Meet The Cast of

On your feet

Albo

GABY ALBO

Garnica

SAMUEL GARNICA

Quesada340

CLAUDIA QUESADA

Ana-Alvarez340

ANA MARIA ALVAREZ

arias340

CHARLOTTE ARIAS

josephson

TALIA JOSEPHSON

HIkari Salgado

ANGEL HIKARI SALGADO

Diana Marilyn Alvarez - Headshot - Diana Marilyn Alvarez

DIANA MARILYN ALVAREZ

Benninghoff

CRISTINA BENNINGHOFF

IvanJames - Ivan James

IVAN JAMES

Cartaya

HENRY CARTAYA

Castillo340

LILLIAN CASTILLO

Colon

BRYANNA CIERA COLON

Coppola340

JOHN MICHAEL COPPOLA

Evoto

SAMANTHA GUERRERO

Mena

ESTEFANIA MENA

Thomas Ortiz - Headshot - Thomas Ortiz

THOMAS ORTIZ

OrtizEsteban340

ESTEBAN ORTIZ-VILLACORTA

Ramirez

CHRISTOPHER LLEWYN RAMIREZ

Xander Ramirez Headshot (2) - Xander Ramirez

XANDER RAMIREZ

Samano

JOCELYN SAMANO

Screenshot

MARTIN ORTIZ TAPIA

Uriostegui

JOHANTHAN URIOSTEGUI

Viruet

STEPHANIE VIRUET

Alex Llorca. Headshot1

ALEX LLORCA

BIOGRAPHY

Albo

GABY ALBO (Gloria Estefan) Proudly Mexican! Excited to join this new company after touring around the country and doing the Spanish world premiere of On Your Feet! Which granted her first Helen Hayes Award.  This show changed her life and she is very honored for coming back to the Chicago area to share this inspiring story with you. Other credits include Anne Boleyn in Six, Anita in West Side Story, Eva in Evita, Broadway’s Rising Stars,  as well as being a semifinalist in The Voice México.  She hopes to touch your heart today. Be part of the journey @gaby.albo

BIOGRAPHY

Garnica

SAMUEL GARNICA (Emilio Estefan) is a Venezuelan actor, singer, and voice-over artist based in New York City. He holds a degree in Social Communication with a concentration in Audiovisual Arts from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (UCAB). His credits include On Your Feet! (2nd Broadway National Tour and GALA Theater) as Emilio Estefan, El Laurel de Apolo and La Canción (Repertorio Español), The Tempest (R.Evolución Latina), Matilda: The Musical, and works with Teatro SEA. His training includes SITI Company, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, Paul Calderon’s Acting Studio, and R.Evolución Latina’s Dare to Go Beyond program. He has received a Helen Hayes nomination and multiple ATI, HOLA, ACE, LATA, and Fuerza Fest awards.

BIOGRAPHY

Quesada340

CLAUDIA QUESADA (Gloria Fajardo) is a Cuban born Chicago based actor, singer and stiltwalker. She is excited to be making her Drury Lane debut! Claudia recently performed her one-woman show Always, Cuba, produced by Mikey O at UrbanTheater Company. Some of her Chicago credits include An Educated Guess (Definition Theatre, Jeff Awards Best Performer-Principal Nomination); Somewhere Over the Border (Teatro Vista, Jeff Awards Winner); Off-Broadway: frikiNation (National Queer Theater). She has worked with Court Theatre, Jackalope Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Aguijón Theater, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Nashville Children’s Theatre, among others. TV: Chicago Med (821). She is part of the Artistic Collective at Teatro Vista and is proudly represented by Stewart Talent. IG @claudiaquesada1

BIOGRAPHY

Ana-Alvarez340

ANA MARIA ALVAREZ (Consuelo) is thrilled to make her debut at Drury Lane in “On Your Feet”; a huge honor since she’s Cubana! Credits: Chicago Theatre: Metropolis, Goodman, Steppenwolf, Mercury, Redtwist, Halcyon. Repertorio Español NYC, London Savoyards. Voices radio & TV spots, animations, Stearns Pinball, toys, Disney books, podcasts; Make-Believe Assoc., Hoof Beats in my Heart. Film: The Fugitive, Nothing Like the Holidays, Cup of my Blood, Dream Police, Hindsight, “Hear, Hear”! TV co- star: Chicago PD, Chicago Med, Emperor of Ocean Park, NeXt, The CHI, Proven Innocent, Exorcist, Sirens, Early Edition and Unsolved Mysteries. Love my familia and Shirley Hamilton’s!

BIOGRAPHY

arias340

CHARLOTTE ARIAS (Little Gloria) is thrilled to be back on the Drury Lane stage! Her recent credits include Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars (Stella, TimeLine Theatre), A Christmas Carol (Tiny Tim, Drury Lane Theatre), and Ragtime (Ensemble, Highland Park Players). Charlotte is grateful for the love and support of her family, friends, and coaches.

BIOGRAPHY

josephson

TALIA JOSEPHSON (Little Gloria) is honored to make her theatre debut at Drury Lane. She discovered her passion for performing at Skyline Children’s Theater, where she appeared as Rose in Beauty and the Beast Jr. and as Moana in Moana Jr. Talia extends her heartfelt gratitude to her vocal coach, Liliana Uhe, as well as her teachers, friends, and family for their unwavering support and encouragement. She is proudly represented by BMG Talent. Instagram: @taliajosephson.

BIOGRAPHY

HIkari Salgado

ANGEL HIKARI SALGADO (Nayib/Young Emilio) is one of the KIDZ BOP Kids, part of the popular music group known for its family-friendly covers of today’s biggest pop hits. His artistic journey began at The Ailey School, where he trains in dance. Proud of his Puerto Rican heritage, he grew up bilingual in Spanish and English and has appeared in several television commercials, including T-Mobile, and voiced national campaigns for Walmart and KFC. His stage credits include Roméo et Juliette and AIDA at The Metropolitan Opera, Barba: A Brazilian Body Percussion Musical, and Jennifer Lopez’s recently filmed movie Kiss of the Spider Woman*.

BIOGRAPHY

Diana Marilyn Alvarez - Headshot - Diana Marilyn Alvarez

DIANA MARILYN ALVAREZ (Ensemble, Rebecca Fajardo, Amelia)is thrilled to be making her Drury Lane debut! She is a Chicago-based theatre/commercial actor, and a proud Boricua. Recent credits include: Annie, Godspell (Music Theater Works), Elephant & Piggie (Young People’s Theatre), New Faces Sing Broadway Now (Porchlight Music Theatre), and Milo Imagines the World (Chicago Children’s Theatre). You may have also spotted her face in an ad or two–working with companies like CAVA, Rakuten, and the Chicago Cubs! Diana is represented by DDO Artists Agency. Much love to her darling Callan and wonderful family–“I’d do anything for you”. ¡WEPA! @dianamarilynalvarez | dianamarilynalvarez.com

BIOGRAPHY

Benninghoff

CRISTINA BENNINGHOFF (Ensemble) is honored to be telling this story at Drury Lane. From Bogotá, Colombia, Cristina moved to Chicago to earn her BFA in Musical Theatre with a Dance Concentration at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, and she will be graduating this spring!  Past credits include In the Heights and Always Something There… at Marriott Theatre, Grease at Metropolis Performing Arts Center, Spectacular Spectacular with [producingbody], and original productions from Misi Producciones in Bogotá. Cristina would like to thank her family and friends for their unconditional love and support. ¡Vamos con toda! @cristinabghoff

BIOGRAPHY

IvanJames - Ivan James

IVAN JAMES (Ensemble, Jose Fajardo, Guitarrista, Airport Solist) is excited to be making his debut in On Your Feet! He would like to thank BAM Theatre for reigniting his passion for the stage where he most recently played Snyder in Newsies and King Triton in Little Mermaid. He would also like to thank his agents at TXA for all of their belief and support – as well as Luis Salgado for taking a risk on an unproven artist. This performance is dedicated to all his friends and family – especially his wife Brenda and kids Nora and Jonah. Mira mami, lo hice!

BIOGRAPHY

Cartaya

HENRY CARTAYA (Swing, u/s Marquito/Guitarrista/Big Paquito/Marcello Track, Guitarrista/Latin DJ/Dr. Neuwirth Track, Chris/Antonio/DJ Jimmy Mack Voiceover Track) is incredibly happy to be a part of the awesome community at Drury Lane for the first time with the company of On Your Feet! Having graduated with a BFA in Music Theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University, he is very grateful to be able to present his authentic self on stage and to be apart of such a talented cast. Special thanks to Mom, Dad, and Harry! Enjoy the show!

BIOGRAPHY

Castillo340

LILLIAN CASTILLO (Ensemble, Lucia, Nena, u/s Gloria Fajardo & Consuelo) is happy to return to the Drury Lane Stage. Chicago Credits include In the Heights, Joseph, 1776, and Cinderella at the Marriott Theatre; Music Man at the Goodman Theatre; Comedy of Errors, Ride The Cyclone and Taming of the Shrew at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre; Hairspray, West Side Story and Steel Magnolias at Drury Lane Theatre;vYoung Frankenstein at Mercury Theatre. Regional Credits include In the Heights, Titanic and The Nerd at Milwaukee Rep; Hairspray at Phoenix Theatre and Arkansas Rep; Macbeth, Taming of the Shrew, Christmas Carol and HMS Pinafore at Utah Shakespeare Festival. AEA/SAGAFTRA

BIOGRAPHY

Colon

BRYANNA CIERA COLON (Ensemble, Gloria Double, Rachel, u/s Gloria Estefan) is so excited to be back at Drury Lane! Select credits include: Grease (Metropolis), A Christmas Carol (Drury Lane), The Art of Bowing (Haven Chicago), A Chorus Line (Drury Lane), Alma (American Blues Theater), In the Heights (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), and more. Some of her onscreen credits include Chicago Fire (NBC), The Big Leap (FOX). Bryanna is represented by Big Mouth Talent (Chicago, IL) and managed by Luber Roklin Entertainment (Los Angeles, CA). Bryanna is a proud SAG-AFTRA Member as well as an Artistic Affiliate at American Blues Theater. Keep up with her on Instagram! @bryannacieracolon. WEPAAAAAA!

BIOGRAPHY

Coppola340

JOHN MICHAEL COPPOLA (Ensemble, Phil, Newscaster Voiceover, John Bon Jovi Voiceover) This is JMC’s return to the stage in a “book show” in 12 years! Since his last theatrical appearance, he has been a busy producer, director and choreographer. Recent credits: “Fiddler” (Drury Lane – Associate Choreographer), “Jersey Boys” (Timber Lake Playhouse – Director/Choreographer), “Jersey Boys” (Music Theatre Wichita – Associate Director/Associate Choreographer). He is the producer/creator of the National touring act, “The Four C Notes” and of “The Chicago Theater-Makers Podcast”. Favorite roles to date – extremely lucky husband to Rachel and proud father to Michael. For more information, please visit johnmichaelcoppola.com. Thank you for supporting live theater!

BIOGRAPHY

Evoto

SAMANTHA GUERRERO (Ensemble, Robin, Dance Captain) is thrilled to debut at the Drury Lane Theater in “On Your Feet!”. She is an instructor, choreographer, and minority owner of Mayambo (Mayambo.com). She travels teaching, performing and competing, recently winning in Pro/Am Salsa Cabaret at the World Summit. Sam is a proud partner of the Chicago International Salsa Congress, and a contributor to “Poor Unfortunate Souls”. Dancer by night, salon owner by day at Somie Beauty (somiebeauty.com). Sam thanks her friends, family, husband Del, and pups Macho, Ozzie, and Pepper for their immense love and support. IG @sam_mayambo

BIOGRAPHY

Mena

ESTEFANIA MENA (Swing, u/s Rebecca Fajardo/Amelia Track, Gloria Double/Rachel Track, Lucia/Nena Track) is a Guatemalan-born actress, singer, and writer based in Chicago. Select credits include Cenicienta: La Magia del Amor (Mexico City); Sororidad (Writer/Lead, Audience Choice Award); and voice work on Netflix’s Latin American version of The Confession Killer. A multi-medalist at the World Championships of Performing Arts, Estefanía is passionate about bringing Latin American stories and voices to the global stage. She is honored to make her Drury Lane debut with On Your Feet! and dedicates this performance to those who believed in her, near and far. She is represented by BMG Talent. @estefania.mena33

BIOGRAPHY

Thomas Ortiz - Headshot - Thomas Ortiz

THOMAS ORTIZ (Ensemble, American DJ, Warren, u/s Phil Track) is thrilled to be back at Drury Lane! Regional credits: Hairspray, 42nd Street, Mary Poppins (Drury Lane); Singin’ in the Rain and Damn Yankees (Marriott); Grease (Paramount); The Pajama Game (Theatre at the Center); A Funny Thing…Forum (Shakespeare Theatre Company DC); Dames at Sea (Bucks County Playhouse). Opera: Carmen, La Forza del Destino and La Bohème (The Kennedy Center). Dance: Chet Walker’s WalkerDance and Giordano Dance Chicago’s second company. BFA in Dance Performance from Marymount Manhattan College. He would like to thank his friends, family and especially Ben for their ongoing support. Proud member of AEA and AGMA. @tortiz26

BIOGRAPHY

OrtizEsteban340

ESTEBAN ORTIZ-VILLACORTA (Swing) is thrilled to make his Drury Lane debut with this fantastic team! Esteban is a Mexican-American actor, songwriter, and artist. A recent graduate from Northwestern University, his most recent credits include Cervantes/Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha (The Wirtz Center) and understudy Andy/Bronco in As You Like It (Writer’s Theatre). Other credits include Shakespeare in the Park (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) and Kevin J / Ali in Come From Away (Rocky Mountain Rep). He is represented by Gray Talent Group. Endless love and gratitude to his family, friends, and mentors who helped him make this dream a reality.

BIOGRAPHY

Ramirez

CHRISTOPHER LLEWYN RAMIREZ (Ensemble, Guitarrista, Latin DJ, Dr. Neuwirth, U/S Emilio Estefan) is an actor, director, educator based in Chicago, IL. Credits: Inherit the Wind; American Mariachi (Goodman Theater); Guys and Dolls; Cinderella (Drury Lane Theatre); Native Gardens; Into the Woods; In the Heights; Twelfth Night; Sweat; White Rabbit Red Rabbit; Hair; Hood (Dallas Theater Center); Stede Bonnet a F*cking Pirate Musical and Hands on a Hardbody (Theatre Three); The Great Distance Home; Elliot, A Soldiers Fugue (WaterTower Theatre); Empathitrax (Second Thought Theatre); An Octoroon (Stage West); It Shoulda Been You; Titanic (Uptown Players); Zoot Suit; blu; Crystal City 1969 (Cara Mía Theatre Co.); The Winter’s Tale; Pericles (Shakespeare Dallas). @chrisllewynramirez

BIOGRAPHY

Xander Ramirez Headshot (2) - Xander Ramirez

XANDER RAMIREZ (Ensemble, Marquito, Guitarrista, Big Paquito, Marcello, u/s Jose Fajardo/Guitarrista/Airport Soloist Track) is ecstatic to be making his Drury Lane and Regional Theatre debut! He is a Chicago based actor originally from Rochester, NY, and is a current senior at Columbia College Chicago going for a BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Playwriting. Some past favorite credits include: HAIR (Woof), LES MISERABLES (Thenardier), TICK TICK…BOOM! (Jonathan Larson), CAMP ROCK! The Musical (Axel Turner), GREASE (Johnny Casino/u/s Roger), SUNDAY IN THE PARK…(Mr./u/s Boatman), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Audrey II). Xander would like all of the incredible people in his life for their love and support, it means the world. Have A Yes Day! – Instagram: @xander_.ramirez

BIOGRAPHY

Samano

JOCELYN SAMANO (Ensemble) is a dynamic performer, choreographer, and director known for her bold artistry and commanding stage presence. A professional dancer and singer/songwriter, she is also the founder of Views Dance Company, where she creates innovative, fierce, & story-driven choreography. Under her artist name Jocelynn Views, she has performed at LolaPalooza, Miche Fest, and on Univision, with credits including TheHxliday, RKM y Ken-Y, and Khriz y Angel & more. Her work bridges commercial and theatrical worlds, fusing movement and music into powerful visual narratives. Jocelynn continues her journey to inspire & elevate through every performance, both on Broadway and beyond.

BIOGRAPHY

Screenshot

MARTIN ORTIZ TAPIA (Ensemble DJ Jimmy Mack Voiceover, Chris Antonio) Named “The Swiss Army knife of Chicago Dance” by Dance Magazine, Martin graduated from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point earning his BFA with additional summer training dance programs from Luna Negra Dance Theater, Thodos Dance Chicago and Giordano Dance Chicago where for over 9 years as a company member Martin performed  and toured nationally. After concert dancing, another passion of Martin is musical theater. Martin recently appeared in Lyric’s Opera of Chicago Champion, Jenůfa and West Side Story among other musical theater productions such as A Chorus Line, Guys and Dolls, Evita, Saturday Night Fever, Newsies, Cabaret, and Mary Poppins. As a choreographer, Martin’s works include two movie musicals Good Enough and Moving In, and recently Martin was featured as a finalist in the 2025 Palm Desert Choreography Project. Martin is also keeping busy working in the fitness industry with a number of certifications under his belt for major athletic clubs around the Chicago area.

BIOGRAPHY

Uriostegui

JOHANTHAN URIOSTEGUI (Ensemble, Kiki, Jose Fajardo Double, u/s Kenny & Dance Features)  is excited for his Drury Lane Debut. As a singer-dancer, he has been part of the Chicago Latin Dance community for 10 years working under Kimberly Rivera, Angel Martinez, and Rocky Quiñones. He’s been committed to bridging dance communities, learning other dance styles, and nurturing young dancers. He’s been passionate about singing since six years old. His love to help others has led him into Nursing in Healthcare. Grateful to take a break from his scrubs, he would like to thank his family, friends, significant other, and directors who have molded him to the individual he is today.”

BIOGRAPHY

Viruet

STEPHANIE VIRUET (Swing, u/s Robin Track) is thrilled to be making her Drury Lane debut! Born and raised in Chicago, Stephanie has been a singer for most of her life and a dancer for the past 10 years, training extensively in On2 Mambo while branching out to other styles including Hip Hop, AfroCuban, Vogue, and Bomba. Stephanie’s previous work includes the dance theater productions Poor Unfortunate Souls & GLAM Gifted Souls 2.0, short dance films including “I Said, NO” featured at various film festivals, and stage and live performances with various Chicago dance companies. “She believed she could, so she did.” Para mi comunidad.

BIOGRAPHY

Alex Llorca. Headshot1

ALEX LLORCA (Ensemble, Kenny, Assistant Dance Captain, Assistant Choreographer) is a New York City–based performer and choreographer originally from Spain. He is thrilled to join the Drury Lane family to tell this beautiful story once again. Select credits include BARBA (Off-Broadway), White Christmas (Paper Mill Playhouse), On Your Feet! (Riverside Theatre), West Side Story as Bernardo (Gulf Coast Symphony), and Footloose (Norwegian Cruise Line). He most recently served as an Associate Choreographer for Norwegian Cruise Line shows. Alex is also a proud member and Social Media Coordinator for the arts organization R.Evolución Latina. Endless love to his family and friends who always celebrate with him. More at alexllorca.com and on IG @alex.llorca.

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