Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

A native Texan, Vernon Carroll has an undergraduate and master’s degree in theatre from Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University). After teaching at Oliver Wendell Holmes High School in San Antonio, he went to Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. While working at LSU as a scene designer and technical director, he received a design award from the American College Theatre Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Mr. Carroll then went to Appalachian State University as Director of Technical Theatre and Producing Director of the Appalachian Young People’s Theatre, spent five seasons as a scenic and lighting designer in Charlotte, North Carolina, then returned to teaching at the Northwestern State University of Louisiana, at Natchitoches. In 1994, Mr. Carroll came home to Texas, where he is Dean of Theatre at the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts. Mr. Carroll was the Director for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, at the VMT. Mr. Carroll also directs shows for Laredo Theater Guild International such as Fame, West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, Oliver, The Wiz, The Sound of Music, Annie, Doubt, Agnes of God, The Tragedy of Macbeth, The Crucible, Hairspray, and Shrek The Musical. When not directing, he also serves as Advisory Director for LTGI and can sometimes be found onstage, playing such roles as President Hochstader in The Best Man, President Roosevelt in Annie, or Colonel Pickering in My Fair Lady. Mr. Carroll is a co-founder and President Emeritus of Laredo Theater Guild International. He is married to Dr. Mary Grace Carroll, Director of Piano Studies at VMT. They have two children, Patrick, a musician and theatre artist, and Kathryn, a dancer, musician, actress and student of theatre at Texas State University.

This Year Daniel Begins His Tenure As Martin High School’s Theatre Arts Director. He Previously Taught Theatre Arts At Memorial Middle School Where For The Past Ten Years, He And His Students Built A Highly Successful And Award-Winning Theatre Program. Daniel Is Proud Of All His Students Both Past And Present Who Are A Part Of This Year’s Class On Stage Production! A Midsummer Night’s Dream was Daniel's Third Class On Stage Project. He Has Served On The LTGI Board Since 2014; However, His Backstage Roots With LTGI Go Back To 2007 When He Stage-Managed His First Show, Oliver! His Other Stage Managing Credits Include The Wiz (LMTI), The Best Man (LTG), Man Of La Mancha, The Sound Of Music, Annie, Steel Magnolias, Hairspray, Bless Me Ultima, Shrek (LTGI), And Teatro Chicano De Laredo’s Original Production Of Isaura And The Virgin, For Which He Also Was The Assistant Director. Additional Backstage Credits Include The Diary Of Anne Frank (LTGI), Sound Work ForThe 39 Steps (LTGI), And Light Design For VMT’s Inaugural Musical Production, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Daniel Would Like To Thank His Mentor, Mr. Vernon Carroll For His Guidance And Inspiration Throughout The Years. He Gives His Most Special Thanks To His Parents, Roberto And Gloria Castillo, For Their Invaluable Love And Support.

Linda López Howland is happy to return the creative team as a producer for Disney's Beauty and the Beast. She was thrilled to have co-produced the 6th play in the Class on Stage Series, LTGI’s production of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream last fall. Always interested in the performing arts, her involvement in Laredo’s theater community began years ago as a volunteer at her daughter’s various theatrical performances. Linda’s theatrical relationship started with her debut as Alice Russell in LTGI’s season opener of Gore Vidal’s The Best Man in 2008. Since then, she has remained active with LTGI in such supportive roles as Assist Producer of Man of La Mancha (2009) and Bodas de Sangre (2012). Linda was the Producer of Doubt (2010), Agnes of God (2011) and The Foreigner (2011); Shrek, The Musical (2015); The Diary of Anne Frank (2015) and as Costumer on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew (2010). Additionally, she played the roles of M’Lynn in LTGI’s Steel Magnolias (2013) and Lady Macduff in Shakespeare’s Macbeth (2011) and Sis in Last Lists of My Mad Mother (2010). – You could say she followed in her daughter’s footsteps! A native Laredoan, Linda loves her community, its people, and its unique culture. She currently serves on the board of LTGI as President; she is a past president of the Children’s Advocacy Center, past president of The Luncheon Club, and is a member of the Society of Martha Washington. In fact, in 2017, Ms. Howland and her husband, Doug, will portray Martha Washington and General George Washington for the 120th Washington’s Birthday Celebration. She is a graduate of the Leadership Texas Program; is a charter member of the Leadership Laredo Program as well as a member of the first ever class of Leadership Laredo. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, she has been an active real estate broker for the past 29 years. Linda and her husband, Doug have two children of whom they are immensely proud. To the young actors in the cast, she would like to say “Believe in the process that is theatre; it is a journey, and the life skills you develop as a result, will stay with you the rest of your life.”

Karen Mejía is the Financial Director of The Blue Top Companies, providing land surveying and printing services in South Texas. Beauty and the Beast will mark the fourth time she serves as producer. Previously, Karen served as producer for A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the LTGI Class on Stage Series. She has also produced The Crucible and The Diary of Anne Frank. She served as Assistant Producer for Steel Magnolias and Hairspray and as Costumer for Shrek The Musical. A lifelong Texan, she was graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a major in History. Karen moved to Laredo 23 years ago and married the wonderfully incredible Deacon Henry Mejía. Together they have three talented children: Sarah, a Junior in the Mighty Longhorn Band at United High School; Miguel, a Freshman Business major here at Texas A&M International University; and Alejandro, a Junior Physics and Electrical Engineering major at The University of Texas at Austin.

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Carolina Lozano (Belle) is excited to return to the stage in a leading role with LTGI after her last performances in A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Hermia and The Who’s Tommy. Carolina is no stranger to the arts, as she is an accomplished pianist and singer who has dedicated her heart and soul to music through study and dedicated practice for over eighteen years. She wishes to thank her family for their unconditional support and the LTGI team for giving her the amazing opportunity to bring Belle’s spirit and compassion to life on stage.

David G. Smestuen is new to musical theater and Beauty and the Beast is his first LTGI production. David's past theater experience includes the United States Naval Academy's productions of A Streetcar Named Desire (Stanley Kowalski), Our Country's Good (Arthur Phillip/Robert Sideway), and 27 Wagons Full of Cotton (Silva Vacarro). David returned to Laredo earlier this year after completing 9 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. His BBQ restaurant, Old Timers Cowboy Kitchen, will be opening in Laredo this summer.

Roel Rivera is a singer/songwriter/performer from Laredo, Texas. Roel’s past theatre experience includes: LLT’s Jesus Christ Superstar (Caiaphas), LTG’s Tommy (Uncle Ernie) and LLT’s A Charlie Brown Christmas (Schroeder). Roel is honored to take on the role of Maurice in this year’s LTG’s Beauty and the beast. He dedicates his performance to his wife, daughter and mother whom he loves and who support him in all his endeavors on and off of the stage.

Geoffrey Blomquist (Gaston) is currently a junior at United South High School and is very honored and humbled to be making his debut with the Laredo Theatre Guild International. He has previously starred in other shows inside school including Anne Frank and Me (Jack/Jacques), Arsenic and Old Lace (Officer O’hara), The Boys Next Door (Jack), and Over the River and Through the Woods (Nick). He had his first taste of community musical theatre in 2015, and since then has starred in The Lion King Jr. (Ensemble Prideland cast), Into the Woods Jr. (The Baker), and Aladdin Jr. (The Magic Carpet.). He sincerely cannot thank everyone enough for being a big part of his life and shaping him into the fine young man he is becoming. He is so delighted to now be working with LTGI alongside many many talented individuals to bring to life this production of Beauty and the Beast.

Adrian A. Tristan (Lefou) is an incoming 9th grader at United High School. He is excited to be performing in his 2nd production with LTGI. Previous theatre experiences includes The Who’s Tommy (Young Tommy), Lion King Jr. (Zazu), The Marvelous Playbill (Chanfalla), Cyrano de Bergerac (Cavalier), and The Taming of the Shrew (Luciento) . This past school year, Adrian received recognition as “Best Actor” through his UIL One Act Play. Adrian would like to thank his parents, sister and entire family for their unconditional support. He is extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to work with Mr. Vernon Caroll and the wonderful production team from LTGI.

Luis Antonio Diaz will begin his final year at Texas A&M International University studying to become a High School English teacher. This is his first LGTI production. Luis’ past theater experience consists of plays from his childhood to early adolescence with Peggy’s Kids theater group including Wizard of Oz (lollipop guild munchkin), Cinderella (ensemble), Once Upon a Mattress (ensemble), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Mr. Salt), Fiddler on the Roof (Fiedka) along with many other productions. Luis has extensive experience in music playing the saxophone and singing for the majority of his life.

John Maxstadt is a familiar figure in Laredo theater, having played many roles in LTGI, LLT, LITE, LCC, and TAMIU productions over the past twenty-two years, including Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Mr. Bumble in Oliver!, Pooh-Bah in The Mikado, and Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady. His most recent role was Officer Welch in Rumors (LLT). John serves as parliamentarian on the LTGI Board of Directors.

Erin Perez is currently a teacher at Nixon High School where he teaches Sophomore English and coaches UIL Spelling and serves as Assitant-Director for UIL One Act Play. With talents ranging from percussion, singing and dancing, Erin lets loose through theater, and he craves the spotlight. After his inaugural role as Cousin Kevin in LTGI’s production of Tommy, and being named Assistant-Producer for Real Women Have Curves, he is ready to return to the stage as Lumiere for Beauty and the Beast. Erin is always waiting for the next big role, and he is more than humbled by this amazing opportunity.

Allie Howland (Babette) is a graduate of Trinity University, where she earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She is excited to return to the LTGI stage, having performed in past LTGI musicals such as The Wiz (Yellow Brick Road), The Sound of Music (Louisa), Annie (Ronnie Boylan), and Hairspray (Dynamite). No stranger to the stage, Allie has been involved in theater since the age of 11, and has recently gained production experience serving as Assistant Producer for The Who’s Tommy and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Allie serves on the LTGI Board of Directors, and is excited to participate in this production, onstage and off, as Babette and Assistant Producer.

This is Kelly Hinojosa second LTGI production and she is very excited to be a part of this cast! Her past theater experience includes The Merry Wives of Windsor (Mrs. Paige), Into The Woods (Little Red Ridinghood), and The Who's: Tommy (Hawker/Minister's Wife). Kelly has been a choir director at Memorial High School in McAllen, TX for 9 years and can't wait for year 10!

Nicolas Quiroga is a 4th grader at Col. Santos Benavides. He is a GT student and a member of the National Elementary Honor Society. Nico is in the school choir and was recently cast as Johnny James in the 1950’s Rock and Roll musical, At the Bandstand. He plays flag football and is a Safety Patrol officer. Nico danced and made it to the top 5 in last year’s City Women’s Club Dancing with the Stars fundraiser. Nico is super excited to be portraying Chip in his first LTGI production.

Operatic soprano Dana Crabtree’s performances have been well received, both in America and in Europe. She has performed in numerous genres, from Broadway favorites such as Laurey in Oklahoma!, and the title role in Kiss Me, Kate, to operatic repertoire including Despina in Mozart's Così fan tutte and the title role in Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment. She has appeared locally in LTGI’s Cinderella (Queen), Hairspray (Female Authority Figure), and God of Carnage (Veronica), as well as LLT’s Noises Off (Belinda/Flavia), and LCC Opera Workshop’s Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Larkin) and Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife). Dana serves on the music faculty at TAMIU in the areas of voice, choir, and opera, and is mom to Nicholas and Lena Belle.

Nicole Banchs (Silly Girl, Wolf, and Spoon) is a recent graduate from United South HS. She will be attending Pace University in the fall, where she will continue to study and thrive in the Musical Theatre field. This is her second LTGI show, her first being Shrek the Musical. In high school, she was most recognized for her involvement in One Act Play where she starred in plays such as Leading Ladies, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Over the River and Through the Woods. Nicole is extremely grateful and would like to thank Michael, her parents, and friends for all their love and support.

Kathryn Carroll (Silly Girl) is a senior at Texas State University majoring in Performance and Production. LTGI credits include: Shrek the Musical (Fiona), The Crucible (Mary Warren), Hairspray (Penny), Steel Magnolias (Annelle). She is a graduate of Nixon High School and the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts. Her senior year, the Nixon Thespian Society took Twelfth Night to the State UIL One-Act Play Competition where she received the Samuel French Award. For the past three summers, she studied with Tony Award winner Betty Buckley in Denver, Colorado. She also met Darren Criss at a Cuban restaurant.

Amy M. Gutierrez (Silly Girl) is new to musical theater but is no stranger when it comes to performing. She has had experience in dance performance and acting since the age of 15, and is currently enrolled in Texas State University pursuing a B.F.A in Dance Studies. Amy is also a teacher assistant at Ballet Ecole dance studio, where she is a choreographer and teacher for children. Beauty and the Beast will be her first time involved in an LTGI production.

Stephanie Solis Schnyder, a veteran in Laredo’s theatre community having worked, both as an actor and in production, with LCC’s opera workshop, LLT, and LTGI under the direction of Dr. Joseph Crabtree, Vernon Carroll, Jose Flores, Marco Gonzalez among others. Stephanie’s most recent roles are Claire Ganz (Rumors) and Mrs. Simpson (The Who’s Tommy) led by her roles such as Edith Frank (The Diary of Anne Frank), Wicked Witch and multiple chorus roles (Shrek The Musical), Maria (Bless Me Ultima) and Marty (Grease), Ann Putnam (The Crucible) as part of Class on Stage, La Mujer de Leonardo (Bodas de Sangre), Antonia (Man of la Mancha), Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls), Bobbi (Some Girls), Elaine (Arsenic and Old Lace), Lucy (Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street), Lily St. Regis (Annie), and among many others. She is the Choir Director at Lamar Middle School and the One Act Play UIL. Stephanie has also done backstage work as Stage Manager for A Midsummer Night’s Dream and previously costumer for Little Shop of Horrors for LCC’s Opera Workshop. Stephanie is excited to be part of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast one more time, as just 10 years ago she was on this same stage with this same show under the direction of Vernon Carroll. What a great way to celebrate 10 years of working side by side with an amazing group of colleagues and friends of LTGI. Welcome and Be Our Guest!!!

Kiara Chinchilla is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Beauty and The Beast! She is 10 years old and this will be her first ever on stage performance with LTGI. She aspires to continue to be involved in community theatre and the preforming arts community. She is also thankful for receiving the opportunity to work alongside such great talent in this production. She enjoys film making and singing in her spare time.

Ana Rubio-Lozoya is new to musical theater and also new to LTGI. She is 25 years old and was born and raised in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. She is an 8th grade Math teacher at Lamar Middle School. She has experience in dance recitals since the age of 9 in her former dance academy Estudio de Danza Ambar back in Nuevo Laredo. Actually she is part of the choir Voces de San Agustin in Saint Augustine Cathedral here in Laredo.

Carolina Garcia is a psychology major/studio art minor at Texas A&M International University. She is also a 1st Holy Communion teacher at her parish San Luis Rey Church. This is Carolina’s first LTGI production. Carolina’s past theater experience include United High School OAP One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Sandy) and Lion King Jr. (Sextet). Carolina has also assisted with hair and make up for Into the Woods Jr. and Aladdin Jr.

Laysha Gonzalez will be an incoming freshmen student this upcoming school year at J.W Nixon High School and Vidal M. Treviño school of Fine Arts and Communications. This is Laysha's first time in an LTGI production. Laysha's past theater experience includes Lamar OAP Shut And Bar The Door (princess), and Hush Little Celia Don't Say A Word (Celia). Laysha mentions that having the opportunity to have worked with such great talent was a true honor, and she can't wait to bring magic to the stage!

Giselle Ruiz is a rising senior at Martin high.She attends the Health science magnet at Martin in hopes to become a paramedic. Her intrest in the medical field does not interfere with her love of the arts .She has been in various shows such as "Aladdin Jr. ", "Greek Myths ", "Everyman" ,"Life's A Dream", "and her latest show "Hush little Celia ". This will be her first time acting with LTGI productions.She is also part of the Glee Club at Martin High. She wants to thank Mr.Castillo for always believing in her and introducing her to a beautiful aspect of life and also her drama members for giving her a second family.

Sophia Alonzo is honored to be a member of the ensemble. She began her theatrical journey when she was in the 5th grade, and over the years, she has been cast in some amazing theatrical productions, including Cinderella, Hairspray, Grease, Bye Bye Birdie, Romeo and Juliet, Shrek, Hamlet, Aladdin Jr., and most recently, Real Women Have Curves. This fall, Sophia will attend Columbia College Chicago where she will study musical theatre. Sophia would like to thank LTGI for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this production. Sophia would also like to thank all those who have been instrumental in helping her to fulfill her dream.

Having previously assisted LTGI behind the scenes, Mariela Tiu Molano is thrilled to be on stage participating in the ensemble. She is a fifth grader at Colonial Santos Benavides Elementary who is not only creative but also extremely athletic. She runs cross country as well as being a member of the Jischke Gymnastics team and placed first all-around in her division at State this year.

Frida Trevino will start her first year of high school at J.W. Nixon High School and Vidal M. Trevino School of Fine Arts and Communications. This is Frida's first time in an LTGI production. Frida's past experience is nonexistent dealing with musicals. Frida will be dealing with Theatre Arts at VMT.

Isabella A. Lopez is a sixth grader at Lamar Middle School and has a knack for the arts. In her 12 short years of life she has found a love for singing, drawing, painting, reading and generally just creating! She has been selected to be a part of the cast in four community productions over the years, most recently, including UIL One Act at Lamar and LITE Production's Lion King Jr. Academically, she was recently recognized for achieving the second highest GPA in her sixth grade class and last summer was selected to participate in LISD's Rising Star Scholars Academy. Isabella looks forward to being on stage in her first LTGI production as a member of the ensemble.

Leila will start 7th grade at TMS this year where she is a proud member of the Lasso Dance Team. This is Leila's second time performing in an LTGI production. She has become enamored with musical theater and is very excited to be a part of this cast. She would like to thank God, her family, and LTGI for this amazing opportunity.

Gilda "Gigi" Caballero is a voice instructor at Flat 5 music studios and has sung ever since she could talk. Her passion for theater started when she was cast in LCC's production of High School Musical when she was 18. Since then, she has also participated in shows such as Little Shop of Horrors, Hairspray, Young Frankenstein, Grease as "Jan", Bye Bye Birdie, Pirates of Penzance as Mabel, in Seussical as Mayzie La Bird, A Grand Night for Singing and in TAMIU's production of I Hate Hamlet. Las semester Gigi also had the pleasure of directing the production of After Juliet at TAMIU. She is also the Voice Director with "Break a Leg" Productions. She thanks God, her family, close friends and kiddos for always inspiring and believing in her.

Elizabeth Perez (Ensemble) is an avid supporter of the arts and education. This is her fourth production with LTGI, having previously performed in A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Who's Tommy, and The Diary of Anne Frank. Offstage, she is a high school science teacher and serves on the LTGI Board of Directors.

Loghan Elizabeth M. LaFreniere is finishing up her third grade year at J.B J. Muller Elementary School. This is Loghan Elizabeth's first production with LTGI. She is part of her school's choir and a dancer at Turning Pointe Dance Studio.

Lena Crabtree is 8 years old and is entering 3rd grade at Borchers Elementary. She takes classical guitar and voice at Soto Music Academy and sang the leading role in her school Christmas musical this past year. She is an excellent swimmer and loves playing with her friends, her dog Bola, and her cat Sheldon. She is very excited to be making her LTGI debut in Beauty and the Beast.

Kimberly Manning will start her first year at Trautmann Middle School. This is Kimberly’s theatrical debut with LTGT. Her talent also extends to participation in honors choir during the Fall, Winter, and Spring Musical Concerts at her campus, as well as being a backup singer for UISD’s ITV (Instructional TV) STAAR Motivational Videos. She is an accomplished black belt at Bears Karate International where she has earned three world championships in forms and sparring.

Azahy A. Lee has been an astonishing Laredo performer and choreographer. She has obtained a part of the ensemble for Beauty and the Beast for LTGI. Previously, Azahy has been part of the dance and theatre community, making appearances in Bodas De Sangre, By the Bog of Cats and choreographing for La Mancha de Don Quixote. Azahy has obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Dance, as well an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant. Azahy will continue to further her education in Physical Therapy as well as in the Performing Arts.

Mark Rodriguez (Ensemble) is an incoming Junior at Martin High School and takes Theater at VMT. He has been in several productions both on and off-stage, such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” and as a crew member for “Who’s Tommy”. He recently won a Best Actor award for his role as Todd in “Hush Little Celia, Don’t Say a Word.” He is thrilled to be working with a group filled with such amazing people and would like to thank his family and friends for their support.

Chris Morgan (Ensemble) is excited to be part of the talented group that makes up the cast and production team of LTGI’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. In the time he’s been involved with LTGI, he has served in backstage capacities for shows such as Steel Magnolias (2013), Hairspray (2013), Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will (2014), My Fair Lady (2014), Bless Me Ultima (2015), Shrek the Musical (2015), and God of Carnage (2016). This past January he directed LTGI’s Real Women Have Curves. This show marks his first onstage experience and he appreciates the opportunity given to him.

Goyo Lopez is a junior at TAMIU and is an experienced thespian, having been on stage and behind the scenes in a number of community productions since he was four. It all started with Music Man Jr. at the Laredo Civic Center and spanned most of his adolescent summers, with a total of 10 plays over his 19 years of life. Most notably he reprised the role of Mufasa in LITE Production's Lion King Jr. and lent his friend Tony a hand behind the scenes during Break a Leg Production's live-at-the-Lake Casa Blanca amphi-theater performance of Into the Woods. He has maintained a A-average in his studies and takes great joy being involved with the Teen ACTS movement in his parish of San Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Goyo looks forward to being on stage in his first LTGI production as a member of the ensemble.

Jesus Navarro is extremely proud and excited to be a part of LTGIs production of Beauty and the Beast. This marks his second show with LTGI, with Shrek the Musical being his ensemble debut.

John Peña is a college senior currently attending Tamiu and this is his first time in an LTGI production.

Melissa Leal is excited be apart of the Beauty and the Beast cast. She loves to dance, act, and sing, and is excited to finally combine all of those talents and perform in her first musical performance. Although, she was last seen in last seen in the role of Pancha in LTGI's "Real Women Have Curves". She is a proud alumni from TAMIU and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She is working on becoming a certified teacher and going to grad school to obtain her Master's in Communication.

Roland Vela is a Multidisciplinary Studies Major at Texas A&M International University, with concentrations in theater, dance, and communication (film). He is the president of the House of Collective Performers organization at TAMIU and has worked on the following shows: United South OAP Of Mice & Men (Carlson), Spinning into Butter (Patrick Chibas), and After Juliet (Valentine/Choreographer). This is his first LTGI production and musical ever!

Martin Ramirez (18) is excited to perform for LTGI for the 3rd time. He is a graduate from J.W. Nixon High School. Martin thanks Mr. Carroll for his guidance in the theatrical performing studies which has paid off as he received his medallion from V.M.T. Previous roles include Schroeder, King Bolo, Tom Snout, Enoch, Monostatos, Benli, and several more. He thanks his parents and God for providing him with all the love and support for the arts.