Mary Poppins

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), God of Carnage (Veronica), Beauty and the Beast (Madame de la Grande Bouche), and The Glass Menagerie (Amanda Wingfield) as well as LLT’s Mamma Mia (Donna) and Noises Off (Belinda/Flavia), and LC Opera Workshop’s Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Larkin) and Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife). In addition to serving full-time on the music faculty at TAMIU in the areas of voice, choir, and opera, Dana operates her own private voice-teaching studio.  She is the proud mom of Nicholas and Lena Belle, and she is thrilled to step into the role of Mary Poppins this summer!

Travis Trevino (Bert) is thrilled to make his LTGI debut in this beloved Disney classic! A San Antonio native, recent productions include Cabaret (Bobby) at the Sheldon Vexler Theatre, The Rocky Horror Show (Brad Majors) at Woodlawn Pointe, Evita (Che) at The Woodlawn Theatre, and Mamma Mia (Pepper) at The Public Theatre of San Antonio. A proud UTSA graduate (BM in Music Marketing), Travis studied voice with Dr. Gary Mabry and performs regularly with the San Antonio Opera. Many thanks to friends, family, and Karol for their love and support.

Michael E. Gonzalez has performed previously with LTGI in My Fair Lady. Michael holds a BBA from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from TAMIU. Michael is the Director for the Small Business Development Center at TAMIU where he and his team help start and grow businesses in Laredo and South Texas. Michael thanks his family including his beautiful wife, Rosslynn, and his two daughters Madelynn and Morgan for their support. Much like George, Michael has learned that family comes first.

Alma Carmona Proa is very proud to be a part of LTGI’s summer production of Mary Poppins. Her recent credits include The Who’s Tommy and Shrek the Musical with LTGI as well as A Grand Night for Singing and Carousel with the Laredo College. Alma is a recent graduate of Texas A&M International University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a concentration in Bilingual Education. She is currently a 4th grade teacher at Alma Pierce Elementary. Alma thanks her friends and family for their unconditional love and support.

Bella Grace Dancause is an incoming 7th grade Honor student at Trautmann Middle School. She is also a ballet and flamenco student at El Estudio and has participated in summer workshop projects with Ballet Austin and ZACH Theatre. Her previous on stage performances have included the LLT production of Beauty and the Beast, the VMT summer production of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown where she was cast in the role of Woodstock, LTGIs Beauty and the Beast, and LLTs Mary Poppins. This will be her second appearance with LTGI. Bella is a member of her school’s UIL One Act and was cast as Violet in their production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She also participates in UIL Modern Oratory, UIL Oral Reading, and is a member of the Lasso Dance Team. Bella is an active member of her parish and an alter server at Blessed Sacrament Church.

Adan Villarreal is thrilled to make his acting debut with the talented cast of Mary Poppins. He is 10 years old and an honor roll student at Col. Santos Elementary. He proudly  participates in the school choir, basketball and chess club. Favorite pastimes include biking, playing video games and voice lessons with the talented Ms. Celia Hernandez. Adan thanks his family for their love, support and encouragement. He also thanks director, Ms. Karol Batey, and the cast for taking him under their wings.

Celia Hernandez is the director of choral studies at the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts in Laredo, Texas. As an educator, Ms. Hernandez studied both music education and vocal pedagogy at the University of Texas at San Antonio, focusing on vocal technique. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from UTSA and a Masters of Music Education from Boston University. Her vocal direction credits range from children’s shows to adult productions, including “In the Heights” and “The Who’s Tommy,” both produced by Laredo Theater Guild International, “The Lion King Jr.” (produced by Laredo Institute for Theatrical Education), and “Little Shop of Horrors” (VMT). Her stage experience includes performances with LTGI, LITE Productions, and Laredo College Opera Workshop, appearing in such roles as Mama Morton (Chicago), Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), and Mrs. Van Daan (Diary of Anne Frank). Most recently, Celia was seen on stage as Daniela in the LTGI production of Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights.” In January of 2019, she taught a master class in musical theater for Waldo Gonzalez’s School for the Performing Arts in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Celia is humbled and excited to serve as vocal director for this practically perfect production.

Joshua Goldberg is thrilled to be returning to the Laredo stage after last appearing as the title character of Shrek in LTGI’s 2015 summer musical.  Based out of Denver, he has been involved with the Colorado area's regional theatre scene for the past year. His most recent credits include Wizard of Oz, 9 to 5, Miss Holmes (Creede Repertory Theatre), The Diary of Anne Frank, and the world premiere of Sin Street Social Club (Arvada Center). After Mary Poppins, Joshua will be returning to the Arvada Center for their fall musical Bright Star.

Javier Sanchez has performed and assisted with LTGI in 11 productions, including Blithe Spirit, Yerma, In The Heights, The House on Mango Street, and Hairspray. Designing Credits: 25Th Annual Putnam County Spelling bee (Break A Leg Productions), Company Of Wayward Saints (LITE Productions ). Directing Credits: Significant Other (Break A Leg Production). Javier will be attending Texas State University this coming fall to earn his BFA in Technical Theater. Javier thanks his family & friends for being there for him and supporting what he loves.

John Maxstadt is a familiar figure in Laredo theatre, having played many roles in LTGI, LLT, LITE, LC, and TAMIU productions over the past twenty-four years, including Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof(LC), and Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady (LTGI).  His most recent roles have been Max Bialystock in The Producers (LC) and Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast (LTGI).  John is a retired librarian and an officer on the LTGI board.

Kimberlee Arwood is excited to be a part of LTGI’s Mary Poppins cast as it is her first performance in a musical. She has always been enamored with the arts and is incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Kimberlee is currently an English teacher at Johnson High School. She is thankful to her family and friends who motivated and urged her to step out of her comfort zone, especially her daughter, Kaytlin, who inspires her everyday.

Brandon Ivan Castillo (Park Keeper/Ensemble). This is Brandon’s debut show with LTGI and he is beyond excited to be a part of Mary Poppins. Previously Brandon competed in the UIL One-Act play competition with Johnson High school wherein he received the best actor award at the Bi-district competition for His performance as Benedick in their production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. His previous works include Addams Family (LC Opera Workshop), 21 Chump Street (LBJ Drama). Brandon will be attending Texas State University this August.

Rafael A. Mangual has been longing to return to the stage since he played the role of “Drake” in LTGI’s production of “Annie” in 2011. He loves singing and is one of the lead vocalists of the Dunamis Worship Band. He has been a family physician in Laredo for 19 years. He thanks God for the gifts of theatre and music, for LTGI, and for his two most precious gifts: his dear wife, Yazmin, and his pride and joy, his daughter, Gabriela.

Jorge Dimas is the Associate Director for Graduate School at Texas A&M International University. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (2013) from the same institution. When Jorge is not assisting students continue with their graduate studies, he spends time practicing his dancing skills at the studio. His dance background comes from modern dance, salsa, hip hop, and other dancing styles. He also has experience acting in several local plays including “Significant Other”, “In The Heights”, “High School Musical” to mention some. Jorge enjoys being on stage and, this summer, he is excited to bring the magic to Laredo as cast member of “Mary Poppins.”

Rolando Alexi Vela has previously performed with LTGI in its production of Beauty & The Beast. Other credits: Co-Director in The Odd Couple, Sydney Lipton in God's Favorite, Choreographer and Valentine in After Juliet, & Spinning into Butter (TAMIU Theatre); High School Musical (Laredo College). Rolando is a Barista at TAMIU Starbucks and has a B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies: Theatre/Dance/Communication. Rolando thanks his mother and sister for always encouraging his passion for theatre.

Emilio is a seventeen year old passionate dancer, actor and singer. He has been dancing for ten years, and acting and singing for six at School for the Performing Arts in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Emilio aspires to keep developing and learning dance techniques, theater, musical theater and commercial skills.

In 2018, Emilio played Graffiti Pete in “In the Heights” with Laredo Theater Guild International in Laredo, Texas. In the same year, he played “The Jester” in Snow White. In 2016, he played “The Nutcracker” in “Hip Hop Nutcracker” , “Jack Frost” in “A Nightmare Christmas." In 2015, he played “The Magic Carpet ” in “Aladdin”, “Kidman” in “The Carnival Side Show”, “Oompa Loompa” in “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and “Manuel” in “Arte por la Vida”, all of which were with School for the Performing Arts.

He is training weekly in hip hop, jazz, tap, ballet, modern dance, urban, salsa, breaking, Improv, musical theater, acting and singing.

Kelly B. Fitzgerald, a local actress with a wide range, has performed in many productions, including The Foreigner (Betty), Romeo & Juliet (Nurse), & Macbeth for LTGI. Other acting credits include Dangerous Liasons (LLT), as well as Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All To You (Sister Mary), Oedipus Rex (Jocasta), & The Odd Couple (Vera) at Laredo College. She directed The Laramie Project (LLT) & is also the Executive Producer of Sex Work: The Documentary by Gabriela Trevino.

Meredith Peluffo had her theatre debut last summer in Laredo Theatre Guilds, “In The Heights.” A senior in the American Musical and Dramatic Academy with a Bachelors in Performing Arts with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. She is grateful to her family, friends, and theatre community for their endless support and affection.

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 Laura Wingfield (Glass Menagerie), Camila Rosario (In The Heights), 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), Sharpay Evans (High School Musical ’10 & ’18) and Ensemble (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast ’07 & ’17), 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 the cast of Mary Poppins and be able to bring the show to life as we take you on a magical journey and adventure.

This is Marco's debut with Laredo Theatre Guild International. He has appeared in multiple shows including, Mamma Mia and Mulan Jr. at Laredo Little Theater, and High School Musical: Onstage! with LC's Opera Workshop. He is an incoming freshman at Texas A&M International University with a major in Multi-Disciplinary Studies.

Julio Rodriguez has been part of one of LTGI’s productions, Beauty and The Beast. Julio has been several other local productions such as, Young Frankenstein The Musical, Carousel, and Bye Bye Birdie. Julio, thanks his friends and family who has believed in him.

Sophia Alonzo has performed with LTGI in 5 productions including Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, and Estela Garcia in Real Women Have Curves. Other Credits: HOME/LAND (Columbia College Chicago Studio 404: The Blackbox Theatre), Bye Bye Birdie (Laredo College), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Laredo Center for the Arts). Sophia is currently pursuing a B.A. in Musical Theatre with a minor in American Sign Language at Columbia College Chicago. Sophia would like to thank her family and friends for their tremendous support.

This is Leann’s 4th production with LTGI, previous productions include In the Heights, Yerma, and The Who's Tommy. She is a recent graduate from JW Nixon and Vidal Magnet Trevino School of Communication and Fine Arts. She will be attending Texas State University in the fall to pursue her BFA in Dance. Leann thanks her family, friends, and the production team for an amazing experience.

Fabián A. Flores has trained at Waldo Gonzalez’s School for the Performing Arts in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico since he was born. He has won multiple awards in hip hop competitions across the country, including placing 2nd in Hip Hop International and Express Your Skills Award as a breakdancer. This is his LTGI debut, and he is really greatful for this opportunity.

This is Ashley’s second theatre performance, but first one with LTGI. She is a recent graduate from J.W Nixon High School and VMT. She will be attending Texas State University this upcoming fall. She would like to thank her family and friends for the never ending support.

Mia Gomez-Reyes has performed in two productions with LTGI, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The House on Mango Street. Other Credits: Lisa in Hearts Like Fists (Martin OAP), Cinderella Waltz (Martin OAP), and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (VMT Summer Lab). Mia is an incoming freshman at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a B.A. in Theatre and Dance. Mia would like to thank her family and friends for their constant stream of love and support.

Heidy Guajardo has been in several plays and musicals in both Laredo and Nuevo Laredo. She most recently performed as a ensemble member for the LTGI production of “In the Heights” and “ Yerma” as Hembra , a production that started her on the LTGI family. She also has a passion for dancing which has been part of her life for almost a decade and she is really thankful and honored to have been given the opportunity to be, once again, part of the magic.

Ana Manoela Martinez is a proud alumni from TAMIU and holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Biology. Ana Manoela is thankful to have the most loving and supporting parents ever. She made her onstage debut in the Laredo Little Theatre production of Mamma Mia and is excited to make her first appearance with LTGI in Mary Poppins.

This is Desiree’s 2nd production with LTGI, previously seen onstage as Carla with In The Heights. Other theatre credits include: Germaine in Never the Sinner and Naomi in 21 Chump Street (LBJ Drama); Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (LC Opera Workshop. Desiress is very excited to participate with LTGI for another.

Elizabeth M. Sosa has performed with LTGI in two productions prior to Mary Poppins, including Beauty and the Beast and Shrek the Musical. Laredo Little Theatre Credits: A Charlie Brown Christmas and Jesus Christ Superstar. Music Directing Credits: Jesus Christ Superstar (LLT) and 21 Chump Street (L.B.J. High School Theatre). Elizabeth is an English teacher at L.B.J. High School and a graduate of UNT. Elizabeth thanks her Family & Friends for all their love and support!

Leanna Joelle Alfaro is a 10-year-old student at Fasken Elementary School. This is very exciting for Leanna as this is her acting debut. Leanna has been dancing since age 3 at Diana Rendon’s Dance Academy and is a member of her school’s dance team. Leanna is also a member of her school’s Honor Society and enjoys presenting her GT projects. Leanna is very grateful for all the support she has received from her parents, siblings, and friends.

Zachary Averitt’s performance experience comes from church plays and dances at The Crossroads. Zachary learned to love the arts performing as the drummer boy and a Liam the cousin in various Christmas plays. He loves to play with Legos and sing. This summer he will be attending STEM camps as he would like to be an engineer when he grows up. He thanks his parents, sister, pastors, and teachers for always encouraging him to do his best.

Anna Fasulo is a 7th grader at Lamar Middle School. For the past two years, she participated in Lamar’s One Act Play under the direction of Ms. Stephanie Solis. She portrayed the roles of the Genie in Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp and Puck in a Midsummer Night’s Dream. She is making her LTGI debut, and is so excited to be part of an amazing production like Mary Poppins!

Amalie Verastigui is excited to make her musical theatre debut with LTGI. Amalie has previously performed in Lamar Middle School's UIL One Act Plays Hush Little Celia, Don't say a Word, A Midsummers Night's Dream, and Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. Amalie has also participated in TMEA Region Choir. Amalie is grateful for this opportunity to work with LTGI and would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support.

Karol Ann Batey has performed with LTGI in 10 productions, including Blithe Spirit, Yerma, and Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible. Other Credits: The Laramie Project & Teatro Chicano (Laredo Little Theatre); 9 to 5 and The Odd Couple (Laredo College). LTGI Directing Credits: God of Carnage and (Assistant Director) In the Heights. Other Directing Credits: Noises Off, Measure for Pleasure and Some Girl(s) (LLT). Karol is an Assessment Specialist at Texas A&M International University and her degrees include a B.A. in Theatre and a Masters in Professional Accountancy.

Dr. Celina T. Oliveira has owned a successful Audiology practice for ten years. She currently serves as corresponding secretary for the Laredo Theater Guild International (LTGI). She is a proud graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and serves as President-Elect of the Texas Exes – Laredo Chapter.

Her LTGI credits span over nine years and include: Makeup Artist in Agnes of God (2010), The Importance of Being Ernest (2010), Hairspray (2013) as well as serving as Assistant Producer for Annie (2011), Macbeth (2011), Bodas de sangre (2012), Romeo & Juliet (2013), 39 Steps (2014), and Shrek (2015). She made her debut as Producer in the hilarious comedy, God of Carnage (2016). She is most proud of her work as Producer in LTGI’s first rock musical, The Who’s Tommy (2016), Federico Garcia Lorca’s Yerma (2018), and the Summer 2018 hit, In the Heights. Mary Poppins will be her 19th production with LTGI.

She is thankful to the cast and production team for allowing her to assist in the creation of Mary Poppins.

Marco Gonzalez is the Artistic Director of Laredo Theater Guild International and Audio/Video Production Teacher At J.W. Nixon High School. He is a graduate of The University Of Texas At Austin with a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Radio/TV/Film. His directing credits include LTGI's In the Heights (2018), LTGI's Yerma (2018), LTGI’s The Diary of Anne Frank (2015), LTGI's The 39 Steps (2014), LTGI’s Romeo & Juliet (2013) And Imago Theatre’s By The Bog Of Cats (2011). When not involved in community-based theater, Marco is the co-director of Nixon High School’s UIL One-Act Play with Jose Flores. During his time at Nixon, their program has garnered two State appearances for their productions of Mother Courage and Her Children (2017) and Twelfth Night (2014). Both productions received the State Best Actress prize. The program has also earned one Region appearance for Peter and the Starcatcher (2018), two Area appearances for their all-female production of Hamlet (2016) and Romeo & Juliet (2015) and a Bi-District appearance for this year’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2019). In August of 2017, the troupe traveled to Scotland where they were invited to perform Federico García Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba at The 70th Annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival. Marco’s notable forays into film include interning at The Weinstein Company in Los Angeles, CA, attending the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT and working in production on many local short and feature films. He has been actively involved in theater for over fifteen years. Marco’s credits on stage include LITE Production’s Side Man (Ziggy), LLT's Measure For Pleasure (Sir Peter Lustforth) and LTGI's A Midsummer Night's Dream (Quince).

Dr. Colin A. Campbell has been an active concert organist and pianist over the past 25 years, touring across Southern Africa and Europe. He was appointed as University Organist/Assistant Professor of Music/Organ at Texas A&M International University in the Fall of 2013, relocating from South Africa. Dr. Campbell will return to TAMIU in the coming Fall semester as tenured Associate Professor of Music/Organ.
He is proud to debut as Musical Director for Mary Poppins after serving as rehearsal pianist for LTGI In the Heights and LTGI Beauty and the Beast. Colin has more than twenty years’ experience as a pit musician, and his credits as music director for musical theater productions include Gigi, The Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Sound of Music. For this production of The Sound of Music he received the Eastern Province Herald’s Show Time Award for the Best Contribution to Musical Theatre in 2003. His composition, Rapsodia del Río Grande for Mariachi, Organ & Orchestra was the center piece in an award winning KLRN PBS documentary, Rhapsody on the Rio Grande: A Confluence of Culture.
Colin thanks his wife Belinda, and their son, Colin Jr. for their love and support and is thankful to the cast and production team to be part of this year’s production of Mary Poppins.

Casandra Canales has been an active member of LTGI since 2009. She served as assistant director in The Diary of Anne Frank (LTGI 2015) and Noises Off (LLT 2014). Past LTGI production titles include, costumer- In the Heights (2018), costumer - A Midsummer Night's Dream (2016). As an actor, her titles include, Yerma (2017), The 39 Steps (2014), Bodas de Sangre (2012) among others.

Chayo Moreno is thrilled to be returning to LTGI. Most recently she had the pleasure of being Assistant Stage Manager in LTGI’s In the Heights. Other credits include: Noises Off and Measure for Pleasure (LLT). Chayo graduated from TAMIU with a B.S. in Elementary Education with a Bilingual Emphasis. She is currently working at Leon Daiches Elementary as a Second Grade teacher and is working towards her M.A. in Theatre. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support.

Telissa Lueckenotte Molano born and raised outside of Kansas City, Missouri, is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Urban Design with studies in both Rouen and Paris, France. After working in two major architectural firms and have migrated South down Interstate 35, she met her husband, Juan, in Dallas. She is a partner in the architectural firm, Redline Architecture. Seventeen years of drinking Laredo water and seven seasons of collaborating with LTGI, she has helped create over 17 sets including In the Heights, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, Cinderella, The Diary of Anne Frank, My Fair Lady, Hairspray, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Who’s Tommy, Bodas de Sangre, God of Carnage, The Crucible, Macbeth, The 39 Steps, Bless Me Ultima, Yerma, and The House on Mango Street. She played Marlene in Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will. She also collaborated with the Society of Martha Washington to produce the 2016-2019 Colonial Ball sets. She is blessed to be a board member for Casa de Misericordia and LTGI.

Ariadne “DeeDee” Diaz gladly joins LTGI as costumer for this summer’s musical, Mary Poppins. She is excited to work on this fabulous show with over 100 costumes. Other shows she has costumed are Daddy’s Dyin’, Who’s Got the Will? (2014) and Romeo and Juliet (2012). She’s also assisted Teena Arciniega with costuming Sound of Music (2010), The Importance of Being Ernest (2011), Annie (2011), and Macbeth (2011). She was also wig mistress for Hairspray (2013). DeeDee has also taken to the stage in such shows as Sound of Music (Frau Schweriger/2010), Agnes of God (Mother Superior/2011), and Macbeth (Witch/2011). She’s thrilled for another opportunity to work behind the scenes on an LTGI production!

Henry Mejia, along with his wife Karen, is the owner of Blue Top Companies providing land surveying and printing in Laredo. He serves as Permanent Deacon at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church and is a Past-president of Laredo Theater Guild International Board where he now serves as a member. As properties master ,Henry gets to design and build some cool stuff, he also goes on a city-wide scavenger hunt for hard to find items. Henry was part of the team that helped put this amazing set together. He also helped LTGI switch ticket vendors, we hope it was a better experience for you. In this show he also is serving as the flight captain, keeping Mary’s flight safe! He has been involved in most of LTGI’s productions specializing in not being see by the audience. Henry is crazy in love with his amazing wife Karen and they have three children Alejandro, Miguel, and Sarah, which all have graced the LTGI stage.