Speakeysie News Desk

MUSIC & LYRICS BY GLORIA ESTEFAN andEMILY ESTEFAN BOOK BY KAREN ZACARÍAS. DIRECTED BY MICHAEL GREIF INTRODUCING JACI CALDERON FEATURING DARIO ALVAREZ, ZACK CALDERON, NATHAN DIAZ, ISABEL GONZALEZ, MICHELLE ZINK-MUÑOZ WITH KEVIN DEL AGUILA AND MANDY GONZALEZ

 

JOINED BY

DAVID ANDINO, MONICA GARCIA BRADLEY, VICTORIA GÓMEZ, MICHAEL MARRERO, GAGE MARTINEZ, AVITAL TIKVA MASRI, KARA MENENDEZ, COTY PERNO, JULIO REY, LANNIE RUBIO, DIEGO TURNER-FIGUEREDO and ARIANA VALDES

 PERFORMANCES BEGIN MAY 30, 2026 STRICTLY LIMITED ENGAGEMENT – SEVEN WEEKS ONLY AT ALLIANCE THEATRE IN ATLANTA, GA

CHOREOGRAPHY BY PATRICIA DELGADO MUSIC SUPERVISION, ORCHESTRATIONS and ARRANGEMENTS BY ALEX LACAMOIRE

 PERFORMANCES BEGIN MAY 30, 2026 STRICTLY LIMITED ENGAGEMENT – SEVEN WEEKS ONLY AT ALLIANCE THEATRE IN ATLANTA, GA

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

(Atlanta, GA) – Alliance Theatre and producers Michael Shulman and Colin Callender announced today the complete casting for the world premiere production ofBASURA, a new musical with original music and lyrics by Gloria Estefan and Emily Estefan, premiering at Alliance Theatre on Saturday, May 30, 2026.  

 The production will star newcomer Jaci Calderon in the leading role of “Nambi with Dario Alvarez as “José,” Zack Calderon as “Nunu,” Nathan Diaz as “Dani,” Isabel Gonzalez as “Blanca,” and Michelle Zink-Muñozas “Sofía” with Emmy Award® winner and Tony Award® nomineeKevin Del Aguila (Some Like It Hot, Peter and the Starcatcher) as “Mario” and Drama Desk Award Winner Mandy Gonzalez (In The Heights, Hamilton) as “Mónica.”

 The production’s ensemble will include David Andino, Monica Garcia Bradley, Victoria Gómez, Michael Marrero, Gage Martinez, Avital Tikva Masri, Kara Menendez, Coty Perno, Julio Rey, Lannie Rubio, Diego Turner-Figueredo, and Ariana Valdes.

 “What excites us most about this cast is the thrilling blend of theatrical veterans and emerging young talent that audiences are destined to fall in love with,” said the producers. “Michael Greif’s ability to cultivate and discover new talent is a hallmark of his career and we can’t wait for the world to see Jaci Calderon take center stage. With Mandy Gonzalez originating her most significant role in a new musical since her career-defining turn as Nina in In the Heights, Kevin Del Aguila bringing his usual award-winning brilliance and charm, and a company of exceptional artists, we have a powerhouse cast bringing this inspiring true story to life on stage alongside a world class creative and design team.”

 As previously announced, BASURA will be directed by the Broadway stage visionary and five-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Dear Evan Hansen), written by National Latino Playwriting Award-winner Karen Zacarías (Native Gardens, Destiny of Desire). Grammy Award®, Tony Award® and Emmy Award ® winner Alex Lacamoire (Hamilton, In the Heights) is the musical supervisor, orchestrator, and arranger. Tony Award® winner Patricia Delgado (Buena Vista Social Club) will choreograph, Ken Cerniglia (Hadestown, Newsies) is the dramaturg, Cynthia Meng (Dead Outlaw) is the Music Director, Andy Señor Jr. (“Revolution Rent”) is theAssociate Director, Phil Colgan is the Associate Choreographer and Casting is by Kristian Charbonier, CSA for The Telsey Office. Casting Director for the Alliance Theatre is Jody Feldman. Grammy Award® and Emmy Award® winner David Lai is the Music Coordinator.

 The production will feature scenic design by four-time Tony Award nominee David Korins, costume design by Tony Award winner Dede Ayite, lighting design by five-time Tony Award nominee Ben Stanton, and sound design by Tony Award Winner Peter Hylenski. Victoria Navarro will serve as the Production Stage Manager.

 Performances of BASURA will begin on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Alliance Theatre’s Coca-Cola Stage (1280 Peachtree Street NE) in Atlanta, GA. Tickets are now on sale for the World-Premiere production, which is set to play through July 12, 2026. Opening night is scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2026.

 Tickets start at $25, for more information about BASURA at the Alliance Theatre, please visit: www.alliancetheatre.org/basura. 

 Produced in partnership with Michael Shulman (Sand and Snow Entertainment) and Colin Callender & Daniel Unitas(Playground).  Wendy Orshan and Jeffrey Wilson of 101 Productions, Ltd will serve as Executive Producers and General Managers.

 BASURA was developed, in part, with support from The Orchard Project, Ari Edelson, Artistic Director.

Follow along at:

Facebook: @BasuraMusical; @AllianceTheatre

Instagram: @BasuraMusical; @AllianceTheatre

X: @BasuraMusical; @AllianceTheatre

#BasuraMusical

 Alliance Theatre’s production of BASURA is presented by Invesco QQQ and sponsored by Graphic Packaging and King & Spalding. The Alliance series on The Coca-Cola Stage is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company. 

 CALENDAR LISTING SYNOPSIS:

 BASURA

May 30 – July 12, 2026

The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre

1280 Peachtree NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

 Music & Lyrics by Gloria Estefan and Emily Estefan

Book by Karen Zacarías

Directed by Michael Greif

Choreography by Patricia Delgado

Music Supervision, Orchestrations & Arrangements by Alex Lacamoire

Music Direction by Cynthia Meng

Dramaturgy by Ken Cerniglia

 Eleven-time Grammy Award® winner Gloria Estefan — whose music has sold over 100 million records worldwide — has shaped generations through song.  Now, she joins her daughter and acclaimed singer-songwriter, Grammy Award® nominee Emily Estefan, to co-write the music and lyrics for BASURA, a powerful and bold new musical inspired by the true story of Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra, where young artists turn scrap material into instruments and music into possibilities.  This world premiere musical continues Estefan’s global legacy — proving that music can rise from anywhere and change everything.

 What do you do when the world gives you nothing?  You build something beautiful.  In a community against all odds, an inspired music teacher starts an orchestra for the students, but they have no instruments.  Empty paint cans, a fork, and a bent license plate become a violin, an oil drum transforms into a colorful cello, and the newly formed orchestra hits every note to the beat of something bigger.  When the students’ instruments become symbols of possibility, the sound is heard around the world. 

 Based on the award-winning documentary film Landfill Harmonic, the new musical carries the sound of Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra farther than anyone could have ever imagined.  BASURA is an unforgettable journey of rhythm, resilience, and extraordinary music — a radiant, heart-swelling reminder that even in the most unlikely places, you can build something beautiful. Show the world what you’re made of.

 BASURA is directed by the Broadway stage visionary Michael Greif (Rent, Dear Evan Hansen), and written by National Latino Playwriting Award winner Karen Zacarías(Native Gardens, Destiny of Desire). Grammy Award® and Tony Award® winner Alex Lacamoire (Hamilton, In the Heights) is the musical supervisor, orchestrator, and arranger. Cynthia Meng (Dead Outlaw) is the Music Director. Tony Award® winner Patricia Delgado (Buena Vista Social Club) will choreograph, and Ken Cerniglia(Hadestown, Newsies) rounds out the team as dramaturg.

 For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/basura. 

 BIOS

JACI CALDERON (Nambí) is a proud Mexican-American born and raised in a small town in Idaho. For her, it is such a gift to be in this cast of incredibly talented individuals telling this beautiful story. She can’t wait to share it with the world! Theatre Credits: Purple Rain: World Premiere (Susan). TV Credits include: “Law & Order” (Guest Star), “Law & Order: Organized Crime” (Guest Star), “Law & Order SVU” (Guest Star) and “Nashville 9-1-1” (Guest Star). She wants to send a special thanks to her very large family, friends, her team at CESD, her manager Julia Watkinson and the amazing creative team behind Basura! Without their guidance and support she would not be here. “Mom I did it!” ❤

 DARIO ALVAREZ (José) is thrilled to be making his Alliance debut. Dario recently made his New York and Off-Broadway debut doing Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte, in the Public Theater’s acclaimed production of Twelfth Night, directed by Saheem Ali. Selected: A Christmas Carol (PAC NYC), directed by Matthew Warchus, Pipe Dream at the Berkshire Theatre Festival, directed by Kat Yen, and Nathasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 at Idaho Shakespeare Festival, directed by Victoria Bussert. Dario is a graduate of the Musical Theatre Program at Baldwin Wallace University. Find him on social media @_Dario_Alvarez_ 

 ZACK CALDERON (Nunu) is still recovering from forgetting the lyrics to his audition song for Oklahoma! at age 15, and is hoping this experience finally frees him from those shackles. He is best known for his breakout role as Rafael Garcia on Amazon Prime Video’s “The Wilds,” and has since gone on to appear in Apple TV’s “The Afterparty,” and a current role on Paramount+’s hit series “School Spirits.” He is deeply grateful to be part of the creation and development of Basura. None of this would exist without the spirit and generosity of Wiwi (@wiwi_luthier_recycle) - whom “Nunu” is inspired by. Much love to my people. It’s chaos, be kind. @zacktcalderon  

 NATHAN DIAZ (Dani). Born and raised in Orlando, FL, Nathan is deeply honored to be making his regional debut with Basura at the Alliance after being part of its development this past year. Favorite credits include Paul (A Chorus Line) and Otto (Spring Awakening). BFA Shenandoah Conservatory. Much love to Jim and Bridget at Bloc and the wonderful people at Telsey. Huge thank you to this incredible creative team, family and friends, and to God for this gift of an experience. @nathanddiaz 

 ISABEL GONZALEZ (Blanca) is a NYC-born actress and singer of Dominican descent who has appeared on HBO’s “High Maintenance,” “New Amsterdam,” and “Law & Order: SVU.” She was a member of Nickelodeon’s girl group “Good Newz Girls” in 2021, performing on live stages nationwide and appearing as a special guest on “That Girl Lay Lay.” She is honored to return to her first love—musical theater— and be able to tell such an inspiring story with this incredible cast and production team! To all my people, thank you from the bottom of my heart, Te amo! @theisagonzalez  

 MICHELLE ZINK-MUÑOZ(Sofía) [she/her] is thrilled to be making her Alliance Theatre  debut inBasura! Michelle is originally from Wyckoff, New Jersey and received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Indiana University. Favorite credits include Jovie inElf(Constellation Stage & Screen), Maria in9 to 5 (Penobscot Theatre Company), and Sister Mary Patrick inSister Act(Weathervane Theatre). Michelle is extremely grateful to be a part of sharing this heartwarming story. She would like to thank her friends, family, and the entire cast and crew for all their constant love and support. Te quiero mucho! IG: @michyzinkers 

 KEVIN DEL AGUILA(Mario). Broadway audiences will recognize Kevin from his Tony-nominated performance as Osgood inSome Like It Hot(Drama Desk Award) as well as the original Broadway casts ofFrozen(as Oaken),Peter and the Starcatcher(as Smee),Rocky andYellow Face, which was broadcast on PBS’ “Great Performances.” His Off-Broadway credits includeThe Baker’s Wife, Little Shop of Horrors, Love’s Labour’s Lost(Shakespeare in the Park),Jacques Brel, andGod Bless You Mr. Rosewater withJames Earl Jones. Recent roles include Reverend Layton in the world premiere ofSchmigadoon!at the Kennedy Center and the Wizard inOnce Upon a Mattresswith Sutton Foster at the Ahmanson Theater in LA. His film/TV appearances include “Law & Order: SVU,” “Deadbeat,” and “Peg+Cat.” He is also the voice of Baxter in the wildly popular animated series “Hazbin Hotel” on Amazon Prime Video and a singing Troll in the Disney blockbuster “Frozen.” In his spare time, Kevin is an Emmy-winning TV writer, lyricist for the stage and screen, and book-writer of the stage musicalsDiary of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Man, MadagascarandAltar Boyz.@kevinoftheeagle 

MANDY GONZALEZ (Mónica) is an accomplished film, TV, stage actor and author. She has starred on Broadway in the mega-hit Hamilton as Angelica Schuyler. She also originated Nina Rosario in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, In The Heights, for which Mandy received a Drama Desk Award. Mandy also starred as Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked, blowing the roof off of New York’s Gershwin Theatre each night as she belted out the signature song, Defying Gravity. She most recently guest-starred as Norma Desmond in the Tony-winning revival of Sunset Blvd. Mandy also received an OBIE Award and overwhelming critical praise for her performance in the Off-Broadway production of Eli’s Comin’. Television viewers have had the pleasure of seeing Mandy in her recurring roles in the hit series “Madam Secretary,” “BULL,” “Quantico,” and alongside Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez in “Only Murders in the Building.” Equally at home on the big and small screen, she has appeared in Across the Universe directed by Julie Taymor, After starring opposite Pablo Schreiber, and Man on a Ledge with Sam Worthington. Mandy can also be heard as the voice of Mei in Disney’s Mulan 2, and as the voice of Mother Rose on the Disney Plus and Disney Jr. series “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery.”

 DAVID ANDINO(Ensemble) [he/him] is thrilled to join the world premiere cast of Basura at the Alliance Theatre! Favorite credits include Christian in50 Shades: The Musical Parody(Off-Broadway), Jean Michel inR+H’s Cinderella(1st Nat’l Tour), Blind Beggar/Garden Gnome inAmelie The Musical(Original Broadway Cast) and most recently Banatabois/Babet in Les Mis (N. American Tour). He holds a BFA from Viterbo University. With immense gratitude, this is ALL for Dani, Rj, Aj, Seby, and Nemo. Te Amo! IG: @andinodavidandino   

 MONICA GARCIA BRADLEY (Ensemble) [she/her] is thrilled to make her Alliance Theatre debut and honored to be part of this extraordinary story of resilience, creativity, and hope. Favorite credits include Diana in A Chorus Line(Flat Rock Playhouse), West Side Story (Lyric Opera of Chicago), and Oliver! (Paper Mill Playhouse). Additional theatre credits include Meet Me in St. Louis and Cats (Theatre Under The Stars), In the Heights and West Side Story (City Springs Theatre), Green Girl in Shout! The Mod Musical (Ivoryton Playhouse), and Ilona in She Loves Me (Millbrook Playhouse). Television credits include the recurring role of Alicia on Tyler Perry’s “Sistas” (BET), as well as Guest appearances on “The Resident” (FOX), “Dopesick” (Hulu), “She-Hulk” (Marvel/Disney+), “MacGyver” (CBS), and “Monarch” (FOX). Film credits include the Warner Bros. Discovery+ holiday feature A Christmas Open House, as well as several independent films and commercials. Thank you Danny for the endless love and support. @monica_garcia_nyc 

VICTORIA GÓMEZ(Ensemble) [she/her/ella] is beyond thrilled to be a part of Basura at the Alliance Theatre! Her most recent credits include: Nina inIn the Heightsat Signature Theatre,A Christmas CarolandLittle Shop of Horrorsat Ford’s Theatre, Sonia Sotomayor inShe Persistedat Adventure Theatre, Betty inBeautiful: The Carole King Musicalat Olney Theatre, Roxy inMy Body, No Choiceat Arena Stage, and Sour Kangaroo inSeussicalat Keegan Theatre. She holds a degree in BM, Musical Theatre from The Catholic University of America. Tori would like to thank la familia Gómez for their constant support and the Basura cast and team for making this opportunity possible. Find her at:victoriagomezactor.com or insta: @tori.gom  

MICHAEL MARRERO (Swing) [he/him] is a Cuban/Ecuadorian actor most recently in In the Heights (Graffiti Pete, Usnavi u/s) at the Signature Theatre. He has also appeared on the National Tour of Peter Pan (Ensemble, Captain Hook u/s) and was part of the inaugural cast aboard the Norwegian Prima in SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical (Swing, Bruce Sudano & Neil Bogart u/s). Other regional credits include White Plains Performing Arts Center and Gateway Playhouse. He holds a BFA from Ithaca College and now offers acting/audition coaching for young artists – visit his website for more information! Fiercely represented by Nicole Sarro at MMV Talent. So much gratitude to the Alliance Theatre and the entire Basura team for this moment. Besitos para su familia y abuelos que lleva en su corazón! For Nick Pratico. IG: @mmarrero28 //www.michaelmarrero.me.

 GAGE MARTINEZ (Ensemble) [he/him] is excited to be a part of Basura at the Alliance Theatre! Favorite credits include Toby in Octet (Studio Theatre), Martín in Mother Road (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma), Roger in Rent and Somebody in Everybody, both at The University of Oklahoma. He holds a BFA from The University of Oklahoma. Gage would love to thank his family, biological and chosen, for the endless supply of stability and love. Find him on social media: @gagemrtnz_02  

 AVITAL TIKVA MASRI (Swing) [she/her] is honored to be making her Alliance debut in Basura, alongside an extraordinary company of artists! Similar to the members of the Garbage Orchestra, Avital has found music to hold so many profound truths in her life. No matter your financial circumstances or where you come from, there will always be a way to pursue your truth. It’s possible! אם תרצו, אין זו אגדה  Stay in touch! @therealavital 

 KARA MENENDEZ (Ensemble) [she/her] is thrilled to join the cast ofBasuraat the Alliance Theatre! Broadway credits includeMoulin Rouge! The Musical(swing/ US Arabia), &The Heart of Rock and Roll. Other credit favorites includeWest Side StoryTokyo in the IHI StageAround. Proud Marymount Manhattan College Alumni (BFA dance program). Deepest gratitude for this EPIC creative team & casting for this opportunity, CESD, and of course my family & friends who have literally held me up these past 2 years to get me here today. GLORY TO GOD! Find her on social media: @kara.menendez 

 COTY PERNO (Ensemble). Probably warming up to ‘Conga’ right now. Honored to be a small part of something special with this team of legends. The Muny, Pittsburgh CLO, and KC Starlight are epic. Sending love and thanks to all the family, friends, and educators along the way. Bearcat bond. Go CCM MT’25. Let’s do this. 

 JULIO REY (Ensemble) [he/him] is honored to be making his Alliance debut. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Broadway: Aladdin (u/s Aladdin), Lempicka, Bad Cinderella(u/s Prince Sebastian). Regional: Working Girl (La Jolla Playhouse), Frozen (Kristoff, NSMT), The Great Gatsby(Papermill Playhouse), White Christmas (Phil Davis, CSTC), Titanic (Fleet, Milwaukee Rep). Penn State BFA. Amateur Crochet Master. Thanks to Marc and Dustin and his partner Michael! Instagram: @julio.iguana

 LANNIE RUBIO (Swing/Dance Captain) is honored to join the cast of Basura at Alliance Theatre! A Miami-born Cuban American. National Tours: Mrs. Doubtfire (Flamenco Singer). Off-Broadway: ¡Americano! (Ensemble/ Dance Captain). Regional: Honky Tonk Angels (Darlene), In the Heights (Vanessa). TV: “Asi Se Baila” on Telemundo. She holds a BFA from Florida State University. Gracias a Dios, mi familia, Telsey and Daniel Hoff Agency. IG: @therealannierubio  

 DIEGO TURNER-FIGUEREDO (Swing) is thrilled to make his Alliance Theatre debut inBasura! Recent local credits include Ensemble inRagtime(City Springs Theatre Company), Pippin inPippin, Ensemble inReefer Madness(Kennesaw State University), Max inBright Star(Strand Theatre), as well as Jack inInto the Woodsand Warren in Ordinary Days(Woodstock Arts). Diego is a recent graduate of Kennesaw State University, where he earned his B.A. in Theatre and Performance Studies with a concentration in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance. He is endlessly grateful to God, his mom, family, friends, and teachers for their unwavering love and support. @diego.turner15 

 ARIANA VALDES (Ensemble). [she//they] Alliance Theatre debut! NYC-based, Boston Conservatory-trained, Cuban-Irish AEA member and talent development advocate. Most recently appeared as Kit de Luca in Pretty Woman the Musical at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre. National tours:The Sound of Music (Mother Abbess u/s, performed), My Fair Lady. Developmental: El Otro Oz, Little Duende, Dot Dot Dot the Musical. Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse’s Sister Act and The Sound of Music (Mother Abbess u/s, performed), Somewhere Over the Border (Julia – City Theatre, People’s Light), In the Heights (Daniela – STAGES St. Louis, Pennsylvania Shakespeare, Westchester Broadway), Jerry Springer: The Opera (Peaches/Baby Jane – SpeakEasy Stage), Escape to Margaritaville (Tammy – Mill Mountain Theatre), Waitress (Nurse Norma/Becky u/s – ACT of CT), Sister Act (Mary Patrick – Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, WPPAC), Beauty & the Beast (Madame de la Grande Bouche – Palace Theatre), Seussical (Sour Kangaroo – Gateway, Engeman).  Turning trash into treasure, Ariana creates upcycled jewelry and art through her small business RiRiPurpose. Gratitude to Kyle, chosen familia, GBM, Alliance and Basura teams for uplifting this story! Ariana performs in memory of her parents, Enrique Valdes & Linda Worthington Valdes, who always showed that it’s possible to make something out of nothing – and everything! ArianaValdes.com | @riripurpose | @arianavaldiva 

 ABOUT THE ALLIANCE THEATRE

Founded in 1968, Alliance Theatre is the leading producing theater in the Southeast, reaching more than 165,000 patrons annually. The Alliance is led by Jennings Hertz Artistic Directors Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Christopher Moses, and Managing Director Brandon Kahn. The Alliance is a recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award® for sustained excellence in programming, education, and community engagement. In January 2019, the Alliance opened its state-of-the-art performance space, The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre. In January 2026, the Alliance will open the new Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families on the campus of the Woodruff Arts Center to expand its programming and commitment to excellent productions for family and student audiences of all backgrounds. Known for its high artistic standards and national role in creating significant theatrical works, the Alliance has premiered more than 140 productions including eleven that have transferred to Broadway. The Alliance education department reaches more than 90,000 students annually through performances, classes, camps, and in-school initiatives designed to support teachers and enhance student learning. The Alliance Theatre values community, curiosity, collaboration, and excellence, and is dedicated to reflecting the cultural richness of Atlanta’s community through the stories it tells, the people it employs and audiences it serves. alliancetheatre.org