Quetzali and the Comic Book Queen vs. the Alebrije of Darkness: Live in the School Cafeteria Digital Playbill
Family Weekend Performance Dates: February 15 – 16, 2025
School Matinee Performance Dates: February 7 – 14, 2025
On Tour: February 18 – May 9, 2025
This production is part of TYA/USA’s BIPOC Superhero Project and is supported by the Mary Alice “Maggie” Coleman Griffis Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. Read more about this NATION-WIDE project HERE.
By Alvaro Saar Rios
A World Premiere commissioned by Lexington Children’s Theatre
Cast
Lali: Sarita Alvarado
Nicki: Goldie Hatch
Mom: Brittney Huerta
Mr. Z/Alebrije of Darkness: Jesse Hungerford
Cast & Crew Bios
SARITA ALVARADO (Lali)
Sarita is a native of Long Island, NY and a recent graduate from Oakland University, MI with a BFA in Musical Theatre. At Oakland Sarita honed their craft through playing various roles such as: King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, Fabian/Captain in Twelfth Night, Fanny Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility and Olive Ostrovsky (U/S) in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Sarita also founded Kaleidoscope Theatre: an organization that champions the voices of performers of color. Professionally, Sarita has performed as Carla in In The Heights, Learn Your Lessons Well Soloist in Godspell, Tanya (U/S) in Native Gardens. Sarita has also found a love for children’s theatre while performing in Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical at the Argyle Theatre on LI, and Kooky Spooky Halloween at Theatre Three on LI. Sarita is thrilled to bring the joy of theatre to the children of Kentucky!
GOLDIE HATCH (Nicki)
Goldie Hatch is an Atlanta-based actor and recently graduated from Samford University with a B.F.A in Musical Theatre. Some of Goldie’s favorite shows during their time there include the world premiere of Tomorrow the Island Dies (Widow Clack), Urinetown (Officer Lockstock), Mr. Burns, A Post -Electric Play (Bart Simpson), and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Mr. Tumnus/Father Christmas). Goldie has also performed in Into the Woods (Milky White/Granny/Giant) with the Virginia Samford Theatre and Sweeney Todd (Tobias) with Woodstock Arts.
BRITTNEY HUERTA (Mom)
Brittney Huerta (She/Her) is a Chicago-based Actor Represented by Talent X Alexander. She recently graduated from Millikin University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. Her recent credits are performing as Merv/Hermes, in Circus Olympus, 13, in When The Clock Strikes 13, and Everybody U/S in Everybody. Brittney loves to bring the joy of live theatre to young audiences, hoping to inspire the young to find excitement, creative thinking, and appreciation for theatre. Brittney is thrilled to be part of LCT’s Family!
JESSE HUNGERFORD (Mr. Z/Alebrije of Darkness)
Jesse Hungerford grew up with Lexington Children’s Theatre and is excited to reconnect as an adult to make the arts more accessible to Kentucky’s youth. Before returning to Lexington, he was a company member of the Aleatoric Theater Company in Chicago, where he performed in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), The Laramie Project, and the Chicago debut of Come n’ Go. Previous productions include: The Addams Family: Musical, The Prom, Matilda: The Musical, Lord of the Flies, The History Boys, Dog Sees God, Romeo and Juliet, Peter and the Starcatcher, Henry IV pt. I, Frankenstien, Impersonation of Being Earnest, Six Degrees of Separation, Macbeth, Pride and Prejudice, and Big Love.
Jesse would like to thank his family and friends and express his gratitude for their unwavering love and support that has fueled his passion for the arts. They remind him every day of the immeasurable power of creative expression and the life-changing connections formed in its pursuit. THANK YOU!
Special Thanks
Dr. John Denison DDS; HighBridge Spring Water; Sally Horowitz, Sally Horowitz Photography; 3M Cynthiana; Copy Express; Bobby Taylor; Matthew Snoddy, Network Therapists, Inc.; Pro Sound and Lights; Transylvania University Theater Department; University of Kentucky Department of Theatre and Dance; Mahan Multimedia; University of Louisville, Centre College; The Lexington Legends
Production Staff Credits
- Ana María Campoy (Director)
- AnnDee Alvidrez (Scenic Design)
- Andrew Burns (Costume Design)
- Kate Tayler (Stage Manager)
- Gabriel Slusser (Technical Director)
- Laika Myers (Assistant Technical Director)
- Tessa Franklin, Forrest Loeffler, Laika Myers, Gabriel Slusser, Delaney Walton (Carpenters)
- Laika Myers (Charge Artist)
- Tessa Franklin, Forrest Loeffler, Laika Myers, Gabriel Slusser, Delaney Walton (Scenic Painters)
- Laika Myers (Properties Manager)
- Marie Henderson (Costume Shop Manager)
- Gabriella Cortes, Emily Hampton, Marie Henderson, Haberlin Roberts (Costume Construction)
- Goldie Hatch (Fight Captain)
Staff Bios
AnnDee Alvidrez (Scenic Designer)
AnnDee Alvidrez is excited to return as a guest designer for this powerful, endearing show. She holds an M.F.A in Scenic Design from Texas State University. She devotes her life and career as a visual artist to advocate for cultural representation and mental health awareness. A selection of shows she has collaborated and designed on are El Nogalar, Men on Boats, Dear Jack, Dear Louise, Peter and the Star Catcher, Heroes and Saints, and Fabulous Monsters. anndeealvidrez.com
Rhonda Bell (Education Director)
Rhonda is excited to continue her journey at LCT as Education Director. She holds an MA in Theatre from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and a BA from Berea College. Rhonda enjoys driving her car, watching cartoons, and having lively debates with her students.
Octavia Biggs (Director of Shooting Stars Youtheatre)
Tavia has worked hard over the last 19 years to bring children’s theatre to Eastern Kentucky. She believes strongly that all children have the ability to be creative and through that creativity will discover the gifts they possess. She would like to thank LCT and the W. Paul and Lucille C. Little Foundation!
Heather N. Branham (Resident Director/Company Manager)
Heather is overjoyed to be back at LCT after an artistic odyssey spanning from “The Little Apple” of Manhattan, KS to “The Second City” of Chicago. She earned a Master of Arts from University of Kentucky and serves on the KPW board. Heather dedicates this season to Eddy and Huckleberry.
Andrew Burns (Costume Designer)
Andrew Burns is a NYC based costume designer and is excited to return to Lexington Children’s Theatre this season! His work was last seen at LCT for last season’s production of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical. He recently graduated with him MFA in Costume Design and Technology from the University of South Carolina in May 2024, and he received his BA in Theatre from Florida State University in May 2019. Previous design credits include: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical (Lexington Children’s Theatre), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Sh’Boom! A Christmas Miracle (Sierra Repertory Theatre), Rent, Clue (New London Barn Playhouse), A Year With Frog and Toad, Jersey Boys, Witch, Shout! The Mod Musical, Murder on the Orient Express, Driving Miss Daisy (Winnipesaukee Playhouse), Sideway Stories from Wayside School, Wonderland (Ballet), Small Mouth Sounds, This is Our Youth, A Connection is Made choreographed by André Megerdichian (University of South Carolina), Dog Sees God (Out Front Theatre Company). Special thanks to his family and friends for their love and support. Website: www.andrewburnsdesigns.com
Ashlee Collins (Development Director)
Since completing LCT’s Arts Administration internship in 2015, Ashlee has worked with theatres all over the country, including Chicago Children’s Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, and most notably, with Broadway in Chicago as a marketing assistant during the first National Tour of Disney’s Aladdin!
Ana María Campoy (Director)
Ana María Campoy is a Chicana theatre artist and advocate based in Seattle. Theatre work includes: Seattle Repertory Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Public Theatre, Key City Public Theatre, ArtsCorps, Village Theatre, The 5th Avenue Theatre, New Mexico Shakespeare Festival and Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s FUERTE. She worked as an Associate Artist with Seattle Shakespeare Company (2021-2023) and ArtsWest (2020-2021). Up next: translator and language coach for the world premiere of the bilingual musical, GO DOG GO!/VE PERRO ¡VE! at Chicago’s Children’s Theatre and directing Carmelita: A Vindication for the Unwritten, Or How to Write Yourself Back into History at Key City Public Theatre. Outside the arts, she works with WashMasks Mutual Aid, focusing on farmworker justice (@washmasks). Love to Jesse and Luna. Dedicado a mi mamá.
Emily Hampton (Costume Artist)
Emily graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Theatre in 2020. She is passionate about costuming and the fiber arts!
Marie Henderson (Costume Director)
Marie’s experience with LCT, and theatre altogether, began with a walk on role at the age of nine. She is delighted to have closed the circle of her theatrical experience by coming “home” to LCT as a staff member.
Jaime Hurt (Marketing and Sales Director)
With over 20 years in arts marketing, Jaime connects communities through storytelling and creative collaboration. As Marketing and Sales Director at LCT, she captures moments that make theatre magical for children and families, expanding access to engaging, immersive experiences while embracing the joy of bringing stories to life.
Jeremy Kisling (Producing Artistic Director)
Welcome to LCT! We want this to be your theatre, a place where you feel empowered, enriched, and emboldened. I am so honored and humbled to work with such amazing and talented artists and individuals every day! Thank you for being here, for your support, and for being a part of the LCT Family.
Maddi Knoettner (Communications Manager)
Maddi graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Communication Studies. She is a Gold Medalist of The United States Figure Skating Association and is a figure skating instructor over at the Lexington Ice Center. Maddi brings a unique blend of communication expertise and athletic achievements, and she is honored to showcase her diverse skills at Lexington Children’s Theatre!
Forrest Loeffler (Technical Associate)
Forrest Loeffler is from Lexington, he has a BFA in Acting from Illinois Wesleyan University, and is currently Kentucky Chautauqua’s Abraham Lincoln performer. He has worked with Leeds Center for the Arts, Woodford Theatre, Adventure Theatre, Pioneer Playhouse, Athens West, and is happy to have added LCT to that list!
Caleb Lunsford (Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Assistant Director)
Caleb is a teacher, painter, and arts education enthusiast from Harrodsburg, Kentucky. A graduate of Morehead State University, he is passionate about children’s theatre; striving to provide an outlet for creative expression. With a history in youth-based creative programs, he aims to curate a safe space to learn and grow.
Tessa Miller (Box Office Assistant)
Tessa Miller is a recent graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design. She holds a BFA in Performing Arts and Vocal Performance. Tessa has been a part of the LCT Family since she was six years old. She is excited to work with this amazing team of artists!
Mary Ann Mullins (Bookkeeper)
Mary Ann retired a year ago from full time employment and is overjoyed to have been given the part time bookkeeper position at LCT. In her spare time, she loves to visit festivals and see her grandchildren and share in their adventures.
Laika Myers (Charge Artist / Assistant Technical Director)
Laika Myers graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Bowling Green State University with a specialization in Design and Technical Theatre. In her spare time, she loves to read and visit a new coffee shop; while on the clock, she loves to use her artistry to share the magic of theatre with young audiences!
Lydia Rice (Resident Teaching Artist)
As a Columbus State University graduate, Lydia has directed, choreographed, and taught all ages by working at Rose Theatre and the Alliance Theatre. She believes theatre inspires creativity, teaches life skills, and helps students reach their fullest potential. She loves connecting with students at LCT and watching them shine.
Alvaro Saar Rios (Playwright)
Alvaro Saar Rios is a Texican playwright living in Chicago. His plays have been seen in New York City, Mexico City, Hawaii, Chicago, Seattle and all over Texas. His other plays include On The Wings of a Mariposa, The Mole Hill Stories and Carmela Full of Wishes. He is currently adapting his award-winning play Luchadora! into a novel and creating a new stage adaptation of Pam Muñoz Ryan’s novel Esperanza Rising that will premiere in 2025 at Milwaukee’s First Stage. Mr. Rios is a proud veteran of the US Army. He teaches playwriting at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. alvarosaarrios.com Instagram: @realcrazymex
Gabriel Slusser (Technical Director)
Gabriel has worked throughout the southeast in positions ranging from sound engineer to lead electrician to shop foreman at theatres including Titusville Playhouse, Inc., Georgia Ensemble Theatre, and Buford Community Center. As LCT’s Technical Director, he facilitates the implementation of all scenic, lighting, audio, and projection elements for their season.
Chris Swanson (Sales Administrator)
Chris Swanson has been a theatre professional for the past 25 years. She is very excited to be joining the staff at LCT. She earned her MA and BA in Theatre and Communications from Morehead State. Her past credits include Bat Boy the musical and Book of Days.
Kate Tayler (Resident Stage Manager)
Kate Tayler graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree from Bowling Green State University in Design & Technical Theatre. She is originally from Monroe, Michigan. Kate loves spending time with her cats and her partner, keeping up on all things Taylor Swift, and working with young people.
LCT Professional Staff
- Rhonda Bell, Education Director
- Octavia Biggs, Program Director of Shooting Stars Youtheatre
- Heather N. Branham, Resident Director / Company Manager
- Ashlee Collins, Development Director
- Emily Hampton, Costume Artist
- Marie Henderson, Costume Director
- Jaime Hurt, Marketing and Sales Director
- Jeremy Kisling, Producing Artistic Director
- Maddi Knoettner, Communications Manager
- Forest Loeffler, Technical Associate
- Caleb Lunsford, Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Assistant Director
- Tessa Miller, Box Office Assistant
- Mary Ann Mullins, Bookkeeper
- Laika Myers, Charge Artist / Assistant Technical Director
- Lydia Rice, Resident Teaching Artist
- Haberlin Roberts, Costume Artist
- Gabriel Slusser, Technical Director
- Chris Swanson, Sales Administrator
- Kate Tayler, Resident Stage Manager
Indigenous peoples have lived on the land now called Kentucky for at least 12,000 years. Every community owes its existence and heritage to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and stories to making the history that led to this moment. Indigenous peoples have always lived on the land that is now called Kentucky and continue to live here today. The place we now call Kentucky is primarily Shawnee, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Osage land.
A commonly cited claim many of us heard in history class growing up is that this region was merely a hunting ground. This claim is a myth, perpetuated at first by land speculators who wished to improve land sales, and still today to absolve settler colonists and their descendants from grappling with their history of land theft, genocide, and white supremacy. The continuation of this myth is harmful for all of us.
Lexington Children’s Theatre is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome to enjoy the magic of theatre. Learn more about Audio Description, ASL Interpretation, Sensory Friendly Performance, and Pre-Visit Resources by following the link below.
LCT’s Annual Campaign
Imagine if all 100,000+ people LCT serves a year made a $10 donation every year. That would cover more than 95% of LCT’s operating expenses and bring the cost of our classes and shows WAY down. If you share our passion for arts education and want to support our mission, please consider making a donation of any size to our Annual Campaign. Learn more about LCT’s Annual Campaign by visiting https://www.lctonstage.org/support-us/give-online/ or by emailing our Development Director, Ashlee Collins, at acollins@lctonstage.org.
Thank you to our 2023-2024 Donors
Supernova ($1,500+)
BGCF’s Good Giving Challenge Matching Funds
The Rouse Family Foundation Inc.
Giant Star ($1,000-$1,499)
Anonymous Donors
Ball Homes
Carrie Thayer and David Cardwell
Jim and Stacey Richardson
Linda Slagel
Amy and Hunter Stout
Shooting Star ($500-$999)
Anonymous Donors
Lexington Event Company
Joseph-Beth Booksellers
Beth Anne Akers
Gay B Hill
Rosetta Jordan in honor of Shirley Noel
Bo and Pam Ryser
The Sisler Family
The Stiff Family
Shining Star ($250-$499)
Anonymous Donors
Kroger Community Rewards Program
Unison Insurance Group
Vescio’s Sportsfields
Laura Hayden and John van Nagell
Jordan Miller
Jen Mooney
Lance Piecoro
Melia Boyson Schmidt
Cheryl and Bobby Taylor
Rising Star ($100-$249)
Anonymous Donors
A. Bass
Jane Bowen
Candra Bryant
Bylund Family
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Dr. & Mrs. J. Randall Dennison
J. Steven and Deborah Glaza
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Breck & Joy Johnson
Bill and Carol Kelsey
Wyatt and Ethan Milner
Jayme Olson
Danielle Parker
Daisy Richardson
Annaleigh Sosbe
Marcie Timmerman
The Stiff Family
Pam J. Walker in memory of Rebecca Rietze
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Our Major Contributors
