Gloria and Emily Estefan Musical Basura Finds Full Casting for World Premiere

Full casting has been found for Alliance Theatre's upcoming world premiere of Basura, a new musical with songs by Gloria Estefan and Emily Estefan. Michael Greif is directing the new work, with performances running May 30-July 12. Opening night will be June 12 at the Atlanta, Georgia, theatre.

The work is inspired by the true story of Paraguay's Recycled Orchestra, an ensemble comprising young musicians playing instruments made of scrap material. The plot follows a music teacher who empowers students to make music even when they have nothing. Karen Zacarias (Native Gardens, Destiny of Desire) has penned the book, and Patricia Delgado will choreograph. Music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements will be by Alex Lacamoire with Ken Cerniglia serving as dramaturg.

Newcomer Jaci Calderon will lead the company as Nambi, with Dario Alvarez as José, Zack Calderon as Nunu, Nathan Diaz as Dani, Isabel Gonzalez as Blanca, Michelle Zink-Muñoz as Sofía, Kevin Del Aguila (Some Like It Hot, Peter and the Starcatcher) as Mario, and Mandy Gonzalez (In the Heights, Hamilton) as Mónica. The company will also 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. Casting is by Kristian Charbonier, with Jody Feldman handling casting for the Alliance.

“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,” say producers Michael Shulman and Colin Callender in a joint statement. “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.”

The production will also feature music direction by Cynthia Meng, music coordination by David Lai, scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting design by Ben Stanton, and sound design by Peter Hylenski. Victoria Navarro will serve as the production stage manager. Andy Señor Jr. is the associate director, and Phil Colgan is the associate choreographer.

Though Estefan is no stranger to musical theatre, Basura, co-written with her daughter, will be her first original stage score. A jukebox biomusical telling her life story to a soundtrack of her greatest hits, titled On Your Feet!, played a Broadway run in 2015.

"This is a story that has been close to my heart for several years since I first encountered the determination and ingenuity of the young people of Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra," said Gloria Estefan in an earlier statement. "Emily and I are thrilled for our music to be a part of telling their story in this original musical. We could not be more excited for Basura to begin its theatrical life in a city as influential and diverse as Atlanta with a theatre as consequential as the Alliance."

The production is being produced in partnership with Shulman's Sand and Snow Entertainment and Callender and Daniel Unitas' Playground. Wendy Orshan and Jeffrey Wilson of 101 Productions, Ltd are serving as executive producers and general managers.

Visit BasuraMusical.com. Tickets for the premiere run are at AllianceTheatre.org.