Hartford Stage's East Coast premiere of Kiss My Aztec! is presented June 1–26 in Hartford, Connecticut.
Tony Taccone directs what is being billed as the "pre-Broadway production" of the musical comedy, which features a book by Tony recipient John Leguizamo, music by Benjamin Velez, and lyrics by David Kamp, Leguizamo, and Velez. Mayte Natalio choreographs.
The cast includes Krystina Alabado (Mean Girls), Angelica Maria Beliard (Summer: The Donna Summer Musical), KC Dela Cruz (Smokey Joe's Cafe), Chad Carstarphen (In the Heights national tour), Nicholas Caycedo (In the Heights), Eddie Cooper (The Cradle Will Rock), Richard Ruiz Henry (The Streets of New York), Z Infante (Fairycakes), Jesus E. Martinez (In the Heights), Maria-Christina Oliveras (Amélie), Joel Perez (Fun Home), Geena Quintos (Miss Saigon), Daniela Rodrigo (Heathers), Desiree Rodriguez (Orange is the New Black), and Matt Saldivar (Bernhardt/Hamlet).
Loosely based on Latin American history, Kiss My Aztec! travels back to the 16th century as a group of Aztecs lead the resistance against Spanish invaders. With a fierce female warrior at the helm and a not-so-fierce clown in tow, they mount a scrappy attack—and get entangled with royalty, conquistadors, and puppets.
The production also has scenic and costume design by Clint Ramos, lighting design by Alexander V. Nichols, sound design by Jessica Paz and Beth Lake, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, production stage management by Jeff Rodriguez, music supervision by David Gardos, music direction by Roberto Sinha, and puppet design by James Ortiz. Casting is by Tara Rubin Casting's Xavier Rubiano.
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