The Fireside auditions and hires professional singers, dancers and actors from all over the United States. Many come with Broadway and National Tour experience. All of them come with great talent and a passion for their craft.
Valerie Torres-Rosario (Maria) is a Puerto Rican artist based in New York city. She is delighted to be making her Fireside Theatre debut with this production. Broadway: CAMELOT. Regional: THE FANTASTICKS; EVITA; NOISES OFF!; ONCE; THE LITTLE MERMAID; THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME; A CHRISTMAS CAROL; SEUSSICAL; IN THE HEIGHTS; AMERICAN IDIOT. Education: University of Florida. Proud client of the Hell’s Kitchen Agency. Gracias a Dios, familia, y amigos. valerietorresrosario.com @valerietr47
Andrew Faria (Tony) is excited to make his Fireside debut in WEST SIDE STORY! Off-Broadway: A GUIDE FOR THE HOMESICK. Opera: DEAD MAN WALKING (The Metropolitan Opera). Theatre: RENT (Paper Mill Playhouse), LEWIS LOVES CLARK (NAMT), Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Great Lakes Theater/Idaho Shakespeare Festival), and Snoopy in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (Forestburgh Playhouse). Bachelor of Music from Baldwin Wallace University. For Maria. @andyfaria_
Daniela Delahuerta (Anita) is thrilled to make her Fireside debut! Select credits: Off-Broadway – NIGHTCLUB CANTATA (Swing); National Tour – NICK JR. LIVE! (Dora the Explorer); Regional – ON YOUR FEET! (Rebecca, Gloria u/s), WEST SIDE STORY (Anita), A CHORUS LINE (Diana Morales). “Endless gracias to my parents for their love, sacrifice, and for making our American dream a reality. A special thank you to The Hell’s Kitchen Agency! Para el resto del mundo—sueña, sueña tu.” @aiaiaiDaniela.
Daniel Patrick Russell (Riff) won a Theatre World Award for THE MUSIC MAN on Broadway, starred as titular role in BILLY ELLIOT (Australian and Broadway Tours), WEST SIDE STORY (International and World Tours, Asolo Rep), lead role in THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME (California Center for the Arts and Victoria Gardens Cultural Center), MATILDA and THE MUSIC MAN (Fireside). TV: Travis Keating on FBI, The Price is Right, Fosse/Verdon, The Tony Awards. Film: Steven Spielberg’s WEST SIDE STORY streaming on Disney+. www.danielpatrickrussell.com
Arik Vega (Bernardo) is originally from West Texas with proud Tejano, Mexican, and Indigenous heritage. B.F.A. in Musical Theatre: Belmont University. Most recently seen as a hobbit/orc/elf/puppeteer in New Zealand and Chicago in the U.S. Premiere of THE LORD OF THE RINGS: A MUSICAL TALE. Regional: Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Studio Tenn. TV: Chicago Fire. Commercials: McDonald’s, UPS, Oak Street Health. IG: @arikvega.
Josh Pablo Szabo (Chino) is making their Fireside Theatre debut! Credits include FALSETTOS (Court Theatre), ASSASSINS (Jeff Award – Best Ensemble, Theo Ubique); RENT (Porchlight); CRUEL INTENTIONS: The 90’s Musical (Kokandy); EVITA (Drury Lane); RAGTIME (Music Theater Works); DEX & ABBY (Pride Arts); HELLO AGAIN (Theo Ubique); BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story (Metropolis); BOOK OF SEBASTIAN (The Jacobins). Other Credits: 9 TO 5 (Tantrum Theater). Follow their journey: @joshpabloszabo
Sofia Swensen (Anybodys) is thrilled to be back at The Fireside for WEST SIDE STORY! Credits include: ROCKY (Angie/Shirley), A CHRISTMAS STORY (Ensemble/Dance Captain), SWEET CHARITY (Swing), and AS YOU LIKE IT (Silvia). Outside of the theater, she is a personal trainer, dance teacher, and avid cat lover. She would like to thank her Ma, Dad, Bro, and the love of her life, Tiny.
Aidan Curley (Action) is excited to be back at The Fireside! Originally from San Jose, California, Aidan has spent the last four years in Manhattan, where they received their BFA in Musical Theatre from CAP21/Molloy University. Recent credits include MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET and ROCKY The Musical at The Fireside, PIPPIN (Ensemble, u/s Pippin), SWEET CHARITY (Dance Ensemble), and CARRIE The Musical (Dance Captain, u/s Billy). Enjoy the show! @aidanjcurleys.
John Marshall Jr (A-rab) is so tickled to be back in WEST SIDE STORY after playing Baby John 10 years ago at Drury Lane Theatre, Chicago! You last saw him at The Fireside in ANNIE and HOLIDAY INN. John is a Jeff Award winning actor for SOPHISTICATED LADIES at Porchlight Music Theatre and was nominated for his role in YANK: A WWII LOVE STORY at Pride Arts. He has also performed in theaters including Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Theatre at the Center, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Always for you, Mom. @john_marshall_jr
Evan Gibley (Baby John) is thrilled to finally be doing this dream show! Favorite past credits include Joe Pesci in JERSEY BOYS (Weston Theater), Puck in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Madison Theater) and Andy/Audrey in AS YOU LIKE IT (CAP21). Thank you to Ed, Kristyn, Mary, and everyone at The Fireside, as well as his incredible friends and family for always inspiring him. @hey.itsevan
Corey Jennings (Diesel) is excited to return to The Fireside Theatre! WEST SIDE STORY is a timeless classic that he’s always wanted to be a part of. Some of his past credits include OTHELLO (Y. York), AS YOU LIKE IT (Taub), ANYTHING GOES, and SWEET CHARITY to name a few. In his free time Corey likes to teach swim, read a good book, and he is a HUGE movie buff, especially horror movies. He hopes you enjoy the show! @Corey.J.Jennings
Diego Luis Cortés (Pepe) is very excited to be revisiting WEST SIDE STORY. Originally from Virginia, he currently resides in New York City. Favorite credits include Mush (NEWSIES), Pepe (WEST SIDE STORY), Baker (JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT), and Tango Dancer (EVITA). Diego sends his love to his family and gratitude to The Luedtke Agency.
Hero Dela Cruz (Indio) is thrilled to make his Fireside Theatre debut with an all-time classic. New York: CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, GUYS AND DOLLS. Regional: NEWSIES, WEST SIDE STORY, A CHORUS LINE, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, HAIR, GHOST. Award-winning dancer/choreographer, and BFA MT grad from Drake University. All glory to God! I love you 3000 to mom, family, and friends for the endless support. For E and JG! IG: @hero.d.c.
Rodolfo Santamarina (Anxious) was born and raised in Argentina. Credits – Broadway National Tour: ON YOUR FEET! Regional: MUMMY IN THE CLOSET (DC), IN THE HEIGHTS (NY), CABARET (VA), THE LITTLEST TREE (PA), JOSEPH (NJ), FAME(DC), SUGAR (Arg), DISNEY MOMENTOS MAGICOS (Arg). TV: Talento Argentino, Susana Gimenez. Movies: HSM El Desafío (Arg/Mex). Choreography: INFERNAL The Musical (NYC), MALAUI (Arg). Dance: Royal Caribbean, Galleto Tango Company (NYC), Proyecto2 (Arg). @rodosantamarina
Molly Davison (Velma) is thrilled to be returning to Fireside for WEST SIDE STORY! Originally from New Jersey, B.B.A. in Marketing and Healthcare Business, Dance History minor from The University of Oklahoma. Credits: ROCKY (Fireside Theatre), Step One Dance Company (Holland America Line), ROCK OF AGES (Centenary Stage), THE ALL NEW PIANO MEN (Palace Theatre), Dallas Black Dance Theatre: ENCORE! Big thank you to my family and friends, Ed and the Fireside team, and all my mentors for encouraging me to “keep the dream alive.” Cheers! @mollydavo
Messina Paratore (Graziella) is thrilled to be making her regional theatre debut at The Fireside! She recently made her New York debut performing in Red Bucket Follies in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. Before her move to the city, she cruised around Europe as a dancer with Holland America Line. While in college, she spent her summers working as a performer with Cedar Point Live Entertainment. She graduated from Oklahoma City University with a B.S. in Dance Management, and she would like to thank her family, friends, and educators for their love and support!
Anna Backer (Clarice) is thrilled to be returning to The Fireside for WEST SIDE STORY! National Tours: MY FAIR LADY (dir. Bartlett Sher), GIRLS NIGHT. Select Regional: MATILDA, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (Fireside), PIPPIN (STONC), CHICAGO (Big Noise Theater), ANYTHING GOES, PETER PAN, MAME (Music Theater Works), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (WPPAC), BULLETS OVER BROADWAY (NightBlue), The Who’s TOMMY, MY FAIR LADY (Northwestern University). Represented by DDO Artists Agency. Much love to Roux and the fam. @annabackertap
Lauren Teyke (Minnie) Recently seen touring the country with various crafts in hand. National Tours: CHICAGO (Hunyak, U/S Roxie Hart, U/S Mama Morton), ANASTASIA (Odette, Dance Captain). Regional: SOMETHING ROTTEN (FST, U/S Portia). Lauren has also performed globally in Cuba and China. Lauren is excited to be sharing this story which holds such relevance today. Thank you to my family, buddies, Sam and my kitty Khan for filling my life with love. @laurenteyke laurenteyke.com
Rosie Garcia (Rosalia) is thrilled to be making their debut at The Fireside Dinner Theatre in their all-time favorite musical. Special thank you to their spouse Liam for letting Rosie delay their honeymoon to be here! Favorite credits include: New York Theatre: SAW the Musical (Amanda/Adam Swing), ENCANTO: the Experience (Mirabel), THE EBONIC WOMAN (Hot Tamale). Regional: MR. BURNS, a post-electric play (Quincy/Bart), CHRISTMAS ON URANUS (Queen Herma).
Stephanie Bernal (Consuelo) is thrilled to be making her regional theater debut in WEST SIDE STORY. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, she has been part of the official Spanish-language Broadway productions of ALADDIN and CHICAGO in Mexico. Stephanie thanks Ed and the entire Fireside Theatre team for this opportunity. She’s deeply grateful for the love and support of her family and friends, whose encouragement continues to inspire her on this amazing journey. @stephaniebernalv
Lucila Tolis (Francisca) is an Argentine musical theatre performer, choreographer, and fire dancer with a Bachelor’s degree in Choreographic Composition from the National University of Arts of Argentina. She began her professional career at 16, working continuously in a variety of productions. Lucila has directed her own projects and taught at universities, mentoring over 100 students annually. With extensive international experience, including México, she is now making her debut in the U.S. and is eternally grateful to The Fireside Theatre for this opportunity.
Victoria Mesa (Teresita) is thrilled to be making her Fireside debut in a show that means so much to her! Tours: MEAN GIRLS (Standby Regina, Janis/Ensemble). Regional favorites: FOOTLOOSE (Ariel), SPAMALOT (Lady of the Lake), WEST SIDE STORY (Anita), JERSEY BOYS (Mary Delgado). Much love to her family, the Bratz, Brian and HKA, and the cast and creative team for being nice to her. Special thank you to Culver’s for existing. Please sponsor. @victoriamesa_
Isa Ramirez (Margarita) is thrilled to be back at The Fireside Theatre for WEST SIDE STORY! Fireside Credits: MATILDA! Regional: Marriott Theatre, IN THE HEIGHTS (Ensemble), Music Theater Works, BRIGADOON (Maggie Anderson/Dance Captain) WHITE CHRISTMAS (Ensemble) ZORRO! (Ensemble). Concert Dance: Gus Legacy Dance Co. She feels so grateful to be a part of this show that is very near and dear to her heart, family, and heritage. LLJ – Jayden. Instagram: isa_nychi
Michael Haws (Doc, Glad Hand) Michael’s recent favorite roles: Captain Smith-TITANIC; Mayor-THE MUSIC MAN; General Waverly-WHITE CHRISTMAS; Wizard-THE WIZARD OF OZ; Max-THE SOUND OF MUSIC; King-CINDERELLA; Arvide-GUYS AND DOLLS; Pickering-MY FAIR LADY; Maurice-BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; Clarence-A WONDERFUL LIFE; Jim-ALL SHOOK UP; Thenardier-LES MISERABLES; Other theatres: Marriott Lincolnshire, Drury Lane E.P., Beef & Boards, Fulton Musical Theatre, Little Theatre. JOKE: What fruit did Romeo and Juliet eat? ANSWER: cantaloupe.
Victor Hernandez (Lt. Schrank) created the role of Henry Barrow in BONNIE & CLYDE on Broadway. Regional credits include B&C (La Jolla Playhouse & Asolo Repertory); Dan – NEXT TO NORMAL (Seven Angels Theatre); Lt. Brannigan – GUYS AND DOLLS (Bucks County Playhouse); and George Banks – MARY POPPINS, Harry Bright – MAMMA MIA, The Old Man – A CHRISTMAS STORY, Gazzo, Jergens – ROCKY The Musical, and Shellhammer – MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (Fireside Theatre). Check out his bi-yearly posts on Instagram: @thevichernandez
Brandon Kallen (Officer Krupke) was last seen at The Fireside as Mr. Macy in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET! Credits include THE WIZARD OF OZ tour, MYSTIC PIZZA at the Engeman Theater, LA CAGE at Cygnet, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN with Candlelight Pavilion, NEWSIES, WHITE CHRISTMAS, MARY POPPINS and LES MIS with Theatre Royale, PETER PAN and RAGTIME with Performance Riverside. Brandon has a degree in Theatre Arts and a minor in music from California Lutheran University, and would like to thank his family and friends for all of their support. Insta: @brandonkallen