Entrance to Heaven
ACTING ENSEMBLE
Adriel Irizarry
Adriel Irizarry (EDGAR) is a Chicago-born actor of Puerto Rican and Colombian descent. He attended the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles & New York City. Recent theater credits include: Pablo Fucking Escobar in Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (Steep Theatre Company), U/S Swing in Anna in the Tropics (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company) and Xavier in Y Tu Abuela: Where Is She Part 1 (Visión Latino Theatre Company). Film credits include: Trinity’s Triumph directed by Michael J. Wickham, and Bystander by Justin Nico Flocco. He is represented by Gray Talent Group. @irizarryo
Juan Muñoz
Juan Muñoz (The voices) is a performer, writer, and comedian based in Chicago. Juan is a Bob Curry Fellow at The Second City, and participated in the showcase performance “Call Me By My Actual Name”. Acting credits include “The Leopard Play: or Sad Songs for Lost Boys” at Steep Theatre which won a Jeff Award for Best Ensemble. His comedic solo show “I’m Not Sad!’ was nominated for “Best Storytelling” at the Alliance of Latin-x Theatre Artists Awards. Juan was also a member of the 2021 Intensive Ensemble, instituted by Off-Broadway’s Labyrinth Theatre. In 2023 Juan participated in Jackalope Theatre’s Playwright’s Lab. Instagram: juanwithwords Website: www.juanwithwords.com
Sam Ramirez
Sam Ramirez (Armando/Referee) is thrilled to be a part of “That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven.” He was last seen in the staged reading of “El Bacalao” at Lifeline Theater. Previous credits include:“My Father’s Keeper” (Tirsio) Latinx Theater Commons “She Lights the Fire” (Allal) Three Cats Productions “Nuevas Voces” (God) Stage Center Theater “Factory After Dark” (Eric) Factory TheaterSam has also had the good fortune to work with Latino Chicago Theater, Theater on the Lake, Excalibur Shakespeare Company and Hidden Stages.He would like to thank Xavier, all the cast and everyone at Vision Latino Theater Company who have made this production possible.Sam would like to dedicate the show to his beloved nephew Ismael Correa who was an inspiration, a fighter and a motivator.
Nelson A. Rodriguez
Nelson A. Rodriguez (Juan) is an actor and playwright based in Chicago. As an actor, he was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award for his performance in "Men on the Verge of a His-Panic Breakdown." Other Chicago theatre credits include: Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, 16th Street Theatre, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Raven Theatre, and many more. His on-camera credits include the feature films "En Algun Lugar" (TLA Releasing) for which he received a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the International Film Festival in Nice, Italy, and "Soul Sessions" (Gravitas Ventures). He's appeared in the streaming series "Dudes," "Kissing Walls," "Easy Abby," "The Dreamers," and "Vigilante," many short films, and international commercials. As a playwright, his credits include "Snapshots'' (Spartan Workshop), "Ropa Vieja" (Broke Nose Theatre's Bechdel Fest), and "New Personalidad" (winner of CLATA's Inicios). In 2016, Mr. Rodriguez received Windy City Times' 30 Under 30 Award. He gives a very special thanks to Coach Andrew and David at KingFit Training and to my love, Soti. @nelstar_rodriguez
Joshua Zambrano
Joshua Zambrano is a Chicago native who graduated from The Chicago High School for the Arts (Acting, ’14). He is working actor and teacher in the city and has been nominated for many awards during his career, including being a finalist in the National Shakespeare Competition (‘14) and being nominated for Best Actor in A Musical for the ALTA awards (‘19). As an ensemble member of Vision Latino, Josh is thrilled to be working closely with them to make sure Latine stories are featured in the thriving theatre city. He is thankful to his artistic family for the opportunity to be a part of this new, engaging story! Shoutout to his beautiful fiancé, Chris, for dealing with the late nights and exhaustive schedule; to his for always supporting his dreams, and to his pup, Calypso, for the post-rehearsal cuddles. Theatre credits include: Sonny in In The Heights (VLTC), Hafiz in In Bloom (Manhattan Theatre Club), Sims in Grace, or The Art of Climbing (Brown Paper Box Co.). He is represented by DeSanti Talent.
Creative Team
Xavier M. Custodio
Xavier M. Custodio (Director) is one of the Co-Founders and Artistic Director of Visión Latino Theatre Company. He feels honored to be directing the Midwest Premiere of That Must Be The Entrance To Heaven and working alongside two talented and brillant Associate Artistic Directors ,and this amazing production team. Thank you Franky for trusting me with your play. Xavier’s directing credits includes: Sancocho, Failure: A Love Story, Y Tu Abuela, Where is She?(World Premiere), Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Stories of Us, Fame, In The Heights, Yellow Eyes, Revolt (World Premiere), and Parachute Man (Assistant Director). He has been in the following productions: The Scarecrow (Minster Dodge), Rent (Benny), Godspell (John the Baptist), Man of La Mancha (Juan), Nine Lives: A Musical Web Series (BFPS Manger), Evita, Ragtime, and The Wiz. A special thank you to my parents for absolutely everything!
Franky D. Gonzalez
Franky D. Gonzalez (Playwright) is a Latino playwright based in Dallas. Appearances include The Lark, the Sundance Institute, Ojai Playwrights Conference, NNPN, Latinx Playwrights Circle, Great Plains Theatre Conference, Goodman Theatre, Launch Pad at UC Santa Barbara, Urbanite Theatre, The New Harmony Project, Repertorio Español, LAByrinth Theater Company, Ars Nova, Dallas Theater Center, William Inge Theatre Festival, Teatro Vivo, Stages Repertory Theatre, Latino Theatre Company, Latinx Theatre Commons, Seven Devils New Play Foundry, the HBMG Foundation, Tofte Lake Center, Ignition Arts, Clamour Theatre Company, Road Theatre Company, and Ammunition Theater Company. A 4 Seasons Resident Playwright, Core Writer with the Playwrights Center, and the Bishop Arts Theatre Center Playwright-in-Residence, Franky has also been the recipient of the Charles Rowan Beye New Play Commission, an MTC/Sloan Commission, co-recipient of the MetLife Nuestras Voces Latino Playwriting Award, won the Crossroads Project Diverse Voices Playwriting Initiative Award, the Judith Royer Award for Excellence in Playwriting, and the Risk Theatre Modern Tragedy Competition Grand Prize.
Yajaira I. Custodio
Yajaira I. Custodio (Associate Artistic Director- Costume Designer) is a Co-Founder and Associate Artistic Director of Visión Latino Theatre Company. Yajaira is a Puerto Rican Chicago based artist, content creator, digital marketing specialist, costume and graphic designer. As Co-Founder and Associate Artistic Director of Visión Latino Theatre Company, Yajaira is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and stories through the power of the stage. As a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), Yajaira was fortunate to attend both the New York City and Los Angeles campuses where she studied theatre arts with a focus in performance. Stage credits include: Little Shop of Horrors, Urinetown, Fiddler on the Roof, Seussical the Musical, Ragtime, Godspell, In The Heights, and Yellow eyes. Through her work with Visión Latino, she hopes to highlight more work that elevates the voices and stories that are rarely produced. Yajaira extends her profound gratitude to the exceptional Visión Latino team Xavier, Flavia, and everyone at VLTC. Despite being a small group, our impact is undeniably mighty. She also expresses her heartfelt appreciation to her parents and Xavi whose unwavering support fuels the passion and success of both herself and the company. Its us for LIFE! A special, sweet shoutout goes to baby Mateo & Steph who undoubtedly adds an extra layer of love to 2023. Follow us on IG @VISIONLATINO
Flavia Pallozzi
Flavia Pallozzi (Associate Artistic Director) is a Uruguayan-American actress and writer from Miami, Florida. She became an ensemble member with VLTC seven years ago and has been an associate artistic director for five, helping Vision Latino premiere works at Chicago Dramatists, The Den Theater, and Windy City Playhouse. Flavia has also worked with companies in the city such as Goodman Theater, Remy Bumppo, and the Chicago Shakespeare Project. She is an advocate for Latin representation in film and theater.
Amy Delgado-Swanson
Amy Delgado-Swanson (Stage Manager) is an EMC actor and stage manager. They graduated from Drake University with a BFA in Musical Theatre and are currently the Operations Coordinator at Oak Park Festival Theatre. Amy's goal as a theater artist is to elevate queer and BIPOC voices and create space for their stories. She is grateful to be working once again with Visión Latino Theatre Company after stage managing the world premiere of Y Tu Abuela Where is She? Part I: Cuando Me Muera and performing as Ensemble/Carla US in In the Heights. Most recently, they were seen in Working the Musical at Jedlicka Performing Arts Center as "Housewife/Cleaning Women" soloist track . Amy would like to thank her husband, family, puppy Kovu, and close friends for their continued love and support. Keep up with Amy @missamypilar
Shayna Patel
Shayna Patel (Scenic Designer) is grateful to be back at Visión Latino Theatre Company. Her credits include: upcoming shows: E.T.C Revue 47 (Second City Theatre), A View From The Bridge (Shattered Globe), Junie B. Jones (Young People’s Theatre Chicago) and previous shows: Dory Fantasmagory (Young People’s Theatre Chicago), Sancocho (Vision Latino Theatre Company) and National Merit (Boho Theatre Company). Shayna, born and raised in England, moved to Chicago for college and fell in love with the city. She holds the degree of Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude- Theatre Design and Technology.Psychosis, and Dog. She also works as a scenic painter and miniature scale model maker for shows around Chicago. Find more about her and her work at www.shaynadesigns.com.
Line Bower
Line Bower (Technical Director) is a Chicago-based technical director, carpenter, and scenic painter. They received their BA in Theatre Technology & Design from Columbia College Chicago, where they became the school’s first student technical director of a mainstage production. They are a proud ensemble member of Babes With Blades Theatre Company. Recent TD credits: Jane: Abortion and the Underground (Idle Muse) The Dutchess of Malfi (BWBTC), Port of Entry (Albany Park Theatre Project), Plaid as Hell (BWBTC), Sancocho (Visión Latino), and Richard III (BWBTC). Lead Carpenter credits: A View from the Bridge (Theater Wit).
Sebastian 'SeaBass' Medina
Sebastian 'SeaBass' Medina (Lighting Designer) is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University, SeaBass is a Latino Chicago-based lighting designer who now primarily focuses on architectural lighting. Recent credits include Sancocho (Visition Latino Theatre), MoonWater V (2023), Pippin (Romeoville High School 2023), Dance Chicago Year Showcase (2022), Anastasia (Romeoville High School 2022) Visceral Dance Showcase (2022) and Chicago Academy 4 the Arts Showcase (2022).
Tommy Rivera-Vega
Tommy Rivera-Vega (Fight Choreographer) Excited to be making his Visión Latino debut! Originally from Puerto Rico, Tommy is proud to also call Chicago his artistic home. Chicago credits include Teatro Vista, Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Destino's Latine Theatre Festival. Regional credits: Huntington Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre. Puerto Rico credits: Spring Awakening, Footloose (BlackBox Theatre). Jeff Award: "Performer in a Principal Role" (CLATA's Tebas Land). ALTA Award: “Supporting Actor in a Musical” (Goodman Theatre’s The Music Man). He is a proud Teatro Vista Ensemble Member.
L.J. Luthringer
L.J. Luthringer (Sound Designer) is so grateful to do his first show with Visión Latino Theatre Company! A three time Jeff nominee and winner of the 2012 KCACTF Outstanding Sound Design, L.J. enjoys helping to realize original shows or Chicago premieres such as Mlima's Tale and Marys Seacole (Griffin Theatre Company), Blue Over You (Spot On), The Awake (First Floor Theater Company), Alias Grace (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble), ENGAGE! (Stellar Productions), The Tragedy of He-Manlet (New Millenium Theatre Company), and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Idle Muse Theatre Company). His portfolio can be found on a broken hard drive buried in his closet out of frustration.