The Vineyard's SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL Holds Panel Discussion 6/22

Jaradoa Theater is currently presenting SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL, a new musical, through June 28 at the Dimson Theatre at The Vineyard , 108 East 15th Street (between Union Square East & Irving Place). Written by Anika Larsen, SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL is co-conceived and directed by April Nickell.

There will be a panel discussion on Diversity in the Arts, sponsored by R.Evolucion Latina, following the performance Tonight, June 22 at 8 p.m. SHAFRIKA's choreographer Luis Salgado is the Founder and Director of R.Evolucion Latina, a collective of artists and activists committed to empowering the artistic community in order to inspire growth within the Latino Community through collaboration, productions, educational and support programs.

SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL tells Anika Larsen's own story of growing up in Cambridge, MA with nine Brothers and Sisters who are Black, White, Asian, Latino, and Native American. The 17-member cast portrays the many people in her world who help to shape Anika's identity while being raised in such a unique rainbow family. Along the way, she's forced to grapple with the truth in this unique and quirky exploration of race, identity and family. Book and lyrics for SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL are by Anika Larsen, with original music composed by Tim Acito, Joshua Henry and Janice Lowe. The show is backed by a five-piece band.

The choreographer for SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL is Luis Salgado and the musical director is Karl Mansfield.

Anika Larsen heads the cast of SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL. Also featured in the company are Chloe Campbell, Anthony Comis, Stephen Gelpi, Chris Harbur, John Harrison, Ricardo Hinoa, Amanda Hunt, Mario Martinez, Stephanie Martinez, Zonya Love, Liz Piccoli, Elizabeth Racanelli, Eileen Rivera, Lawrence Stallings, Shelley Thomas, and Gregory Treco.

Anika Larsen has appeared on Broadway in "Xanadu," "Rent" and "All Shook Up." Her Off-Broadway credits include "Zanna, Don't!;" "Miracle Brothers;" "How to Save the World and Find True Love in 90 Minutes;" and "Serenade." This July, Anika will be joining the Broadway cast of "Avenue Q" playing Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut.

Director April Nickell has directed in New York City for the Neva Theater Company and Haven Productions, as well as Jaradoa Theater's "The Small of Her Back" and "Serenade" by Rachel Sheinkin and Nils Olaf Dolven. Choreographer Luis Salgado is in the cast of Broadway's "In the Heights," where he also serves as assistant to the choreographer. Luis also appeared in "The Mambo Kings" and "Fame," and he choreographed "Serenade" (HOLA Award).

Scenic design for SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL is by Josh Zangen, with lighting by Herrick Goldman, costumes by Andrea Varga, and sound by Mike Farfalla.

Jaradoa ("Just A Roomful of Artists Doing Outreach And") Theater is proudly kicking off its third season with SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL. The company is a member-based group of theater artists - actors, directors, writers, and designers - who have come together to promote mercy, beauty, and truth through performance and service. They are committed to creating theater while serving the community at large through theater outreach and partnerships with relief organizations. Jaradoa Radio Theater is just one of the company's current public services, with monthly performances of a radio play at centers for low-income and homeless elderly. In addition, Jaradoa has run Play On!, their acting and playwriting program, in public schools, community centers, a shelter for runaway and homeless teenagers, and at an alternative to incarceration program for 12-18 year olds. Their theater and literacy program works with students struggling with literacy, using theater and acting techniques to help them read to comprehend.

The remaining performances for SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL are June 22, 25, 26, & 27 at 8 p.m., June 27 at 2 p.m., and June 28 at 3 p.m. Tickets: www.SmartTix.com (212) 868-4444. For more information, visit www.JaradoaTheater.org.

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