Hairspray Cast

Nina Tran is a senior at Independence. This is her 4th production on the IHS stage. Previously Nina has been seen as Tituba in The Crucible, a cheerleader in High School Musical Onstage, and Margot in Legally Blonde. When not doing theater productions, Nina enjoys sleeping, watching Netflix, and dancing. Nina would like to thank her parents, best friends and boyfriend Kim Taehyung for believing in her as she takes on her first lead role playing Tracy Turnblad!

Ryan Macias is a sophomore here at Independence high school. This is his third production at independence, 22 and counting overall, he stopped counting after 22 shows. Past roles include Aaron Shultz (Legally Blonde), Mordcha (Fiddler on the Roof), Mr. Salt (Willy Wonka). In his spare time when he’s not doing theatre he likes to sing A LOT, spend time with family and friends, and write songs. He would like to thank his friends for always supporting him and his family for helping him go above and beyond.

Maggie Phong, currently a junior, plays the role of Penny Lou Pingleton in this year’s production of “Hairspray”! Previously, she’s been seen as a Delta Nu in the past production of Legally Blonde. When she’s not fooling around on stage, you can find her in 373984 clubs like Interact, UNICEF, Recycling, and Girls Empowerment Project. She also enjoys making art boards for her friends and making really bad Cantonese jokes.

Jasmine is a senior at Independence, and this is her 3rd production on the IHS stage. Some of her past shows include Annie Jr. (Miss Hannigan), All Shook Up (Mayor Matilda), RENT (Sue), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (ensemble), & Legally Blonde (Elle Woods). Outside of theatre, Jasmine enjoys spending time with her loved ones, singing karaoke, eating, and cooking. She would like to thank her family, friends, and loved ones for all the love and support. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Kim is a Sophomore at Independence High School and is very excited to be playing Amber Von Tussle in her second show here. Her previous theatre experience includes this year’s fall play “Pride and Prejudice” as Mrs. Gardiner, and various ensemble roles at CMTSJ. Kim has a deep passion for musical theatre and is very grateful to be able to share her talents and love for the arts through performing. When she isn’t listening to a Broadway cast recording, watching a musical production, or practicing her choreography and vocals, Kim likes to watch Youtube, practice makeup looks, and hang out with her friends. She would like to give special thanks to her family and friends (inside and outside of school) for watching the show, and to Mrs. Edwards for giving her so many opportunities to expand her performing abilities this year.

Raymond Dinh is a Senior at Independence High School. This is his third production on this IHS stage, (his previous shows being High School Musical the Musical and Legally Blonde.) Last year he won the Choice Ensemble Member award. Outside of the musical, he is the current Senior Class President, Key Club Board Member, Youth Catholic Group Leader, and a social media marketer. Raymond thanks all of his friends and family for supporting him as he takes on the role of Link Larkin!

Luis Gonzalez that’s the name, I play link Larkin in this years musical. I am a senior at Independence High School, I love singing,dancing,making music, hanging with friends,I wish to own my own fashion clothing. Photography that's the hobby, I hope one day I can get my photo get seen worldwide and just give meaning to them in other people. I love learning new thing, I try to learn something new every day.

Darius Antes is a senior here at Independence. This is their third production at IHS. Darius has also been seen as Troy Bolton in HSM and Warner Huntington III in Legally Blonde. Outside of theatre, Darius likes to play on Club Penguin and be a math prodigy. He would like to thank Ms. Edwards, Mei-Wan, Gina, all of his friends at CSPA, his mom and dad, and his inspiration/sister, Deja Antes

Glyanne Feryz Arcena plays Seaweed’s sister, Little Inez. Prior to this show, she has played The Runner in Scrooge, Sherri Ryan in Winners and Losers, Betty Parris in The Crucible, Cynthia in High School Musical, Balthazar in Comedy of Errors, Enid Hoopes in Legally Blonde, and Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. She is a junior, and this is her 6th production here at IHS. When she’s not singing her heart out on stage, she writes stories, plays the piano, and reads books. Glyanne would like to thank her mother for letting her perform. She would also like to thank her grandfather, Eric, and Lucas for always getting her home after rehearsals. Finally, she would like to thank the whole cast for supporting her throughout the whole production.

Yolanda Barron is a senior at Independence, this is her 4th year in the drama program, and she will be playing Motormouth Maybelle in this year’s production Hairspray. In fall 2015, she played an ensemble member in the Lysistrata, in spring 2016 she played an ensemble member in All Shook Up, in fall 2016 she played Tituba in The Crucible, in spring 2017 she played Martha in High School Musical, and in spring 2018 she played Brook ale Wyndham in Legally Blonde. Outside of the drama program, Yolanda enjoys to participate in our school’s cheer squad, hang out with friends and family, and watch Greys Anatomy. Yolanda would like to thank her Mom and Dad for being so supportive throughout the years. Her aunts, uncles and cousins for coming to all of the shows. Her friends and boyfriend for also coming. Thanks for coming, enjoy the show

Lana is in her Senior year of high school. This is her first and (unfortunately) last production at Independence. During her year as a senior, she has taken part in the ITS Drama Festival as well as the Hamilton Performance Competition, and will be performing an original piece with her friend Julian Labucay on the stage of the Orpheum Theater. When she isn't busy with theater, class office, or cultural clubs, you can find her on the floor fast asleep, in a corner complaining about her body pains and injuries, or running around expressing her love for Robert Downey Jr. and Anthony Howard Stark. As this year's Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, she hopes to create a long lasting impression on her peers and teachers despite being involved in theater for a short time.

Lucas Gafford is a sophomore here at Independence High School and is very happy to be part of this production. This is his 3rd major production and his previous roles were the both gay and European Nikos Argitakos from Legally Blonde (2018) and the conniving George Wickham from Pride and Prejudice (2018). In this production, he is now the comical and supportive dauntless dad Wilbur Turnblad! When not at school, Lucas enjoys playing video games, watching anime, listening to music, hanging out with friends, dancing, and playing Yu-Gi-Oh! He would like to thank his family, his friends, everyone who has supported him over the years and his inspirations including, but not limited to, Lisarose Balualua, Alyssa Torres, Annie Nguyen, Celeste Mazucci, Julian Labucay, Kim Messersmith, Ashley Tan, and his dearest Glyanne Arcena. He really hopes you enjoy the show!

Bella Cabading Is a Freshman here at Independence High School. This is her first production. When not doing theater productions, Bella enjoys spending time with friends and family. Bella would like to thank her Mom and Dad for encouraging her to always work as hard as possible and to be the best version of herself. She thanks her Nana and Papa for always supporting her and giving her the best advise. Also to her Brother Ryder who was her audience during this journey even though he wasn't very happy about it. Lastly She wants to thank her Loving friends: Karissa Ortiz and Josh Wolterbeek, as Well as the entire cast who made the musical so enjoyable.

Daniel is currently a junior at Independence. This is his 5th show at IHS and the second role that he had gained. His previous roles include: Sundeep Padamadon in Legally Blonde and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. When not on stage, he is usually: at Cheer practice, trying to finish all of his APUSH homework, making people laugh, or feeding his turtles. He would like to thank his friends for always being there for him, his cheer coach: Ms. MC, and Ms. Edwards. He would like to give an extra special thanks to his mother for believing in him and not letting him give up. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Keyaian Nolasco is a freshman here at Independence High School. This is his first theater production at Independence High School. When not doing theater productions at Independence High School, Keyaian likes to play basketball, sing A LOT, and he is obsessed with Marvel and DC. Keyaian would like to thank his family for everything they did for him to support. Keyaian would like to shout out Josh, Kyle, Elijah, Bella, and many others. Keyaian would love to thank Mrs. Wilson for helping him with singing and dancing and for giving him all of his confidence.

With her black, sleeveless jacket on between 5 dance clubs after school and behind the stage, Sister Daniella begins her first exploration in the world of drama as she ends her third year at Independence playing Fender. “Truly grateful for this cast, band, tech team, Mr. Clem, Ms. Tina, Ms. Edwards, and especially my inspiration and cousin Henry Tran, who could not perform this year but has introduced me to an unforgettable experience. We love and support you queen!”

Aliyah Manansala is currently a Freshman here at Independence High School. Playing the role of Brenda in Hairspray is her first production. When not singing and watching musicals, Aliyah enjoys indoor rock climbing, being a class officer, and teaching others. She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her and keeping up with her busy schedule.

GiaAn Grace Nguyen is a senior here at Independence High. This is her third production, previously GiaAn has been seen as an ensemble member in All Shook Up and a thespian in High School Musical. When not doing theater productions, GiaAn enjoys dancing, listening to music, and practicing her hand lettering. In addition, she is also a Sunday School teacher and Youth Worship Leader at her home church. After finishing high school, she wishes to continue with college and pursue a medical career - preferably one where she can work with kids. GiaAn would like to thank her mom, dad, brother, sister, and friends for supporting her and encouraging her to become her best self. Lastly, she would like to give thanks to God for He is always there for her.

Brian Dang is a freshman at Independence High School. This is his 2nd production on IHS theater stage. His past show includes being Matthew Sheppard in No Easy Road To Freedom. Outside of theatre, Brian enjoys hanging out with friends, being a comedian, dancing and eating. He like to thank his friends and family for all the love and support. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Anushka Desai is a senior here at Independence High School. This is her second production, previously Anushka has been seen in High School Musical as an ensemble role. In this production, she is proud to play the role of Shelly, one of the nicest kids in town. When not doing theater productions, Anushka spends her time watching horror movies, listening to music, watching youtube videos, and napping. Anushka would like to take a moment to thank the people who have always supported her including: her parents, her sister, Jovan, and her best friends Anell, Chloe, and Janhavi.

Frankie Silva is a senior at Independence. This is his 3rd production on the IHS stage. Frankie has been in All Shook Up and High School Musical. When not on stage, Frankie enjoys dancing, cheering, and taking cute pics for Instagram. Frankie would like to thank his family, grill boys and his girls for putting up with my busy life.

Celeste Mazucci is very excited to return to the IHS stage! Previous shows include Comedy of Errors, Legally Blonde, and Pride and Prejudice; and she is now portraying Lou Ann on the Corny Collins show. She would like to thank her supportive friends and family, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Carolina Silva is a Freshman at Independence High school. This is her first production at Independence, previously Carolina has been seen in the Little Mermaid Junior in the crew. When not doing theater productions Carolina enjoys helping and feeding the homeless in our San Jose community and spending time with her family. Carolina would like to thank her parents for encouraging, supporting, and believing in her throughout this whole process.

Natalie Bradford started on stage at the age of 8, although this is her first appearance on the IHS stage. She started performing with Center Stage Performing Arts in 2011. Since then she has continuously performed in shows and participated in their elite Disney Tour Cast. Some of her favorite roles include: Lucy from Charlie Brown, Andrea from Once on this Island, and Miss Sherman from Fame. Outside of her theater life, Natalie enjoys teaching and taking tap classes at The Joy Of Dancing. Natalie attends SVCTE for their culinary arts program and is enjoying her Junior year with the help of her family and friends.

Ysabella Jordan is a Junior here at Independence High School and this is her second production here at Independence. You may have seen her before in Pride and Prejudice as Lydia Bennet. Besides being in this musical, she enjoys hanging out with her friends, dancing, and occasionally singing. She is incredibly grateful for many people including Ernesto Sanchez, Alyssa Torres, Serena Rogers, Brianna Rogers, and Celeste Mazucci. She is also very grateful for her parents who helped her every step of the way. She is very excited about this production and has put a lot of hard into it and really hopes you enjoy!

Aliyah Ali is a Senior at Independence High School. This is her 3rd production on the IHS stage. She played Kelsi Neilson in High School Musical Onstage, and the judge/Delta Nu sister in Legally Blonde. When not on stage Aliyah enjoys playing volleyball, cooking, and watching The Office. Aliyah would like to thank her parents, family, and best friends for supporting her and cheering her on.

Francis Laffoday is a junior here at Independence.This is their second production, previously Francis has been seen as Fitzwilliam in pride and prejudice. When not doing theater production Francis enjoys reading manga/comics ,playing video games, and swimming.Francis would like to thank my mom , Chiana, dad, grandma, aunt Sherene, and aunt summer and all the rest of my family.

Angelo Tadeo is a Junior here at Independence. This is their 3rd production, previously Angelo has been seen as Warner in the musical Legally Blonde, as well as Chris from the one act Know Your Role. When not doing theater productions, Angelo enjoys drawing, dancing, playing video games, and sleeping whenever possible. Angelo would like to thank his supportive family and friends, as well as his dark humor for bringing him this far. Here’s to another year of survival!

Josh is a Freshmen here at Independence. This is his second production, previously Josh has been seen as Mr.Denny in Pride and Prejudice. When not doing theatre productions Josh enjoys playing basketball, biking, and going to the gym. Josh would like to thank his Mom, Dad, Nana, Kyle, Elijah and his friends in the cast such as Keyaian and Bella.

Kailea Aria Rellamas is so excited to put on a show! This is her second production, as she is a Freshman here at IHS. Her past productions include playing the sassy role of Caroline Bingley in Pride and Predjudice. When not at school Kailea enjoys playing with makeup,photography,and hanging out with friends . She would like to thank her Mom, Jenny Len for being so flexible. She would also like to thank all her friends for giving her words of encouragement and to those who came to the show. She hopes you enjoy the show, as she plays the hippy role of Beatnik Chick !

Kris Giluso is a Junior here at Independence. This is her second production ,previously Kris has been seen in Pride and Prejudice. When not doing theatre productions Kris enjoys drawing. Kris would like to thank their family and friends for supporting them through this production.

Ashley Tan is a sophomore at Independence High School. This is her second production at Independence. She enjoys reading and watching YouTube in her free time. Ashley would like to thank her parents and siblings for supporting her. She would also like to thank Lucas for encouraging her to be more outgoing.

Kataesha DuBose is a Freshman, 9th grader, at Independence. This is her first production. When not doing theater productions Kataesha enjoys reading, playing music, supporting the independence sports teams and playing with her dog, Santana. Kataesha would like to thank her parents, her grandfathers, her brothers and her friends Britney and Karissa. She really hopes you enjoy the musical.

Britney Huynh is a freshman at Independence High School. Her hobbies are singing, connecting with people, and writing. She started acting when she attended Independence. She has only been in one production at IHS, which is Hairspray. She thanks her family, friends, and teachers who have supported her throughout.

Lara Bella is a freshmen at Independence High School. This is her second production at Independence and is very happy to be a part of. She has played the role of Georgiana Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, and in this production of Hairspray, she is part of the record hop kids. When she is not at school, Lara enjoys dancing, listening to music, watching any show or movie, and spending time with her family and friends. She would like to thank her family and friends who have supported her through this experience. She would especially like to thank her parents and sisters for all the time and energy they have spent through this journey with her.