Next to Normal Cast

Wendy Barker (Diana) is very excited to be here today, sharing this story with you. She is an Albuquerque native with numerous theatre credits including Martha (White Christmas, Landmark), Cassie (A Chorus Line, Landmark), and Helen (Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Fusion). MTS credits include Peter (Peter Pan) & Erma (Anything Goes). Wendy has a long list of choreography credits including Hunchback (MTS) last Summer. She is a proud board member of Enchantment Awards. She is thankful to this cast and crew for providing a safe place to dive into this important and complex subject, and to her family for their love.

Giacomo Zafarano (Dan), a NM native, began singing and acting at age 5 through in-school music and drama programs. He loved watching old movie musicals on TV, and counts Gene Kelly, Bugs Bunny, and the singing WB frog as some of his earliest role models and influences. Since obtaining a BA in Linguistics from UNM, Giacomo has performed in Las Vegas, NV, on cruise ships, and in regional theatre. Past shows with MTS include Anything Goes and Cabaret. Giacomo has worked the past 25 years in real estate, and is excited to be performing with MTS again, working with the wonderful Next to Normal cast & crew!

Jonathan Cordova (Gabe) has been acting for eight years. He has performed in a variety of shows including: Simba in The Lion King, Troy in High School Musical, Horton in Seussical The Musical, Daniel Beauxhomme in Once On This Island, Tommy Ross in Carrie: The Musical, Will in Big Frog, and Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd. He was also nominated as Best Actor in the 2021 New Mexico Enchantment Awards. Jonathan graduated from The Public Academy for Performing Arts in 2021. Jonathan then attended New Mexico State University as a musical theatre major.

Madison Rose (Natalie) is thrilled to be in her second MTS show. Some of her recent favorite roles include Carrie (Carrie: The Musical, MTS), and Miss Honey (Matilda, CPTC). She would like to extend a special thank you to Ann, Doug, Kristin and the rest of her CPTC family. She would also like to thank her Mom and Dad for their love and support. Madison is a big advocate for mental health awareness and holds this show very close to her. If you or anyone you know is struggling please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. New Mexico Crisis Line: (1-855-662-7474)

* MTS Debut performance Gabriel Olivares (Henry) is thrilled to be performing with the talented cast and crew members of MTS. Being an Albuquerque native, Gabriel works as a security bailiff, studies business administration at CNM, and plans to continue his education at UNM. Gabriel has had numerous roles ranging from the Narrator/Mysterious Man (Into the Woods, Cibola High School), Kyle (Property Rites, CHS), and Bert (Mary Poppins, CHS) for which he was nominated Best Actor at the 2019 Enchantment Awards. Outside of theater, Gabriel enjoys hiking, playing music, and time with friends and family.

Ron Gallegos (Dr. Madden) is excited to be back on stage at MTS. You may have seen Ron perform in shows at MTS in the past. Recently, he performed in Devon Frieder’s production of Rock of Ages as Lonnie. Favorite role is Gomez Addams in Addams Family. Graduated at Point Park University with a BA in Musical Theatre and performed regionally across the U.S. Ron would like to dedicate this show to, and thank his sister, Judi, for all the endless support through the years. Ron wants her to know he will always be her biggest fan!

* MTS Debut performance Jessica Haynes (Dr. Fine) is thrilled to be joining MTS for the first time. She is a native New Mexican who recently moved to Albuquerque. She holds a BM in Vocal Performance from West Texas A&M University, and spent time studying opera and musical theater in NYC. Her more recent roles include The Witch (Into the Woods, Way Way Off Broadway), Elizabeth Benning (Young Frankenstein, WWOB), Donna Sheridan (Mamma Mia!, WWOB), Marian Paroo (The Music Man, WWOB), and Roxy Hart (Chicago, WWOB). Jessica would like to thank her husband and children for their encouragement in recapturing her love of the stage.