Roots: A Double Feature. Mars in the Mountain and Caminos: A Mother's Journey Cast

Danny Gutierrez-Garcia is a ninth grader and is appearning on the VVHS stage for the first time. Danny plays Sam in Mars in the Mountain and Linda in Caminos, A Mother’s Journey. Being a part of theatre makes my days feel meaningful and productive. Danny’s feelings about theatre: “I love the adrenaline, excitement, and pride that comes when I perform well. The whole process of learning about a character and becoming them is also something really special to me. I love that in theatre you get to not only tell a story, but be a part of it. It is also such a blessing how united and welcoming the theatre community is. It truly feels like a safe space and an escape from reality in the best way possible.”

Jose Leal is a senior. He has appeared as Doody in Grease. He plays Peter in Mars in the Mountain, and the priest and coyote in Caminos, A Mother’s Journey. One of Jose’s favorite things about theatre is opening night because he likes the adrenaline rush of when the actors go on stage and perform.

Jazmin Martinez is a senior. This is the first production that Jaz has participated in. She is in the ensemble for Mars in the Mountain and the teacher in Caminos, A Mother’s Journey. The thing that Jaz loves about theatre is that you can be someone that you are not.

Blaise MCGraw is a senior. Blaise has appeared in A Night on Broadway. Blaise plays the role of Peter in Mars in the Mountain. Blaise loves the freedom of expression that theatre offers.

Yaya Paez is a junior. She has appeared in A Night on Broadway, and played the role of Jan in Grease. Yaya plays the role of Lily in Mars in the Mountain and Flor in Caminos, A Mother’s Journey. Yaya loves that theatre allows you to be yourself and feel safe, and gives you the opportunity to work with amazing people. Yaya feels blessed to be able to express creativity in this space.

Joseph Quintanar is a freshman. Joseph is in the ensemble for Mars in the Mountain. Joseph’s thoughts on theatre, “ I love theatre because it includes all of the things I love doing! Singing, dancing, and acting all in one!”

Karla Salcido is a senior. Karla has appeared in A Night on Broadway. Karla is in the ensemble for Mars in the Mountain and plays the role of Luna in Caminos, A Mother’s Journey. Karla’s feelings about theatre: “Theatre has brought me great amounts of joy in my life. I deeply care and love everything about it including, theater tech, my cast, classmates , and most importantly my theater teacher Mrs. Nocera.

Lizbeth Sandoval is a senior and a member of Thespian Troupe 2757. Lizbeth has appeared in She Kills Monsters (Gabby), A Night on Broadway, and Grease ( Patty Simcox). Lizbeth’s thoughts on theatre: “ I love the shared ability to express ourselves through such a beautiful way. It’s relieving and it can also be a form of escapism. I love everything about it. To this day, it is forever something that amazes me more and more every day.”

Teirmeh Walton is a junior and member of Thespian Troupe 2757. Teirmeh has appeared in She Kills Monsters (Agnes), A Night on Broadway, and Grease ( Marty). Teirmeh plays Yaza in Mars in the Mountain, and the lawyer/officer in Caminos, A Mother’s Journey. The thing Teirmeh loves most about theatre, is being able to tell stories from someone else’s perspective.

Brynne Elmore is a senior and a member of Thespian Troupe 2757. Brynne has appeared in Midsummer Jersey ( Baby Spice), Newsies ( Les ), She Kills Monsters (Tilly), Grease (Sandy) and A Night on Broadway. Brynne plays Sera in Mars in the Mountain and Estrella in Caminos, A Mother’s Journey. The thing that Brynne loves most about theatre is being on stage and performing, especially on opening night.

Kimora Williams is in the 10th grade and is a member of Thespian Troupe 2757. Kimora has appeared in She Kills Monsters (ensemble), Grease (ensemble) and A Night on Broadway. Kimora plays Ada in Mars in the the Mountain and Perla in Caminos, A Mother’s Journey. What Kimora loves about theatre: “ I love the variety of people you get to work with while doing theatre and seeing everything come together layer after layer.”