Shafrika, The White Girl, a new musical at the Vineyard Theatre

Jaradoa Theater will present Shafrika, The White Girl at the Vineyard Theatre from 12 - 28 Jun 2009.

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.

Directed by April Nickell, and choreographed by Luis Salgado, Shafrika, The White Girl features Anika Larsen, Chloe Campbell, Anthony Comis, Joamer Gonzalez, Stephen Gelpi, Chris Harbur, John Harrison, Ricardo Hinoa, Amanda Hunt, Stephanie Martinez, Zonya Love, Liz Picolli, Elizabeth Racanelli, Eileen Rivera, Lawrence Stallings, Shelley Thomas and Gregory Treco.

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.

Anika Larsen has appeared on Broadway in 'Xanadu,' 'Rent' and 'All Shook Up.' Larsen most recently toured the U.S. with '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.