Serenade at CSV's Teatro La Tea

Jaradoa Theater presents the world premiere of Serenade, by Rachel Sheinkin and Nils Olaf Dolven, at the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center's Teatro La Tea from 1 - 15 Dec 2007.

The book and lyrics for Serenade are by Rachel Sheinkin, winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She also co-authored Off-Broadway's Striking 12, which launches a nationwide tour on 26 Oct 2007. The kinetic score for the musical, composed by Nils Olaf Dolven, mixes electronica, pop and classical elements.

Rachel Sheinkin and Nils Olaf Dolven created the musical at NYU's Tisch Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program.

Serenade follows a young silhouette maker on his odyssey of discovery after arriving in the big city. The musical journey propels him through all the adventures, struggles, and the first flush of love he experiences in this new and strange metropolis.

Joshua Henry and Anika Larsen head the cast of Serenade, under the direction of April Nickell. Also featured in the company are Sara Andreas, Anton Briones, Michael Fielder, Chris Harbur, Amanda Hunt, Nicole Lewis, Mario Martinez, Kelly McCreary, Eileen Rivera, Alison Solomon, Cara Scherker and Courtni Arlene Wilson.

Joshua Henry appeared in the hit musical In the Heights, which is transferring to Broadway this season. He also played Judas in the Paper Mill production of Godspell. Anika Larsen is currently appearing on Broadway in Xanadu. Other Broadway credits include Rent and 'All Shook Up.' Anika was seen Off-Broadway in 'Zanna, Don't!', 'Miracle Brothers' and 'How to Save the World and Find True Love in 90 Minutes.'

Director April Nickell has directed in New York City for the Neva Theater Company and Haven Productions, and she collaborated on Anika Larsen's solo show 'Shafrika, the White Girl.' Choreographer Luis Salgado is in the cast of In the Heights and is the assistant to the choreographer on that production.'

The creative team comprises of Tobin Ost (sets), Andrea Varga (costumes) and Herrick Goldman (lighting).