The MotherF**ker With The Hat at The Heights Players

Christian Miranda

Christian Miranda (Jackie) Born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Christian is delighted to be making his Heights Players return as Jackie in Stephen Adly Guirgis’ The Motherf**ker With The Hat. Having studied at HB Studio for over 4 years Christian has honed his craft studying playwrights as satirical as Christopher Durang to works as poetic as Tennessee Williams. Other credits include: Frankie in Mrs. Dally Has A Lover at the Lincoln Center Library for the Uta Hagen Centennial, Jimmy Domaslie in The White Blacks performed at Theater for The New City, Johnny Downs in Don’t Change…40th St. To Eternity at the Producer’s Club, and Chris Keller in All My Sons performed at The Heights Players. A quote he carries everyday — “We must all do theatre, to find out who we are, and to discover who we could become.” 

Phil Williams

Phil Williams (Ralph D.) is the founding artistic director of the Minefield Theatre Group. A South Jamaica Queens native, he earned his BA in Theatre Arts & Speech Communication in 2012 from York College (CUNY), and was honored with the Barbara Nickolich Award for Theatre Excellence. Primarily an actor, Phil made his Off-Broadway debut during the 2011 NYC Fringe Festival in Istwa! Storytime For A Small World, followed by his Off-off-Broadway appearance in Moliere’s The Misanthrope for BrooklynONE Productions. Since expanding his focus to stage directing in 2013, he has orchestrated shows for York College, Manhattan Repertory Theatre, Cabrini Repertory Theatre, The Tank NYC, the Davenport Theatre, Friends and Lovers, Dixon Place, the Muriel Schulman Theatre, UNRULY Collective, and St. Paul’s Theatre. Also known as ‘Scorpio P.,’ he is an award-nominated independent hip-hop artist with Bizzy Bee Productions, having released two EPs and a studio album, which are available on all music streaming services/platforms. He most recently starred in Tired, a new film based on the song of the same name by fellow indie artist Descendent. Making his Heights Players debut, Phil dedicates his work on this production and his performance to the loving memory of Ryshon Shepherd.

Camila Melgar

Camila Melgar (Veronica) is a first generation Peruvian-American actor born and raised in New York City, currently residing in The Bronx, and a proud graduate of The Stella Adler Studio of Acting Conservatory. Camila is thrilled to be back on stage with an incredible and talented cast, playing one of her favorite roles and play by her favorite playwright with The Heights Players. She was last seen as Norca in an HP production of Our Lady of 121st Street by Stephan Adly Guirgis. Her recent theater credits include Olivia in Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare with Adler Youth Arts and Justice Division. Peaceblossom in Fools In Love, a reimagined version of Midsummer's Nights Dream, reprises her role as Norca in Our Lady of 121st Street with Open Hydrant Theatre Company. And various Short-plays with Urban Waves Festival at Open Hydrant. She was also in an 2022 HBO Urban Action Award Winning short film Bronx River as Abuela. When not on stage, set or grooming dogs. Camila does weekly live improv performances at The P.I.T. “The stage will always support you, it will never leave you. Every Time you get on the stage you must take it seriously.”-Stella Adler 

César JR.

César JR. (Cousin Julio) is a multifaceted artist born and raised in Paraguay. A hardworking, passionate, and curious actor, always eager to learn and grow in his craft. He has a Bachelor in Dramatic Arts from TIA de Tana Schembori y Juan Carlos Maneglia, and recently graduated from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts here in New York. He has been part of many international workshops and has been able to work with many international artists throughout his career on many projects, from Buenos Aires to London… in order to feed his knowledge in the acting craft. - I had given sweat, bones, flesh, blood, tears, smiles, and soul to this craft. And it’s exhausting, but it’s totally rewarding. Here is too short to get to know me and what I have done. Let’s connect ;) @caesarthehappysalad

Holly Souchack

Holly Souchack (Victoria) (she/her) is a Queens-based performer and writer. She’s incredibly excited to be performing in this wonderful play with this stellar cast! Her recent credits include ensemble member in My Husband by Huston Watson, Sonia in Our Lady of 121st Street by Stephen Adly Guirgis, and various roles in a short play festival with Urban Waves at Open Hydrant. When she’s not performing, Holly enjoys running through Central Park, listening to true crime podcasts, and voting. She would like to thank her support system Andrew, mom and dad and Justine, and, of course, Oro.

Junie B. Hart

Junie B. Hart (Ralph D. u/s) is from The Bronx, New York, Junie B. Hart began acting in 2021 when he met his acting coach Etienne Navarre and landed a lead role in a series titled I Got Now. He won best acting debut at the Oniros Film Festival for the series, then went on to land lead roles in theatre and a short film titled Jab.

Alexa Ramos Seda

Alexa Ramos Seda (Veronica u/s) is an actress, dancer, and singer from the South Bronx. She is so excited to be returning to The Heights Players after making her debut this year as Yaz in Water by the Spoonful. She most recently participated in a Mambo performance at the Ailey Extension and just completed the summer conservatory at the Stella Adler Studio. Playing Veronica has been an exciting, challenging journey, and she is so grateful to have grown in the process. Thank you Ted and Chris for the opportunity to bring her own little twist to this fierce character. Thank you to her loved ones in the audience. Special shoutout to Lourdes Ramos :) 

Isaiah Michaels

Isaiah Michaels (Cousin Julio u/s)  is an actor and teaching artist from Brooklyn, NY. Having the chance to play Cousin Julio has been such a wonderful, exciting and intense experience. A huge thanks to Ted and Chris for the opportunity to embody this beautiful character. Much love to all the loved ones who are here, & continue to support my craft. Enjoy the show papí! 

Aurora Dreger

Aurora Dreger (Victoria u/s)  has choreographed many shows near and dear to her heart, here at the Heights Players, including Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, and Gypsy. Over the past two and a half decades in the world of theatre, Aurora has been a Hot Box Doll, an Angel, A Kit Kat Girl, a Courtesan, a Burlesque Queen (Sylvie in The Nance), a Broadway hopeful (Kristine in A Chorus Line), and of course, a Stripper (Miss Electra in Gypsy). Not bad, for a #AgingChorusGirl. Love to Fred, Mom, and Dad.

Ted Thompson

Ted Thompson (Director) has been with the Heights Players since 1988 and worked in many facets of the organization. Among those he has directed here are Lynn Nottage's plays Intimate Apparel and Ruined, Harvey Fierstein’s Casa Valentina and Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun. Last season he directed Donald Margulies’ play Coney Island Christmas. He has also directed at various other venues including Gallery Players, Chained Theatre, Theater for a New City and the BroadwayBound Festival.

Chris Carlson

Chris Carlson (Asst. Director/Production Coordinator) would like to acknowledge Heights Players’ 68th season. Amazing. A co-founder of Brooklyn Players he has produced numerous shows including Ragtime, Hairspray and Pippin. He has directed Sartre’s No Exit, Ibsen’s The Master Builder, cabarets and skit comedies and was the Director of Special Events at the South Street Seaport. Was Production Coordinator for Crucible and Proof here at Heights Players. Thanks to Ted Thompson, Gary Vanderputten and the wonderful cast and crew. The right hat can make all the difference.

Marialana Ardolino

Marialana Ardolino (Stage Manager) is happy to be working again with Ted and this amazing cast & creative team. Currently serving a second term as Secretary on the board of The Heights Players, and since 2014, my 21st show Stage Managing at the Heights Players. It has been an amazing time growing and learning from so many diverse and talented creatives!! Much F**king LOVE to you all — may we continue for years to come.

Gary Vanderputten

Gary Vanderputten (Scenic design and set construction) Gary has worked with Ted Thompson in various capacities at the Heights since the late 1980’s either backstage or as part of his set construction crew (under Gerry Newman) on some of Ted’s early ventures in directing. Gary has designed and built many of his most recent sets. Favorites include Ruined, A Raisin in the Sun, and The Nance. When not designing and building sets, Gary serves as Technical Director and Treasurer for the Heights Players as well as President of the A. T. White Community Center (this building). Many thanks to Master Carpenter Michael Janove, and as always, Jan, our properties mistress and my chief collaborator.

Jan VanderPutten

Jan VanderPutten (Props) In her years at the Heights Players, she has stage-managed, run lights and sound, acted as production photographer, designed posters, assistant-directed, musical directed, and appeared on stage, her last role being Charlotte in Beyond Therapy. Props came later with a few shows here and there, but Jan seriously got into that area in 2009 with Amadeus. For Ted, she has worked props on Intimate Apparel, Dividing the Estate, Ruined, The Nance, A Raisin in the Sun, and last season’s Coney Island Christmas. She decided to tackle this production once she realized that food would be involved, and she’d get to feed the cast. Sadly, her microwaving skills have diminished through the years, but each cast has been very polite and she hasn’t poisoned them yet! Thank-you to Ted, and every cast and crew member. This has been a great deal of fun!

Denise Higgins-Regan

Denise Higgins-Regan (Props) when not digging out ‘theatre stuff’ from her collection of “that will work for some show” stash, Denise is a Director/Choreographer, performer, and all-around theater geek. Off Broadway credits; Director; 700 Wives an original musical written by Ginger Rieter (Richmond Sheppard Theater). Off-Off Broadway-Director; Beautiful, an original one-act comedy-Bay Ridge One-Act Festival. London credits; Adelaide-Guys & Dolls, Maggie Jones-42nd Street, and a wacky, gum chewing secretary in Little Shop of Horrors. Memberships: The Village Light Opera Group, Narrows Community Theater.  Centre Stage Productions and The Philbeach Theater Society; Congratulations to the cast and crew of this amazing production. KUDOS to all. I am particularly glad to once again be teamed with Ted, Jan, Chris & Marialana who always lead the way with their creativity, fun and friendship. Finally, my heart is always with Joe, thanks for 45 years of wedded bliss!

Leo Contrino

Leo Contrino (Lighting Designer) Some of his favorite designs have been Detective Story, 12 Angry Men, Miracle on 34th Street, 42nd Street and Sweat. This season’s designs include It’s A Wonderful Life, Prelude To A Kiss and All My Sons. He is happy to be working with Ted and such a talented cast and crew. He is also a member of our Executive Committee.

James Martinelli

James Martinelli (Wardrobe) is proud to be working with such a great cast. James has directed, costumed, acted and worked in various capacities on numerous shows at The Heights Players and elsewhere. James will be directing our December production, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry.

Richard Allen

Richard Allen (Lighting Tech) A lighting technician for past Heights Players productions of Lost In Yonkers, Sweat, Getting Away with Murder, Night Watch, Breakfast at Tiffanys, Our Lady of 121st Street, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Welcome Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Detective Story, Born Yesterday, Ruined, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Gingerbread Lady, Death of a Salesmen, Cuckoos Nest, Miracle on 34th Street, Twelve Angry Men, As Bees In Honey Drown, Yentl, Games Afoot, And Then There Were None, Rumors, All The Kings Men and 42nd Street. Other HP credits; Assistant Stage Manager for My Fair Lady and Production Stage Manager for John Bourne directed shows; Blithe Spirit, Light Up The Sky, Murder on The Nile and Night Must Fall.

Tony Mita & Olivia Ball

Tony Mita & Olivia Ball (New York Combat for Stage & Screen) (Intimacy/Fight Choreographers) Tony Mita (Fight Director) has been training & working in this art for over 12 years and is driven by a mix of his passions for historical martial arts and nerd culture to create a blend of martial realism with out-of-this-world fantastical in his work. Olivia Ball (Asst Fight Director) has been training with NYCSS for 4 years, and loves the empowering and collaborative nature of fight work--from classic swashbuckling to super-powered punches; she also loves passing on her favorite moves to her Drama students at the Brearley School. NYCSS has been active in NYC since 1999. Their goal on every production is to excite and captivate an audience with violence that enhances the story being told. Whether on film, tv, or stage, they create safe, realistic, & truthful moments that reveal character. For more details: nycstagecombat.com

Amanda Enriquez

Michelle Maccarone

Alex DiTrolio

Noel MacDuffie