Undesirable Secrets at Theatre for the New City--Dream Up Festival--Presented by Crystal Field (Artistic Director)

Rodolfo Alvarado is a writer, performer, and singer making his New York City stage debut with Undesirable Secrets, a powerful solo play he both wrote and performs. His recent NYC appearance included a celebrated reading of his poetry collection Brown Son of Lorca: A Boy Reclaimed in Poems, Stories & Voice, where he performed a dramatic piece from the book to a standing ovation. Alvarado’s past stage roles include singing the lead parts of Che in Evita and Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Undesirable Secrets tells the true story of Anthony Acevedo, a Mexican American WWII medic who was captured by the Nazis and sent to a slave labor camp alongside Jewish American soldiers. Silenced by the U.S. military for decades, Acevedo kept a secret diary that would ultimately earn him recognition as the first Mexican American registered as a Holocaust survivor. Alvarado’s performance brings this haunting story to life in a searing act of remembrance, justice, and truth.

William Doll is an accomplished director and educator with a distinguished career in theater and performance. He holds a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University and has directed a wide range of works, from contemporary solo pieces to classic plays. Known for his sensitive, actor-focused direction, Doll has collaborated closely with playwright-performers to bring deeply personal stories to the stage. As director of Undesirable Secrets, he brings both emotional insight and dramatic clarity to this solo work, guiding its journey from workshop to festival premiere and now to the Off-Broadway stage. His ability to balance historical weight with theatrical urgency has made him a vital force behind the show’s impact and success.

Alicia Kaplan is an award-winning actress, director, and advocate for multicultural theatre. She is the founder of Danisarte, a New York–based bilingual theatre company established in 1992, dedicated to developing original productions that foster understanding among diverse cultures and communities. A longtime champion of inclusion, non-traditional casting, and emerging talent, Kaplan has helped launch the careers of many minority artists while also creating an experimental space for seasoned performers. Her visionary leadership and artistic contributions have earned her numerous honors, including the prestigious Premio ACE (Latin ACE Award) from the Association of Latin Entertainment Critics of New York.

Rodolfo Alvarado is a critically acclaimed writer, performer, and historian whose work spans stage, screen, and page. He is the playwright and solo performer of Undesirable Secrets, a haunting and urgent portrayal of WWII medic and Holocaust survivor Anthony C. Acevedo. Earlier this summer, Alvarado gave a powerful reading and performance from his latest book, Brown Son of Lorca: A Boy Reclaimed in Poems, Stories & Voice, at Danisarte’s Deconstructing Lorca celebration in New York—earning wide acclaim for his poetic voice and dramatic depth. His work has been recognized with national awards and honors, and Undesirable Secrets marks his NYC theatrical debut.