Book by Gayle Romasanta
Music by Bryan Pangilinan & Sean Kana
Lyrics by Gayle Romasanta, Kevin Camia, Bryan Pangilinan, & Sean Kana
Based on the book “Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong”
by Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon and Gayle Romasanta
Gayle she/her (Writer & Executive Producer) and her work has appeared on television, radio, online, on stage, in journals and books, such as the New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Time, and ABS-CBN. She co-authored the first book about labor leader Larry Itliong, Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong with historian Dr. Dawn Mabalon. She is also the author of Beautiful Eyes, Tagalog English children’s book. Currently, she is an artist-in-residence, at San Francisco’s Brava Theater, as a writer and executive producer of Larry the Musical. She is also the Executive Director of the Filipino-American Development Foundation, a National Trustee of the Filipino American National Historical Society and is on the Board of Directors for the Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy in San Francisco. Deep gratitude to her children, family, and this beautiful cast, crew and production team. This was a dream come true. I can’t thank you enough. I am so sure the ancestors put us together for a reason. Larry is dedicated to her parents, Pat and Carmen, and the Selga 8 (her lola’s eight brothers and first cousins), who paved the way for her family in Stockton, working as farmworkers.
Bryan (he/him) was trained by composer Bayani Mendoza de Leon and has music directed Filipino folk arts performances locally and internationally. He portrayed Tatsuo Kimura in the West Coast premiere of Allegiance (Contra Costa Civic Theatre, Palo Alto Players) and is committed to advancing social justice through the arts. He holds degrees in ethnic studies (UCSD) and music (SFSU) with over 25 years in nonprofit development. An artist-in-residence at Brava, he was awarded 2020 & 2022 SF Arts Commission grants to compose Larry the Musical with his creative partners Gayle, Sean, Billy, Kevin, and Chris. All roads have led Bryan to this moment. Dedicated to his family & friends, husband Bob, mother Rosario, and father Alex who inspire him every day.
Billy (he/him) is honored to be a part of this historic project. He recently served as Assistant Director of Here Lies Love on Broadway and Associate Choreographer of Stephen Sondheim’s last musical, Here We Are at The Shed. Directing/ choreography credits include Off-Broadway’s Notes From Now (Prospect Theatre Co.), Whisper House (The Civilians) and productions at Kennedy Center, Arden Theatre and Virginia Stage Co. Performing credits include Broadway revivals of Miss Saigon and The King and I, and Public Theatre’s productions of Soft Power, and Here Lies Love. He teaches at Circle in the Square and Jen Waldman Studio, and is Co-Founder of Broadway Barkada. Billy strives to create theater that nurtures community and empowers under-represented artists. Salamat to his family, Peyton, Hannah and this amazing company.
Sean (he/him) is grateful to be back on Larry creating art with his beloved friends and artists. He is an award-winning Music Director known for his recent work on Hippest Trip - The Soul Train Musical at American Conservatory Theater (ACT) serving as the Music Director and the 2017 show run at Berkeley Repertory Theatre (BRT) of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, serving as the Associate Music Director. He also served in the same capacity on the 2018 pre-Broadway tour. Besides Sean’s work on Larry, next up for him is A Strange Loop at ACT, serving as the Music Director. At BRT, Sean also music directed Swept Away: A New Musical Tale and was contractor and consultant for others such as Goddess, Paradise Square, and Kiss My Aztec. Sean has also worked for several other theaters in the Bay Area including some such as Broadway By The Bay, Theatreworks, and CenterREP. He has toured internationally and throughout the United States, music directing, playing keys and singing, and giving concerts and masterclasses. Sean is an accomplished vocal technician who teaches a fusion of musical styles under the classical, pop, and musical theater genres.
Kevin (he/him) is a writer, actor and comedian. He has performed on The Late Show and has toured the country opening for Ali Wong. He is a regular on the The Dress Up Gang that can be seen on Hulu and TBS. He is an original member of Bindlestiff Studio, and now lives in Los Angeles where he continues to develop projects for TV and Film. Larry is his first musical production. He is very happy to be a part of this incredible group and is constantly inspired by each other’s passion and talent.
Hannah (she/her) is elated to be back home in the Bay and working on Larry with this passionate team. While in New York, she has previously been an Associate for Billy with the off-Broadway show Notes From Now and has directed and choreographed youth musicals for both the National Asian Artists Project and Skyline Theater of Jersey City. As an actor, she toured internationally as Anybodys in West Side Story and performed in US productions of Summer Stock, Hello, Dolly!, West Side Story, Wizard of Oz, Anything Goes! and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Thank you Mom and Dad for your love and support on this journey!
Alicia is an award-nominated Director and Music Director, collaborating on over 75 full-scale musical productions. Her career in theater leadership includes serving as the Executive Artistic Director of Broadway by the Bay, a founding member of OMG I Love That Show productions, the Vice President of Contra Costa Musical Theatre, and a member of the DEI Committee for 42nd Street Moon. Roles include music and vocal director, stage director, production manager, stage manager and orchestra member. She currently serves as the President of the Board/Festival Director for the Lenaea High School Theatre Festival, and is a resident artist at the Sitka Fine Arts Camp in Sitka, Alaska.
Ciriaco is based in the South of Market (SOMA) Filipino Cultural Heritage District in San Francisco. Ciriaco is a creative collaborator helping tell stories through design and bespoke craftsmanship. Being a seasoned fashion designer with brands such as Levi’s, Eddie Bauer, Nordstrom, and The North Face with knowledge of pattern making, he applies design and making to structures, sets, and costumes. To my Mother and Sis - love y’all. To my lifeonmars, I can’t even begin to say how much I appreciate and love you!
Sug (he/him) is a Chicago based producer, creator, and entrepreneur. This is Sug’s debut project in musical theater! Sug’s production experience ranges from feature films, television sets to music festivals. He was awarded The Second City Film School Filmmaker of the Year (2022) and was named winner for Best Web Series in the Los Angeles Comedy Film & Screenplay Festival (2023). His passion is to enhance and highlight unheard voices on stage and screen.
Danielle (she/her) is a full-time Lighting Designer at Desired Effect. She has collaborated with theater companies, directors, designers, and choreographers from across the US. Recent Credits include: Samudra Dance Creations, Siddhi Creative, Dana Lawton Dances, Funsch Dance Experience, Rogelio Lopez & Dancers, Conceptos Entidad Dancística, West Bay Opera, and 42nd Street Moon. Danielle is also the Dance Production Manager and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Saint Mary’s College of California, where she received her Master’s degree in Dance Lighting Design and Production.
Elliott (he/him) is thrilled to be working on this production alongside such an incredible team. A sound designer and engineer local to the Bay Area, Elliott’s recent credits include A Little Night Music (South Bay Musical Theatre), Guys & Dolls (San Francisco Playhouse), Young Frankenstein (West Valley Light Opera), and A Chorus Line (San Francisco Playhouse). Salamat!
Joan has played a pivotal role in national theater for over two decades and is a committed community organizer. A core member of Youth Speaks since 2001 - she is Director of Narrative Change. She is also Producing Director for The Living Word Project and Campo Santo. Current work includes Atzlan by Luis Alfaro, EARTH SEED by People’s Kitchen, Gerry Garcia in the Lower Mission by Richard Montoya, and Dirty White Teslas Make Me Sad by Ashley Smiley.
Misty is thrilled to be a part of Larry the Musical. Originally from Paranaque, Philippines, Misty emigrated to San Francisco at the age of six and was raised in the Bay Area. Ms. Ty has been working in theatre/television all her life and is now a theatre director/instructor at an east bay high school. She enjoys working in wardrobe and costume design and has designed/built costumes for several bay area theatres. Misty is a stage-managing member of Actor’s Equity Association and a member of IATSE Local B-18.
Herna (she/siya) is KULARTS’ Executive and Agos Program Director. Her journey in Philippine dance and music began at age 5. She has served as the PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company’s Rondalla music instructor, and the Executive Director of the LIKHA-Pilipino Folk Ensemble from 2005-2008. Herna co-founded and directed the American Center of Philippine Arts (ACPA) from 2009-2020. With 27 years of teaching experience, she focuses on cultural arts with indigenous beliefs, addressing colonialism, immigration, and racial equity. Herna is VP of Operations at Equity In The Center, Vice Chair of World Arts West, and has received awards including Filipina Women’s Network’s 100 Most Influential Filipinas (2011) and Filipino American Arts Exposition’s Pamana Heritage Award (2023).
Christopher (he/him) is an award winning filmmaker, Chicago native, and proud Filipino American. He is the Lead Video Producer for the Central & Executive Communications Team at Google. In his career as a filmmaker, his work has been featured by PBS, P&G, Sports Illustrated, Facebook/Meta, Disney, and AMC TV. As a visual storyteller, he finds joy and beauty in capturing the simple and small things about people and the world around them. Working on Larry is the honor of a lifetime. All his love to Marah and Pepper.
Melvign (he/him) is a producer, Brava’s Director of Education, production manager, film, and stage actor based in Oakland, California. A Bindlestiff Studio resident artist, he’s been featured at SF Sketch Fest, 96 Hours, Young Playwright’s Foundation, Palace of Fine Arts, and California Academy of Science. SF/Bay Area credits include Allegiance (Contra Costa Civic Theatre), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Town Hall Theater), Dogeaters (Magic Theatre), The Oldest Boy (Marin Theatre Company), Brothers (American Conservatory Theatre), There’s The Moon and Then There’s You (Bindlestiff Studio), and A Pinoy Mid Summer Night’s Dream (Bindlestiff Studio). Film credits include Prinsesa (Scary Cow & RDM Productions), VDA: Tape 96 (Scary Cow & RDM Productions). Stage Management credits include Spiritrials (Kennedy Center, MACC), Chasing Mehserle (Z Space), and Tree City Legends (Philadelphia). Maraming Salamat!
Justin is absolutely thrilled to be joining the family here at Larry the Musical! Stage Management credits include Othello, Satchmo at the Waldorf, Sex with Strangers, August: Osage County, and as ASM on The Rocky Horror Show and Chicago (San Jose Stage). Performing credits include Little Women: The Broadway Musical with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley; 1776 with American Conservatory Theater; Spring Awakening and Las Meninas with San Jose Repertory; Singin’ in the Rain, Victor/Victoria, and Grease with American Musical Theatre of San Jose; Rock of Ages with Center Rep; Legally Blonde with Hillbarn Theatre; Crazy For You with Mountain Playhouse; Beauty and the Beast with Red Mountain Theatre Company. A Silicon Valley native, he received training at American Musical Theatre of San Jose’s Theater Artist’s Institute before obtaining his BFA in Musical Theatre from Pennsylvania State University. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Johan is a multidisciplinary artist producing work in film, music, theater, and dance through his production company Kuya Johan Productions. Deemed a “leader in arts in culture” by SFSU President Lynn Mahoney, Casal’s work aims to uplift underrepresented voices while educating and preserving his culture. He performed as lead male dancer in Netflix’s production of “The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Live Experience in San Francisco,” and directed and produced an original feature film, “Manalo: The Movie Musical,” highlighting the shared struggles of Filipinx-Americans and celebrating the Philippines’ diverse cultures. The film received a certificate of recognition by Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo and CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Casal is a company member of Kularts, the premiere presenter of tribal and contemporary Pilipino arts.
Eugene is an experienced broadcasting and production professional. He is a graduate from Saint Ignatius College Preparatory High School and has a degree in broadcasting from San Francisco State University. A long time San Franciscan, he started his production career working for the Golden State Warriors, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers. Along the way, he has worked for various theaters, production and post production companies. Currently, he is the Studio operations and technical director for The Filipino Channel. He worked on various projects featured on previous Super Bowls, Oscars, Grammys, Emmys and other world wide events. Most notably he has assisted on a project for the Beatles exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Budweiser Frogs and What’s Up campaigns and was a voice actor for SEGA. In addition to his accomplishments, he is also an Emmy winner.
Renz (he/him/siya) is a screenwriter whose journey with Larry the Musical began through the musical’s connections with Pin@y Educational Partnerships (PEP). In PEP, he was a coordinator and teacher, teaching Filipina/x/o American history and working with groups of undergraduate and graduate students to build community with the next generation of leaders in San Francisco. Today, he’s integrating all that he’s learned about our history into his art, starting here with Larry the Musical and beyond, with the goal of becoming a good ancestor like the many that came before him.
Jonny is a composer, producer, and choreographer with a bachelors and masters in music, who was raised in Minnesota. As a queer Cebuano-Filipino adoptee, he aims to collaborate with other artists with his capabilities of writing for concert, dance, and various artistic mediums like film. He plans to expand his art to the Philippines, LA, Chicago, and back to Minnesota. Jonny’s artistic journey reflects a profound commitment to cultural exploration, social advocacy, and the ongoing evolution of his creative pursuits.
Vanessa (she/her) graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a minor in Theater. She is so grateful to have found her place within the immensely talented Larry family. She also wants to thank her ancestors for leading her here and her supportive family and partner. <3
Tracy immigrated from the Philippines and is now based in San Francisco. Tracy Keith wants to represent her culture and stay close to her roots while pursuing Theater and Film. She’s performed at Bindlestiff Studio, a theater which showcases Filipino artists, notably in The Love Edition: Sprung Edition and Stories High XXIII. Passionate about story-telling, she’s excited to make her debut as a leading actress in the short film Rude Awakening. She would like to thank her mother Tet, Colin, family, and friends for their unconditional support. All love, always.
Ruby grew up in Stockton, CA, and has been surrounded by immigrant/agriculture centered environments her entire life. Over the past 4 years Ruby has spent her time as an experienced youth leader within the Stockton and Santa Barbara communities centering her focus in ancestral and culturally rooted healing, working at a nonprofit organization and interning. Ruby currently attends UC Santa Barbara as a 1st year Pre-Film and Media Studies major. Ruby’s goal as a leader is to help shift culture and community by creating and supporting environments where people feel free to express themselves and their stories, healing others with her storytelling.
Rick is always glad to lend his skillset in graphic design, video editing, and motion graphics to help tell stories — especially those of the Filipino Diaspora. He’s from Stockton, went to the same high school as Dawn Mabalon and Dillon Delvo who co-founded Little Manila Rising, doing work for them in their early years. He is honored to do the same for Larry the Musical: An American Journey.
Bob (he/him) is thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking production. Larry the Musical marks Bob’s first official foray into musical theater. He brings over three decades of experience, specializing in managing complex organizations, planning large scale events, and providing strategic communications support. He’s thrilled to lend his energy and enthusiasm to Larry as well as to handle “other duties as required” to help bring this critically important story to the stage. Proud to have supported this effort from the very beginning; for Bryan (and, of course, our flock at home).
Paloma (she/her) is a first generation Filipino and Spanish American, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and gives credit to New York City for developing her business-savvy state of mind. Her education and career began in the fashion and retail industry and transitioned into the music business at the height of the digital media boom. Inspired by progressive artists in the Bay Area, Paloma began to explore youth empowerment programs and social justice initiatives and found her passion in supporting the progressive arts community through public relations. Combining her experience in these fields, she founded the PapaLoDown Agency in 2009, a boutique public relations company specializing in a client base of creatives, organizations and leaders in arts, culture, and social justice/ethnic studies spaces.
Thamar (she/her) is a multi-creative, first-generation Haitian American passionate about inclusive storytelling, holistic wellness, and various art mediums. She is drawn towards conscious ways to document, preserve, and express the human journey with the support of technology. Receiving her B.S. in Communications at the University of Washington, she also attended Miami Media School for radio and television broadcasting. Thamar has over a decade of experience across creative production and marketing including - yet not limited to - content creation, podcasting, hosting, and event curation. She spends her free time engaging in artistic expression, self-care practices such as breathwork, thrifting, and cultivating community for Black women of the diaspora via Plugstation.
Francis is a renaissance individual whose interests lie in the arts, wine, and athletics. As a Native San Franciscan, Francis returns to the Mission District with Larry, which was the setting for youthful memories spent at his Nanay Maximina Aure’s, Ramona Bakery on Mission and 22nd Street. Relocating with his family to a vineyard in the mainstay of California’s wine industry, Lodi and then Stockton, CA, Francis established NoveRoma Wines in 2009 in an ode to the Filipino vineyard workers of the past. NoveRoma Wines embodies the spirit and strength of these pioneers through its flagship Lodi Zinfandel. A big believer of sound mind, body and friendly competition, Francis is an avid sportsman and fan of all types of athletic sporting events. Francis would like to thank the Aure, Gemo, Paaga, Romasanta, Novero, and Koo families for their unwavering support.
Rosario Pangilinan is the Pangilinan family matriarch and brings decades of performing experience to Larry. She obtained her degree in Christian education, majoring in Kindergarten from Harris Memorial College with special studies in organ, piano, and choral conducting; ultimately becoming a faculty member. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1973, she pursued a career in banking and later served for many years as the choir director for First United Methodist Church in National City, CA. Rosario and her husband, Alex, were married for 56 years and raised three loving sons and currently have nine grandchildren. The Queen now enjoys retirement, traveling, and spending time in San Francisco.
Mona Lisa is a community activist, publisher, filmmaker and founder of Positively Filipino Online Magazine and the nonprofit Philippine International Aid. She has been involved in various charities and organizations relating to Asian American interests. She was awarded the President’s citation by Philippine President Gloria Arroyo for her contributions to the Filipino community in the United States. She was also the founder of Filipinas Magazine.
Dr. Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales (she/siya) was born and raised on Ohlone land by parents who were immigrants from Batangas and Tarlac. She is an award-winning distinguished professor, motherscholar, and curricularist, and author who teaches in the College of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. She is the co-founder and co-director of Community Responsive Education (CRE) and founder and former director of Pin@y Educational Partnerships (PEP). She prides herself in being a “cheerleader” who supports many to find their sacred purpose so that they can contribute to community actualization. With a background in performing arts and as a professor of Filipina/x/o American Literature and Art, she is honored to be a producer and the educational consultant on Larry The Musical.
Dr. Kevin (he/they/siya) is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the City University of New York (CUNY), as well as the current President of the Filipino American National Historical Society. With roots in the Bay Area and parents from Numancia and Malinao, Aklan, Philippines, he is the former Executive Director of CLAGS: The Center for LGBTQ Studies; the former president of the Asian American Psychological Association; and the founder of the LGBTQ Scholars of Color National Network. He wrote three one-man shows, which he performed off-Broadway and across the country for ten years. He has written 14 books and 100+ publications, including Filipino American Psychology; Queering Law and Order; and the Sage Encyclopedia of Filipina/x/o American Studies. He has been featured on NBC, CBS, PBS,The History Channel, The New York Times, The LA Times, and more. Nonetheless, his most important role in life is that of Papa to his three children.
