HEARD.: A COMMUNITY CABARET
Wednesday, January 31st at 7pm
The Green Room 42
featuring the inaugural participants of Breaking the Binary Theatre’s 2023 Summer Intensive program:
Flower Estefana Rios (she/they)
Grayson James (he/him)
Luz Ballestér (they/he)
Sam Hamashima (they/them)
Spencer Petro (they/them)
Vi Dang (they/she)
Music Director: James Rushin (he/she)
Guitarist: Will Shishmanian (he/him)
Percussionist: Caroline Moore (they/she)
Artistic Consultant: L Morgan Lee (she/her)
HEARD. is a benefit for Trans Lifeline.
SET LIST
Full Cast - “Show Me Love”
Vi Dang - “Kiss of the Spiderwoman”
Grayson James - “And They’re Off”
Spencer Petro - “A Way Back to Then”
Flower Estefana Rios - “I’m Not Afraid of Anything”
Luz Ballestér - “Lush Life”
Grayson James & Spencer Petro - “Suddenly Seymour”
Vi Dang - “I’ll Cover You/Angel”
Grayson James - “When I Go”
Spencer Petro - “Maybe This Time”
Flower Estefana Rios, Luz Ballestér, and Vi Dang - “When the Chips are Down”
Flower Estefana Rios - “Turn It Off”
Full Cast - “Our Time”
Flower Estefana Rios (she/they)
Flower Estefana Rios (she/her) is a Trans and Chicana performer and writer based in Brooklyn, NY! Originally from Laredo, Texas, she arrived in NY ten years ago to pursue a BA in English with a focus in Dramatic Writing from Pace University. Previous theater training include LAByrinth's Intensive Ensemble, INTAR’s Unit 52, and Breaking the Binary’s Musical Theater Intensive. Some of Flower’s writing has been developed at The Playground Experiment and The Outrage Residency via the NACL . Flower strives to tell stories from the many different intersections of her life! Follow her on the internet at @mxflowertortilla on insta or her website flowerestefanarios.com
Grayson James (he/him)
Grayson James (he/him) is honored and beyond excited to be on this stage with these incredible people. Off-Broadway: The Lesbian Play. Other select credits: Head Over Heels & HIR (Marymount Manhattan College). Many thanks to L Morgan and George for having faith in me, to Joe, Colton and Grey for their endless inspiration, and to my mom for signing me up for my first musical in 2006. Instagram: @graysonjmes.
Luz Ballestér (they/he)
Luz Ballaster (they/he) is a Fat, Trans, Latine artist who is most passionate about queer theatre. Since moving to NYC last year, they have worked with organizations such as Latine MT Lab, Broadway Bods, Breaking The Binary and Prospect Theatre Co. He is beyond thrilled to be working on this project and hopes to be a visible example of joy and prosperity for other folks like him.
Sam Hamashima (they/them)
Sam Hamashima (they, he, she) is a genderqueer artist based in New York City. Described as "serious whimsy" in the Washington Post, Hamashima creates with an emphasis on spectacle, surprise, and design. Their work has been presented and/or developed by The Kennedy Center, Stanford University, and Ars Nova. They're thrilled to be re-introducing themselves as their authentic self. (Though it is a little spooky too!) @samhamashima | samhamashima.com
Spencer Petro (they/them)
Spencer R Petro (they/them) is a New York City based actor and writer with a goal to spread queer joy of all kinds through art and performance. They are a South Jersey Girl born and raised and a lover of all things pork roll and Amy Winehouse. Spencer is thrilled to be performing alongside so many fellow stunning TNB2S+ community members in what is sure to be a night of immense joy and immense talent. Big thanks always to my family, chosen and otherwise. Leading life with love and light. @Spencerrpetro
Vi Dang (they/she)
Vi Dang (they/she) is a performer, musician, and creative based in Brooklyn, NY. Originally from Denver, they graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a B.A. in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Music. They are the first trans artist to perform in Denver Center of the Performing Arts' longstanding production of A Christmas Carol. She is also a part of the editorial team at Playbill and her graphic work, photography, and writing has been published in Playbill magazine, at the Tony Awards, and internationally in the Scotsman. As a queer first generation American, Vi is proud of her Vietnamese heritage and strives to spread Asian/BIPOC representation in the theatre/entertainment industry, as well as create art that elevates trans & non-binary voices.