Alliance Theatre Announces Full Cast for World Premiere of ‘Basura’
The Alliance Theatre has announced complete casting for Basura, a new musical featuring original music and lyrics by
. The production will have its world premiere on the Alliance’s Coca‑Cola Stage on May 30, 2026, with performances scheduled through July 12. Opening night is set for June 12.The musical is inspired by the true story of Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra, a youth ensemble that builds instruments from discarded materials. The story was previously documented in the award‑winning film Landfill Harmonic. Basura follows a community that forms an orchestra despite lacking traditional instruments, transforming scrap materials into playable creations.
The musical will star Jaci Calderon in the lead role of Nambi. The principal cast also includes Dario Alvarez as José, Zack Calderon as Nunu, Nathan Diaz as Dani, Isabel Gonzalez as Blanca, and Michelle Zink‑Muñoz as Sofía. Kevin Del Aguila, an Emmy Award winner and Tony Award nominee, will appear as Mario, and Mandy Gonzalez, a Drama Desk Award winner known for In the Heights and Hamilton, will play Mónica.
Ensemble members include David Andino, Monica Garcia Bradley, Victoria Gómez, Michael Marrero, Gage Martinez, Avital Tikva Masri, Kara Menendez, Coty Perno, Julio Rey, Lannie Rubio, Diego Turner‑Figueredo, and Ariana Valdes.
Basura will be directed by Michael Greif, a five‑time Tony Award nominee whose Broadway credits include Rent and Dear Evan Hansen. The book is written by playwright Karen Zacarías, a recipient of the National Latino Playwriting Award. Alex Lacamoire, a Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award winner, serves as musical supervisor, orchestrator, and arranger.
The creative team also includes choreographer Patricia Delgado, dramaturg Ken Cerniglia, music director Cynthia Meng, associate director Andy Señor Jr., and associate choreographer Phil Colgan. Casting is by Kristian Charbonier of The Telsey Office, with Jody Feldman as casting director for the Alliance Theatre. David Lai is the music coordinator.
The production is presented in partnership with producers Michael Shulman and Colin Callender, along with Daniel Unitas. Wendy Orshan and Jeffrey Wilson of 101 Productions, Ltd. will serve as executive producers and general managers.
Tickets begin at $25 and are available through the Alliance Theatre.
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