THE JEFFREY & PAULA GURAL DANCEseries2024
PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
Written by Maurizio Najt
Directed by Rubén Darío Cruz
April 12-21, 2024
At Teatro Círculo
Written by Maurizio Najt
OUR STAFF
José Cheo Oliveras,
Founding Artistic Director
Virginia Louloudes,
Development Director
Edna Lee Figueroa,
Marketing Director / Social Media Manager
James Figueroa,
Financial Manager
Eva Vásquez,
Co-Founder & Educational Program Director
Verónica Caicedo,
Facilities Manager
Rubén Darío Cruz,
Director of Audience Development
& ‘Abuelito, dime tú’ Program Coordinator
Camila Caicedo,
Box Office Manager
Cinzia Meneghello,
Web Designer / Web Master
Mariano de Paco Serrano,
Associate Artistic Director
Dean M. Zayas,
Associate Artistic Director, Emeritus
Pablo Zinger,
Musical Director
Israel Franco-Müller,
Resident Production Designer
Omayra Garriga Casiano,
Technical Production Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Eric Rivera, Chair
Special Assistant to the Commissioner/Chief Diversity Officer, NYC Department of Aging
Rocky Lizardi, Treasurer
Sony Music Entertainment
Paul Marín, Secretary
Director of Communications, Hispanic Federation
José Cheo Oliveras
Founding Artistic Director, Teatro Círculo
Eva Vásquez
York College
Fernando Travesí
International Center for Transitional Justice
Laura Aguinaga
Actress, Producer, Writer
Barbara Matos
Founder & CEO – Socorro Strategies
MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS…
National Endowment for the Arts
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul
New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council
Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment
New York City Council Members Carlina Rivera – District 2, Shaun Abreu – District 7, Diana Ayala – District 8, Amanda Farías – District 18, Francisco Moya – District 21, Sandy Nurse – District 37
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Daniel S. Goldman, U.S. House of Representatives
Small Business Administration
The Tow Foundation
The Howard Gilman Foundation
New York Community Trust
The National Latinx Theater Initiative
The Shubert Foundation
The Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust
Miranda Family Fund
The Hispanic Federation
Jeffrey & Paula Gural
The Mid-Atlantic Arts, through USArtists International
Lily Auchincloss Foundation
The Kaplen Brothers Fund
The Cory & Bob Donnalley Charitable Foundation
The Michael Tuch Foundation
The Lucille Lortel Foundation
Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation
Con Edison
Bank of America
For more information on how to make a tax-deductible donation visit:
Tango Untangled is made possible in part, by the generous support of:
For more information about touring productions contact us at
(347) 581-2857 or at rcruz@teatrocirculo.org
Our rehearsal space and theaters are available for rent
at very affordable rates.
Contact us at (347) 967-4765 / vcaicedo@teatrocirculo.org or visit:
Tell us what you think of Tango Untangled on Show Score
THE JEFFREY & PAULA GURAL DANCEseries2024
PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
Written by Maurizio Najt
Directed by Rubén Darío Cruz
Jurukán Productions
April 12-21, 2024
Explore the soul of Tango, a dance born from the immigrant spirit. Join us on a journey through time and rhythm as we delve into the history of Tango and its enduring power to connect us with our roots, our emotions, and each other.
Running time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. No intermission.
WORLD PREMIERE
CAST
In alphabetical order
Melisa Atoyan (Musician – Violin)
Melisa Gohar Atoyan was born in Argentina to Armenian parents. She is the first violinist and a founding member of the Arya String Quartet, most recently featured in 2019 at the Pleasantville Chamber Music Society.
She has performed as a soloist with the Adelphi Symphony Orchestra, with which she is currently co-concertmaster. With immense opera experience, she has served as concertmaster and in the first violin sections of the Utopia Opera, New Opera, Regina Opera, and New Rochelle Opera companies.
Additionally, she appeared in America’s Got Talent in 2014, playing in the string section for Emily West’s performance at Radio City Music Hall.
Besides being classically trained, Ms. Atoyan also performs tango music and has worked with grandiose tango musicians such as Grammy Nominee: Emilio Solla, Pedro Giraudo, JP Jofre, Hector Del Curto. Melisa has also worked with Polly Ferman and GlamourTango and has served as violin soloist for Astoria Tango Orchestra under the direction of Daniel Binelli.
At the age of 8, Ms. Atoyan was awarded 1st prize-Junior Division in the Fundacion Banco Mayo Competition (Argentina). After receiving the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Performing Arts Fellowship in 2009, she was accepted into “Fa Scuola di Musica di Fiesole” (Italy) International Competition Training Course the following year, studying with renowned pedagogue, Pavel Vernikov. Under the tutelage of Valery Oistrakh at the Brussels Royal Conservatory, she received her B.M. in Violin Performance.
As a dedicated teacher, Ms. Atoyan has served on the violin faculty at the Brooklyn Music House, Herald Music School, Music Box School, Vienna Music, PS 11 (Brooklyn) and currently teaches group violin at UCMP.
Lorenza Bernasconi (Julieta Lanteri)
Born and raised Peruvian actress! Last seen as Eva Luna in ‘Eva Luna’ (Repertorio Español) and winner of Best Actress 2023 at the NYLFF Film Festival. Lorenza has worked extensively in English and Spanish since immigrating from Lima, Peru to NYC. Stage credits include: ‘La casa de Bernarda Alba’ (Repertorio Español), ‘Encanto’ (Disney), ‘Odd Man Out’ (Theatre C), ‘Nothing’ (Alternative Theatre Company), ‘Scandusical’ (The PIT); Regional: ‘Good Cuban Girls’ (Arden Theatre Co), ‘Las mujeres’ (Power Street). For more on her Indie film work and future projects follow her Instagram account.
For my Abuelo Chulín, who had more tango cassettes than pairs of socks.
Instagram: @lorenza.bernasconi
Andrés Bravo (Dancer, Choreographer)
He is a talented dancer, instructor and choreographer who began dancing Argentine Tango at 11 years of age. He has studied with world-renowned Tango masters such as Miguel Ángel Zotto, Martín Ojeda, Roberto Herrera, Julio Balmaceda and Gabriel Misse. In 1999 his performance career launched when he became part of the Tango Festival “Colombo Argentina” in a tour throughout Colombia produced by Impresario Walter Davis. Following the end of his tour, in 2000 he became part of the Tango Company “Una cita con el Tango” directed by Alexander Giraldo in the city of Pereira, Colombia for 2 years. In 2002 he became part of the cast of “Argentine Tango Show” touring the United Emirates and performing for six consecutive months at the prestigious Jumeirath Beach Hotel in Dubai.
Throughout the years he has been part of several well-recognized world Tango competitions and festivals. In 2006 he was National Stage Tango Champion in “Tangovia” a Tango Competition held in Manizales, Colombia and in 2009 he won the National Stage Tango Competition in the city of Bogota, which he then continued to represent Colombia at the eighth World Tango Summit held in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. In addition, he has dedicated a great part of his professional life teaching tango to people of all walks of life in a very unique and effortless way.
As a choreographer, he is in high demand for his innovative and unique style of choreography. In 2011 he was asked to choreograph the show “Por amor al Tango” directed and produced by musician Erskine Maytorena in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2019 Andres became the official US Tango Salon Champion and won first place in the SoCal and the ATUSA Tango Championship. Most recently he performed with the Symphony of Solidarity at Carnegie Hall and the Camarada Tango Quartet in New York City. Andrés Bravo’s genuine warm personality and years of experience as choreographer, instructor, and dancer of salon and stage Tango continues to lead him to great success. He is currently based in New York City where he teaches and performs.
Instagram: @asatango
Ruth Hernández (Dancer, Choreographer)
She is a dancer and teacher of Argentine tango with an outstanding career of more than 20 years teaching classes, giving workshops, performing in shows and participating in festivals all around Chile, Argentina and now the United States. In 2015, Ruth was awarded the award for “Outstanding Dancer” of the National Tango Championship, in Chile. In 2017, she received recognition by the renowned radio program “Malena Cuenta el Tango” of the Municipality of Los Angeles, in Chile, for her outstanding tango career and won “Vice-champion” of the National Tango Championship in 2018 and 2019. She is also the creator of the online tango school “Al Sur Escuela de Tango”, in Chile. Currently, Ruth is the organizer of Milonga en Sol, in Hawthorne, NY and Santa Milonguita in Stamford, Connecticut. She actively performs in various states and teaches woman tango technique.
Instagram: @ruthvaleri
David Hodges (Musician – Bandoneon)
He has played bandoneon on the New York City tango scene since relocating here in 2001. A performer, arranger, and composer, he has played with groups including Los Chantas, Héctor Del Curto’s Eternal Tango Orchestra, the Astoria Tango Orchestra (dir. Daniel Binelli), Sexteto Abaddón, Orq. Típica Messiez, Dock Sud, Tangata, Los Changos Septet, Los Acustilocos, and others. Notable venues include Lincoln Center’s “Midsummernight’s Swing,” NYU’s Skirball Theater, Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Merkin Concert Hall, Joe’s Pub, The Jazz Standard, BB King’s, and The Jazz Gallery. Theatrical credits include performing in Lincoln Center Theater’s “Gardens of Anuncia” and in Wings Theatre’s “Tango Masculino.”
He has appeared as a guest soloist with the Manhattan School of Music Jazz Philharmonic, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, and the “Guitars Under the Stars” Festival Orchestra of Hartford, CT. He can be heard on many recordings including the soundtrack to the film American Carny and the tango-electronica track “Ta Tuado.” He recorded live in Seoul, Korea with Cantonese singer Hacken Lee on the CD/DVD Concert Hall II and performed concerts with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and Taiwanese vocalist Jeff Chang at the Hong Kong Coliseum, where he debuted his original composition, “Hong Kong Porteño.”
Carolina Jaurena (Dancer, Choreographer)
Her journey as a performer and artist began at an early age, ignited by an unwavering passion for the arts. With over 20 years of experience teaching and performing, she has become a multifaceted talent, excelling not only as a dancer but also as a certified RYT Yoga instructor and Mandala Dot Artist. During her career as a dancer and performer, Carolina reached new heights when she graced the screen as a primary dancer in the feature film “Random Hearts,” directed by the legendary Sidney Pollack. Carolina’s performances have spanned a wide range of exceptional productions, including “Eternal Tango” alongside Hector del Curto, the show “Tanguero,” and “Tango! Soul and Heart,” where she mesmerized audiences at the Kennedy Center with the Choral Arts Society of Washington. Her artistry extended to the acclaimed off-Broadway production “Tango House,” produced by the renowned Juan Fabbri, and she showcased her talents in several unforgettable seasons at the esteemed Thalia Spanish Theater in New York.
Beyond her performances in the United States, Carolina’s talent has been recognized internationally, as she has graced stages and conducted workshops across the globe. She taught a special Tango workshop at the Canarias Tango Festival in Spain, performed at the Solis Theater in Uruguay for “100 años de tango,” and left a lasting impression in Germany with performances at prestigious venues such as The Theaterhaus in Stuttgart and the Alte Synagoge in Hechingen. Her teaching style has been sought after at the Landesakademie in Ochsenhausen, where she conducted workshops that left a lasting impact on aspiring artists. Carolina’s prowess as a performer and instructor has earned her a well-deserved reputation for precision of movement, professionalism, and undeniable charisma.
Carolina has also been an integral part of the Camarada Tango Quartet from San Diego for the past 4 years and most recently performed with the Symphony of Solidarity at Carnegie Hall. Her artistry extends beyond dance, as she is also a certified RYT Yoga instructor, guiding others towards physical and mental well-being through the practice of yoga. Carolina is also a gifted Mandala Dot Artist, exploring the world of intricate patterns and soothing creativity. Her artistic pursuits demonstrate a deep appreciation for beauty, balance, and self-expression. In addition, Today, Carolina Jaurena stands as a respected and sought-after performer, teacher, and artist, leaving an indelible mark on the world of arts and captivating hearts wherever she graces the stage.
Instagram: @carolinajaurenadancer
Maurizio Najt (Musician – Piano)
Born in Italy, Maurizio Najt grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was surrounded by the burgeoning scenes of Tango. At the Argentine National Conservatory in Buenos Aires, Maurizio focused his early training in classical music, influenced by his father José Nait, a prominent soloist Tenor in the Teatro Colon opera house.
In the 1980’s, Maurizio Najt embarked on a musical career in New York City, where he currently resides and is recognized as one of the pioneers of the New York Tango revival scene. Maurizio contributed to the formative stage of popularizing the traditional tango music genre, alongside bandoneon masters Raúl Jaurena, Daniel Binelli, Hector del Curto, Victor Lavallén, and Tito Castro. Expanding tango to the technological era, he has collaborated with emerging artists in the field of electrotango including Tanghetto.
On tour with the New York Tango Trio, Maurizio established an iconic presence as a tango pianist, showcasing the music and dance genre in major international venues including France, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, and Argentina. Accompanying Anna Saeki, a world-renowned tango singer in Japan, Maurizio was well-received in Asia including Korea, Japan, and Hawaii. As a member of the Forever Tango Orchestra, he toured the US, Mexico, Japan and China, performing at prestigious venues including the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the World Trade Center, El Museo del Barrio; Brooklyn Museum of Art, Met Museum, Cleveland Art Museum, and Ravinia Festival in Chicago.
As an arranger and composer, Maurizio Najt collaborated with Academy-Award winning film director Ang Lee for the film “Lust Caution”, where he arranged the tango song “Donde Estas Corazón.” He often writes music for independent films, documentaries and independent ACE award winning theater productions.
Currently, he is a Class Pianist at New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center where he collaborates with world-class ballet dancers. Previously, he worked as a musician at the Joffrey Ballet School, Ballet Arts at NY City Center, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, and a Teaching Artist at the 92St Y for the Center for Arts Learning & Leadership. Maurizio Najt serves as an Organist at St. James & St. Matthew’s Church in Queens.
Instagram: @maurizionajt
Sofía Tosello (Singer)
Originally from Córdoba, Argentina, Vocalist and Music Educator Sofia Tosello is a cherished voice in the vibrant scene of New York City artists who are redefining Latin American songs. Christopher Loundon, writing in Jazz Times, notes, “The next wave in Latin–American jazz may well begin with Tosello”.
Sofia has performed and recorded with artists such as Grammy Winner Mexican Pop singer Thalia, Horacio “El Negro Hernández”, Grammy-Winner Pedro Giraudo Jazz Orchestra, Guy Mendilow Ensemble, Aquiles Baez, Mariela Franganillo Dance Company, Polly Ferman and Glamour Tango, among others. Ms Tosello has performed on renowned stages in the USA, Asia, and Latin America.
In the fall of 2011 and 2012, she was part of the music faculty at Swarnabhommi Academy of Music in Chennai, India along with musicians such as Victor Wooten, and Dafnis Prieto.
She is one of the Jazz Vocal Professors at New Jersey City University. Ms.Tosello is also teaching jazz to young people through the Webop Music Program at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Instagram: @sofiatosellomusic
Carlos Mario Urrego (Dancer, Choreographer)
Carlos has been dancing since 1997. He has won several Tango Championships among which are: 1st place International Tango Festival Medellin 2010 dance companies’ category, 1st place in the 2015 Florida Tango Festival Tango category, 1st place 2017 Southern California Tango Championship – Los Angeles CA (4 categories: Tango, Milonga, Vals and Stage), 1st place 2018 Atusa Tango championship (Tango and Milonga).
He has been active in the most important tango festivals including Colombia 2001-2023 (Medellín, Manizales, Cali, Pereira, Bogotá, Bucaramanga), US Fandango de Tango 2013 (Dallas TX), Nola Tango Festival 2014-2016 (New Orleans LA), Burning Tango 2016 (McCloud CA), Valentango 2022-2023 (Portland OR), Canada Accordion Tango Festival 2019 (Victoria -Canadá), Philippines, Cebú Tango Festival 2023 (Philippines).
Carlos has performed with world-renowned orchestras, such as Ariel Ardit, Sextet Mayor, Nelson Alberti Sans Souci, Sexteto Milonguero, Pablo Tobon Uribe Theater Medellin, Medellin Metropolitan Theater, Theater University of Medellin, Jorge Isaac Cali Theater, Jorge Eliécer Gaitán Theater Bogotá, Los Fundadores Theater Manizales, Opera Maria of Buenos Aires, 2010 University of Antioquia 2017 New Orleans, Thalia Spanish Theater in New York in 2015- 2016.
He has taught in important dance schools in Colombia, Argentina, and the United States. He is currently based in New York City sharing his knowledge, teaching, and performing at local events. He created and directed the Neo Tango Dance Company in Medellin between the years 2006-2011. Creator of the first Milonga in Medellin in the Buenos Aires style “El Último Cafe” 2006-2011 and published “Being a Milonguero” 2008 Medellin-Colombia.
Instagram: @carlitosurregotango
CREATIVE TEAM AND CREW
Maurizio Najt (Writer, Musical Director)
See in CAST
Rubén Darío Cruz (Director)
Rubén Darío Cruz’s path is a testament to following one’s passions. After earning a BA in Theater and Dance from CUNY Queens College, he embarked on a successful career in corporate sales and IT. However, in 2006, a deeper calling for community service led him to make a life-altering decision: leaving the corporate world to dedicate himself to the arts and non-profit organizations.
This shift ignited a journey of immense impact. He established Jurukán Inc., a consulting company that empowered non-profit groups, fostering arts & culture and health & wellness programs for both young and older adults across New York City. These programs brought vibrancy and well-being to diverse communities, showcasing Rubén’s commitment to inclusivity.
His artistic spirit flourished further through his prolific creations. He authored and composed seven bilingual children’s productions, ensuring young audiences had access to engaging narratives. Additionally, he produced nine short films featuring older adults, three documentaries highlighting their pandemic experiences, and over 200 public access television programs in both English and Spanish.
Rubén’s dedication and talent received well-deserved recognition. He proudly holds three esteemed ACE awards in theater, and his work with older adults earned him the “New Yorker of the Week” title by Spectrum NY1. Since 2008, he has actively contributed to Teatro Círculo, currently serving as Director of Audience Development and Program Coordinator for the “Abuelito, dime tú” program, bringing the magic of theater to older adult centers throughout the city.
But Rubén’s commitment extends far beyond the arts. He tirelessly serves as Co-Chair of the Latin American Intercultural Alliance and holds board positions in numerous community-based organizations, demonstrating his unwavering passion for community development and civic engagement. His dedication even led him to run for New York State Assembly in 2024, showcasing his desire to serve on a broader scale.
Rubén Darío Cruz’s story is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of pursuing one’s passions and serving the community. He stands as a role model for all who seek to leverage their talents and dedication to make a positive impact on the world around them.
Instagram: @cruz.ruben
IMDB Profile: imdb.com/name/nm3611532/
To learn more about Rubén, visit RubenCruz.NYC
(Teatro Círculo is not endorsing any political campaign)
Mariana Buoninconti (Assistant Director & Stage Manager)
She is a School of Dramatic Arts graduate in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She studied Comedy of Art and Variette Theatre and has already completed 30 years of her artistic career. Mariana has spent 20 years in New York City working for Repertorio Espanol, Teatro Circulo, and her own puppet theater company named PATTY CAKE THEATER, which she founded with her husband, Rubén Darío Cruz.
She is the assistant director of Jurukán Productions and has performed in several of their short films. For seven years, Mariana hosted her TV Program, Mariana O-Varios, on QPTV. She has won several awards, including ACE and HOLA Awards, for her work as a Best Character Actress and Drama. She has also won the ACE Best Director Award for her play “A Tango for Tita.” Mariana is thankful for Tango Untangled, her Argentine roots, her daughter, and her husband Rubén Darío Cruz for their tireless creation of dreams together.
Instagram: @buonin
Omayra Garriga Casiano (Lighting Designer)
NYC based theater maker. Born and raised in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico. Production design of Teatro Círculo’s CALLBACKseries2023 and DANCEseries2023. Boundless Theatre Company Associate Artist. Lighting design: ‘La Carta-Danza’ (2021). Set Design: ‘Mercado libre’ (2022) El Barrio Raíces (2018- 2021). Credits in lighting design: Teatro Círculo’s productions: ‘Lío’, ‘Los garabatos de la luna’, ‘La caída de Rafael Trujillo’ (2023), CALLBACKseries (2016-2021), The One Festival (2017-2021), ‘La celestina’ (2019). Credits in set design: Teatro Círculo’s CALLBACKseries (2015 & 2022), ‘El barbero de Sevilla’ (2019), ‘The Lesson’ (2018), ‘The Waters of Friendship’ (2018), ‘Nanas’ (2018). Holds a BA in Theater Education from the University of Puerto Rico and an MFA in Theater Design from Brooklyn College. Omayra has taken classes with international groups like Theater of the Oppressed (Brazil), Malayerba (Ecuador) and Yuyachkani (Peru).
Assistant to Lighting Designer: Manuel Gómez Crespo
Promotional Photos: Courtesy of Carolina Jaurena
Graphic Design: Edna Lee Figueroa
PROGRAM
OVERTURE (Instrumental / Songs Medley) – Musicians: Maurizio Najt, David Hodges, Melisa Atoyan
MOTIVOS FOLKLÓRICO – Musicians: Maurizio Najt, David Hodges, Melisa Atoyan
MALENA (Song) – Sofía Tosello
EL PORTEÑITO (Dance) – Choreography and performance by Andrés Bravo and Carlos Mario Urrego
NUEVE DE JULIO (Dance) – Choreography and performance by Andrés Bravo and Carolina Jaurena
FELICIA (Instrumental) – Musicians: Maurizio Najt, David Hodges, Melisa Atoyan
EL CHOCLO (Dance) – Andrés Bravo, Ruth Hernández, Carolina Jaurena, Carlos Mario Urrego Choreography by Andrés Bravo and Carolina Jaurena
LA ÚLTIMA CURDA (Song) – Sofía Tosello
DERECHO VIEJO (Dance) – Choreography and performance by Ruth Hernández and Carlos Mario Urrego
DANZARÍN (Instrumental) – Musicians: Maurizio Najt, David Hodges, Melisa Atoyan
PALOMITA BLANCA (Dance) – Choreography and performance by Andrés Bravo and Carolina Jaurena
CANARO EN PARÍS (Dance) – Choreography and performance by Ruth Hernández and Carlos Mario Urrego
VOLVER (Song) – Sofía Tosello
MILONGA DE MIS AMORES (Dance) – Andrés Bravo, Ruth Hernández, Carolina Jaurena, Carlos Mario Urrego
Choreography by Andrés Bravo and Carolina Jaurena
CAMBALACHE (Song) – Sofía Tosello
LA CUMPARSITA (Dance) – Andrés Bravo, Ruth Hernández, Carolina Jaurena, Carlos Mario Urrego
Choreography by Andrés Bravo and Carolina Jaurena
FLOR DE LINO (Song) – Sofía Tosello
LA YUMBA (Dance) – Choreography and performance by Ruth Hernández and Carlos Mario Urrego
QUEJAS DE BANDONEÓN (Dance) – Choreography and performance by Andrés Bravo and Carolina Jaurena
NOCTURNA (Instrumental) – Musicians: Maurizio Najt, David Hodges, Melisa Atoyan
ADIÓS, NONINO (Instrumental) – Musicians: Maurizio Najt, David Hodges, Melisa Atoyan
MI BUENOS AIRES QUERIDO (Song) – Sofía Tosello
LIBERTANGO (Dance) – Andrés Bravo, Ruth Hernández, Carolina Jaurena, Carlos Mario Urrego
Choreography by Andrés Bravo and Carolina Jaurena
