In 1829, Washington Irving went to Spain, and lived in the Alhambra. In September of 2024, 195 years later, MDTC brings you an adaptation of his book The Alhambra -- his travels and the legends, told through dance and spoken word. And now, meet the cast.
Morgiana Celeste Varricchio, MDTC's Producing Artistic Director and Founder has created the adaptation and is the production's Director. Morgiana Celeste is in the dance ensemble and becomes the storyteller, bringing to life the magical legends of the Alhambra.
Samara Adell, the Company's Artistic Director for Dance is the Choreographer, adding to the great body of work she has created for MDTC. Samara also performs as featured dancer of the ensemble.
Carlos Fittante, A specialist in Baroque, and Spanish escuela bolero dance styles, returns to MDTC as Guest Choreographer and performer, Carlos is also the Artistic Director of the BALAM Dance Theatre.
Nina Brewton, dancing with MDTC since the first production in 2003, performs as part of the dance ensemble, and shows off her comedic talents in several roles in the magical legends of the Alhambra's lore.
Kendra Dushac McCarthy has performed with MDTC since 2010. She also works with several other companies in NYC and is a NeuroMyoFascia specialist. She will be playing the part of Zorahayda, in The Legend of the Three Princesses, and in The Legend of the Rose of the Alhambra.
Michael Takiff is a New York-based writer and actor whose recent one-man show, Jews, God, and History (Not Necessarily in That Order), was praised for its display of his “prodigious intelligence and expert showmanship.” He plays the role of the great man and legendary writer himself - Washington Irving.
Katherine Shamdin, originally from Mattoon, Illinois, recently graduated from The University of Iowa, where she performed works in modern and contemporary dance. Katherine now makes New York City her home, and is excited to be a part the dance ensemble. She also performs the role of Zayda in The Legend of the Three Princesses.
Mina Rose, originally from Switzerland, now calls New York City her home. She trained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and recently completed the Certificate program at The Ailey School. Mina brings her diverse talents in dance and Theater to the Dance Ensemble, and to the part of Jacinta. in The Legend of the Rose of the Alhambra.
Barbara Romero, Spanish dance expert, specializing in the Escuela Bolero school, learned from the top masters of Spanish dance in the US and Spain. She dances with BALAM Dance Theatre, often performing with Carlos Fittante. As guest performer, Barbara performs Spanish dance of the early 19th Century -- dance Washington Irving wrote about in The Alhambra.
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