Cast announced for ‘Barista The Musical’, the original production choreographed by Strictly's Pasha Kovalev.
The talented cast has now been revealed for the hotly anticipated new production ‘Barista The Musical,’ choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing champion Pasha Kovalev and directed by Sarah Redmond, established theatre director with past
performance and directing credits in London’s Westend, national touring, TV, opera and radio. Combining a dramatic and gripping story with an outstanding original score, ‘Barista The Musical’ is packed with beautiful melodies, show-stopping numbers, and incredible Latin and contemporary dance. With the script and score written by Sussex-based husband and wife team Nigel and Anna Newman, the musical will have it's professional debut at Horsham’s Capitol Theatre from 12th to 21st September 2024.
The production charts a young Colombian woman's journey to follow her dreams while unlocking the nightmares of her past; an intoxicating blend of love, truth, passion, and the darkest of secrets. Taking the leading role of the strong and passionate yet troubled Isabella Sanchez will be Sara Bartos. Sara is a recent graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Her previous credits include Mamma Mia (Sophie) at the North Shore Music Theatre and at Theatre by the Sea and Newsies at the Rev (Katherine). This will be Sara's first professional role in the UK since graduating and she is destined for stardom.
“What I love about this musical is that it tells a previously untold story. I am half Colombian, and I see a lot of my mother when I read Isabella’s part. She has great passion, dreams, and ambitions—a story from Colombia that is rarely shared. This role means a lot to my mother and, in that respect, it means a great deal to me.” - Sara Bartos
George Crawford will play the leading role of Andy Scott, the ambitious, charming cafe owner who is battling the emergence of national chains on every street corner. No stranger to UK-wide audiences, George, who trained at London’s Arts Ed, previously played ‘Ogie’ in the original UK tour of ‘Waitress’, covered both Elder Price and Elder Cunningham in the original UK and European tour of ‘The Book of Mormon’, and was the alternate Jack Kelly in Disney’s ‘Newsies’.
Further castings include Daniel Lobo as Isabella's troubled brother Luis Sanchez, Laura Tyrer as business woman Vanessa, Charlotte Chalkey as Isabella's mother Maria Sanchez, Marc Serratosa as Carlos Sanchez, husband to Maria, Colleen Daley as family friend Sue and Jay Faisca as Matias/Jefe. The ensemble includes Alicia Mencia, Alexandros Beshonges, Charlotte Scally, Ricardo Cecilio, Gabriella-Rose Marchant, and Michael Dean Wilson.
Choreographing the talented and energetic cast, superstar choreographer Pasha Kovalev has promised a production that is bursting with passion, fire, and Latin rhythms. "Working with such a talented and dedicated cast is a pleasure. 'Barista' is a beautiful story, and through dance and movement, we aim to bring its emotional depth and vibrant energy to life. This production will be a memorable experience for both the cast and the audience."
Having departed Strictly Come Dancing after 8 seasons, 3 finals, and winning 1 glitter ball trophy, Pasha has concentrated on production and choreography projects. In 2021, Pasha returned to the West End as one of the lead performers in 'Here Come The Boys’ and this year, he choreographed the feature film 'Paris Christmas Waltz' and has recently toured the UK in 'La Bamba: The Musical’. Choreographing ‘Barista The Musical’ will provide the perfect platform for fusing Pasha’s love of musicals with fiery Latin dance.
As a Director, Sarah Redmond has had the pleasure of directing everything from Shakespeare to Sondheim, taking in many commercial Christmas shows and new musicals along the way. As a writer, Sarah has had shows performed Above The Stag London, Waterloo East Theatre, The London Cabaret circuit and BBC Radio Suffolk. “I’m really excited to be working on Barista The Musical; it is a new piece of writing that has such heart and passion!”
For more information or to buy tickets, please visit www.baristathemusical.com.
