Aguardiente: In Process Ignites the Stage with Magical Music and Community
R.Evolución Latina, in collaboration with Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater (PRTT) and Raúl Juliá Training Unit, was thrilled to present “Aguardiente: In Process”, a new bilingual musical written by Luis Salgado and Daniel Gutierrez. with lyrics by Daniel Gutierrez and Luis Salgado, music by Daniel Gutierrez, and additional music by Manteca Blue.
This showcase production of 2025 offered audiences an exclusive glimpse into the making of Aguardiente: In Process, a theatrical work born from the rhythms of Colombian music, Puerto Rican beats, and the heartbeat of Latine artistry and friendship.
Set against a rich tapestry of Hispanic culture and pride, Aguardiente: In Process tells the story of two artists—one from Puerto Rico, the other from Colombia—navigating the exhilarating yet challenging path of artistic expression. The narrative reflects their struggle to stay true to their vision in a world driven by commerce and conformity, while reconnecting with the lessons of their land, their ancestors, and the transformative power of art. We meet their characters, Azuquita and Anis, as children, innocent in the rivers of their home, and follow their journey as they face obstacles, discover themselves, and celebrate the bond of friendship.
This first look at Aguardiente! was the result of a creative collaboration with participants from the 2025 Beyond Workshop Series, a talented ensemble of aspiring artists from New York City, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond. Over four limited performances, audiences were immersed in a powerful, intimate experience of dance, music, and storytelling.
Our cast and creatives were honored to return to the infamous Pregones Theatre in the Bronx. Pregones has welcomed RL’s team through our continual collaborations and commitment to putting up new work. While in this historical space, our team of artists and designers were influenced by the work and efforts of esteemed Latino artists Miriam Colón, Raúl Juliá, and Rosalba Rolón.
CREATIVES & CAST
The cast of Aguardiente: In Process featured a remarkable group of 44 performers: Abigail Lesta, Agustina Lía Iribarren, Agustín Domínguez Barrios, Alexis Cruz-Castro, Amaris Liliana Rios, Ana Luisa Martinez, Andrés Marín García, Brian Hector Godoy Alcala, Clara Isabel Díaz, Daniela Alejandra Jimenez, Estefanía Marulanda Tobar, Frida Mancilla Teutli, Gisela Agustina Castillo Arias, Ingrid Judith Méndez Medina, Jacquie Bonnet, Jon Rodéz, Jose Vargas, Josie LaTorres, Julia Lhande, Kyle Morales, Lautaro Joaquín Passalia Contreras, Machiran, Mailen Bisso Heit, Marcel Byrd, Marcelo Guzmán, Maria Ximena Valadez, María Belén Lázzaro, María Meouchi, Mariana Carlassara, Martin Velasquez, Melody Martí, Miriam Montaner Rey, Paula Sofia Rivero, Phoenix Amadi, Raul Gabriel Barbosa, Santiago Ayala, Servando Andrés Lopez, Sophia Aranda, Stephanie Ivonne Jauregui, Tessie Herrasti, Tyler Ayala-VanTassel, Vanessa Innocenti, Ximena Alvear, and Zaramaría Fas.
The creative team brought the production to life with extraordinary artistry. Luis Salgado directed and choreographed, while Daniel Gutierrez served as Music Director and Santiago Moyano as Associate Music Director and Conductor. Valeria Cossu worked as Associate Director, with guest choreographers Gabriela Garcia and Matthew Steffens, assisted by Aimara. Joe Doran and Joe Petrowski led lighting design, Theodore Abdelmaseh managed sound design, and Milton Cordero created the projection design. Christopher Vergara designed costumes, Heather Hogan served as Creative Producer, and Denisse Ambert was Executive Producer. Ester Teixeira Vianna managed the stage, Krystal Pagán captured the performance in photographs, and Ralphie Rivera & Matthew Steffens provided artwork. Dalia Sevilla and Emmanuel Delgado operated the light board, Eduardo Resendiz the sound board, and Janae Harris and Robbie Diaz assisted as electricians.
The live music ensemble elevated the production, featuring Santiago Moyano on Keyboard and MDA, Sebastián Natal on Bass, Román Lajara on Guitars & Cuatro, Brahm Masla on Drums, and Ricardo Sabogal on Percussion.
R.Evolución Latina’s leadership team, whose vision made this production possible, includes Founder and Executive Director Luis Salgado, Co-Founder and Director Gabriela Garcia, Co-Founder Michael Balderrama, Executive Managing Director Denisse Ambert, Co-Artistic Director Heather Hogan, RL Team Director Matthew Steffens, Executive Managing Director Assistant Majo Ferrucho, Adult Education Coordinator Hanley Smith, International Liaison Monica Delgado, Senior Advisor of Strategic Operations Heather Hathaway Miranda, and Photographer Krystal Pagán.
Special thanks to Art Bath, PRG, Tony Gonzalez, Nathan Hurlin, James Kabel, R.Evolución Latina’s incredible team of volunteers, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS for their invaluable support.
This program is in partnership with Pregones/PRTT and the Raul Julia Training Unit