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SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
AUGUST 15 - SEPTEMBER 6, 2026
MAINSTAGE THEATER
Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
A theatrical song cycle by Jason Robert Brown featuring diverse characters across time and space... all connected by the theme of decisive moments when individuals must make life-changing choices and enter their own new worlds.
Directed by: Jeff Hinderscheid
Music Direction: Don Dally
Stage Management: Lupita M. Rodriguez
Choreography: Camrin Eve Dannelly
Scenic Design: Mitchell Ost
Sound Design: Dante Carballo
Costume, Hair, Makeup: Christopher Metzger
Lighting Design: Derek Duarte
Props: Thomas Verdos
CAST
John G. Bridges
John is excited to be continuing in his 22nd season, having recently appeared in Home, I’m Darling. Recent appearances include Honk: The Ugly Duckling Musical, Bright Star, Bandstand, Merrily We Roll Along; Sondheim: A Tribute Concert, A Comedy of Tenors and Tuck Everlasting. He has been working onstage at TWS since 1999, first appearing in The Will Rogers Follies. He has appeared in numerous productions on the Mainstage throughout the years. Other Monterey Bay Area appearances include productions with MPC Theatre and Pacific Repertory Theatre. He has ventured to the SF Bay Area to work with Broadway by The Bay, 42nd St. Moon and Children’s Musical Theatre of San Jose. He also serves as the Company Manager and Casting Assistant for The Western Stage. Enjoy the show!
Leticia Candelaria
Leticia is an accomplished vocalist, cantor, theater artist, and Artistic and Vocal Director for STAR Arts and Education whose passion for music and performance has enriched the Central Coast arts community for decades. A cantor for the Diocese of Monterey for 43 years, she is also a professional solo vocalist specializing in jazz, salsa, cumbia, mariachi, boleros, and classical music. For over 32 years, Leticia has served as Vocal Director for renowned theater companies including El Teatro Campesino, CSUMB World Theater, Gavilan College Theater, and ARIEL Theatrical. She also serves as Artistic and Vocal Director for STAR Arts and Education, where she helps cultivate artistic excellence and inspire emerging performers. Her stage credits include performances in La Virgen del Tepeyac and La Pastorela with El Teatro Campesino, as well as Real Women Have Curves at Western Stage’s Studio Theater. Through music and theater, Leticia continues to inspire audiences with artistry, heart, and cultural pride.
Melissa Podczaszy
Melissa is thrilled to be returning to the musical theatre stage. Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, she performed in numerous productions, including in New York City and on tour. Her passion for education and the performing arts led to a teaching career where she also directed theatrical productions for public and private schools, helping young performers build confidence and discover their talents. Beyond the stage, Melissa is a homeschooling mom of two and works for a public homeschool charter school, supporting homeschooling families. She also serves on the worship team at her church, where sharing God’s love through music is a central part of her life. Melissa is honored to be part of The Western Stage community.
Brennan Whitaker
Brennan is thrilled to be making his Western Stage debut in a show that he has felt deeply connected to for decades. Brennan studied music at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, and currently teaches Music and Speech/Debate/Theatre at Challenger School in San Jose. He has music/vocal directed and played piano in the pit orchestra at various venues throughout the Bay Area including Pacifica Spindrift Players, Bellarmine College Preparatory, Los Altos Stage Company, and Ann Sobrato High School. Favorite theatrical roles include Baker in Into the Woods, Jesus in Godspell, and Claude in HAIR. Brennan is thrilled to once again share the stage with his wife in her old stomping grounds at TWS. Big thanks to MCP for getting us to the finish line!
Jacquelyn Villena Whitaker
Jacquelyn is a Western Stage alum, who is thrilled to return to Salinas for one of her favorite musicals. She was last seen at TWS as Bobby/Gabby in City of Angels (2001) and has since appeared in theatres throughout the SF Bay Area, last appearing in the South Bay premiere of Everybody Loves Jaime as Margaret. Other favorite roles include Yente/Fruma Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof, Nehebka in Aida and Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. Jacquelyn is also a director and vocal director for all ages at Sobrato HS, Pacifica Spindrift Players, Willow Glen Elementary, Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, and Playful People Productions. She will be vocal directing Joseph … Dreamcoat at Los Altos Stage Company in the Fall. This one is for MCP and all the beautiful brown girls who do theatre.