About the Artists – NEW HEIGHTS PRODUCTIONS

RENÉE ALBULARIO
Ren & Friends, April 3, 2016
In Harmony, September 23, 2016

RENÉE ALBULARIO is a New York based actor recently seen in Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party at New York City Center directed by Leigh Silverman and choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. Hailing originally from Orange County, California, Renée lives in New York City and received her BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Recent credits include Here Lies Love at The Public Theater written by David Byrne and directed by Alex Timbers, Saturday Night Fever (Ogunquit Playhouse), High School Musical II (NCT), Hairspray, The King & I (Weston Playhouse), Aladdin (DCL). Film/TV credits include Ricki & The Flash (with Meryl Streep) and One Life To Live. Love to Mom, Dad, Michael, and especially my “Kuya” Dave for their unending support! Thank you all for helping launch New Heights Productions! Follow me at @rennie11 and ReneeAlbulario.com!

Renée Albulario, star of Ren & Friends: A Cabaret Benefit;
"The Life of the Party" from Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party.

Justin Michael Wilcox, featured singer;
Renée Albulario, star of Ren & Friends;
"Popcorn" from Little By Little.

Sonia Harley, featured singer;
Lauren Stevens, featured singer;
Renée Albulario, star of
Ren & Friends;
"Lady Marmalade."

Cristina Trujillo, guitarist/singer;
Renée Albulario, star of Ren & Friends;
"Halo" by Beyoncé.

Renée Albulario, star of Ren & Friends:
A Cabaret Benefit;
"The Life of the Party" from Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party.

Cristina Trujillo, guitarist/singer;
Renée Albulario, star of Ren & Friends;
"Halo" by Beyoncé.

Justin Michael Wilcox, featured singer;
Renée Albulario, star of Ren & Friends;
"Popcorn" from Little By Little.

Renée Albulario, star of Ren & Friends;
David Albulario, Artistic Director;
Vincent Rodriguez III, featured singer;
"Disney Animazement" arr. by Bruce Healey:
"Just Around the Riverbend" from Pocahontas, "Go the Distance" from Hercules, and "Out There" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

David Albulario, Artistic Director;
Renée Albulario, star of Ren & Friends;
"Safe Haven" by Chris Wade.

Renée Albulario, star of Ren & Friends:
A Cabaret Benefit;
"Ain't No Sunshine / No Diggity" arr. by Chris Wade.

The cast of NEW HEIGHTS PRODUCTIONS'
Ren & Friends: A Cabaret Benefit
at the Encore Dinner Theatre, Sunday, April 3, 2016.
(l. to r.) Justin Michael Wilcox, Chris Wade, Sonia Harley, Lauren Stevens, Cristina Trujillo, David Albulario, Renée Albulario, Frank Abraham (back row), Vincent Rodriguez III (front row), Thomas Beachman.

RENÉE ALBULARIO is a New York based actor recently seen in Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party at New York City Center directed by Leigh Silverman and choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. Hailing originally from Orange County, California, Renée lives in New York City and received her BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Recent credits include Here Lies Love at The Public Theater written by David Byrne and directed by Alex Timbers, Saturday Night Fever (Ogunquit Playhouse), High School Musical II (NCT), Hairspray, The King & I (Weston Playhouse), Aladdin (DCL). Film/TV credits include Ricki & The Flash (with Meryl Streep) and One Life To Live. Love to Mom, Dad, Michael, and especially my “Kuya” Dave for their unending support! Thank you all for helping launch New Heights Productions! Follow me at @rennie11 and ReneeAlbulario.com!

BROOKE ASTON
In Harmony, September 23, 2016

BROOKE ASTON is a proud alumnus of C.S.U., Fullerton and The Young Americans. Currently, she fronts the band The Honeydrops, playing vintage rhythm and blues. National Tours: “Sylvia” in All Shook Up (Prather Entertainment). Other Favorite Performances: Princess and the Black Eyed Pea (San Diego Rep), “Gina” in Beehive and “Brenda” in Smokey Joe’s Café (The Derby Dinner Playhouse), “Armelia” in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (The Moonlight Amphitheater, San Diego and Triarts, Sharon, Connecticut), and “Effie” in Dreamgirls (Jersey Productions, Cincinnati). Brooke has been a singer in various a’capella groups, including Groove 66 at The Disneyland Resort and The Harmonix onboard Crystal Cruises, along with several Christmas Caroling companies. She performs and directs cabaret and has produced several fundraiser variety shows. She is also a proud wife and mommy. www.brookeastonsings.com

BROOKE ASTON

CHRISTOPHER JAMES CULBERSON
In Harmony, September 23, 2016

CHRISTOPHER JAMES CULBERSON is elated to be a part of this beautiful evening of song, and to be supporting such an exciting new theater company. Currently, he can be seen playing “Kristoff” in Frozen - Live at the Hyperion (directed by Tony Nominee Liesl Tommy). Some of his other credits include “Andy Wright” in the touring company of Kander and Ebb's The Scottsboro Boys (directed by 5-time Tony Winner Susan Stroman), “Andre” in Ain’t Misbehavin’, “Irving de Quincy” in Babes in Arms (Musical Theatre West’s Reiner Reading Series), as well as the film Sugar Daddies (Lifetime) and playing “Billy Dee Williams” on Celebrity Ghost Stories. He studied at the Hamilton Academy of Music and UCLA.

CHRISTOPHER JAMES CULBERSON

SONIA HARLEY
Ren & Friends, April 3, 2016

SONIA HARLEY has worked with producers such as Flip Matrix and Grammy Award Winning Producer, Darryl Swann, known for his organic production with Macy Gray. She recently won the award for best female performer at the Los Angeles BMAs. As a songwriter, Sonia is also involved in engineering and musical production. Sonia recently toured Europe with Social Distortion. Sonia and her band were honored to be selected to tour with Motorhead, Slayer, Anthrax, & Suicidal Tendencies. Sonia is currently working on her debut album with Grammy Award Winning Producer Darryl Swann.

Sonia Harley, featured singer;
"A Tribute to Whitney Houston" arr. by Chris Wade.

Sonia Harley, featured singer;
Lauren Stevens, featured singer;
Renée Albulario, star of
Ren & Friends;
"Lady Marmalade."

Sonia Harley, featured singer;
Chris Wade, Music Director;
Lauren Stevens, featured singer;
Encore: "We Are Family."

JOSH MUNNELL
In Harmony, September 23, 2016

JOSH MUNNELL is a vocalist, arranger and producer. He grew up singing in choirs and musicals in a small midwest town, and sang regularly for church services. Josh won many awards in high school, was selected multiple times for the All-State choir, and played the lead in Anything Goes. Josh moved to L.A. to study music at Azusa Pacific University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Commercial Music-Business. He studied voice with David Kress and with David Joyce; and sang in the Saints men’s octet, University Choir and Orchestra and Chamber Singers as a soloist and section leader, and toured Germany, Austria, and throughout the U.S. Josh was a vocalist for Azusa Pacific’s Chapel Programs and sang regularly for morning chapel. Josh has sung on a number of albums, student film scores, and personal solo projects. He has sung at Purpose Church and Fellowship Monrovia, and has had opportunities with the Angeles Chorale singing at the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall. During the holidays, Josh sings with the Charles Dickens Caroling Company, and recently, Josh has been involved in the creation of a new vocal ensemble, Ensoma Creative. Josh currently works as a worship leader and private vocal coach to students in the San Gabriel Valley.

JOSH MUNNELL

LAUREN STEVENS
Ren & Friends, April 3, 2016
In Harmony, September 23, 2016

LAUREN STEVENS. After living in New York for eight years, Lauren has relocated to southern California with her husband (and eternal accompanist), Ryan. Having recently finished her third contract performing in the MainStage shows onboard the Disney Fantasy, Lauren is enjoying life on solid ground. Other credits include: Seussical the Musical national tour (“Mrs. Mayor”/“Mayze” u/s), Kiss Me Kate (Moonlight Amphitheater), The Sound of Music (Starlight Amphitheater), South Pacific (Performance Riverside). Lauren graduated with her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Cal State Fullerton, and has performed with artists such as Gladys Knight, Chicago, Kristin Chenoweth and Carol Channing. Love to Mom, Dad, and my everything, Ryan. Proud A.E.A.member.

Lauren Stevens, featured singer.

Sonia Harley, featured singer;
Lauren Stevens, featured singer;
Renée Albulario, star of
Ren & Friends;
"Lady Marmalade.”

Sonia Harley, featured singer;
Chris Wade, Music Director;
Lauren Stevens, featured singer;
Encore: "We Are Family."

Lauren Stevens, featured singer;
"That Wasn't Me" by Brandi Carlile, arr. by Ryan Nearhoff.

CRISTINA TRUJILLO
Ren & Friends, April 3, 2016
In Harmony, September 23, 2016

CRISTINA TRUJILLO grew up in Orange County, where she started singing at the young age of 6. She frequently watched her father play the guitar at their local church, while her mother conducted the choir, and at the age of 11 picked up a guitar and took her first strums. She began writing her own music and joined the choir in High School, where she toured New York and Chicago, having the opportunity to be coached and conducted by Grammy-winning composer, Eric Whitacre, while performing “Sleep” in New York City’s esteemed Riverside Church. She moved to San Francisco where she played Open Mic Nights at local coffee shops and soon found herself back in Orange County, pursuing her passion for music while attending college. Most recently, she has performed at Angel Stadium to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association and also performed the National Anthem with Chris Wade’s vocal group RAISE for the LA Galaxy soccer team. She is honored to be collaborating with such talented and devoted music artists, and thanks everyone for their support and contribution to New Heights Productions.

CRISTINA TRUJILLO

VINCENT RODRIGUEZ III

VINCENT RODRIGUEZ III is an actor starring in the critically acclaimed television show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Originally from Daly City, a suburb of San Francisco, Vincent attended the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA. Upon graduation, he made his professional debut tap dancing on the first national tour of 42nd Street. Since then, Vincent has worked at many regional theaters and first national tours, including Xanadu and Anything Goes. In 2014, he was in the award-winning and internationally acclaimed Filipino Disco Popperetta Here Lies Love at The Public Theater in New York City. Most recently he was in the premiere of Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, at both the La Jolla Playhouse and Paper Mill Playhouse, as well as the initial workshop, and can be heard singing in the studio cast recording. Currently, you can watch Vincent as “Josh Chan” in the CW's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, which was just renewed for a second season.

Vincent Rodriguez III, featured singer;
"Made of Stone" from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz.

Vincent Rodriguez III, featured singer;
“Go the Distance" from Disney's Hercules by Alan Menken & David Zippel.

Vincent Rodriguez III, featured singer;
“Selections from Here Lies Love" by David Byrne.

CHRIS WADE
Ren & Friends, April 3, 2016
In Harmony, September 23, 2016

CHRIS WADE (Music Director) has had the pleasure of knowing Mr. David Albulario since they were kids singing with the All-American Boys Chorus right here in Orange County, California! They traveled all over Canada and the U.S., meeting Presidents, making commercials, and recording albums as young kids. Dave and Chris reconnected in New York City many years later, and have been working together on music and productions ever since! Chris and Dave appeared on CBS’s The Late Show with Dave Letterman, performing in a political parody group “The Beltway Bunch” (later renamed, “National Nonsense”), and went on to sing on the Weather Channel, and throughout New York and California. Chris’s vocal groups in on both coasts have sung for as Diana Ross, performing at her Connecticut home; Jamie Foxx, for an Annie movie promo; Judy Greer; Johnny Galecki; Don Cheadle; and recently, for the creator and owner of Barnes & Noble, at his Palm Beach, Florida home, alongside one Miss Renée Albulario! Chris loves creation & production, and supports Dave in all his new visions. He is honored to be a part of this important and inaugural launch of New Heights Productions! Chris Wade Music Productions creates and manages professional vocal groups, singers and music for any occasion! www.chriswademusic.com.

Chris Wade, Music Director;
NEW HEIGHTS PRODUCTIONS
Ren & Friends: A Cabaret Benefit

Sonia Harley, featured singer;
Chris Wade, Music Director;
Lauren Stevens, featured singer;
Encore: "We Are Family."

JUSTIN MICHAEL WILCOX
Ren & Friends, April 3, 2016

JUSTIN MICHAEL WILCOX is honored to be performing alongside these wonderful people this evening. Last seen on the stages of La Mirada where he was in Empire, First Date, and Billy Elliot. L.A. credits include: GCT’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels as “Freddy,” Musical Theater West’s Singing in the Rain as “Cosmo,” 3DT's 9 to 5 as “Joe,” Colony Theater's Dames at Sea as “Lucky,” and Third Street Theater's production of The Full Monty as “Ethan.”. Other credits: National tours of A Chorus Line, A Christmas Carol, Guys & Dolls, and Cameron Mac’s Oliver! Justin recently performed as “Iago” at Disney's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular. Film/ TV: The Mindy Project, General Hospital, SNL, Guiding Light, Shorts, Independents and many voice over projects. Next up for him is the role of “Al Jolson” in I Only Have Eyes For You playing at the Ricardo Montalbán Theater. For a full list of his credits his mother would be happy to sit down and show you his resume. He sends his love to his friends, family, and this amazing cast for all their hard work and dedication. Love to K.M.R., Osbrink, AND you! Thank you for supporting live theater!

Justin Michael Wilcox, featured singer;
Renée Albulario, star of Ren & Friends;
"Popcorn" from Little By Little.

DAVID ALBULARIO
Ren & Friends, April 3, 2016
In Harmony, September 23, 2016

DAVID ALBULARIO (Artistic Director) grew up in the arts of Orange County, California. As a child, his first solo was at his grandfather’s church in Ojai. He spent seven years touring as a member of The All-American Boys Chorus throughout Europe and the U.S. Performing in high school he earned the prestigious “Best Actor” MACY Award. David studied and sang with the late Paul Salamunovich, Artistic Director of the L.A. Master Chorale; and at California State University Fullerton, with Dr. Vance Wolverton and John Alexander. At age 20, David became Music Director of The All-American Boys Chorus, and led them musically around the globe and across the U.S. He brought their artistry to new theatrical heights, culminating in his 10th and final year, when they staged their first musical revue, Curtain Call! He is grateful to the group’s alumni, who remain his closest friends and advisers. David directed choruses at the Hollywood Bowl, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Shrine Auditorium, the Crystal Cathedral, Opera Pacific, the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, the William Hall Master Chorale, the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra, Disneyland, and Walt Disney World. He produced, directed, and starred in musical revues: Voices Unbound and Voices Unplugged. He has appeared in productions at New York City’s Lincoln Center, San Jose Repertory Theater, and Second Generation, and recently directed the play President Horn at DreamCatcher Productions in New York City. He is deeply proud of the cast of Ren & Friends, and most grateful to Chris Wade for his artistry, professionalism, and friendship. David gives love and gratitude to Mom & Dad for showing him how to love unselfishly; and to the star of Ren & Friends, Renée – “Being your Kuya is the best role I could ever play. I LOVE YOU!”

David Albulario, Artistic Director;
"Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder;
NEW HEIGHTS PRODUCTIONS
Ren & Friends: A Cabaret Benefit

David Albulario, Artistic Director;
Renée Albulario, star of Ren & Friends;
“Safe Haven” by Chris Wade.