A new musical.

Book/Music/Lyrics by Donald Rupe

Arrangements & Orchestrations by Jason M. Bailey

to there…

“From Here” will perform Off-Broadway in NYC from June 28-August 11, 2024 at the Pershing Square Signature Center.

Help us share this story with the world.

Art. Advocacy. Action.

“From Here” will always be tied to advocacy for the LGBT+ Community and the fight against gun violence. We are partnering with Equality Florida, the state’s largest LGBT+ Advocacy Organization. We encourage you to volunteer, donate, and support their on-going efforts.

Click here to visit their website and learn more.

About the Ren!

Every week at the Ren..

A Note from Co-Founder Donald Rupe

Hey y'all!

Thanks for coming to From Here, the fifth show of 2024! I hope you love the show.

The Ren produces only original and unique work, and I hope you'll come and see more shows. One very exciting thing happening is that The Ren is making our Off-Broadway debut this summer with From Here. For more information on From Here and its journey visit fromhere.com.

Also, if you haven't, come and check out our weekly events (Musical Mondays is a weekly cabaret and open mic night, and OTR Wednesdays is a weekly late night show featuring the #art of drag and a celebration of queer culture). 

Enjoy the show!

Donald Rupe
donald@rentheatre.com

Late nights on Saturdays…

Upgrade your tickets at the bar or click here

Musical Numbers

"Tuesday"......Daniel

"Where Do I Go".....Daniel and Company

"Wednesday".....Daniel

"Over".......Daniel and Michael

"Wednesday, part 2".....Daniel

"Unable"......Daniel

"Mothers and Sons"......Daniel and Becca

"Gay is Better"......Jordan and Company

"I Remember You".......Daniel and Ricky

"A Mother Knows"......Becca

"Gayme Night"......Company

"Todo"......Ricky

"ILY IMY IS"....Daniel

"Where Do I Go Reprise"......Company

"When Angels Fall".....Ricky and Company

"My Son, Daniel".....Becca

"There For You".....Company

"Voicemail"

"Order"......Daniel and Company

The Cast

Blake Aburn … Daniel

Becca Southworth … Becca

Jullien Aponte … Michael

Omar Cardona … Ricky

Michelle Coben … Jordan

Justin Jimenez … Adam

Chris Keough … Landon

Kendall Leamy … Kat

Jerry Mullings … David

Janine Papin … u/s Becca

Dee Quintero … Sara

Devin Skorupski … Jacob

Kyle Wilkinson … Josh

The Band

Bryce Hayes … Bass

Chris Kampmeier … Drums

Matthew Lynx … Guitar

Noah Baez … Keys

The Crew

Writer/Director: Donald Rupe

Arrangements/Orchestrations: Jason Bailey

Choreographer: Adonus Mabry

Vocal Director: Chris Keough

Scenic Design: Philip Lupo

Costume Design: J.Marie Bailey 

Sound Design: Nick Erickson 

Stage Manager: Jacob Lawhon

Mural Design/Paint Lead: Joey Coombs

More Sound Things: Bryce Hayes

Lighting Design: Philip Lupo

Assistant Lighting Design/Programmer: KJ Sales & Ally Reichard 

Production Electrician: Kashime Joseph

Electrics Crew: Kevin Kalinowski

Lead Carpenter/Construction: John Rawlins 

Assistant Carpenter: Bryan De Souza

Scenic Construction: Miguel Antonio Algarin Flores, Bryce Hayes, David Klein, Alex Lofton, Zach Smith, Kennen Wedge

Paint Team: Miguel Antonio Algarin Floresl,  Ashleigh Ann Gardner, Cherry Gonzalez, Bekah Lugo, Randi Skorupski, Aaron Rey Tapanes

Graphic Design:  Landon St. Gordon

Program Design: Galvin Baez

Bar Staff: Miguel Antonio Algarin Flores, Isabel Bernal, Lorena Cohea, Kenzie Cormican, Rachel Ihasz, Adam Ledo, Michael Reichert, Jose Rivera, Devin Skorupski, Joan Velazquez, Felipe Varela

Security: Alex Lofton, Zach Radziseski, Shaquille Marcano Quiles

Front Of House Team: Rebekah Lugo, J.Marie Bailey, Reed Rockefeller, Cherry Gonzalez

Promo Photos: Mike Dunn

Production Photos: Ashleigh Ann Gardner

Original Map Mural Design: Ashleigh Ann Gardner

Renaissance Theatre Company
Staff

(we don’t really do titles)

The One In Charge: Donald Rupe

The One Who Does A Lot of Admin/Computer/Owner of the Building/Misc.: Chris Kampmeier

The Box Office/RENtals/Production Lady: Rebekah Lugo

The Set Guy: John Rawlins

The House Manager/Costume Lady: J.Marie Bailey

The Social Media/Marketing Wonder: Abby Cash

The Fundraiser Actor Writer Guy: Adonis Perez Escobar

The Money Guy who Bartends Sometimes: Adam Ledo

The Payroll Guy: Jacob Lawhon

The Musical Mondays/Events/Resident Actor: Blake Aburn

The Booking Woman: Kayla Kelsay Morales

The Bar Guy: Devin Skorupski

The Lighting King: Philip Lupo

The Guy Who Keeps the Lights Turning On: Kashime Joseph

The Graphic Design Guy: Landon St. Gordon

The What Needs Done Woman: Kendall Leamy

The Paint Guy: Joey Coombs

The Assistant Set Guy: Bryan De Souza

The One Who Cleans and Paints Things: Reed Rockefeller

The Fringe Guy: Nick Bazo

The Sound Guys: Nick Erickson & Bryce Hayes

The Drag-bassador/Content Creator/Website Assistant/Personality Hire: Galvin Baez

The Guy who Does Some Video & Social Media Things: Brandon Munoz Dominguez

The One Who Does Other Random Tasks: Erin McNellis

Renaissance Theatre Company
Board of Directors

Debbie Fahmie, Chris Kampmeier, Rebekah Lugo, Donald Rupe, Jake Teixeira, Madison Gomez Teixeira

Welcome!

THE CAST OF FROM HERE

Thank you to our Sponsors!

CLICK HERE to see how your business can join our growing list of sponsors

A Very Special Thanks

(you know what you did for us, and so do we)

Thank You to our Grant Sponsors!

Our GOAL: Raise $150,000 in 2024!

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHO HAS ALREADY DONATED IN 2024; thanks friends!

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHO DONATED IN 2023.

Click here to see our Founders! (our very first donors)

*The Ren is a Non-Profit (501c3) organization, because we make #Art and serve the public good of the community. Check out our fundraising campaign!

Meet the Cast

Blake Aburn originated the role of Daniel and is thrilled to continue on with this incredible journey. Blake calls Orlando, FL home and couldn’t be more proud to share this impactful story about the City Beautiful. Blake is a founding staff member of The Ren and the host/creator of Musical Mondays. You may also recognize Blake from Nosferatu where he plays The Nosferatu. (In his own mind) All my love to Devin, Peach and Stella, The Ren family and my chosen family. Thank you Donald and Chris, I owe ya. Dedicated to my Dad. @blakegayburn

Becca Southworth is thrilled to be returning to the From Here family. She originated the role of Becca in the 2019 Orlando Fringe production and reprised the role in last year’s 54 Below concert in NYC. Local favorite roles include Diana in Next to Normal, Mother in Ragtime, Patsy in Always Patsy Cline and Lady of the Lake in Spamalot. Becca holds her BA in Theatre from Rollins College, MFA in Musical Theatre from UCF, and MEd in Educational Leadership from Stetson. She serves as an Assistant Principal at Lake Mary High School by day. She cannot tell how much it means to share in the telling of this story. For Trevor, Lila, and Rowan- you are my purpose in life.

Jullien Aponte is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Orlando, FL. Jullien trained at the University of Central Florida and graduated with the BFA Acting class of 22’. Some of Jullien’s favorite stage credits include Milk  (Diego), Qualia (Seth), The Cocaine Play (Pietro), Richard III (Buckingham), Much Ado About Nothing (Claudio), The Tempest (Ferdinand), Mojada (Jason), and Water By the Spoonful (Elliot). Follow them @apontejullien on Instagram, or visit JullienAponte.com for more.

Omar Jose Cardona is a singer/songwriter from Orlando, Florida. One of the most sought-after live and session vocalists in the US. More recently, he was a finalist on Season 22 of NBC’s The Voice. His vocal ability is unrivaled in the industry, and his dynamic performances have been shared across the globe. Omar has his sights set on Broadway and is very excited to join the cast of From Here. “I'm a dreamer, I build worlds”.

Michelle Coben is honored to be joining the powerhouse cast of From Here. She is truly giddy to be working alongside Orlando’s finest talent. Michelle prides herself in being absolutely hysterical, wonderfully fashionable, and extremely memorable in program bios. She has been seen at the Ren in the annual Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show as Faith Freeman, and she previously ventured to New York with Donald Rupe’s production of Flying Lessons at the New York Musical Festival, where she won Best Actress in a Supporting Role and was commended for having “perfect comic pitch” in The New York Times. Other favorite credits include Molly in Peter and the Starcatcher, Nemo in Finding Nemo the Musical, and Peter in Peter Pan. Proud CCM Grad. Special thanks to Donald and Chris for making this all happen, and to the cast and crew for making it so special. Michelle sends lots of love to Rob, her friends and family, and to every member of the LGBTQ+ community who has helped shape the person that she is, which is truly so, so many. From here to there, baby. Love is love. @michellecoben

Justin Jimenez is extremely excited to be returning to the Renaissance Theatre Company with From Here. They have been with this show since its Fringe premiere, and are honored to be included in such a powerful show full of truth, light, and at the center of it all, love!  Recently backstage as Head Makeup designer for the Ren’s Nosferatu, as well as Happy Frights, Haunting nights which snagged them a 2024 W.A.V.E award. Highlights include u/s Patrick and Larry the Lobster in SpongeBob the Musical at Orlando Family Stage, Angel in Rent at Celebration Theatre co. Leaf Coneybear, in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.  Justin gives thanks to God above all, his family, his SIX Qweens, and to Donald Rupe, and everyone at the Ren for their endless love, support and encouragement. Love always wins! ig @takenleft

Chris Keough is excited to return to the stage with the cast of From Here. He has spent the last several years entertaining guests from around the world with the Walt Disney Company in groups like Voices of Liberty and the Dapper Dan’s as well as on stage in the Festival of the Lion King. His career spans many different performance mediums to include a Capella music and vocal jazz with nationally awarded and recognized groups such as RESOLVE and barbershop quartet, Three and a Half Men, currently ranked 4th place in the world. In addition to performing, Chris is a successful and respected music arranger with a vast variety of compositions being sung throughout the entertainment community.

Kendall Leamy is beyond excited to be returning to the cast of the critically acclaimed musical From Here. This is Kendall’s 5th time performing with this show. Some of her previous credits include Janice in The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show, Bernice in Gorgeous, and her award winning performance as Sanya in White Lotus: Orlando. Kendall would like to thank her friends and family for their constant love and support, as well as Donald and the entire Renaissance team for their hard work and dedication. She’d also like to thank the cast, band, and crew for making this the experience of a lifetime. We’re all From Here. 

Instagram: kendall_leamy

Jerry Mullings is so excited to be a part of their fourth Renaissance Theatre Company production. Prior to moving to Orlando in 2017, they studied musical theatre in their hometown of Waterbury, Ct. Starting drag officially in 2021 as Ella Mayo, Off the Record’s move to this beautiful space introduced them to The Ren. You may also recognize him from The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show as The Mime! Since then, he has performed here countless times, on many different stages, and is grateful to be a part of such an important and relevant story.

Janine Papin teaches at Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park where she is the Fine Arts department chair, theater teacher, director, choreographer, advisor, mentor, and sponsor for both the middle school and high school thespian troupes. Janine was one of two teachers named the “2018 Inspiring Teacher” by the Broadway League Foundation Jimmy Awards. In 2006 she was awarded The H. Benton Ellis Award for Excellence in Teaching. During the summer of 2015 Janine received a fellowship to study at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. She has been recognized in the Orlando Sentinel’s Best of Orlando Theater in both 2022 and 2023. Janine Papin is a founding member of GOPAR (Greater Orlando Performing Arts Relief). Her life's passion is split between performing on the stage and mentoring young talent. She is thrilled to be understudying the role of Becca in this production.

Dee Quintero is thrilled to be making her Ren debut! She has been seen hanging around Musical Mondays for some time, but now it's official. She is a Central Florida transplant who has been seen performing regionally and in the parks. Huge thanks to Donald and the entire Ren team for this incredible production and for bringing them Off-Broadway this summer! Favorite credits include: Flying Lessons (NYMF), Next to Normal (TSP/CFCA), In the Heights (Orlando Shakes), The Comments Section (New Gen), Jesus Origins (New Gen), and Finding Nemo - The Musical (Disney). @deeecuee

Devin Skorupski Off-Broadway debut baby! Highlights include Jeremy Heere in the Florida premiere of Be More Chill, From Here: In Concert at 54 Below, Hogwarts Frog Choir at Universal Studios, and many original works at Renaissance Theatre Company, including The Cocaine Play (Taylor), Oscar Wilde & Jesus Christ Walk Into a Gay Bar (Young Man), and Orlando Fringe 2023 Best Musical The Office Funeral Party Musical Extravaganza Show (Leslie Pfister). He is a founding staff member here at The Ren and is forever grateful to Chris and Donald for changing his life. For Blake, my cats, my family, and chosen family. We’re all from here. @devin.s

Kyle Wilkinson is honored to be back with The Ren helping tell this beautiful story. Previous Ren credits include the past 3 years of Nosferatu and Office Holiday Party, as well as 54. Other select favorite credits include Spring Awakening (Melchior, NewGen Theatrical), Your Mom’s In My Top 8 (Gerard/Various, Orlando Fringe), Titanic (Bride, Rocky Mountain Rep). Super excited to return to NYC with such a special show. Previous NYC: The Book of Merman (Off Broadway, Original Cast), Manifesto: The Diaghilev Project (Staged Workshop). By day, he performs at Universal, Disney, and various events around Orlando. All my love to my incredible husband Natale and our sweet kitties Piglet & Pickles. “It’s called a play, not a serious!” -Mark Brotherton

Band Bios

Noah Baez (He/Him; 21) is beyond grateful to be apart of this amazing show and band. Noah has studied piano and music theory for over 10 years, and is an Orlando Based music director, section leader, accompanist, performer, and vocal coach in the Orlando Area. He works as an Accompanist and for the education department at Dr. Phillips Center Youth Education programs, music director at Valencia Opera Theater Workshop, and here as accompanist for musical mondays and for shows! Previous Music Direction credits include Andrew Lippa’s Wild Party (Valencia East College) The Spongebob Musical (St. Cloud High), The Prom (Vocal Coach, Theater West End), and Kiss of the Spider Woman (Florida Theatrical). He is thankful for all the people who have been with him through the process and the doors that have been opened to get him here. Thank you so much and enjoy the show! 

Bryce Hayes is overjoyed to be a part of the creative team bringing From Here to life. Born and raised in Orlando, Bryce is very active in the local arts community, playing for and working on productions at The Renaissance Theater, Orlando Fringe Artspace, and also gigging with multiple different local musical acts. Bryce music directed and starred in the Orlando Fringe hit, Bullock and the Bandits, and it’s Back in the Saddle sequel, by David Lee. He is a graduate of Rollins College BA in Music, and is aiming to dedicate his knowledge and skills to developing the Orlando music and arts scene. He wants to thank everyone at The Ren for being such a great team to work with and his family for their infinite support.

Chris Kampmeier is the co-founder of Renaissance Theatre Company as well as a computer and sound engineer. He had the incredible fortune to be A Nearby Guitar Player just as Donald and Jason began their songwriting relationship with From Here at the Orlando Fringe Festival in 2019, then Flying Lessons at the New York Musical Festival (drums and percussion), the first expanded run of From Here, and sound/music for many of the other original shows. Welcome to the Ren and enjoy this iteration of From Here!

Matthew “Lynx” Lynxwiler is a guitarist, pianist, and composer. He performs in cabaret shows, musicals, and bands all around Florida. From Orchestral compositions, to solo piano work, to disco funk, to rock and roll, Lynx is able to hit any genre given to him. He wrote music for “Middle Town” at the Fringe Art Space as well as writing and arranging the music for the shows “54” and “Nosferatu 3” at the Renaissance Theatre Company. His guitar and piano playing led to several nominations and wins for composition and performance, including winning the 2022 Fringe Critics Choice Award for his performance in “Bullock and the Bandits”.

The Crew

Donald Rupe (Writer/Director) is the co-founder of Renaissance Theatre Company with Chris Kampmeier (and a lot of help from their friends). An accomplished theatre-maker based in Orlando, Donald has written and helped to create a number of successful theatrical productions, including: Nosferatu; Bright Young Things; From Here (fromhere.com); Flying Lessons (critically-acclaimed at the New York Musical Festival in 2019); Oscar Wilde and Jesus Christ Walk into a Gay Bar; Once I Laughed; Lenox Ave. and others. Donald also founded a community theatre program at another company in Orlando, where for five years he ran a traditional season of productions with much success. Donald's numerous directing credits span the better part of twenty years and many wonderful companies throughout Central Florida. Rupe was also an accomplished educator, having served on the part-time faculty of Valencia College for over a decade and as an award-winning high school educator. Donald received his degrees in Theatre from New York University and Florida State University. 


Jason M. Bailey (Arrangements/Orchestrations) aka The Bearded Maestro, is a Musician/Performer/Composer in Orlando. Jason teaches private voice, is the music director for Renaissance Theatre Company, and works as a freelance accompanist. His original show credits include arranger/orchestrator/music director for OHP, Lennox Ave, Gorgeous, Oscar Wilde and Jesus Christ Walk Into a Gay Bar, Bright Young Things (winning Critics Choice for Music Direction), From Here, and Flying Lessons, which played Off-Broadway. Jason has music directed for many theatre’s and schools including UCF, Rollins College, Osceola Arts, CFCArts, Wayne Densch, WPHS, and Trinity Preparatory School. He has taught musical theatre for DPAC, Orlando Rep, Oregon Children’s Theatre, Missoula Children’s Theatre, and CFCArts. Jason has also performed with theatres around the country including Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, American Family Theatre, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Salem Repertory Theatre, and CFCArts. www.thebeardedmaestro.com


Adonus Mabry (Choreographer) Credits: Nosferatu and Lenox Ave (Renaissance Theatre Company); Ain't Misbehavin' (Athens Theatre); Goodbye, Liam (Casey Tregeagle - Fringe Festival); Dragons and Fairies & Down the Rabbit Hole (Creative City Project); and Spamalot, Hairspray, Ragtime , & Aida (Encore! Performing Arts). He's passionate about the Orlando arts community and continues to grow alongside it.  Adonus is also a principal dancer for Crawford Jazz Project (CJP), an Orlando-based professional jazz company directed by Carrie Crawford. He's so excited to be a part of the From Here to there journey with The Ren!


Jacob Lawhon (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back working with the Renaissance Theatre Company. Previous productions include: 54, Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show, Oscar Wilde and Jesus Christ Walk Into a Gay Bar, Nosferatu, Bright Young Things, and Flying Lessons. Much Love to Donald and the hardworking staff of The Ren. 


Joey Coombs (Scenic Painting) was originally brought on as general overhire, he has been part of the main staff since March of 2022 when he took over the responsibility of the scenic charge. As many others here do, Joey wears many hats at the Ren. Other than painting he also does some carpentry work, makes all the neon signs, does some design work, and oversees the lights and photo op sets for our weekly drag show, Off The Record (Wednesdays), as well as some other special events/projects. Some of Joey's previous work includes designing the Church and VBar for Nosfera2, the Cataco(o)mbs and the Conservatory for Nosf3ratu, and the Winter Wonderland for the Winter Late Night Party Drag Exxxtravaganza Show ("who names these?"); the photo op sets for both annual fundraisers, Money, Please; and lights for the internet-breaking RENAISSANCE @ the Renaissance drag show amongst other things.

IG: @poetictoast


Nick Erickson (Sound Design) born and raised on the west coast, Nick discovered sound design for theater at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. After graduating he spent his early career freelancing in Portland OR where he worked at theaters such as Third Rail, H2M, P.E.T.E., Profile Theatre.  Nick received his MFA in Sound Design for Theatre from Carnegie Mellon University in 2018, before moving to Florida, to become the resident sound and projections designer for the Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol.  Four years later, he's here, seeking new horizons in the wilds of Orlando! When he's not doing sound, Nick can be found holding his PS4 controller too tightly, watching his cats cuddle and rearranging his music studio. 


Philip Lupo (Lighting Design) is a regional Lighting, Sound, and Video Designer whose previous work at Renaissance includes Nosferatu and Office Holiday Party.  Other design credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Orlando Shakes), Monster Stomp (SeaWorld Orlando), and Into the Woods (DreamCatcher Theatre).  His non-theatrical lighting projects can be seen in television stations from Palm Beach to Las Vegas.  Philip also serves as the Production Manager and Technical Director for Florida State Junior Thespians, helping develop the performers and designers of tomorrow.  He  could not be more excited to be working with Renaissance to bring this exciting work to Central Florida audiences. Get in touch at www.philiplupo.com.


John Rawlins (Lead Carpenter) joined The Ren in 2022, having previously worked with Donald at CFCArts Theater. As Lead Carpenter, John helps to create unique sets for each production, converting all the different spaces of the Ren into new worlds. John leads the construction team in planning and executing Donald, Philip, and Joey’s crazy ideas.