by Lorie Lewis Ham
Fresno Lexus Broadway in Fresno is presenting Aladdin at the Saroyan in Fresno May 1-5. Recently, KRL had the opportunity to interview cast/crew member Edward Cuellar who is actually a local boy from Visalia. Edward is one of the show’s swings, as well as the dance captain and fight captain.
KRL: I understand that you grew up in Visalia, where did you go to school? Do you still have family here?
Edward Cuellar
KRL: When and how did you first become interested in acting?
Edward: I remember going to see Redwoods High School productions and saw the National Tour of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast and loved it. I always enjoyed performing with my sisters at home, but it wasn’t until I got older that I learned you could do it as a profession.
KRL: What was the first role that you ever played?
Edward: I played Winthrop in the Tulare County Office of Education’s summer production of The Music Man. I suppose you could say that’s when I got “bit by the bug”.
KRL: What are some of the roles you have played professionally? Both on stage and film.
Edward: I’ve been lucky enough to have played Graffiti Pete in In the Heights twice regionally. One being Sacramento Music Circus. I also was an ensemble member for multiple seasons in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Radio City Rockettes.
KRL: When and how did you first become interested in dancing and stunt work?
Edward: I really focused on my dance training at age 15. The stunt thing I just fell into accidentally. We were lucky enough to have acro training at my performing arts academy, so I was able to use those skill sets as a base for any jobs that required tumbling or stunt work.
“Arabian Nights” “Aladdin” on Broadway
Photo by Deen Van Meer at Disney
KRL: I see that you are the dance captain and fight captain for Aladdin, what does that entail and what has that been like?
Edward: My role as dance captain is to teach and help maintain the choreography and movement in the show. My Assistant Dance Captain Kyra Smith and I work together to make sure we always keep the integrity and style of the choreography as well as the heart.
As Fight Captain, I am one of two. Our other Fight Captain Brandon Large and I work together to ensure the safety of the sword fighting and fight choreography. It should always be consistent and safe for all performers involved. That’s why we have a “fight call” before every show to run through and make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe before the performance. It has been a great experience, and I have learned so much valuable information in so little time.
KRL: Were you a fan of Aladdin before joining the show?
Edward: Was I?! I saw the animated feature film when it came out in theaters and asked to be Price Ali the following Halloween. I have auditioned for the show since 2016. My childhood friend, Angelo Soriano (who is also from Visalia) is a swing for the Broadway company of Aladdin. Getting to see him in the show gave me even more motivation to keep auditioning. Finally, in 2022, I finally got my “YES” and it’s been one of my greatest achievements because I did not give up.
KRL: That’s great! What role are you a swing for and how often have you gotten to go on?
Edward: I swing/cover 8 male ensemble roles (2 of which are specialty features) and the principal role of Kassim. It honestly varies, but I usually will go on 1-4 times a week if I am not in rehearsal teaching a new company member.
KRL: What do you like best about this show?
Edward: The music. The orchestrations of this Disney classic are so lush and exciting. Getting to tap dance in a full gold suit at the end of the show-stopping number “Friend Like Me” still makes me tear up. It’s the moment where I often tell myself “You did it, Edward! You’re in Aladdin!”
KRL: What is a typical day like for you while in this touring show?
Edward: A typical day for me usually involves finding a local coffee shop nearby, the gym, and getting to explore the cities we get to visit before heading to the theater if there is time. If I know I’m going on for someone that night, then usually I like to do a quick study session to get my brain ready.
Tickets for Aladdin are available at BroadwayinFresno.com, in person at the Fresno Entertainment and Convention Center Box Office, or by calling 800.745.3000. It will be performed at Saroyan Theatre, 730 M Street Fresno, CA.
Check out more local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. And don’t miss out on Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast where we feature mystery stories read by local actors!
That’s my man!