Juanito & The Princess Toad

In our first production, Juanito & The Princess Toad, children are transported on a bilingual adventure where fantasy and reality collide in a twisting tale of talking moons, dancing toads, and a beautiful princess!

Juanito & The Princess Toad tells the story of young Juanito who lives with his Abuelita, his loving grandmother. One day, when Abuela is out shopping, Juanito leaves his home to go out and play with his guitarra. When Abuela discovers Juanito is gone, she goes to see Tia Luz, the wise aunt, for help. Tia Luz contacts La Luna who tells them the secret to getting Juanito home. Meanwhile, Juanito meets up with a singing Toad, who later becomes a beautiful Princess. Finally, Juanito returns home with a new friend and they are a happy family once again!

The Cast

Storyteller..................... Ellen McKinney Granado

Ellen McKinney Granado is a big kid! She loves Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings (especially Legolas!), and Anne Rice. Above all else, she loves her family and friends. She thanks her husband, Roberto, for all his encouragement and patience. And she thanks Venus for her courage and her creativity and for being crazy enough to take a chance in her. Ellen was a featured actress in Voices: Words From Within.

Juanito.......................... Yesenia McNett

Yesenia McNett is delighted to be working again with Venus after first performing together in Seussical! The Musical for Circle Arts Theatre in New Braunfels. Some of her favorite roles include Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical!, Timoune in Once on this Island, a disciple in Godspell (all for Circle Arts Theatre), and Fritzie in Cabaret in college. Yesenia holds a BA in Anthropology with a minor in Feminist Studies from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. At present she works as a customer service rep. in San Antonio and lives in New Braunfels, where she teaches piano and voice. She plans on getting her "act" together in the near future and hitting the road.

Toad/Princess................. TJ Jones

Tamedra "TJ" Jones is a 24 year old college student originally from Corpus Christi, Tx. As a child, she has involved herself in tons of plays and musicals and has been acting and dancing every since. In fact, her first words were "Which way to the stage?" She has competed in UIL competitions from middle school all the way through high school and was inducted in the National Forensic League her freshman year for her theatre accomplishments. Known both on and behind the scenes, TJ’s had the opportunity to student direct as well!!! Not only has she taught acting classes for children, but she even helped her students produce their own TV show. A few of her most recent theatrical credits include Simply Shel, From the Wilderness to the Promised Land, both with The Renaissance Guild, and Home for the Holidays 2004 with The Steven Stoli Playhouse.

Abuelita......................... Joy Prado

Joy Prado has spent the past eight years teaching for the San Antonio Independent School District. Although she doesn't formally act on stage, she feels as if everyday is a performance educating the minds of her second grade students! She holds a Bachelors of Education from St. Mary's University having graduating in December of 1996. On her very limited free time, she enjoys singing with the Bread of Life choir and volunteering for various youth outreach programs. Although she continually insisted on not participating in this project, her very persuasive older sister somehow managed to change this reluctant actress into a stage diva. She feels honored to have worked with such talented women. Joy would like to foremost thank her family and friends for all the support they have shown. A special thanks to my sister Venus for believing in me.

Tia Luz.......................... Sarah Marsch

Sarah Marsch is a native of San Antonio. During middle school and high school she was in numerous productions at the Majestic Theater including La Bohème, Carmen, Carmina Burana, Peer Gynt, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She continued to be active in productions including West Side Story at Jefferson High School and Caberet at Trinity University. She holds a Bachelors degree in humanities and a Master’s degree in teaching from Trinity University. She currently enjoys teaching elementary age students at a local elementary school.

Lupita/La Luna................ Venus Prado

Venus Prado is a HAPPY person!