Meet the Cast

Mother:Knife by Derick edgren otero cast
Beth \| SIMONA FLORES Simona Flores is a second-year master's student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at the University of Iowa. She currently works with the College of Education as an intern for a new undergraduate major. This is her first production in the Theater department at Iowa. She is excited and humbled to be able to represent the complexities of the Latinx/a/o experience through her character and thanks all who allowed for the opportunity.
Maria \| MADELINE RODRIGUEZ* Madeline Rodriguez is a freshman majoring in Biology and Theater and is thrilled to be participating in her first show at the University of Iowa! Originally from Georgetown, Texas, her work and training includes Zach Scott Theater (Austin), Zilker Theater (Austin), Georgetown Palace Theater (Georgetown), and various commercial and independent film projects. She is beyond grateful to learn from the amazing cast and crew collaborating on such a beautiful project!
Benita \| GENESIS CUADRA Genesis has lived in Cedar Rapids for 13 years. Her hometown is Los Angeles, CA. She returned to the stage earlier this year in Theatre Cedar Rapids' production of Dance Nation several years after attending the theatre program at Cal State Fullerton, CA. She appreciates the support from her loving husband, 13 year old daughter, cast, and production crew. She is excited to be a part of a Latino production. Genesis dedicates her performance to her loving mother, Ana Sylvia Lucero (4/16/62-4/10/07).
Félix \| ORLANDO LOPEZ Orlando Lopez (He/Him/His) is a graduate Acting student at the University of Iowa. Hailing from Hialeah, a suburb of Miami, Orlando completed his BFA in Acting from the University of Central Florida. After receiving his BFA, he worked with the Cherokee Historical Association (Unto These Hills 2019 & 2021), Warner Bros./Rail Events (Polar Express: Ft. Lauderdale), Juggernaut Theatre (Miami Motel Stories), and Riverside Theatre (Henry V). He thanks his parents and his friends for their endless support.
Melinda \| VALERIE MUENSTERMAN Valerie Muensterman is a third-year MFA playwright from Evansville, IN. Her work has been presented at the Sewanee Writers Conference, the Iowa New Play Festival, and the National Theater Institute at the Eugene O'Neill. She is excited and grateful to be part of this production!

Mother:Knife
by Derick edgren otero
cast

Beth | SIMONA FLORES

Simona Flores is a second-year master's student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at the University of Iowa. She currently works with the College of Education as an intern for a new undergraduate major. This is her first production in the Theater department at Iowa. She is excited and humbled to be able to represent the complexities of the Latinx/a/o experience through her character and thanks all who allowed for the opportunity. 

Maria | MADELINE RODRIGUEZ*

Madeline Rodriguez is a freshman majoring in Biology and Theater and is thrilled to be participating in her first show at the University of Iowa! Originally from Georgetown, Texas, her work and training includes Zach Scott Theater (Austin), Zilker Theater (Austin), Georgetown Palace Theater (Georgetown), and various commercial and independent film projects. She is beyond grateful to learn from the amazing cast and crew collaborating on such a beautiful project!

Benita | GENESIS CUADRA

Genesis has lived in Cedar Rapids for 13 years. Her hometown is Los Angeles, CA. She returned to the stage earlier this year in Theatre Cedar Rapids' production of Dance Nation several years after attending the theatre program at Cal State Fullerton, CA. She appreciates the support from her loving husband, 13 year old daughter, cast, and production crew. She is excited to be a part of a Latino production. Genesis dedicates her performance to her loving mother, Ana Sylvia Lucero (4/16/62-4/10/07).

Félix | ORLANDO LOPEZ

Orlando Lopez (He/Him/His) is a graduate Acting student at the University of Iowa. Hailing from Hialeah, a suburb of Miami, Orlando completed his BFA in Acting from the University of Central Florida. After receiving his BFA, he worked with the Cherokee Historical Association (Unto These Hills 2019 & 2021), Warner Bros./Rail Events (Polar Express: Ft. Lauderdale), Juggernaut Theatre (Miami Motel Stories), and Riverside Theatre (Henry V). He thanks his parents and his friends for their endless support.

Melinda | VALERIE MUENSTERMAN

Valerie Muensterman is a third-year MFA playwright from Evansville, IN. Her work has been presented at the Sewanee Writers Conference, the Iowa New Play Festival, and the National Theater Institute at the Eugene O'Neill. She is excited and grateful to be part of this production!

*Undergraduate student. UI Theatre is dedicated to providing hands-on theatre experience for both undergraduate and graduate students.