Thalles Lavinscky Pereira, he/him/his/ele began his journey in science as a 17-year-old undergraduate student, volunteering on a bat ecology project at his University’s Mastozoology Lab (UESC – Bahia – Brazil). Throughout his undergraduate studies, he also delved into ethnobotany (Project “Nossas Árvores” – UESC), and the ecology of soil invertebrates and ants (CEPLAC-Bahia). This experience later led him to pursue his Master’s research, studying ant guests and parasitoid flies (Phoridae), where he described two new fly species for the first time. He then graduated with a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of São Paulo (Brazil), where his doctoral research focused on taxonomy, cladistics (using morphological data), and co-phylogeny of ant parasitoid flies (Diptera, Phoridae). Following his studies, he spent two and a half years as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Alaska Fairbanks – USA. Currently, he is based at the Museum of Comparative Zoology – Harvard University, USA.
Thalles’ current research focuses on the diversity of flies (Diptera), utilizing both morphological and molecular data (barcoding with nanopore sequencing technology). He is strongly interested in natural history collections-based research, taxonomy, citizen science, systematics, and co-phylogeny, specifically with ant parasitoid flies (Apocephalus series: Phoridae: Diptera). While his previous publications and nine new species descriptions were based on neotropical specimens, his new project will focus on Alaskan and Beringian specimens (from +40°C to -40°C!). He will employ Large-scale Integrative Taxonomy to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity and distribution patterns of Phoridae in the Arctic and Subarctic Regions across Alaska, Canada, and Sweden. Throughout his Ph.D. and post-doctoral studies, he had the privilege of working in and visiting numerous invertebrate collections in Brazil (7), the USA (4), and Germany (1). Additionally, he has published over 20 manuscripts, including papers and book chapters, collaborating with researchers worldwide.
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Cortlandt Barrett (Natalie) is a musical theatre major at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Her most recent productions include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Meg Mahoney), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), The Wiz (Evillene), Vampire Cowboy Trilogy (Molly Real Ninja / Zombie Cheerleader / Assistant Choreographer), Mamma Mia! (Donna Sheridan), Legally Blonde (Paulette Bonafonté), Macbeth (First Murderer / Lord), Dreamgirls (Deena Jones), Fences (Jim Bono), Hairspray (Motormouth Maybelle) and Once On This Island (Mama Euralie). She is honored to be in this show, as this is her first professional production, and would like to thank her family, friends, castmates, crew, and directors for their support and encouragement.
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Ricardo “Ricky” Holguin*, he/him/his (Dr. Madden and Fine) is thrilled to be making his debut at Central Square Theater. Recently, he was a guest soloist at Reagle Music Theatre’s production of Christmas Time 2023. Other Boston credits include the world premiere of Make Way For Ducklings, Willy Wonka, and James and the Giant Peach (Wheelock Family Theatre), The 52nd Annual Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration (Revels), The Inheritance (Regional Premiere, SpeakEasy Stage Company), 1776, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof directed by Austin Pendleton (New Repertory Theatre), Altar Boyz (Greater Boston Stage Company), Kiss of the Spider Woman, LaChiusa’s The Wild Party (Moonbox Productions), and Guys and Dolls (Reagle Music Theatre). Ricky has been praised and workshopped by Richard Maltby, David Shire, Didi Conn, and Tony Award Winner, Adam Guettel. He obtained his M.F.A. in Musical Theater from The Boston Conservatory. He is currently the True Colors Manager at The Theatre Offensive.
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Elaine Mangelinkx*, she/they (Assistant Stage Manager) is a stage manager and artist with a passion for new works and theatre for social change. Previously, they’ve worked with Six Corners Entertainment, The Theater Offensive, Titanic Theater Company, Chelsea Theatre Works (with artist-in-residence Lily Kaufman), and Theatre on Fire. Elaine graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology while pursuing theater extracurricularly and professionally, and she is excited to see the scientific and theatrical worlds come together in this play.
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Diego Cintrón (Gabe) A San Juan, Puerto Rico native, Diego is more than thrilled & ecstatic to join the cast of Next to Normal. It’s an honor & privilege for him to get to play Gabe in this production. Recent credits include: Young Barack/Benny in OTP at the Boston Playwrights Theater; Purlie in Purlie at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee; Paul/Ensemble in Rent at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee; Everybody in Everybody at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, among others. Proud student of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Special thanks to our lovely, talented director Pascale Florestal. Grateful to Jesus Christ, my parents, my family, my friends, & our amazing cast & crew. Thank you for coming, & please enjoy the show!
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