A production by the Hispanic Alliance for Performing and Audiovisual Arts
From December 4 to 13, 2026
A production by the Hispanic Alliance for Performing and Audiovisual Arts
Calixto’s Tale
By Alexandro Xilo Martinez
Dates: From December 4 to 13, 2026
Venue: Carol Theater (8600 Westpark Dr. STE 116, Houston, TX 77063)
Shows: Friday 8 PM | Saturday 5:00 and 8:00 PM | Sunday 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Admission: $35 Online presale | $40 At the door
Calixto’s Tale
Synopsis:
Calixto searches for a new home in a family musical adventure.
CALIXTO’S TALE
HAPAA presents Calixto’s Tale, a theatrical and musical adventure for the whole family about friendship, courage, and the search for a place to belong.
After losing his home, Calixto, a young chameleon, begins a journey to find a new place where he can feel safe. Along the way, he encounters very different creatures: some friendly, some fearful, and others determined to control the world around them.
Each encounter challenges his ability to adapt without losing his identity and helps him discover that home is not only a place—it is also the bond we create with those we meet along the way.
Featuring live performances, original songs, colorful costume design, and scenery that transforms the stage into Calixto’s fantastic world, this production presents an imaginative fable filled with humor and unforgettable characters.
Performed in Spanish with English surtitles.
FREEDOM 250
Calixto’s Tale is among the works selected to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, celebrating through the arts the ideals, stories, and diverse voices that are part of the United States.
DATES AND TIMES
December 4–13, 2026
Fridays, December 4 and 11 — 8:00 PM
Saturdays, December 5 and 12 — 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Sundays, December 6 and 13 — 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM
TICKETS
$35 — Online advance tickets
$40 — At the door
LOCATION
Carol Theater
8600 Westpark Dr., Suite 116 Houston, TX 77063
Information: 832-431-9823
CAST
Calixto, Chameleon — Piero Alessandro
Tirso, Owl / Voice of Ajolote — Jesús Lira
Nora, Young Caterpillar — Hannia Valle Rosales
Bernarda, Mother Caterpillar — Kimberly Cutz
Ubú, Monkey — Alan Balderas
Segismundo, Crow — José Quintana
Rosalinda, Macaw — Jani Sosa
Luis, Crow — Felipe Salinas
Second, Crow — David Campos
CREDITS
Director: Alexandro Xilo Martínez
Original Script: Alexandro Xilo Martínez
Choreography: José Quintana
SPONSORSHIP, MEDIA, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Businesses, foundations, and individuals interested in supporting Calixto’s Tale are invited to contact HAPAA to learn about available sponsorship and collaboration opportunities.
Members of the media may request interviews, promotional materials, photographs, and additional information about the production.
Schools, community organizations, and other groups interested in group performances, theater visits, or educational and cultural partnerships are also encouraged to contact us.
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: 832-431-9823
ACCESSIBILITY
For accessibility information or to request reasonable accommodations, call 832-431-9823 or email [email protected].
RECONOCIMIENTOS / ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
HAPAA recibe financiación parcial de la Ciudad de Houston a través de la Houston Arts Alliance y del BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF). La Historia de Calixto / Calixto’s Tale cuenta con el apoyo parcial del National Endowment for the Arts.
HAPAA is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance and the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF). Calixto’s Tale is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
#LaHistoriaDeCalixto #CalixtosTale #HAPAA #CarolTheater #Freedom250z
CAST
Piero Alessandro - Calixto (Chameleon)
Originally from Peru, Piero Alessandro is an artist who finds in the stage a space for creativity, expression, and connection with audiences. His artistic journey began by performing as a Michael Jackson impersonator, an experience that helped him develop his own style, strengthen his stage presence, and discover new ways to communicate emotions.
Over time, he expanded his interests into theater and acting, exploring different ways of telling stories. His stage credits include the role of Sebastián in *Término Medio* and his participation in *Entre el Miedo y el Deseo*.
Now, in *Calixto’s Tale*, Piero takes on his first leading role as Calixto: a curious, sensitive, and courageous young chameleon who begins an adventure to find a new place to belong after losing his home. His adaptability, empathy, and determination help him face his fears without losing his identity.
As a content creator, Piero also documents his creative process, shares reflections on creativity, and encourages others to pursue their dreams. He continues exploring art as a path toward personal growth, inspiration, and human connection while celebrating the freedom to create and dream without limits.
Jesus Lira - Tirso (Owl and Voice of Ajolote)
Originally from Mexico, Jesús Lira has more than 15 years of acting experience. He began his career with the theater group Los Mimos de Siempre, appearing in productions such as *La que hubiera amado tanto* and *Usted es la culpable*. The latter remained onstage for more than six months and toured different venues throughout Mexico.
In 2015, he moved to Houston, Texas, where he has collaborated with several theater companies in productions including *Bodas de sangre* (*Blood Wedding*), *13 y Martes*, *Calavera con Calavera*, *Vaselina, el musical*, *Término Medio*, *Él me mintió*, *Entre balcones*, *El Principito* (*The Little Prince*), *Caja de Pandora*, and *Cama para TR3S*.
In *Calixto’s Tale*, Jesús portrays Tirso, the owl narrator who opens the pages of this adventure and guides the audience with wisdom, humor, and a curious view of the world. He also provides the voice of Ajolote, a kindhearted, playful, and thoughtful character who enjoys life and helps Calixto understand that even difficult moments can be faced with friendship, wit, and hope.
Through these two distinctly different characters, Jesús brings his experience, vocal versatility, and stage presence to the world of *Calixto’s Tale*.
Hannia Valle Rosales - Nora (Young Caterpillar)
Hannia Valle Rosales began her artistic training in ballet and theater at an early age, following the American Ballet Theatre curriculum and complementing her preparation with acting studies for film, theater, and television under artists and instructors including Luis Felipe Tovar, Lolita Cortés, Juan Osorio, Aurelio Ávila, Salvador Sánchez, and Manuel Teil.
She has participated in productions and artistic programs in Mexico, Cuba, and the United States, including the binational production of *The Nutcracker* in Mercedes and McAllen, Texas; a binational theater project in Cullman, Alabama; and the short film *Las vías del recuerdo*, directed by Luis Felipe Tovar. Her experience also includes the International Book Fair in Cuba, the Border Theater Festival, the International Fall Festival, the Mexico–United States Binational Encounters, and the Rafael Solana State Theater Competition, where *No tocar* received first place in the youth theater category.
Hannia made her HAPAA debut in *El Principito* portraying The Flower and The Fox. She later stepped into the leading role of The Little Prince and also joined the cast of *Término Medio*, demonstrating her ability to move between characters of different ages, styles, and emotional worlds.
In *Calixto’s Tale*, Hannia portrays Nora, a curious and determined young caterpillar eager to discover who she can become. While her mother tries to protect her from the dangers of the world, Nora feels called to grow, transform, and take risks of her own. Her journey represents the courage to change, the search for independence, and the confidence needed to spread one’s wings.
As Nora, Hannia brings her experience in acting and movement to a character filled with energy, sensitivity, and a powerful spirit of transformation.
Kimberly Cutz - Bernarda (Mother Caterpillar)
Originally from Guatemala, Kimberly Cutz is a multifaceted singer, actress, and dancer. She began her artistic training at the age of eight and pursued musical studies at the National Conservatory of Music, as well as at the Sol La Sing and Stacato Singers academies. She has performed with several institutional and religious choirs and participated in *Sacratávica*, a choral work by Maestro Joaquín Orellana. She also has more than five years of experience in modern dance and has studied Spanish-language voice acting.
Kimberly has expanded her stage versatility through workshops, musicals, and theatrical productions. Her work with HAPAA includes *Mitos y Rituales de lo Femenino*, *The Vagina Monologues* (2024), *Término Medio*, in which she portrayed Yolanda, and *Entre el Miedo y el Deseo*. In 2025, she took on a leading role in *Cama para TR3S*. She also appeared in the Somos Todos production *Educando a Papá* (2025).
In *Calixto’s Tale*, Kimberly portrays Bernarda, a loving and fiercely protective mother caterpillar who tries to keep her daughter Nora safe from a world she considers dangerous. Her fear of change causes her to cling to what is familiar, but her journey confronts her with a difficult truth: protecting someone also means allowing those we love to grow, take risks, and discover their own wings.
As Bernarda, Kimberly combines her experience in acting, singing, and movement to portray a strong and sensitive character whose love as a mother must learn to transform alongside her daughter.
Alan Balderas - Ubú ( Monkey)
Originally from Tamaulipas, Mexico, Alan Balderas made his stage debut in *La esposa que nunca fue*. Since then, he has collaborated with several Houston theater groups in productions including *Vaselina* with Maktub Theater Group; Federico García Lorca’s *Blood Wedding*; Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s *Los habladores*; Eddie González’s *Calavera con Calavera*; and *El problema que se plantea es que…* with Gremio Colectivo.
In addition to his acting work, Alan has served as a member of the technical and production team for Maktub Theater Group, giving him experience both in front of the audience and behind the scenes. His stage credits also include *El Principito* (*The Little Prince*), *Caja de Pandora*, *Cama para TR3S*, *Término Medio*, and the comedy *Puras Madres*.
In *Calixto’s Tale*, Alan portrays Ubú, a charismatic, imposing, and authoritarian monkey who believes everything works perfectly as long as everyone follows his rules. With energy, humor, and a commanding stage presence, Ubú turns his obsession with order into a spectacle, although beneath his confidence is a character deeply afraid of losing control.
As Ubú, Alan combines his acting experience and technical knowledge of theater to bring one of Calixto’s most energetic, comedic, and challenging characters to life.
Jose Quintana - Segismundo (Crow)
José Quintana is an Ecuadorian-Mexican artist based in Houston, Texas. A professional dancer, actor, and choreographer, he has more than 20 years of experience working in musical performances, dance productions, and theatrical productions, as well as serving in artistic and production assistant roles.
In Houston, he has appeared in productions including *Invasores de Cunilia*, *Don Juan Tenorio*, and the comedy *Puras Madres*. More recently, he joined the cast of *Término Medio*, continuing a career distinguished by physical discipline, expressiveness, and a strong stage presence.
In *Calixto’s Tale*, José portrays Segismundo, the crow and one of the production’s most comedic characters. Clumsy, insecure, and prone to mistakes, Segismundo tries to follow Ubú’s orders without getting into trouble. He wants to think of himself as a good creature, even though he works for a system whose actions he knows are not always right. His feelings for Rosalinda awaken his jealousy and his desire to remain close to her. Through mishaps and humorous situations, his journey leads him to understand that refusing to choose is also a choice.
In addition to joining the cast, José serves as the choreographer for *Calixto’s Tale*. His experience in dance and movement helps shape the characters’ physical language and the stage energy of this musical production for the whole family.
Janice Sosa - Rosalinda (Macaw)
Janice “Jani” Sosa is a Uruguayan actress who trained in musical theater from 2022 to 2025. Throughout her training, she combined singing, dance, and acting while participating in several theatrical productions and musical projects. Between 2023 and 2025, she appeared in multiple stage productions, developing a career distinguished by her versatility and also contributing to community events and different areas of production.
In 2026, she joined the HAPAA and Carol Theater team as assistant director for *Puras Madres*, contributing her artistic perspective and commitment to the production process. That same year, she starred in *Trending Topic*, written and directed by Alexandro Xilo Martínez. The production marked her Houston stage debut and her first one-woman performance, challenging her to carry the full dramatic action on her own.
She later joined the cast of *Término Medio* and portrayed The Rose and The Fox in *El Principito* (*The Little Prince*), two characters with very different sensibilities that allowed her to continue demonstrating her ability to move between humor, emotion, and theatrical poetry.
In *Calixto’s Tale*, Jani portrays Rosalinda, a vibrant, independent, and self-assured macaw who refuses to let others decide how she should live. Outspoken, courageous, and true to herself, Rosalinda defends the freedom to choose her own path and encourages those around her to find the courage to live life on their own terms. Her relationship with Segismundo brings both an emotional and comedic counterpoint to the story.
As Rosalinda, Jani brings together her experience in acting, singing, and movement to portray a character filled with color, strength, sensitivity, and a powerful spirit of freedom.
Felipe Salinas - Luis (Crow)
Felipe Salinas is a passionate performing artist based in Houston with a deep devotion to the arts in all their forms. He has developed his career as an actor, dancer, singer, musician, and vocal director in various festivals and productions, building a well-rounded background that allows him to approach the stage through multiple disciplines.
His academic training in the exact sciences has progressed alongside his artistic growth, allowing him to unite two dimensions of the human experience that he considers complementary: logical-mathematical thinking and creative imagination. Throughout this journey, he has collaborated with university and independent companies and has had the opportunity to perform on international stages.
Beyond his work as a performer, Felipe has led workshops and participated in cultural initiatives and artistic volunteer programs, reflecting his commitment to creativity and artistic expression. Believing that the arts are powerful tools for communication, self-exploration, and self-discovery, he actively supports their promotion and the development of new spaces in which they can be shared.
His stage credits include *Término Medio*, *Entre el Miedo y el Deseo*, and the comedy *Puras Madres*, productions through which he has continued to strengthen his versatility and stage presence.
In *Calixto’s Tale*, Felipe portrays Luis, an attentive, formal, and diligent crow who strives to carry out every responsibility correctly. Although he tries to remain composed and keep everything under control, unexpected events test his confidence and turn his seriousness into a natural source of humor. Felipe brings precision, energy, and a subtle comedic sensibility to the role, enriching the world of Calixto.
David Campos - Segundo (Crow)
David Campos is an actor originally from Michoacán, Mexico. He discovered his love for the performing arts at an early age, but formally began his theatrical career at 16 with the Villa Morelos theater group under the direction of Professor J. Guadalupe Díaz Martínez, whose teachings he continues to remember and honor as a fundamental part of his training.
He later continued his artistic education at the School of Fine Arts in Morelia, Michoacán. Throughout his 17-year acting career, David has appeared in more than 20 stage productions, including major classics such as *Los árboles mueren de pie* and *Blood Wedding*, among many others.
In Houston, he has collaborated with the Somos Todos theater group. He later joined HAPAA to portray Walter in *Término Medio*, a role through which he continued expanding his experience and stage presence.
In *Calixto’s Tale*, David portrays Segundo, a disciplined, determined crow with a commanding presence who is accustomed to reacting quickly and carrying out instructions with confidence. His certainty and rigidity contrast with Segismundo’s doubts and mishaps, bringing rhythm, tension, and moments of humor to the group of crows. David draws on his experience and stage energy to portray a direct, dynamic character who is always ready for action.
Presented at Carol Theater
Carol Theater
Carol Theater is pleased to present a HAPAA production, “CALIXTO’S TALE”
Carol Theater (Centro de Artes Regional Orgullo Latino) is located in 8600 Westpark Dr, STE 116, Houston, TX 77063.
