Kid Turboni Brings the Rain

Zane Villa (Kid Turboni) is excited to return to the stage. His previous credits include Curley in Pan!, Mr. D in The Best Little Theater in Town, Tweedledee in The Trials of Alice in Wonderland, and Detective Swift in Next Victim Please. Zane sends his thanks to his family and friends for supporting his interest in theater arts.

John Levick (Miles Turboni/Smnack Turkenson) is an actor born and raised in El Paso. He has been performing in the community for the past 16 years, ranging from high school theater in his youth to performing at UTEP, EPCC, and last year’s SOMOS production of Peter and the Starcatcher in the Plaza Theatre’s Philanthropy Theatre. He is honored to join SOMOS once more for Kid Turboni Brings the Rain and would love to thank everyone who helped make doing what he loves possible over the years.

Jesus “Jesse” Gandara (Billy Santos) is thrilled to be performing in Kid Turboni Brings the Rain. Past credits include Aladdin in Aladdin Jr. the Musical, Victor Frankenstein in The curse of Frankenstein, and Gleb in Anastasia the Musical. Jesse loves bringing powerful stories to life onstage and continuing to grow with each new role. He would like to thank the cast and crew for making this amazing production possible and to send his heartfelt thanks to his family and friends for their constant love and support.

Amaris Wilson (Kelly McCusky) is an emerging teen actor who has already built a strong foundation through a variety of performances. She has held lead roles in her elementary school productions, including The Girl Who Cried Wolf, Dr. Frankenstein & The Pesky Villagers, and Beauty Is the Beast. Amaris has acted in films and is preparing for auditions for sitcom, beauty commercial, and print opportunities at a major Los Angeles showcase. Amaris is highly disciplined and balances her creative pursuits with school and athletic training. She actively trains in wrestling and MMA at Order of the Dragon, where she has earned her Purple Belt. Amaris remains deeply grateful for the love, encouragement, and ongoing support from her family and mentors, who continue to help guide her journey.

Luciana Molina Giménez (Lydia Santos) is a senior at UTEP majoring in theater education. She cherishes previous credits including Legally Blonde (Chutney Wyndhame), Los Empeños de Una Casa (Leonor), Alice in Wonderland (Alice) and most recently Cats (Jennyanydots). She is deeply grateful to the UTEP Theatre and Dance Department and thanks her teacher, Adriana Dominguez, for always supporting her artistic endeavors. A special thank you to her family and friends, and most especially to God, for the gift of theater. To all, a heartfelt “break a leg!”

Emma Leigh Montes (Director) is a native El Pasoan who began her acting career in 2005 at a UTEP Children’s Theatre camp, playing the Empress in The Nightingale. She pursued theater at UTEP and Texas Women’s University. While in the DFW area, she directed and performed in several shows. Favorite roles include Nelle in Endgame, Candela in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Shelly Parker in Bat Boy, The Raven in Nevermore, and Josephine in Big Fish. Emma returned to the El Paso stage in 2023, performing in Matilda at UTEP and most recently as Molly Aster in SOMOS’ inaugural production of Peter and the Starcatcher as part of the Jewel Box Series in the Plaza’s Philanthropy Theater. She’s excited to be returning to SOMOS as a director for the 10th annual Jewel Box season.

Fernando Antonio “Grizz” Montejano (Transitions) is an El Paso writer, artist, performer, and radio personality. Grizz spends plenty of time in the community as Director of Engagement for the Barbed Wire Open Mic, but his full time gig is as co-host of “Iris and Grizz in the Morning” on 93.1 KISS FM! In his free time, Grizz watches movies, makes art with friends, and spends time trying to uplift El Paso and the incredible people who live here.