Abril: A New Musical Hits the Recording Studio
As a theatre photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing some incredible moments in the arts, and my recent session with Gina Naomi Baez was no exception. With powerhouse TV credits to her name (Only Murders in the Building, Orange Is the New Black, and She’s Gotta Have It), Gina is now bringing her extensive theatre talent to the stage with Abril: A New Musical—a deeply personal project that’s sure to positively impact the lives of many.
Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph Gina and her talented team (can you say Mary Testa, Jodi Stevens, Steven Grant Douglas, Isabella Bria Lopez, and Francisca Muñoz) as they laid down the tracks for this compelling new musical at Reservoir Studios in NYC. Known for its rich history and top-tier acoustics, Reservoir was the perfect setting for capturing the energy and passion behind Abril, a musical that explores the powerful journey of cancer survivorship.
About Abril: A New Musical
Written and performed by Gina Naomi Baez, Abril is a poignant exploration of life after cancer. The story follows Abril, a woman returning to high school after battling cancer. Through a process of reflection and discovery, she finds closure by embracing her past, present, and future. It’s a deeply moving narrative about self-acceptance and the nuances of survivorship that are often overlooked.
This powerful production offers a fresh perspective on resilience and healing, and Gina’s commitment to telling such an important, personal story is truly inspiring. It was an honor to document these early moments in the studio, where the team came together to create the soundtrack for this groundbreaking work.
Why Theatre Photography Matters
Capturing moments like these—behind the scenes, during a creative process—is what makes theatre photography so special. These intimate sessions at Reservoir Studios gave me the opportunity to capture not only Gina’s incredible talent but also the collaborative spirit that fuels such a meaningful project.
Stay tuned as Abril: A New Musical makes its way to the stage. And be sure to follow along on Gina’s journey—this is just the beginning for this rising star!
