Anika Larsen to Star in Autobiographical Musical Shafrika, the White Girl

Anika Larsen will star in Shafrika, the White Girl, a new autobiographical musical written by Larsen and co-conceived and directed by April Nickell. The show will be presented by Jaradoa Theater at the Dimson Theatre at the Vineyard, running June 12-June 28.

Shafrika, the White Girl tells Larsen’s story of growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts with nine brothers and sisters who are black, white, Asian, Latino, and Native American. Also featured in the company are Chloe Campbell, Anthony Comis, Joamer Gonzalez, Stephen Gelpi, Chris Harbur, John Harrison, Ricardo Hinoa, Amanda Hunt, Stephanie Martinez, Zonya Love, Liz Picolli, Elizabeth Racanelli, Eileen Rivera, Lawrence Stallings, Shelley Thomas, and Gregory Treco.

Larsen wrote the book and lyrics for Shafrika, the White Girl, with original music by Tim Acito, Joshua Henry and Janice Lowe. The show is described as a quirky exploration of race and family centering on Larsen and the people who helped shape her identity while being raised in a unique rainbow family.

Larsen has appeared on Broadway in Xanadu, Rent and All Shook Up. Her off-Broadway credits include Zanna Don’t!, Miracle Brothers, How to Save the World and Find True Love in 90 Minutes and Serenade. She recently appeared on the national tour of Avenue Q playing Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut.

Choreography for Shafrika, the White Girl is by Luis Salgado, with musical direction by Karl Mansfield, scenic design by Josh Zangen, lighting by Herrick Goldman, costumes by Andrea Varga, and sound by Mike Farfalla.