"American Mariachi" poster featuring musical elements, rose, and sugar skull, play from May 2 to June 9, directed by José Luis Valenzuela, music by Cynthia Reifler Flores.

Latino Theater Co.

AMERICAN
MARIACHI

by José Cruz González
Directed by José Luis Valenzuela
Original Music Arrangements by
Cynthia Reifler Flores

American Mariachi is a big-hearted, feel-good comedy with live music about familia, amor and tradición. It’s the 1970s and women can’t be mariachis…or can they? Lucha spends her days caring for her mother and yearning for more. Defying expectations, Lucha and her spunky cousin hunt for bandmates and take up instruments. A loving gesture for a mother becomes much more as the young women dream big and embrace the transcendent power of music.

Cast

Elia Saldana*

Alicia Coca*

Geoffrey Rivas*

Ruth Livier*

Fidel Gomez*

Yalitza “Yaya” Vasquez-Lopez

Sal Lopez*

Crissy Guerrero*

Esperanza Ameríca*

Vaneza Marie Calderón

Mariachis/Ensemble: Luis Bernal, Manhe Martínez, Oscar Rivas, Joseph Ruvalcava, Juan Miguel Sossa Ropain

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

Reviews

DON’T MISS THIS SHOW!… a hauntingly mythical flavor that complements
the tender themes of love and loss… With its captivating performances, poignant storytelling,
and infectious musical energy, this beautiful comedy-drama is a testament to the enduring legacy of mariachi music and the persistent spirit of the human heart.
— Pauline Adamek, Arts Beat LA

“HEART-FELT, DELIGHTFUL, FUNNY, MELANCHOLY
a rich tapestry, an immersive ensemble, a heightened slice of life…
Like all truly good and wonderful theatre, it really should be experienced.”
— David MacDowell Blue, The World Through Night-Tinted Glasses

WOW!… ENDLESSLY ENTERTAINING
far and away the crowd-pleasingest show in town.”
— Steven Stanley, Stage Scene LA

JOYOUS… a larger-than-life cast, live music,
and a long-delayed message of gender equality…
If you love mariachi music (and come on, who doesn’t?) you owe yourself a treat:
Go see it while you can—through June 9.”
— Eric Gordon, People’s World

IRREPRESSIBLE… a lively,
energetic peek at how change comes about.”
— Elaine Mura, Splash Magazines

A CELEBRATION OF MARIACHI AND A FEEL–GOOD TALE
about women discovering their potential and fulfilling it…
The live music, buoyant or poignant or both, infuses throughout.”
— Deborah Klugman, Stage Raw

A SHEER DELIGHT… a heart-wrenching and fantastic
finish that left me cheering and weeping at the same time…
an important work of art that deserves a continuous life.”
— Edward Hong, The Nerds of Color

UNA HISTORIA PROFUNDAMENTE HUMANA
fusiona música en vivo, comedia y un mensaje poderoso
sobre la igualdad de género en una dinámica familiar que le conmoverá…
resuenan no solo con la comunidad latina, sino con una audiencia más global.”
— Isabel Ramirez, Pasadena en español

SPECTACULAR… beautifully written… wonderfully directed…
plenty of singing with beautiful and exceptional voices.”
— Joe Straw, Joe Straw Blogspot

STAND OUT… a story of many revelations… beautiful tableaus…
The heartbeat of the mariachi music is provided by the on-stage mariachi band.”
— Bel Hernandez Castillo, Latin Heat

Credits

Written by
JOSÉ CRUZ GONZÁLEZ

Directed by
JOSÉ LUIS VALENZUELA

Musical Directon and Original Musical Arrangements
CYNTHIA REIFLER FLORES

Scenic Design
MAUREEN E. WEISS

Costume Design
MARIA CATARINA COPELLI

Lighting Design
PABLO SANTIAGO

Sound Design
JOHN ZALEWSKI

Choreographer/Movement Coordinator
URBANIE LUCERO

Stage Manager
ALEXA WOLFE

Assistant Stage Manager
MARTHA ESPINOZA

Production Manager
MAY FEI

Costume Design Assistant
MANEE LEIJA

Scenic Assistant
ZOYA NAQVI
JEREMY CREWS

Wig Sylist
MARIBEL CHAVEZ
LAUREN GRACE PARRA

Stitcher
KIM GOMEZ

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