ZOOT SUIT (2001)

Chicano playwright Luis Valdez masterfully uses the Sleepy Lagoon murder case to examine the Chicano Zoot Suit Culture of the 40’s. Passionate and provocative, Zoot Suit pulses with the beat of big band music and traditional Latin songs. Music Direction by Daniel Valdez.

Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in July of 2001.

Includes a conversation with Alma Martinez, an original cast member of Luis Valdez’s Zoot Suit, both on stage and on film, in the role of Lupe. Since then, Alma has appeared in countless films, television performances, and stage credits, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, and the Mexican and American stages.

Directed by Luis Valdez
Producing Director Susan Albert Loewenberg

CAST
Marco Rodriguez as El Pachuco
Kinan Valdez as Henry Reyna
Daniel Valdez as Enrique Reyna
Alma Martinez as Dolores Reyna
Primavera Flor-Valdez as Lupe Reyna
Lakin Valdez as Rudy Reyna/Sergeant Smith/Bailiff/Bosun’s Mate
Gregory Itzin as George Shearer
Xochiquetzal Candelaria as Alice Bloomfield
Estrella Esparza as Della Barrios
Ruben C. Gonzalez as Smiley Torres/Rafas/Swabie
Raul Cardona as Joey Castro/Marine
Daniel Chacón as Tommy Roberts/Cub Reporter/Sailor
Katrina Valdez as Bertha Villareal/Newsboy
Seth Millwood as Lt. Edwards/Guard/Shore Patrol
Spencer Garrett as The Press
Al Ruscio as Judge F.W. Charles

LA VIRGEN DEL TEPEYAC (2020)

“La Virgen del Tepeyac” dramatizes the four apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe to Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac outside Mexico City in 1531. The play climaxes with the miracle of the roses that sealed the conversion of pre-Columbian Mexico to Christianity. This Christmas pageant was adapted from a four-character liturgical drama written by an anonymous Spanish monk in the 18th Century. Luis Valdez reworked the original story to include new characters and scenes, and also introduced music and dance. Importantly, the piece includes Aztec song and dance, adding complex layers to this pageant which embraces both Catholic and Indigenous rituals. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, this beloved tradition during the holidays was adapted into a radio play. Performed entirely in Spanish.

Directed by Kinan Valdez
Musical Directors Daniel E. Valdez & Tim Tompkins
Vocal Director Daniel Valdez
Sound Technician Dante Carballo

CAST

Mauricio Sámano as Juan Diego
Jessica Osegueda as La Virgen
Jose Delgado as El Obispo
Ramon Rios as Fray DeGante
Carlos L. Cortez as Fray Las Casas
Hector M. Ruelas Sanchez as Fray Motolinia
Katrina D. Valdez as Citlamina
Cristal Gonzalez Avila as La Criada
Graciela Serna as Bernardina

MUSICIANS Alejandro Gomez Noé Yaocoatl Montoya Manuel Rocha Frances Tompkins Tim Tompkins Daniel E. Valdez CHORUS Primavera Cabibi Mirella Valdez

COVID EL BAILADOR

A short radio acto in spanish on the importance of staying safe this holiday season. Created in partnership with the City of Watsonville and the Watsonville Campesino Appreciation Caravan.

Written by Christy Sandoval & Cristal Gonzalez Avila

Directed by Christy Sandoval
Sound Technician Dante Carballo

CAST

Cristal Gonzalez Avila as Narrator
Mauricio Sámano as Covid el Bailador
Carolina Perez as Señora Sanchez
Sedrick Cabrera as Hijo
Clarissa Salcedo as Comadre/Ensemble

 

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