[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of Latinos R Us, Program D of Casa 0101’s Stand in the Light: A Solo Show Festival.
TAND IN THE LIGHT, A Solo Show Festival consisting of 15 plays, starring 14 actors, helmed by seven directors, from August 21 – September 13.
Casa 0101 has created a solo show festival, Stand in the Light, that is comprised of four distinct programs: Program A – Aquí Estamos y No Nos Vamos (in Spanish), Program B – Brown & Out & Fabulous! (LGBTQ), Program C – OMG, I Married a Narcissist!, and Program D – Latinos R Us. The festival runs from August 21 through September 13. Each program is wonderfully unique, culturally relevant, and thoroughly entertaining.
Back at Casa 0101 once again to experience Stand in the Light’s Program D, Latinos R Us. This program is a hilarious and moving set of four individual solo shows that cover topics such as familial responsibilities, political ideologies, self-worth and the occult, and the pitfalls of stereotyping.
Faking It
A Latina who appears to be handling her life just fine, thank you very much, secretly deals with the loss of both parents and the gift of donating her kidney to prolong her father’s life. This show is written and performed by the one and only Miriam Peniche, who once again graces the stage of Casa 0101. Peniche takes us on an emotional roller coaster of a story most of us can relate to. Once again directing this show falls on the capable hands of April Ibarra.
Latino Licious LA
More of a series of sketches rather than a single narrative, writer, performer, and co-director Dr. Tomas Avila treats us to four characters that hit the comedic nail on the head. The bits are short, but sweet, and very very funny. Any of these four characters could have their own solo show.
Confessions of a Sexy Latina Exorcist
What’s more scary than paranormal activities and vanquishing demons? Maybe it is dating and the fear of ending up alone. This is the dilemma confronting our Sexy Latina Exorcist, played by the talented Christiana Leucas. It sure doesn’t hurt when the material you have to work with is written by the incomparable Josefina López. The show flows nicely and the pathos is more than evident. This dream team is completed by the fine direction of April Ibarra. With talent like this, you can’t miss.
Hollywood Cholo
A stereotyped actor who plays cholos on television and movies is sent to a therapist for PTSD after being shot by a LAPD officer who mistakes him for a real cholo. This show reminds us of the amazing talent of underrepresented Latino actors who are relegated to stereotypical roles and may never realise their true talent and dream. This is the story of one such actor played brilliantly by Alejandro Bravo. The beauty of this show is how accurately it captures the dilemma every actor of colour faces in this business. Josefina López once again writes a beautiful tome full of wit and truth. The director, Carmelita Maldonado, keeps it simple and provides the voice of the therapist with equal skill.
Do yourself a big favour and catch any and all these shows at Casa 0101. This Boyle Heights institution provides a safe space in which aspiring professional actors, writers, and directors can share a piece of themselves in their own voice. And Stand in the Light: A Solo Show Festival is a must-see spectacular.
Tickets:
https://casa0101.org/?shows=stand-in-the-light-solo-show-festival