[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of CASA 0101’s world premiere production of Founding Artistic Director Josefina López’s A WOMAN NAMED GLORIA, directed by Corky Dominguez, starring actress Karla Ojeda as Gloria Molina.
Creating a play centered on the life’s work of someone as iconic and iconically Los Angeles as Gloria Molina could seem like a daunting task to anyone other than Josefina Lopez and her Casa 0101 Boyle Heights Theatre. But then Josefina does have a particularly unique perspective on this hugely influential, Chicana activist and three-time elected politician.
The Casa Theatre is named after her. Gloria Molina has been a huge supporter of the arts throughout her political career, so it makes perfect sense that Josefina and the crucial work she does in Boyle Heights inspiring and encouraging writers and actors to tell their own stories would be so connected to Gloria.
Gloria Molina sadly died last year from breast cancer and it was a loss beyond words for so many in Los Angeles, as well as her wide circle of friends and her big beautiful family. The opening of this wonderful play coincided with the unveiling of a gorgeous mural dedicated to Gloria on the outside wall of Casa 0101. The ceremony was attended by our Los Angeles Mayor and just about anyone who is anyone in Latino politics and the arts. So this play is one part of many honors and celebrations of her life, including a truly wonderful exhibition of paintings of Gloria in the halls of Casa. It’s lovely to be able to spend time in the exhibition before walking into the theatre for the show and it really adds to the entire experience. You feel immersed in Gloria’s life from the moment you set foot in the building.
The play follows the story of Gloria’s life from a child, through her activism and running for office to her passing. But it’s all very cleverly wrapped up in another young woman’s story. A burgeoning local politician with a yearning to change the world who is grappling with her own idiotic mistakes, seriously jeopardizing her future. This twist gives us such an interesting lens through which to see Gloria Molina’s rise and, as the spirit of Gloria guides us through her life, it’s no wonder she had a reputation for toughness along with her deep devotion to her community. What a star she was.
As usual, Casa brings a brilliant cast to this masterful material. They each play many roles in the story and as the play unfolds they flawlessly jump from role to role with dizzying brilliant consistency. There’s an awful lot of humor of course, and it’s easy to imagine Ms. Molina herself getting a very big kick out of all of this!
Honestly, how can you not go to this show? Gloria Molina is an icon and she loved and supported Josefina and Casa for years. It’s an absolutely unmissable show full of vivid memories and characters told with the extraordinary skills and love of Josefina López and her cast and crew. Of course, Corky Dominguez applies his magical director’s touch, but it’s all Gloria…just as it should be. As I sat in the audience on opening night, surrounded by many of Gloria’s family members and friends, when Karla Ojeda stepped onstage as Gloria I heard a collective gasp and someone close by whispered, “Oh. She looks exactly like Gloria.” And the spell was cast. What a beautiful memoir and a loving tribute to a deeply loved and admired woman. Bravo!!
Where:
Casa 0101
2102 1st St, Los Angeles, 90033
When:
August 30 – October 6
Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm and Sundays @ 3pm
Tickets:
The Cast
Karla Ojeda as Gloria Molina leading, Laura Curet, Amy Melendrez, Natalie Heredia, Micaela Martinez, Tricia Cruz, Celeste Lanuza, Laura Vega, Oscar Gonzalez, Alejandro Bravo, Edward Navarrete and Martin Morales.