[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review ofCASA 0101 Theater’s FERNANDOMANIA – 12 10-minute short plays in celebration of Fernando Valenzuela, running through September 21.
I have to admit that I am not a baseball fan. I don’t dislike it, but I’m English, so I have cricket. That being said, one can hardly escape the love in this city for Fernando Valenzuela and his legacy with the Dodgers and beyond. Whether or not you saw him play or are a baseball fan, the energy ignited whenever he is mentioned is undeniable.
This fabulous festival of plays, FERNANDOMANIA, is in honor of him and his incredibly uplifting effect on the people of this city. As a Mexican, as a Latino, as an immigrant, as well as a sports superstar.
CASA 0101 has become the heart of Latino art in Los Angeles. With its deep dedication to its immediate neighbors in Boyle Heights as well as those in every street and park, house and business, school and church in the City. So, where else is more fitting for this wonderful and heartfelt event than CASA 0101?
These plays are written by people not only familiar with Fernando, but moved by him, changed by him. Inspired by his work ethic, his commitment to his family and his sheer, suborn determination to win.
There are some regular CASA 0101 contributors, in the writing and the acting and directing. But there are some new faces, too. Most memorably, Maria Valenzuela, who has created a wonderful tribute to her father and her mother with her beautiful play, Linda, which tells their story from their first meeting to his huge success.
And there are many many more, 12 in total, all seamlessly moving from one to the other in fluid and inspired ways that hardly allow a breath between. But all this cleverness adds brilliantly to the experience. No clumsy in-between moments or movements. Just one endearing, poignant and often very funny story after another.
It’s magical to see how deeply Fernando touched the lives of so many. Reminding us that there are some angels still in our world, even though they may wear baseball caps rather than wings.
As usual, CASA 0101 has exceeded every expectation, no matter how high. The stories are wonderful, the casting superb, and the seemingly effortless direction spot on. You could feel the spirit Fernando inspired in so many in the theatre. Many tears were wiped away and many heartfelt laughs were felt.
FERNANDOMANIA is an absolute triumph. Twelve plays filled with nuance, pathos and wonderful performances all repeating the same emotion over and over. Their love for Fernando. Bravo!!!
Where:
CASA 0101 Theater
2102 E 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
When:
August 29 (Chicano Moratorium Day/Gloria Molina Day in Los Angeles) – September 21
Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM
Tickets:
The production team for FERNANDOMANIA includes:
Josefina López (of the Boyle Heights), Festival Co-Creator and Playwright, Founding Artistic Director, CASA 0101 Theater; Emmanuel Deleage (of Silver Lake, CA), Festival Producer, Director and Executive Director, CASA 0101 Theater; Edward Padilla (of the Boyle Heights) Casting Director and CASA 0101 Theater Board Member; Maria Valenzuela (of Hollywood, CA) (Fernando and Linda Valenzuela’s youngest daughter)
Playwright; Oscar Arguello (of La Puente, CA) Playwright; Chris Banda (of West Covina, CA) Playwright; Gloria Isabel Briseño (of Inglewood, CA) Playwright; Ignacio Gonzalez (of Downey, CA) Playwright; Kimberly Huff (of Azusa, CA) Playwright; Jose Luis Lopez, Jr. (of Riverside, CA) Playwright; Christopher John Magallanes (aka Don Heusos) (of Montebello, CA) Playwright; Celina Martinez (of Silver Lake, CA) Playwright; Michael St. Onge (of Fontana, CA) Playwright; Dr. Connie Valencia (of South Los Angeles, CA)
Festival Co-Creator and Playwright; Carmelita Maldonado (of El Sereno, CA) Director; Karla Ojeda (of East Los Angeles, CA) Director; Vance Valencia (of Boyle Heights) Director; Rigo Tejeda (of Whittier, CA) Stage Manager; Maia Melendez (of South Los Angeles) Assistant Stage Manager; Alejandro Parra (of Burbank, CA) Lighting Designer; Audrey Szot (of Pico Robinson, CA) Set Designer; Mari Mercado (of East Los Angeles, CA) Costume Designer and Make-Up Artist; Andy James Garcia (of East Los Angeles, CA) Prop Master; Miguel Angel Delgado (of South Gate, CA) CASA 0101 Theater Technical Director; Mark Kraus (of Los Angeles, CA), CASA 0101 Theater Development Director; Itzel Ocampo (of Alhambra, CA) Projection Designer, Graphic Designer and CASA 0101 Theater Marketing and Operations Manager; Gabriela López de Dennis, Soap Studio Inc. (of Los Angeles, CA) Program; Jorge Villanueva (of the Boyle Heights) Facilities Manager; Oscar Basulto (of the Boyle Heights) Baseball Consultant and Box Office Manager; Al Aguilar (of Los Angeles, CA) Production Assistant; Rudy Torres (of Los Angeles, CA) Production Photographer and Steve Moyer Public Relations (of Los Angeles, CA), Press Representative.
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