GROWING UP GONZALES Comes to The Actors Temple Theater

Growing Up Gonzales, the new Off Broadway hit comedy written and directed by Felix Rojas and Starring Andres "Chulisi" Rodriguez storms into its 5th week at The Actors Temple Theater.

When Writer/Director Felix Rojas welcomed the audience at the start of the show this past weekend he said something that we all know but never really hear. A successful, Latino Off-Broadway play is one of theaters toughest undertakings. The NYC Theater District runs from 41st street to 56 streets and from 6th Avenue to 8th Avenue. Out of well over 100 shows in the area you can count the Off-Broadway Latino ones with one finger.

"We're just hoping Latino's come out and lift us up on their shoulders" says Rojas. "There are so many Latinos in the Tri-State area and beyond, if they make a decision to support this show it's all over, we're on our way, but it's also just as important for the non-Latino, traditional theater goers to give Gonzales a chance, I think they will be pleasantly surprised."

Growing Up Gonzales is the story of two brothers, when the younger brother passes away it is the elders responsibility to clean out his younger brothers apartment. While cleaning he finds a shoe box filled with pages and pages of his brothers memoirs. The result is a hilarious yet emotionally charged journey of family, love and forgiveness. The story transcends both culture and ethnicity although being Latino must make it that much richer. The theme of family and forgiveness is touching and the relationship between the two brothers penetrates the soul. Anyone who has ever lost a family member or a loved one is sure to come out of the theater a little changed. Andres "Chulisi" Rodriguez gives an outstanding performance. He handles the untraditional script with grace and ease. His portrayal of the many characters he confronts is delicious. With On Your Feet closing soon Off-Broadway can use a successful Latino show, maybe Growing Up Gonzales is that show.

GROWING UP GONZALES
THE ACTORS TEMPLE THEATER
339 W. 47TH STREET (between 8th and 9th)
Every Saturday at 8pm
$45 General Admission $60 Premium Seating
Tickets and info @ www.growingupgonzales.com