Chicago Center for the Performing Arts Hosts MADE IN PUERTO RICO 3/18-5/1

Mike Oquendo Events presents the hilarious smash hit comedy MADE IN PUERTO RICO in a limited engagement previewing March 18th, opening March 25th, and running through May 1st at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green Street, Chicago. Written, directed and performed by Elizardi Castro, MADE IN PUERTO RICO has sold out over 50 times in cities including Chicago, Orlando and New Haven. Tickets are already selling quickly.

The Orlando Sentinel raved that MADE IN PUERTO RICO is "Touching, funny, and infused with a sense of self." "The audience was in hysterics," said the Chicago Reader, which selected the production as "Critic's Choice." Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York, Castro draws inspiration from both his Hispanic heritage and American culture as he explores what it means to be Puerto Rican and live in the United States. Castro shares captivating and humorous stories from his own childhood, his career as an attorney and his experiences as a father in this brilliantly funny observation of the universal struggle of planting roots in a new culture. A bold and witty commentary on "Spanglish" culture and a powerful celebration of diversity, MADE IN PUERTO RICO not only tells Castro's story, but those of all immigrants who long for their homeland.

About Elizardi Castro
Puerto Rican-born and New York-raised attorney, actor and comedian Elizardi Castro is an innovative performer who finds inspiration in his childhood, relationships and judicial career to create stories of culture and identity that have a clever "Spanglish" appeal. Before following his dream to become a standup comedian, Castro had his own law firm where he worked as a criminal defense attorney. His one-man comedy MADE IN PUERTO RICO is the depiction of his compelling journey to rediscover his culture and find the courage to be a bold voice for his generation. In 2010, he presented his new one-man comedy Law & DISorder about the trials and tribulations of his experiences as a prosecutor turned defense attorney. Castro has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, a Masters Degree in Communications, and is a graduate of the Florida State University College of Law. For more information, visit www.elicastro.com.

About Mike Oquendo Events
Mike Oquendo Events is a full event Production Company specializing in Latino-themed events. Their commitment is to professionally execute and deliver first-class events to a diverse audience. Executive Producer Mike Oquendo has combined his love of the live arts and his production experience to produce over 85 shows annually in both the Chicago area and throughout the country. Creator of the "Mikey O Comedy Show" which features Latino and multi-cultural stand-up and theater, Oquendo is a prominent force in independent productions. His shows and events have been featured on local TV, radio and print media including coverage by Telemundo, WGN-TV, People en Español, TimeOut Chicago, Chicago Reader, Metromix and Café Latino Lifestyle Magazine. In 2001, Oquendo sat on the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences which produced the first Latin Grammy's in 2001, and in 2006 was a concept contributor on three HBO Latino specials. Oquendo also continually engages in raising funds for non-profit organizations. Oquendo is an alumnus of New York's Commercial Theatrical Institute and is currently a resident producer at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts.

The regular schedule for MADE IN PUERTO RICO is Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15. For groups of 10 or more, call 877.70.COMEDY. For individual tickets, call the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts at 312.733.6000 or visit www.theaterland.com.

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