Photo Flash: First Look at Juan Francisco Villa's DON CHIPOTLE at the Storefront Theater

terraNOVA Collective and The Playground Theater, in association with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, are pleased to announce the world premiere of DON CHIPOTLE by Juan Francisco Villa (Empanada for a Dream), directed by Jo Cattell. A new Latino superhero is born in this epic coming-of-age adventure, told through theatre, puppetry, animation, music and a children''s choir. DON CHIPOTLE will play August 25 - September 27, 2015 at the Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph St. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at tix.com. For additional information, visit www.theadventuresofdonchipotle.com. The press performances are Saturday, August 29 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, August 30 at 2 pm.

DON CHIPOTLE will feature Lorena Diaz, Wendy Mateo, Isabel Quintero, Karen Rodriguez and Angelica Roque. The children''s choir includes Esme Ayvar-Perez, Maggie Baker, Angelina Bill, Isabel Bravo, Abigail Caruga, Lillian Crespo, Jessica Farfan, Alex Gegax, Janet Rios and Audrey Webb.

DON CHIPOTLE is a magical adventure, in which two eleven-year-old boys cross a vast metropolis in order to put the world right. Inspired by the classic story of Don Quixote and Juan Francisco Villa's experience growing up in an immensely violent environment, this coming-of-age play explores cultural identity, violence, death, family and friendship and the importance of imagination and hope in any child''s ability to survive.

"Don Chipotle is the hero born out of his home circumstances similar to those faced by most inner city kids, comments playwright Juan Francisco Villa. "Despite the challenges Don Chipotle faces, he embodies persistence, perseverance and hope. Gina Rodriguez, in her Golden Globe acceptance speech, and Michelle Rodriguez, in her controversial comments, have talked about the need for Latino superheroes. Don Chipotle has arrived," adds Villa.

The production team for DON CHIPOTLE includes Joanna Wanicka (set designer), Izumi Inaba (costume designer), Erik Barry (lighting designer), Sara Engel (props designer), Taylor Bibat and Rachel Singer (animation and puppet designers), Preyas Roy (composer), Jenny Lynn Chritoffersen (choir composer and choir director), Ali Drumm (production manager) and Denise Savas (assistant director/associate producer) and Jennifer Aparicio (stage manager).

This project was developed with support from the Pivot Arts Incubator Program at Loyola University Chicago.

Photo by Joel Maisonet.