Tito Nieves Stars in New Musical I LIKE IT LIKE THAT, Beginning Tonight Off-Broadway

From the Producers of ¿Quién Máto a Héctor Lavoe?, Celia, and La Barbería comes the World Premiere of a brand new musical, I Like It Like That - A Musical for the 2016-2017 season at The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre (304 W. 47 Street), previews begin tonight, September 7, and will celebrate its opening on September 22, 2016. The musical is written by David Maldonado & Waddys Jáquez and directed by Waddys Jáquez.

I Like It Like That is the story of the Rodríguez family living in New York City's East Harlem in the early 1970s, when music was the proudest expression of "El Barrio". The production takes the audience on a historical musical journey amidst neighborhood volatility and social activism. Its residents deal with the ever-present pull between Escape and Social Conscience.

The musical stars multi-GRAMMY award nominated Latin music superstar, Tito Nieves as Roberto Rodríguez, the patriarch of the Rodríguez family, who navigate through the challenges they face living in the heart of a volatile environment. Instilled in them is the importance of family and the desire to succeed.

Co-written by theater, film & Latin Music industry veteran, David Maldonado, I Like It Like That will bring its audience back to an era when New York City was on the verge of financial collapse. Where music kept El Barrio's soul afloat and became the religion of the masses. When Salsa singers and bands of the time became the community's heroes and idols.

Under Desmar Guevara's musical supervision I Like It Like That features classics from era legends: Ruben Blades, Hector Casanova, Willie Colón, Pete El Conde, Joe Cuba, El Gran Combo, Hector Lavoe, La Lupe, Ismael Miranda, Johnny Pacheco, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Mon Rivera, Ismael Rivera, and Pete Rodríguez, and original songs by Bobby Allende, Pablo Garcia, Desmar Guevara, Waddys Jáquez, David Maldonado, Adan Perez, Victoria Sanabria and Michael Sotille.

A stellar cast features Rossmery Almonte (Tita), Caridad De La Luz (China), Chachi Del Valle (María Luisa, Babilonia and La Lupe), Shadia Fairuz (Carmen), Quique González (Carlos), Ana Isabelle(Paula), Sofia Klimovsky (Understudy/Ensemble), Angel López (Rafa), Tito Nieves (Roberto), Yesenia Santiago (Understudy/Ensemble), and Gilbert Velázquez (Juan). The band includes Bobby Allende (Percussion), Anthony Carrillo (Percussion), Jorge Castro (Saxophone), Guido Gonzalez(Trumpet), Desmar Guevara (Musical Director/Keyboards), Jerry Madera (Bass), Hommy Ramos(Trombone).

I Like It Like That's creative team includes Raul Abrego (Scenic Designer), Lucrecia Briceño & Benjamin Swope (Lighting), Julian Evans (Sound), Rocco DiSanti (Projection), Hochi Asiatico(Costume), Charles Bowden (Props), Rosalba Rolón (Dramatist), Jonathan Maldonado, Grisel Del Valle (Associates Choreographers). Written by David Maldonado & Waddys Jáquez. Directed by Waddys Jáquez, Musical Direction by Desmar Guevara.

I Like It Like That A Musical is produced by David Maldonado, David Rodriguez and Juan Toro, co-produced by Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, and Executive Produced by Cardenas Marketing Network (CMN).

I Like It Like That - A New Musical begins performances September 7 - November 16; Opening September 22, 2016. The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre is located at 304 W 47th Street. Performing Schedule: Tuesday - Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 5pm & 9pm; Sunday at 3pm & 7pm. Runtime: 2 hours with intermission. Tickets are $55 - $85 and can be purchased by visiting www.ilikeitlikethat.com or calling 212-581-9859.

The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre occupies a former firehouse building at 304 West 47th Street, in the heart of the Broadway district. The PRTT undertook a $2-million renovation of the distinctive redbrick structure to include a fully equipped, 194-seat theater with proscenium stage. The PRTT's Main Stage, Playwrights Unit, and Administrative Offices are housed at this location. The Center is an important community hub for the Latino and African American communities.

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