Photo Flash: AMERICAN MARIACHI Comes to the San Diego Old Globe

Spending her days caring for her ailing mother, Lucha yearns to break her monotonous routine. Here's a wild idea: an all-girl mariachi band! But it's the 1970s, and girls can't be mariachis...or can they? As Lucha and her spunky cousin hunt for bandmates, dodge disapproving relatives, and bring Mom along for the ride, they wonder: will the band come together? American Mariachi is a heartwarming and hilarious world premiere comedy about family, progress, and the freedom to dream big that will send your heart soaring and put a bounce in your step with a wave of vibrant, infectious live music.

CAST: Jennifer Paredes as Lucha alongside Natalie Camunas (Gabby), Crissy Guerrero (Soyla, Sister Manuela), Rodney Lizcano (Mino, Padre Flores), Doreen Montalvo (Amalia, Doña Lola), Bobby Plasencia (Federico), Luis Quintero (Mateo, René, Rubin), Amanda Robles (Isabel, Tía Carmen), and Heather Velazquez (Hortensia aka "Boli").

CREATIVE TEAM: Regina Garcia (Scenic Design), Meghan Anderson Doyle (Costume Design), Paul Miller (Lighting Design), Ken Travis (Sound Design), Cynthia Reifler Flores (Music Director), Shirley Fishman (Dramaturg), Joanne DeNaut, CSA (Casting), and Rachel Ducat (Production Stage Manager).

BOX OFFICE WINDOW HOURS: 12:00 noon to final curtain Tuesday through Sunday. American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA accepted.
(619) 23-GLOBE [234-5623]. The Old Globe is located in San Diego's Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. Free parking is available throughout the park. Valet parking is also available ($14, advance reservation).

ADDITIONAL EVENTS taking place during the run of American Mariachi include:

LOBBY EXHIBIT: "The Trailblazing Women of Mariachi Music," ongoing during the run of American Mariachi.

This special exhibit will be curated by Dr. Leonor Xochitl Perez, Founder and Director of the Mariachi Women's Festival, and will use photographs, videos, instruments, and costumes to track the involvement of American women in mariachi.

VICKI AND CARL ZEIGER INSIGHTS SEMINAR: Tuesday, March 27 at 5:30 p.m.

An opportunity to closely connect with productions both onstage and backstage. A panel selected from the artistic company of each show-including playwright José Cruz González and director James Vásquez, joined by actors, designers, and/or technicians-engages patrons in an informal and illuminating presentation of ideas and insights to enhance the theatregoing experience. Reception at 5:00 p.m. FREE.

AXIS: Saturday, March 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

With community partner Dr. Leonor Xochitl Perez and the Mariachi Women's Festival, the Globe presents the band Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, a performance that will captivate audiences with vivacious spirit. America's first commercially successful all-female mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles brings sensitivity, beauty, warmth, and a new perspective to the realm of Mexico's musical heritage.Traditional Mexican folk dances will also take place with DanzArts illustrating the rhythms onstage. Our special host Gerardo Flores will introduce and explain all aspects of this marvelous presentation, both in English and Spanish! As a special treat, the theatre lobby will open from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to share a crucial chapter in mariachi history, with Dr. Perez onsite for a special introduction. FREE.

PANEL DISCUSSION: Monday April 2, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.

Scholar Dr. Leonor Xochitl Perez, Ph.D. and American Mariachi music director Cynthia Reifler Flores take a musical look at the form and history of mariachi.

SUBJECT MATTERS: Saturday, April 7, following the 2:00 p.m. matinee.

Explore the ideas and issues raised by a production through brief, illuminating post-show discussions with local experts, such as scientists, artists, historians, and scholars. Subject Matters will ignite discussion, bring the play's concerns into sharp focus, and encourage you to think beyond the stage! FREE.

POST-SHOW FORUMS: Tuesdays, April 3 and 10, and Wednesday, April 18.

Join us after the show for an informal and enlightening question-and-answer session with cast, crew, and/or Globe staff members. Get the inside story on creating a character and putting together a professional production. FREE

Photos by Jim Cox.

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