Photo Flash: First Look at MY MANANA COMES at San Diego REP

San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) presents the West Coast Premiere of MY MANANA COMES by Elizabeth Irwin. Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, previews began Oct. 1, 2015 for a Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015 opening night. The production runs through Oct. 25, 2015 in the Lyceum Space. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

When out to eat at a fine dining restaurant, one certainly pays more attention to the wine list than worry about the economic challenges of the busboys who silently keep the tables ready and clean. Aren't the industrious ghosts who refill our water glass supposed to be politely ignored?

Not for playwright Elizabeth Irwin. In MY MANANA COMES, the hopes and struggles of four busboys in a swanky restaurant are finally served-up as the main course. Peter and Whalid are American born. Jorge and Pepe are undocumented immigrants from Mexico. They are an amazing team -- filling breadbaskets, folding napkins, slicing lemons, clearing tables and delivering food to unseen customers in a busboy ballet of crisscross, swerve and dodge. They bond and banter, show off and hide their secrets like only a team of laborers can. For these men what you take home each night in cash is what keeps your head above water. When a shocking event threatens to shatter their economic security and dreams of a better life, the need to take care of "number one" first opens a giant and dangerous chasm between the brothers. This gem of a drama is a wonderfully complex and surprising taste of the American dream.

The Cast: Jorge E. Rodriguez ("Oedipus El Rey" and "El Henry," San Diego Repertory Theatre, "Sideways," La Jolla Playhouse) is "Jorge." Jose Martinez, a recent graduate of Arizona State University, makes his San Diego REP debut as "Pepe." Edred Utomi ("Shrek: The Musical," Moonlight Stage Productions), a recent graduate of University of San Diego, also makes his San Diego REPertory Theatre debut as "Peter." Spencer Smith ("West Side Story," North American National Tour; "Oedipus El Rey," "In The Heights," and "Zoot Suit" San Diego Repertory Theatre) is "Whalid."

The Creative Team: Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, Director; Brian Redfern, Set Designer; Sherrice Mogjani, Lighting Designer; Anastasia Pautova, Costume Designer; and Kevin Anthenill, Sound Designer.

MY MANANA COMES is the 290th production staged by San Diego REP and is the second production of the company's 40th season. Tickets currently range from $18 to $75 and can be purchased in-person at the REPs box office, by calling 619-544-1000, or online at sdrep.org. Active military, teacher and senior discounts are available.

Photo Credit: Daren Scott

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