American Latino Theatre Opens THE KING OF THE DESERT

January 16

by BWW News Desk
The co-production will be presented on the new Main Stage of Casa 0101; 2102 East First Street; Los Angeles, CA 90033 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 5:00 p.m., January 27 – February 12, 2012.Casa 0101 Theater in association with CoActive Content will present a new co-production of “The King of the Desert,” written by Stacey Martino, performed byRené Rivera, and helmed by Sal Romeo, all Lifetime Members of The Actors Studio.

Opening Night is Friday, January 27, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.

About the show: “The King of the Desert explores the way our cultural identity often informs our personal view of ourselves and in turn affects our children. The play strives to present accurate Mexican American history that is often overlooked as seen through the eyes of one ordinary man surmounting extraordinary struggles. During a time in which immigration issues and stereotypical images of Latinos are still prevalent in society today, this play focuses on a forgotten story, a true account of a Mexican American experience.”

Concurrently throughout the run of the play an exhibition of Milagros (artwork created by young Latino children representing their dreams and aspirations) will be on display at the theatre.

Originally produced at the El Centro Theatre in Hollywood, CA in 2010 under the direction of Valentino Ferreira, “The King of the Desert,” was most recently presented at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, CA in 2011. The new production of “The King of the Desert” at Casa 0101 will be staged by multiple award-winning director, Sal Romeo. The set is designed by Danuta Tomzynski, with lighting by Jeremy Pivnick and visual effects by Mat Hale.

Josefina López, Production Co-Producer and Founder/Artistic Director of Casa 0101, said: “We are very excited to bring this beautiful new production to our theatergoers here in Boyle Heights. The play’s content and story about a Mexican American boy’s journey from a Texas barrio to The Juilliard School and Broadway is empowering and important for people of all ethnic backgrounds to experience.”

Co-Producer David Llauger-Meiselman said: “During the course of the run of this production, local students from East Los Angeles schools will be bussed in to see the production. These performances will be followed by informal discussions with actor René Rivera and the students, who will have an opportunity to learn how René changed his life’s path from his early beginnings growing up in a barrio to where he is in life today.”

Playwright and Co-Producer Stacey Martino said: “My play is an ‘against all odds’ look at how cultural history and personal mythology which some may think might limit us, can actually set us free instead. The play takes us on a Mexican American journey that explores a universal struggle to become our most authentic selves.”