((L-R) Seth Keller and Joshua Duron in ‘¡Pasaje!’ at Sierra Madre Playhouse (Photo – Luque_Photography)
A unique performance at Sierra Madre Playhouse!
By Carol Edger Germain
J. Quiroz, a San Gabriel Valley first generation Salvadoran American, began writing this intense but spirited coming-of-age tale in 2011. Then grammy-winner Asdru Sierra (founding member of Ozomatli, LA’s famous Latin rock band) was commissioned to create music to turn it into a musical, and finally a 13-member cast was assembled to present the vibrant musical version of the story under the direction of Benjamin Perez.
The story, based in South El Monte, follows the journey of Andy, who learns on the eve of his 18th birthday that what he has been told about his family history and ethnicity has been filled with deception. He decides that he must unravel the truth of his past and his family before he can take the next step in his educational and career path. He stumbles on a letter addressed to his mother. He’s not certain what it means, but his gut instinct is to start his questioning journey by contacting the author. He notes the information and starts his journey, which takes him to South El Monte. He meets dancer Marcelina (her savvy style and his awkward inexperience are charming) and eventually Don Miguel, the community patriarch, who offers him a place to stay and provides some measured clues. Andy’s journey leads him to understand the truth and complications of his family history, and how it affects his future. He understands who he is and how important the truth is. More importantly, he realizes how understanding and connection with the flaws, reality, and joy of his true family history bring him to the next step in becoming his authentic self.
The music and the interactions between the members of the large cast provide significant insight into the Latin American diaspora and the history and lives of those who now share those connections. The cast members are very connected and even when portraying negative life experiences, we see their determination, heart, and perseverance and the resulting positivity. So put a note on your calendar to see the play ASAP because it ends November 3, and also put a note to catch the Ozomatli band live the next time they play locally. Note that the show is about 2.5 hours with one 15-minute intermission.
Ensemble: (L-R) Itzel Ximena Gonzalez, Lisa Rodriguez, Andrew M. Garcia, Sandra Dar, Ixchel Valiente, Seth Keller, Joshua Duron, Maximiliano Garcia, Daniel Moises, Karol Avila, Luzma Ortiz, Pablo Milla, and Noah Peralta (Photo – Luque_Photography)
¡Pasaje! Music by Asdru Sierra, Ozomatli Director: Benjamin Perez Music Director: Greg Poree Choreographer: Tania Possick Costume Designer: Diana Gomez Cast: Seth Keller (Andy Martin), Ixchel Valiente (Marcelina), Karol Avila (Hustler Uno), Daniel Moises (Hustler Dos), Sandra Dar (Angela Martin), Lisa Rodriguez (Beatriz Gonzalez), Noah Peralta (Guicho), Andrew M. Garcia (Ensemble), Pablo Milla (Ensemble), Itzel Ximena Gonzalez (Ensemble), Joshua Duron (Don Miguel), Maximiliano Garcia (Freddy). Sierra Madre Playhouse 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre 626-355-4318 10/18, 10/19: 8:00 pm 10/20: 4:00 pm 10/25, 10/26: 8:00 pm 10/27: 4:00 pm 11/1, 11/2: 8:00 pm 11/3: 4:00 pm Tickets: sierramadreplayhouse.org Free parking
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