JULIANNE ARGYROS STAGE / DECEMBER 8 - 23, 2006

David Emmes Martin Benson PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

presents LA POSADA MAGICA´

written and directed by Octavio Solis music by Marcos Loya

Christopher Acebo Shigeru Yaji Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz Marcos Loya SCENIC DESIGN COSTUME DESIGN LIGHTING DESIGN MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Linda Kostalik David Leavenworth Jamie A. Tucker* CHOREOGRAPHER PRODUCTION MANAGER STAGE MANAGER

Pam and Jim Muzzy HONORARY PRODUCERS

CORPORATE PRODUCER

The Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund has provided major support for the commissioning, workshop and production of La Posada Mágica through its New Works for Young Audiences Program.

La Posada Mágica • SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P1 CAST OF CHARACTERS (In order of appearance)

Horacio ...... Miguel Najera* Eli/Bones/Lauro ...... Kevin Sifuentes* Gracie ...... Tiffany Ellen Solano* Mom/Mariluz ...... Erica Ortega* Papi/Jose Cruz ...... Danny Bolero* Refugio/Buzzard ...... Sol Castillo* Consuelo/Widow ...... Denise Blasor* Caridad/Widow ...... Teresa Velarde* Musicians/Ensemble ...... Marcos Loya, Lorenzo Martinez*

SETTING Christmas Eve. The present.

LENGTH Approximately two hours, including one 15-minute intermission.

PRODUCTION STAFF Casting Director ...... Joanne DeNaut Production Assistant ...... Mia Osherow Costume Design Assistant ...... Merilee Ford Assistant to the Lighting Designer ...... Motoko Tamura Stage Management Intern ...... Tiffany Hamilton Dresser ...... Kelly Marshall Additional Costume Staff ...... Catherine Esera Deck Crew ...... Mark Johnson

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Las Amigas de la Cultura, Sylvia Krenzien, Teri Rocco and Alice Rumbaugh for the special exhibit in the Julianne Argyros lobby.

Cellular phones, beepers and watch alarms should be turned off or set to non-audible mode during the performance. Please refrain from unwrapping candy or making other noises that may disturb surrounding patrons.

The use of cameras and recorders in the theatre is prohibited. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the theatre.

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Official Airline

P2 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • La Posada Mágica The Gift of Grace

hen I was commissioned to write a family Graciela, or Gracie, for short. This stunned me be- Christmas play for South Coast Repertory, I cause I had just settled on that name for my protago- Whad no idea there would be deep synchronic- nist. How could she have known? She hadn’t read ities with my own life. I simply thought I would the play, nor had I spoken of write another play for another theatre and that would it to her. And yet here be that. But while my talented collaborators (director now, our daughter was José Cruz González and composer Marcos Loya) and not only coming into I toiled away on our first draft of Posada at the Sun- our house, she was dance Theatre Lab in Utah, I received a call from my filling our play. It wife Jeanne that she was pregnant with our daughter, seemed fitting. and that changed everything. Gracie was The play suddenly revealed to me the essential born on September universal sanctity of life, the glow- ing sense of hope and love that ba- bies always sug- gest for the world. But the conflu- ence of this play with my wife’s news also trans- formed the holi- day of Christmas for me. The ado- ration bestowed on the infant Jesus spoke

more deeply and di- Gracie has been played by three actresses since its pre- miere in 1994: Ruth Livier (1994), left; Crissy Guerrero rectly to my new sta- (1995-1998), top; and Tiffany Ellen Solano (1999-2006), tus as a father. The with Mauricio Mendoza as Papi and Crissy Guerrero as Nativity became a Mom in 2002. metaphor for the pro- found responsibility we all 24, 1994, and the play itself was delivered three owe to the fragile innocent chil- months later. We brought her for one of the first per- dren we dare to bring into this brutal world. formances, and to this day, I can’t help but feel that Later that spring, as I continued to write Posada the wide brown eyes of the infant Graciela have and Jeanne pored over all the books of baby names, shone their grace on La Posada Mágica. she told me that she wanted to name our baby girl –Octavio Solis PHOTOS: HENRY DiROCCO

La Posada Mágica •SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P3 The Historical Procession of Las Posadas he familiar story of Joseph and Mary’s long-ago search for Tlodgings is related every year at Christmas- time in churches and homes the world over. But in many Latin coun- tries, it actually comes to life again each December, reenacted for nine con- secutive nights in the fes- tive ritual of Las Posadas, which means inns, or lodgings. The idea of com- memorating the Holy Family’s journey to Beth- lehem can be traced to St. Ignatius Loyola, in the 16th Century. He sug- The 2004 cast of ‘La Posada Mágica’ featured from left: Crissy Guerrero, Mauricio Men- gested a Christmas nove- doza, Denise Blasor, Sol Castillo, Carla Jimenez, Tiffany Ellen Solano, Miguel Najera, na, special prayers to be Kevin Sifuentes, Lorenzo Martinez and Marcos Loya. said on nine successive days. In 1850, St. John of the Cross made a religious all the musicians. Singing or chanting special posada pageant out of the proceedings, and seven years later songs, they all walk slowly along, each person carry- the nine-day remembrance was introduced to the Indi- ing a lighted candle. When the procession reaches ans in Mexico by Spanish missionaries. the house chosen for that evening, it divides into two Solemn and deeply religious in feeling at first, groups, one representing the holy pilgrims, the other the observances soon became imbued with a spirit of the innkeepers. fun and, eventually, left the church and began to be The pilgrims line up behind the angel and the celebrated in people’s homes. The posadas have be- children bearing the figures of the Holy Family, and come community affairs with friends, relatives and they file through the house until they arrive at a neighbors sharing in the festivities and visiting a differ- closed door, behind which the innkeepers have sta- ent house each evening. tioned themselves. The pilgrims knock on the door The posada begins with a procession that sets and call out in song, asking for shelter. A chorus of off as soon as it gets dark. Often a child dressed as an voices on the other side asks: “Who knocks at my angel goes first, followed by two more children carry- door so late in the night?” ing figures of Mary and Joseph on a small litter The pilgrims respond. “In the name of Heaven I adorned with twigs. After more boys and girls come beg you for lodging—my beloved wife can no longer the lead figures, then come the grown-ups and last of travel, and she is weary.” But the response is a stony,

P4 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • La Posada Mágica piñata. Some- times there are separate parties for different age groups— one for teenagers and another for the younger children. In Mexico City, especially, so many posadas are held that active party- goers can manage to attend four or five in one evening… and the festivities often go on until dawn. Over time, posadas have been tailored by their respective communities, so that a re- markable variety of posada styles can be found throughout Mexico and the South- west- hardhearted refusal. “This is no inn. Go ern Unit- away!” After repeated requests for ed States. shelter, the pilgrims explain who they are and that Mary will soon give birth to the Son of God. The innkeepers relent and wel- come the exhausted travelers: “Enter, Holy pilgrims. Come into our humble dwelling and into our hearts. The night is one of joy, for here beneath our roof we shelter the Mother of God.” Everyone enters the room and kneels in prayer, after which the party moves out to the patio for fireworks and fun. Small baskets of sweets, called co- laciones, are offered along with sand- wiches, cookies and a fruited punch. And then it’s time for the most exciting moment of all, the breaking of the fan- cifully decorated candy and nut-filled

Denise Blasor, Carla Jimenez, Crissy Guerrero and Mauricio Mendoza, above and Marcos Loya and Lorenzo Martinez, at right.

La Posada Mágica •SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P5 The Magic of the Celebration The Christmas Candle Poinsettias

“It begins with one simple candle— favorite flower for the posada celebration is the so full of golden light” poinsettia, with its beautiful red star shape. The – La Posada Mágica Alegend of the poinsettia relates the story of a girl named Maria and her little brother Pablo. They were fter Gracie reluctantly joins her church’s posada, very poor but always looked forward to the Christmas she sets about trying to extinguish not only the festival each year, when a large Nativity scene was set Acandle that has been lit in her honor, but all up in the village church and the days leading up to those that represent the other members of her group. Christmas were filled with posadas. But the two chil- With each flame she blows out, another character dis- dren were saddened because they had no money to appears until Gracie is left lost and alone. buy presents. They especially wished to give some- The tradition of candles at Christmastime began thing to the church, but they had nothing. in medieval Europe, where a very large Christmas can- One Christmas Eve, Maria and Pablo set out for dle was burned until the Twelfth Night in remem- church to attend Midnight Mass. On their way they brance of the arrival of the Wise Men to Bethlehem. picked some weeds growing along the roadside to In Victorian times, candles represented good will to- present as their gift to the church. They were merci- ward those less fortunate. They were placed in win- lessly teased by the other children when they arrived dows from December 25 to January 6 to with their humble offering, but Maria and Pablo knew welcome any passersby they had given everything they had. As they needing shelter and food. began to place the weeds around the Nativ- Some people believe ity scene, the green top leaves turned into that flames from burning bright red petals. Soon the manger was sur- candles frighten away evil rounded by the bright red, star-shaped spirits during the darkest flowers and everyone in the church be- days of the year. In Nor- lieved they were witnessing a true Christmas way, candles that burn out miracle. Since that day, these beautiful on Christmas Eve are flowers that bloom during the Christmas thought to bring bad luck season have been known as Flores de Noche for the family. Another Buena or “Flowers of the Holy Night.” ancient tradition suggests Nochebuena, the Mexican name of that placing a candle in the the flower English-speakers call poinsettia, window symbolically was discovered in Taxco and the valleys lights the way of the Holy surrounding Cuernavaca. Known by the Family as it provides a Aztecs in their native Nahuatl language as welcome for friends, cuetlaxochitl, it is believed that they neighbors and holiday brought the plant from the tropical climate guests. of Cuernavaca to their Aztec highlands for

P6 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • La Posada Mágica cultivation in special nurseries. Prized for the curative properties of the milk that dripped from the leaves, stems and flowers when cut, the plant also produced pig- ment from the red leaves used to dye cotton fibers. The poinsettia plant was brought from Mexico to America by Dr. Joel Roberto Poinsett (1770-1851), women who served as U.S. ambassador to Mexico following from bark that country’s independence from Spain. Poinsett fell collected by men in the in love with the nochebuena plant when he first saw spring) was used as an offering it adorning the churches of Taxco in 1823. He sent to the gods and a tribute to the Aztec em- specimens back to the States to decorate his mansion peror, Moctezuma II. On certain holidays, it deco- in South Carolina one Christmas, and upon his return rated the idols in temples and palaces, and priests em- home several years later, he was astonished to find bodying the gods and the cosmos wore elaborate cos- the entire town of Charleston growing the festive red tumes of colored paper. Cutouts of dark paper were flower. made to represent evil spirits, while white paper rep- resented good spirits and was used by healers and witches in their rituals. Papel Picado Color schemes selected for papel picado are fre- quently linked with specific festivities. Sky blue or aper cutting has been a folk art ever since paper pink and white are commonly chosen for celebrations was invented in 105 A.D. by Ts’ai Lun, an official in honor of the Virgin Mary, yellow and white for pa- Pin the court of Ho Ti, emperor of Cathay. The tron saints. Vibrant pink, orange and purple are the humble nature of its origins and the anonymity of its key tones employed for ofrendas (offerings) associated practice has caused paper cutting to be ignored as an with El Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. art form, though artists, artisans and collectors are be- Shades of purple are also widely used at Easter. The coming increasingly aware of this valuable folk her- colors of the Mexican flag—red, white and green—are itage. set aside for venerating the nation’s patroness, La Vir- In Mexico, the technique is called papel picado, gen de Guadalupe, as well as for commemorating Inde- which means “pierced paper.” After the Spanish Con- pendence Day, September 16. Rainbow hues are ap- quest of Mexico, papel de China (tissue paper) was in- propriate for Christmas and non-religious troduced and became the material of choice for Chris- festivities. tian holiday decorations. Paperwork was apparently Cut from colored among the imports that poured in from the Orient via tissue paper the annual Pacific treasure fleet that traveled between the Far East and Acapulco, laden with such exot- ic goods as silver, ivory, spices and porcelain. Once the craft arrived in Mexico,

(or plastic) to simulate lace, papel picado can be seen today hanging from Day of the Dead altars and decorating graves during November. Also during Christmas, papel picado decorates indoor and outdoor festivities it became the in Mexico. basis for many important and widespread folk art forms. Visit the online Playgoer’s Guide to La Posada Mágica In Mexico, the art of paper-cutting goes back to at www.scr.org to read more about these and other pre-Columbian times, when bark paper (made by Mexican holiday traditions.

La Posada Mágica •SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P7 Sing Along with the Posada ‘Vamos A Pie’ ‘We go on foot’ Vamos a pie caminando We go on foot Caminando, caminando Walking, walking Una posada Buscando Searching for a posada Buscando para El. Searching for Him Velas prendidas alumbran Burning candles shine on La noche más santa de Dios God’s holiest night Este camino termina This path ends En oración. With a prayer Vamos con fe caminando We walk along in faith Caminando, caminando Walking, walking Los angeles saben cuando The angels know when Saben cuando llegará. They know when He will arrive To the most beautiful posada A la posada más linda Filled with light and love Llena de luz y amor On this night we will see En esta noche veremos The savior Al Redentor. We go on foot Vamos a pie caminando Walking, walking Caminando, caminando Searching for a posada Una posada buscando Searching, searching Buscando buscando. ‘Este Canto Mio’ ‘My Song’ Este canto mío canto con pasión I sing my song with passion Por el Niño Dios quien es mi salvación For baby Jesus, my salvation Si mi voz al cielo no alcanza If my voice won’t reach heaven Es porque le falta esperanza It is because it lacks hope Gloria gloria gloria al Señor Glory, glory, glory to the Lord Eschuchame y hazme el favor Listen to me, do me a favor Quiero ver el Rey de la humanidad I want to see the King of humanity En la Noche Buena de la Navidad. On Christmas’ holy night I feel pleasure in my heart Mucho gusto siento en mi corazón Every time I sing, holy is my song Cada vez que canto, santa es mi canción The moment is near Ya se acerca el momento de The birth of a new faith El Nacimiento de la Nueva Fe. Glory, glory, glory to the Lord Gloria gloria gloria al Señor Listen to me, do me a favor Eschuchame y hazme el favor I want to see the King of humanity Quiero ver el Rey de la humanidad On Christmas’ holy night En la Noche Buena de la Navidad. Words by Octavio Solis; music by Marcos Loya Translation by Santiago Uceda

P8 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • La Posada Mágica DENISE BLASOR DANNY BOLERO SOL CASTILLO Consuelo/Widow Papi/Jose Cruz Refugio/Buzzard

Artist Biographies

*DENISE BLASOR (Consuelo/ formed and adapted The Three *DANNY BOLERO (Papi/Jose Widow) returns to SCR for her Sisters, designed and appeared in Cruz) is happy to return to SCR eleventh appearance in La Posa- the Ovation Award-nominated and his La Posada family. He re- da Mágica. This year she per- production of He Who Gets cently completed work on the formed in the world premiere of Slapped with Bud Cort and per- film The Hitcher, with Sean Bean Los Muertos by Timothy McNeil, formed and produced the original and Sofia Bush due out in the- directed by David Fofi, at Ele- musical production of Caderas. aters in February. He was also phant Theatre. She appeared in Other stage credits include lead- recently honored with the B. Electricidad by Luis Alfaro, di- ing roles in the world premieres Iden Payne Award for Outstand- rected by Lisa Peterson at Mark of The House of the Spirits at ing Lead Actor in a Musical for Taper Forum and Ten Tiny Love LATC; Cervantes’ Interludes at his work as Cesar Chavez in Ed Stories by Rodrigo Garcia. She Stages, directed by Florinel Fat- Begley Jr’s Cesar and Ruben. On has performed at Los Angeles ulescu and Made in Lanus, di- Broadway he appeared in the Theatre Center (LATC) as the rected by Lillian Garrett at The 1993 revival of Joseph and the Bride in Blood Wedding, directed Old Globe. She played Juana in Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Margarita Galban, as Yerma in The False Chronicle of Juana La starring Michael Damian (cast Yerma and as Martirio in The Loca at Festival Cervantino in album) and in the first national House of Bernarda Alba with Mexico and has performed in Eu- tour with Sam Harris. Other the- Carmen Zapata. She played rope and Puerto Rico. Film cred- atre credits include Players under Jenny in The Threepenny Opera, its include The Disappearance of the direction of the late Margo directed by Angelina Reaux, and Garcia Lorca with Andy Garcia; Albert, Man of La Mancha (tour) was part of Ron Sossi’s Odyssey Univers’l, directed by Ana with Robert Goulet, Bark at Theatre Ensemble adaptation of Nicholas; Noriega: God’s Favorite Coast Playhouse, The Fantasticks Faust. She was Artistic Director with Bob Hoskins, directed by (El Gallo) at Arizona Theatre of Los Angeles Diversified The- Roger Spottiswoode and Happy Company, Selena (Abraham) at ater Company, where she per- Feet with Robin Williams. Doolittle Theater, Lalo at Mark

La Posada Mágica •SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P9 MARCOS LOYA LORENZO MARTINEZ MIGUEL NAJERA Musician/Ensemble Musician/Ensemble Horacio

Taper Forum, The World Goes ca. He was also seen at SCR in struments. Currently, he is a Vis- Round at Rubicon Theatre Com- the world premiere of The Hol- iting Artist and Adjunct Instructor pany (Robby Nomination), Palo- low Lands, the Theatre for Young at California State University, ma at Casa Sousa, Pacific Over- Audiences productions of The Domin-guez Hills. He teaches a tures (Manjiro), The Mystery of Adventures of Pør Quinly and Multicultural Performing Arts Edwin Drood (John Jasper, In- Sideways Stories from Wayside course and a course on Chi- land Empire Award), Beggars School and the Pacific Play- cana/o Latina/o music. Recently, Holiday with the late, great Carl wrights Festival workshops of he scored Looking Back, Severo Anderson, and Guido in Nine Sea of Tranquility and References Perez’ documentary on and Che in Evita, for both of to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot. renowned, visual artist Carmen which he received the Los Ange- At San Diego Repertory Theatre Lomas Garza. In 1996 he com- les Drama-Logue Award. He re- he appeared in Zoot Suit, The posed the score for the “Ameri- cently returned from New York Imaginary Invalid and Barrio can Playhouse” film adaptation of where he was part of a new mu- Hollywood. Other theatre credits Tomas Rivera’s and the earth did sical workshop of Zorro the Mu- include the national tour of Vet- not swallow him (y no se lo trago sical with music by the Gypsy eranos: A Tribute, West Side la tierra). Mr. Loya’s debut CD, Kings, scheduled for London’s Story, Bye Bye Birdie and Talking Love is the Reason, garnered an West End in 2007. Television ap- to Yellow Roses. Mr. Castillo was Independent Contemporary Jazz pearances include “The Mullets” seen in Showtime’s “Resurrection Album of the Year nomination. (recurring), “Beverly Hills, Blvd.” and Valor Production’s His music is featured in the films 90210,” “Ally McBeal,” “Los Al- Who’s James Cagney? Mr. Castillo Deep Cover, The Waterdance, A varez” (pilot) and “Malcolm in dedicates his performance to his Million to Juan, Old Gringo, the Middle.” He is graduate of lovely wife, terrific daughter, and Vibes, Stand and Deliver, Born in the American Center for Music gives his thanks to them and the East LA, Hold Me, Kiss Me, Thrill Theater and a founding member audience. Mr. Castillo is a proud Me and Kiss Me a Killer (for of Plaza de La Raza. Mr. Bolero member of Actors’ Equity. which he received a nomination is currently appearing in a movie for the Independent Spirit theater near you, as the MOVIET- MARCOS LOYA (Composer/Musi- Award) as well as Director Robert ICKETS.com spokesman. As al- cal Director/Ensemble) is an ac- Rodriguez’ Once Upon a Time in ways this is for my ANGELS on complished musician and com- Mexico. He scored and/or com- my shoulder. poser and a master of acoustic posed music for several plays, in- guitar. He is also adept on re- cluding the Los Angeles Theatre *SOL CASTILLO (Refugio/ Buz- quinto, jarrana, cuatro, 12- Center productions of La Victi- zard) returns to SCR for his sev- string, mandolin, electric guitar ma, August 29 (Drama Logue enth season in La Posada Mági- and various indigenous folk in- Award, Best Original Music),

P10 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • La Posada Mágica ERICA ORTEGA KEVIN SIFUENTES TIFFANY ELLEN SOLANO Mariluz/Mom Eli/Bones/Lauro Gracie

Stone Wedding (Los Angeles Latin Jazz Band. He dedicates Nati Cano of Los Comperos, and Drama Critics Circle Award nomi- his performance to his mother, in the Universal film Who Will nation) and most recently the Bertha Loya, and the memory of Sing the Songs starring Freddie Southwestern tour of Veteranos: his father, Arthur Loya, whose Fender and Vicki Carr. He per- A Legacy of Valor. His television courage and love remain a con- formed and recorded with Los work includes the musical scores stant source of inspiration. Perros del Pueblo Nuevo and for the PBS productions “Dreams Trio Los Cinco with Marcos Loya, of Flying,” “Elders,” “Between LORENZO MARTINEZ (Musician/ Mundo Armijo and Ray Islas. Friends” and “Los Pinateros.” His Ensemble) was raised with the The group performed Dia de Los music can be heard in the “Man- rich, culturally diverse music of Muertos and La Virgen del Tepey- gas” episode of the PBS series Los Angeles and has traveled and ac by Luis Valdez at the Japan “Foto Novela” for which he also performed throughout the South- Theatre, the opening ceremony composed the theme. He served west. He represented Chicano of Luis Valdez’ Bandido at Mark as musical director for Univision’s music in Paris with Lalo Guerrero Taper Forum and with Culture long-running “El Show de Paul and Flaco Jimenez. His educa- Clash in La Carpa at Mark Taper Rodriguez,” the Buenavista/Dis- tion includes Music Theory and Forum. He toured with The Four ney “Navidad en las Americas” Instrumental Studies at Cerritos Brown Hats theatre production of special, the ABC special “Latin College and UCLA’s Ethno Musi- Veteranos: A Legacy of Valor be- Nights” and NBC’s “Vida cology program with emphasis in tween 2002 and 2004. This year Awards.” Mr. Loya has per- Mariachi music. His vast musical he performed for the troops in formed and/or toured with a va- experience includes Tex-Mex, Iraq and Afghanistan with Los riety of performers including conjuntos, orquesta styles, mari- Tex Maniacs, a Texas based Placido Domingo, Linda Ronstadt achi, zydeco, jump blues, jazz, band. He performed through (with the Houston Symphony Or- jarocho, huasteco, nueva can- these countries for nine different chestra), Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, cion, trio romantico, early Cali- military bases. It was a life Lalo Guerrero, Chick Corea, fornia and Chicano movimiento changing experience to remem- Chaka Khan, Hugh Masekela, music. Other groups Mr. Mar- ber forever. Phillip Bailey, Stephen Stills, tinez has performed with include Vicki Carr, Luis Enrique and Jose Hermanos Baca and Lil Joe y La *MIGUEL NAJERA (Horacio). “I Feliciano. With Madonna, he Familia. He was part of the Mari- always look forward to doing La recorded “La Isla Bonita” and ap- achi concert Las Tres Voces de Posada Mágica. This will be my peared in the video. He can be Oro, backing Lucha Villa, Lola fifth year and hopefully I’ll be seen performing solo, with his Beltran and Miguel Aceves Meija. Horacio for many years to come.” acoustic ensemble Trio Los He performed with the UCLA A multi-talented artist, Mr. Najera Cinco, or with the Marcos Loya Mariachi under the direction of is a writer and director as well as

La Posada Mágica •SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P11 clude The Three Sisters at LATC, *TIFFANY ELLEN SOLANO (Gracie) People Like Me at Playwrights’ just completed performing in a Arena, He Who Gets Slapped at comedic spoof of “American Idol” Hudson Theatre, A Midsummer called “Dead Idol Live” which ran Night’s Dream and A Touch of the at Knotts Scary Farm’s Halloween Poet at Latino Classical Repertory, Haunt. Though she enjoyed por- This Land at California Youth traying Paula Abdul in the show, Theatre, The Old Matador at Ari- she is pleased to be returning to zona Theatre Company, The her dramatic roots for this produc- House of Bernarda Alba, Cross in tion at SCR. This will be the the Mirror and Fuenteovejuna at eighth year she has brought to life the Bilingual Foundation of the Octavio Solis’ beautiful character, Arts, as well as touring produc- a role that garnered her presti- tions with Will & Co. and Blue gious Young Artist’s Award for Palm. In addition, Ms. Ortega “Most Outstanding Young Per- TERESA VELARDE was a cast member and assistant former in Live Theatre.” La Posa- Caridad/Widow production manager for Kaiser da Mágica is very dear to her Permanente’s Educational The- heart and she is thrilled to be re- atre Programs for nine years. uniting with the talented cast and an actor. Currently he is working Film and television credits in- crew whom she genuinely loves on a feature film project with clude Panic, “The Division,” and considers family. Ms. Solano partners Yareli Arizmendi and “Strong Medicine,” “Air America,” has spent most of her life on Sergio Arau (A Day Without a “Babylon 5,” “The Pretender” and stage, beginning in musical the- Mexican). He has also written “Chicago Hope.” atre, and later performing in and will shoot a series of short straight plays and Shakespeare. films in the coming months. Last *KEVIN SIFUENTES (Eli/Bones/ She portrayed Ginya in Nine Ar- year his documentary, Dancing Lauro) returns to SCR for his fifth menians at Mark Taper Forum on the Edge, won the Outstand- season of La Posada Mágica. He and Denver Center Theatre, ing Documentary Award in Cana- also appeared last season in played Miranda in The Tempest at da. Founder of an independent SCR’s Theatre for Young Audi- the Los Angeles Theatre Center film company, Ce Acatl Produc- ences production of The Stinky and received critical acclaim for tions, he wrote and directed Cheese Man and Other Fairly her depiction of Anne in The CAP’s award-winning short film Stupid Tales. His stage credits in- Diary of Anne Frank. Other per- Libertad, which screened to criti- clude work with Mark Taper formances include lead roles in cal acclaim on WGBH Boston as Forum, Los Angeles Theatre Cen- David and Lisa, Brighton Beach part of its Latino film series. His ter, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Memoirs, West Side Story, Fiddler acting career in the industry has About Productions and Corner- on the Roof and Under the spanned over 30 years in film, stone Theater Company. Earlier Gaslight. Most recently, she has television and theatre. Recent this year he completed the tour also been seen performing at Dis- television credits include “The in the critically acclaimed show ney’s California Adventure 2000- Shield,” “CSI,” “24,” “Lincoln By The Hand Of The Father seat Hyperion Theatre as Jasmine Heights” and “Alias” among oth- which has traveled throughout in Aladdin — A Musical Spectacu- ers. Mr. Najera has an MFA in the U.S. and Canada. His acting lar. Though her heart is truly in Film, Theatre, and Television Di- career also includes numerous the theatre, she also enjoys film recting from the California Insti- projects in film, television and and music work. She is a proud tute of the Arts, received his BA national commercials. Currently, member of Actors’ Equity, SAG, in Drama from San Francisco Mr. Sifuentes is working on his AFTRA and AGVA. Film credits in- State University and attended the first short film as director, writer clude commercials, television American Conservatory Theater and producer. He gives special guest spots, industrials, interactive in San Francisco. thanks to his wife, family and videos and independent films. Ms. friends for their love, support, Solano dedicates her performances *ERICA ORTEGA (Mariluz/Mom) and daily funny anecdotes. He is in loving memory of her beloved appeared at SCR previously in a proud member of Actors’ Equi- grandmother and personal angel Scrappers. Theatre credits in- ty. Mary Ellen Quinn-Viszneki.

P12 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • La Posada Mágica *TERESA VELARDE (Caridad/ rector) is a playwright and direc- and Power, Living Out and Widow) returns to La Posada tor living in San Francisco. His Chavez Ravine at Mark Taper Mágica, where she originated works Man of the Flesh, Forum. Other regional design the roles of Mom and Mariluz. Prospect, El Paso Blue, Santos & work includes productions for She also appeared in SCR’s Man Santos, La Posada Mágica, El Guthrie Theater, Berkeley Reper- of the Flesh and has participated Otro, Dreamlandia, Bethlehem, tory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, in many of SCR’s Hispanic Play- Gibraltar, The Seven Visions of Oregon Shakespeare Festival, wrights Project readings. Ms. Encarnacion and The Ballad of The Goodman Theatre, Denver Velarde understudied the role of Pancho and Lucy have been Center Theatre Company, The Eponine in Les Miserables at the mounted at theatres nationwide. Children’s Theatre Company in Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles. Shiner, his collaborative project Minneapolis and Portland Center Some of her other theatrical with Erik Ehn, was mounted by Stage, among others. Mr. Acebo credits include leading roles in Undermain Theatre in Dallas. is an ensemble member of Cor- Latins Anonymous at San Diego His most recent project is Marfa nerstone Theater Company in Repertory Theatre; B.C. Historia, Lights, a new play written for Los Angeles. He received his produced by the Bilingual Foun- West Texas State A&M in MFA in design at the University dation of the Arts at the Los An- Canyon, Texas. Solis has re- of California, San Diego and is a geles Theatre Center; the award- ceived an NEA Playwriting Fel- past recipient of the NEA/TCG winning A Piece of My Heart at lowship, two playwriting grants fellowship for designers. International City Theatre; and from The Kennedy Center, the multiple roles in Happy Birth- Will Glickman Playwright SHIGERU YAJI (Costume Design) day, Angel, an anti-gang play Award, the 1998 TCG/NEA The- has designed costumes for over produced by SCR. Some of her atre Artists in Residence Grant, 50 SCR productions including starring television credits include the 1998 McKnight Fellowship most recently The Further Ad- “General Hospital,” “Hotel Mal- grant from The Playwrights’ ventures of Hedda Gabler, ibu,” “Days of Our Lives,” Center in Minneapolis and the Habeas Corpus, Cyrano de Berg- “Down the Shore,” “Sunset 2000-2001 National Theatre erac, Lovers and Executioners Beach,” “Empty Nest,” “Beverly Artists Residency Grant. His DV and the annual production of La Hills, 90210,” “The Bad Land,” feature film Prospect has Posada Mágica. His “Brother’s Keeper,” “Malcolm in screened at the Film Arts Festival other recent work has been seen the Middle” and “The Practice.” in San Francisco. Solis is a at Lincoln Center Theater, Yale Ms. Velarde has also appeared in member of the Dramatists Guild Repertory Theatre, Oregon films including The Addict, and an alum of New Dramatists. Shakespeare Festival, Corner- Choose Me, The People Under the stone Theater Company and San Stairs and Outbreak. She has MARCOS LOYA (Composer/Mu- Jose Repertory Theatre, as well leading roles in My Indian Sum- sical Director) See biography on as at Nashville Ballet. He is the mer, a CBS After School Special page P-11. recipient of numerous awards and Mi Casa Es Su Casa, an and recognitions, including six award-winning film produced by CHRISTOPHER ACEBO (Scenic Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle AFI. She is also a licensed ther- Design) designed The Further Awards and a Bay Area Theatre apist who works with adoles- Adventures of Hedda Gabler last Critics Circle Award, as well as cents and adults. She has two season; the world premieres of an Emmy Award nomination for handsome sons, Justin and The Beard of Avon, Hold Please Cathy Rigby’s Peter Pan. Mr. Lucas, and has been married to and California Scenarios; the Yaji is a member of the United drummer David Page for 21 West Coast premiere of The Scenic Artists Local 829 and the years. She wishes to thank her Countess; and the annual pro- UC Irvine Drama Department family and friends and wishes duction of La Posada Mágica at faculty. everyone a blessed holiday sea- SCR. Recent productions in- son. Feliz Navidad! clude the world premieres of LONNIE RAFAEL ALCARAZ The Clean House at Yale Reper- (Lighting Design) is an Associate PLAYWRIGHT, DIRECTOR tory Theatre and the current Professor at UC Irvine and a & DESIGNERS production at Lincoln Center professional lighting designer. Theater, Electricidad at The He has designed at various re- OCTAVIO SOLIS (Playwright/Di- Goodman Theatre and Water gional theatre houses, such as

La Posada Mágica •SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P13 SCR, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, ues to choreograph productions PAM AND JIM MUZZY (Hon- Sierra Repertory Theatre, Arena for professional theatres such as orary Producers) are one of SCR’s Stage, Laguna Playhouse, Alaba- SCR, Playwrights Horizons, The most enthusiastic couples, and ma Shakespeare Festival and Goodman Theatre, International this season they are helping Utah Shakespearean Festival. In City Theatre and others. “Profes- brighten the holidays as under- addition to his twelve seasons sor K” has directed Grammy writers of La Posada Mágica, the with La Posada Mágica, shows at nominee Bobby Rodriguez in A Magical Journey. Strong sup- SCR include Blue Door, Man from Latin Jazz Christmas Show and is porters of adventurous theatre, Nebraska, Bunnicula, The Hobo- currently working on the musical the Muzzys have twice under- ken Chicken Emergency, Play review The Tribute with Crissy written world premieres at South Strindberg, Dimly Perceived Guerrero and Dave Foley. She Coast Repertory, the 2005 pro- Threats to the System, Sidney continues work in videography duction of Princess Marjorie and Bechet Killed a Man (for which and design. As always, it is a last season’s The Further Adven- he received a Drama-Logue pleasure to be back with the SCR tures of Hedda Gabler. They are Award), BAFO, Later Life and family. Happy Holidays! major donors to the Next Stage Three Viewings. He designed Campaign, Platinum Circle mem- Culture Clash’s The Birds at both *JAMIE A. TUCKER (Stage Manag- bers and subscribers to both SCR and Berkeley Repertory The- er) completed his MFA in Dance, stages as well as the Theatre for atre, along with their national specializing in Stage Manage- Young Audiences series. That’s touring show, Radio Mambo, ment, at UCI in 1994. He has enthusiasm! which has been seen in Los An- stage managed Nothing Sacred, geles, San Diego, San Francisco, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, TARGET (Corporate Producer) has Arizona, New York, Seattle and Bunnicula, Hitchcock Blonde, held out a corporate hand to SCR Washington, DC. Recent design The Real Thing, six seasons of La once again by underwriting the experience includes Lethe, I Ask Posada Mágica, A View from the holiday production La Posada You, Farewell to Manzanar and Bridge, Lovers and Executioners, Mágica, the Magical Journey. Waking Up In Lost Hills with Cor- Intimate Exchanges, Relatively Target’s partnership with SCR nerstone Theater Company; and Speaking and the West Coast pre- and Orange County children Utah Shakespearean Festival’s mieres of Anna in the Tropics, goes back to 1986 and includes 2006 summer season of shows: The Carpetbagger’s Children, The underwriting of the Young Con- Hamlet, The Merry Wives of Clean House and The Retreat servatory Players, The Target Windsor and Antony & Cleopatra. from Moscow. He also stage Tour of original plays to under- He was also a designer for Uni- managed the world premieres of served schools, ‘A Dickens of A versal Studios, Japan, where he Richard Greenberg’s The Violet Day’ holiday fundraiser, Festival designed the live shows Termina- Hour, Rolin Jones’ The Intelligent Latino and the Theatre Discovery tor 2 in 3D, and Monster Make- Design of Jenny Chow and Noah Project. Last season, the compa- up, the attractions Jurassic Park Haidle’s Mr. Marmalade. He ny made a generous grant to es- the Ride and Snoopy Studios, worked as SCR’s stage manager tablish the “Target Family Perfor- along with exterior architectural for the Second Stage productions mances” of selected Theatre for facades throughout the park. He of The Dazzle, True West, Play Young Audiences and La Posada is a member of the United Scenic Strindberg, the world premiere of Mágica performances for families Artist/IATSE - Local 829. But Not for Me and the Pacific at significantly reduced prices. Playwrights Festival workshop “At Target, we are making a real LINDA KOSTALIK (Choreogra- production of Landlocked. He difference every day through our pher) is a retired Professor from has worked as assistant stage community partnerships with or- the Theatre Arts and Dance De- manager on the Mainstage pro- ganizations like SCR,” said Laysha partment at Cal State Los Angeles ductions of A Naked Girl on the Ward, Vice President, Communi- and has worked extensively with Appian Way, New England, Our ty Relations, Target. “The Target the award-winning Los Angeles Town and Arcadia and the Sec- Family Performances give fami- County High School of the Arts ond Stage productions of BAFO lies a great opportunity to experi- as choreographer for the Musical and Three Days of Rain. Mr. ence theatrical entertainment at Theatre Ensemble. Her career as Tucker has worked at Long an affordable cost.” dancer, choreographer and edu- Beach Civic Light Opera on No, cator spans 40 years. She contin- No, Nanette, Can-Can, A Chorus

P14 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • La Posada Mágica Line, The King and I and Man of Orange Coast College, he re- for Outstanding Resident Profes- La Mancha. If you can’t find him ceived his BA and MA from San sional Theatre and won the 1995 in the theatre, he is likely to be Francisco State University, and Theatre LA Ovation Award for on the diamond or riding his his PhD in theatre and film from Lifetime Achievement. Mr. Ben- bike down PCH. USC. son received his BA in Theatre from San Francisco State Univer- DAVID EMMES (Producing Artis- MARTIN BENSON (Artistic Direc- sity. tic Director) is co-founder of tor), co-founder of SCR with his SCR. He has received numerous colleague David Emmes, has di- PAULA TOMEI (Managing Direc- awards for productions he has di- rected nearly one third of the tor) is responsible for the overall rected during his SCR career, in- plays produced here. He has administration of South Coast cluding a Los Angeles Drama distinguished himself in the stag- Repertory and has been Manag- Critics Circle Award for the direc- ing of contemporary work, in- ing Director since 1994. A mem- tion of George Bernard Shaw’s cluding William Nicholson’s The ber of the SCR staff since 1979, The Philanderer. He directed the Retreat from Moscow, the world she has served in a number of world premieres of Amy Freed’s premiere of Horton Foote’s Get- administrative capacities includ- Safe in Hell, The Beard of Avon ting Frankie Married — and Af- ing Subscriptions Manager, Busi- and Freedomland, Thomas terwards and the critically ac- ness Manager and General Man- Babe’s Great Day in the Morning, claimed California premiere of ager. She served on the board of Keith Reddin’s Rum and Coke Nicholson’s Shadowlands. He Theatre Communications Group and But Not for Me and Neal has won accolades for his direc- (TCG), the service organization Bell’s Cold Sweat; the American tion of five major works by for theatre, from 1998-2006 and premieres of Terry Johnson’s Un- George Bernard Shaw, including was its President for four years. suitable for Adults and Joe Pen- the Los Angeles Drama Critics She has also served as Treasurer hall’s Dumb Show; the West Coast Circle (LADCC) Award-winners of TCG, Vice President of the premieres of C.P. Taylor’s Good Major Barbara, Misalliance and League of Resident Theatres and Harry Kondoleon’s Christ- Heartbreak House. Among his (LORT) and has been a member mas on Mars; and the Southland numerous world premieres is of the LORT Negotiating Commit- premiere of Top Girls (at SCR and Margaret Edson’s Pulitzer Prize- tee for industry-wide union the Westwood Playhouse). Other winning Wit, which he also di- agreements. In addition, she rep- productions include the West rected at Seattle Repertory The- resents SCR at national confer- Coast premieres of Three View- atre and the Alley Theatre in ences of TCG and LORT; is a the- ings by Jeffrey Hatcher, The Se- Houston. He has directed Ameri- atre panelist for the National En- cret Rapture by David Hare and can classics including Ah, Wilder- dowment for the Arts and the New England by Richard Nelson; ness!, A Streetcar Named Desire, California Arts Council (CAC), and Arcadia by Tom Stoppard, A Delicate Balance and A View and site visitor for the CAC; The Importance of Being Earnest from the Bridge. Mr. Benson has served on the Advisory Commit- by Oscar Wilde, Ayckbourn’s received the LADCC Distin- tee for the Arts Administration Woman in Mind and You Never guished Achievement in Direct- Certificate Program at the Univer- Can Tell by George Bernard ing awards an unparalleled seven sity of California, Irvine; and has Shaw, which he restaged for the times for the three Shaw produc- been a guest lecturer in the grad- Singapore Festival of Arts. He tions, John Millington Synge’s uate school of business at Stan- has served as a theatre panelist Playboy of the Western World, ford and the University of Califor- and onsite evaluator for the Na- Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, Sally nia, Irvine. She graduated from tional Endowment for the Arts, Nemeth’s Holy Days and Wit. He the University of California, on the Executive Committee of also directed the film version of Irvine with a degree in Eco- the League of Resident Theatres, Holy Days using the original SCR nomics and pursued an addition- and as a panelist for the Califor- cast. Along with Emmes, he ac- al course of study in theatre and nia Arts Council. After attending cepted SCR’s 1988 Tony Award dance.

The Actors and Stage Managers em- The Scenic, Costume, Lighting and The Director is a member of the So- ployed in this production are mem- Sound Designers in LORT theatres ciety of Stage Directors and Chore- bers of Actors’ Equity Association, the are represented by United Scenic ographers, Inc., an independent na- Union of Professional Actors and Artists Local USA-829, IATSE. tional labor union. Stage Managers in the United States.

La Posada Mágica •SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P15 P16 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • La Posada Mágica