Mother Knows Best: A moment in the woods with Pamela Garcia Langton

Today we spend a moment in the woods with Pamela Garcia Langton! Many will remember Pamela from her performance as the fiery Camila in last years In the Heights. This year she plays a very different type of mother - one she was surprised to find she had more in common with then she previously had thought.

 

When I auditioned for this show I knew who my favorite characters were and that out of all the characters, I probably would not want to be Jack's Mother.  She's not attractive, she is a nag, she's grouchy and well, no one really ever likes her.  Guess what, I got Jack's Mother.

Now, I have seen Into the Woods about a million times, no exaggeration, but it wasn't until I started working with Adam that I am seeing Jack's Mother in a different light.  And it is scary!!  All of this time I never thought of her as real person with real feelings and problems, just some fairy tale old lady who yells a lot and wears bad clothes.  But she is and worse, she is a little too much like me!!

Now let me explain, I am not too bad looking, I am not a nag or grouchy all of the time and I think people like me.  But, she and I have had similar experiences that have made us the people we are.  Like Jack's Mother, I too was a single mother.  After reviewing the show again, this time with a different eye, I imagine she has gone through similar things as me and is the way she is because of those things. 

For instance, maybe she fell in love with the bad boy of the neighborhood, followed her heart, made some bad choices and became pregnant.  Upon finding out she was with child, he left her to deal with the problem. She may have been made to believe that it was shameful to have a child without a husband.  She was terribly hurt that she lost most of her friends because they were disappointed in her. She might have been humiliated by the fact that she was not allowed to have a baby shower because unwed mothers didn't deserve to celebrate the birth of their child, so she had to dress her baby in hand me downs and thrift store clothes and use old strollers and yard sale items for her nursery.  Her siblings may have expressed to her what a loser she was and that she was never going to amount to anything because she was stupid enough to get pregnant at age 21.  Eventually, she may have even felt it was the biggest mistake of her life to have a child and so after a while she started resenting Jack and took to alcohol and other things to be able to cope.

I did experience all of those things, luckily, the latter didn’t.  I fought hard to prove to everyone I was going to become something, I could raise my child alone and I survived slightly wounded by my experience.  Without going through any more detail, let me just say it was the roughest time in my life and I apologize to my beautiful daughter, Kelly, if I ever made her feel like I resented her or didn't want to be a mother.  I love her with all of my heart and soul and wouldn't give up being her mother for anything in this world.  If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be the woman that I am today, she is so very special and I owe her my life!!

 

Jack's Mother however has yet to learn to cope with all of it.  She has never gotten over the fact that she had little support from family and friends, especially not Jack's Father.  She hasn't gotten past the humiliation and shame and has become sad, powerless and unable to truly see the beauty in having a child and being a mother.  It isn't until she thinks she is going to lose him that she realizes how lucky she is to have this child and her love for him is stronger and worth more than Golden Eggs or Singing Harps.

We can all learn a great lesson from this.  When things don’t go how you have planned, don’t cry about it, fight to survive and know everything happens for a reason. Be grateful for every day that you are alive and for all of the people in your life.  Love your family; be there for your children. Take every experience as a lesson, make the most of everyday and be thankful for everything God hands you. 

Jeremy Coca, Aigner Mathis, and Pamela Garcia Langton
star in Artes de la Rosa's
INTO THE WOODS

A Baker is more than just bread... or so Joshua Sherman Tells Us.

Joshua Sherman
Twitter: @JShermanActor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joshua.sherman.actor

Today we spend some moments in the woods with Joshua Sherman who is returning to the stage at the Rose Marine as the Baker. Many may remember Joshua for his show stopping vocal performance in IN THE HEIGHTS or his chilling take on Central American Military Politics in THE FIFTH SUN. In our production of INTO THE WOODS, Joshua shows us a tender side that has many people questioning the heroism under his submissive demeanor.

A Baker is more than just bread...

...Is he a hero or just a baker?

he·ro
hi(ə)rō
noun
1. a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities

That is the definition of 'hero' word for word. So... feminist, don't be angry! Besides, you gals have heroine. The word. Not the drug... Well, that went downhill quickly; such is a hero's life.

Much like The Baker in Stephen Sondheim’s classical hit musical 'Into The Woods'. It seems like everything The Baker does in this high energy musical puts himself in harm’s way. Not only his physical well-being but within himself as well.

Joshua as The General in The Fifth Sun

It's hard to say if he is a hero or not. I mean, by definition listed above... he's not very heroic. He shows some courage but he is not idealized for it!  He has some achievements, and I say they are rather outstanding! But... he didn't reach his achievements alone. In fact, he wouldn't be able to do much alone!

And as for noble qualities... He's a baker! His father and mother, who died in a baking accident, were merely bakers before him. No nobility there.

By definition The Baker is no hero.

That being said; I believe he is a Hero. Just, not in the traditional sense. The Baker doesn't save the day. He doesn't fight off evil with his abilities to make cakes and pastries. (Which are very good, mind you.) He doesn't wear a spandex suit and don a cape and mask to gallivant around the woods or

Joshua Sherman & Lorens Portalatin starred as
Nina & Benny in Artes de la Rosa's In the Heights

village looking for crimes to solve! But what he does do is much more important. He chooses not to run away. He chooses to make his own happiness, to forge his own path in life surrounded by people he cares about, when things are at rock bottom. His super-strength comes not in the form of being able to lift  a tree from the ground but rather being able to pick himself up after being shattered completely; Gluing himself back together and filling in the missing pieces with reflections of what he's lost.... and then some! And we all know how difficult that can be sometimes.

This is the beauty of fairy tales. (Especially the Grimm Fairy Tales that Into The Woods is based on.) That there is evil in this world and sometimes, evil wins. Think about it; Snow White takes that bite. Little Red Ridinghood strays from her path. Jack steals from the giant. The big bad wolf destroys the houses of the first two piggies. But, with that in mind; if you just persevere, if you just keep on going through the woods and all of the bad, if you consciously make the choice to get your happily ever after… You’ll get it. It might not be what you had originally thought it to be. But it’ll be there. That’s what The Baker does.

He is a hero…he is the hero of his own life.

Alden Bowers Price and Joshua Sherman star in
INTO THE WOODS
February 21st - March 16th
PHOTO BY MARK MAYR

The Journey to Finding Nina... Lorens Portalatin reflects on the role of a lifetime

My journey to Nina began my senior year of high school. You know, the year that everyone is trying to find their perfect college and university and money to pay for it all? Well, I was looking for myself... AND a full time job but that was the least of my worries. My final year I had officially started vocal training for the very first time and was completely enamored with music. The notes, the sounds, the vocabulary... All of it was entrancing and it made me want to become a better singer and performer so that people could love music as much as I do.

 

Anyway, I was introduced to In The Heights by my vocal teacher at the time, Kelly Himes, who was convinced that I was NOT a Second Alto but that I was indeed a First Soprano. This blew my mind. For my entire life I had been thinking that I was only meant to sing lower vocal parts, but here this soprano songbird was telling me that I have the ability to make my vocal range soar beyond what I knew. She handed me multiple pages of sheet music to add to my repertoire and Breathe was one of the few song selections. I listened to the entire soundtrack to Heights and fell in love. From Nina’s concern about her parents, to Vanessa trying to get out of the Heights, to Sonny who just wants a future for himself and the Barrio… I loved them all.

The characters, the storyline, the music. It was like listening being able to go back home to Puerto Rico and listen to my Abuela tell a story about her childhood. Or to have my cousins rap to me in the middle of the street. Heights hit so close to home that it hurt and I knew that I someday had to be a part of this production. Playing Nina became my dream role and I hadn’t let the thought go since first listening to the original cast recording all the way through.

 

When I found out that ADLR was putting on Heights I went straight to work and decided that I had to choose the perfect song and the perfect arrangement and just be perfect. I had worked on my song, Kerrigan & Lowdermilk’s How To Return Home, a million times with my now vocal teacher, Kristin Spires, who is brilliant, helped me learn new tricks to make my singing seem flawless and easy. She’s helping me extend my vocal range even further with each lesson and with every lesson she learned just how much I really wanted Nina.

 

I truly didn’t understand how badly I wanted Nina until I had my audition… I had been preparing for it for months and here was the moment that I got to sing and pretty much say, “OK, You want a Nina? You’ve got her.”  I stepped up to the stage after having my name called and handed Kristin my music and stepped center. And... I left it all on the stage. Emotionally, physically, mentally. All I ever had thought about being Nina, or how to get into The Heights, or anything that I possibly emotionally felt about the show hit me all at once and I was a singing mess. Somehow I got to callbacks and left the rest of me there. Between the love, bonding and fierceness at the callbacks I just knew that ANY ONE of these girls could get to play the role I dreamed of and that at that moment I was happy just being a part of the process.

 

And of course my life changed whenever I was offered the role of Nina.. There were tears and hugs and the obligatory call to my mom saying how excited I was. Being cast as Nina is a dream come true in SO many different ways. Not only do I get to play my own ethnicity for the first time in my musical theatre career, but I also get to explore being a lead role for the first time as my dream role. So NO PRESSURE. Sometimes I just have to remember that it’s just me “and the GWB” and that I just need to “breathe” because whatever happens now I know I can handle it. I’m ready and I KNOW the cast is just as nervous and ready as I am. Together I hope that we show DFW that you don’t HAVE to go to Dallas to see incredible live theatre! To some people it’s right in their own backyard! So come and see this show cause I KNOW you won’t wanna miss it! #NoPareSigueSigue #InTheHeightsFW #JustBreathe

Getting Cast! Members of the Ensemble reflect on being cast in IN THE HEIGHTS

Today we spend time with three different cast members as they share with us what it was like for them to not only audition, but be cast in what is the biggest show to hit Fort Worth in some time!

AIGNER MATHIS - Now I'm Artes de la Rosa Too!

My heart thumped so loudly in my chest when I first walked into the dance call backs for the Artes de la Rosa production of In The Heights, I was sure everyone else could hear it. Looking around I saw so many young, handsome, beautiful (and extremely flexible) talented performers, so I did what any other person would do: sat down, stretched along with them & decided that since I had shown up,

I might as well show out! It came to no surprise that everyone else had the exact same thought!

 

A week later, I walked into the theatre for the first cast meeting and was stunned! Instantly, Adam's arms were crushing me in an enormous hug while other hands and arms quickly replaced his. I have never been received with such warmth in my life. If it had not been for the name tags everyone wore, there would have been no way to distinguish who was a lead and who was in the ensemble. Faces blended together so easily, and laughter rang from every where in the room.

It was clear during introductions that the cast was filled with enough personality to fill the stage every night for the next year and still have more left over for another six months. Each and every person chosen was cast perfectly! Almost everyone already embodied the essence of their characters, no script needed. I knew then that the show would be easy (not to be confused: nothing would be easy about rehearsals; "Go home, get on a treadmill & sing your butts off" Adam told us) but easy in a sense of community, friendships, and the family spirit.

 

Later, while watching the PBS documentary on the history of the Rose Marine Theatre, I was incredibly educated and inspired. Suddenly being apart of In the Heights was about much more than having fun at rehearsals and being able to add something to my resume. I realized the importance of the show and how it would effect the community. I wasn't just an actress anymore…I was Artes de la Rosa, and much like everyone else I was one step closer to finding home.

 Theatrically Yours,
Aigner Mathis

KEVIN ACOSTA - It's Just Starting to Sink In

So I want to be completely open and honest. Before I had been cast or even heard about the auditions, let alone really know how big of a deal this show was in general, I had never even heard a song from the show.

     

I literally remember YEARS before in 2008 when the show opened and exploded into the phenomenal show that it is, I had every person in choir who even remotely liked good music and theatre bumping these CDs and knowing every word about some new musical called “In The Heights”. I’m pretty sure I had three different people: 1) ask me if I had heard about the show, (2 be shocked that I hadn’t, and (3 proceeded to burn me a copy of the original Broadway soundtrack within the following days. Unfortunately, for me, I would never get around to listening to the soundtrack.
     

So when I heard about the auditions for the show I was more than a little disappointed in myself for never taking the time to listen to them. I went into auditions knowing the very basics: It was a show pretty much for Hispanic people AND the leads RAPPED. I was sold. Callbacks were ridiculous! With more than 50 of the most talented people around and most of them knowing the show like the back of their hand, I was more than a little intimidated. Not to mention being at a new theatre that I had never been to. It was, if you’ll go there with me, a Leap of Faith.
     

But as fate would have it, none of that would matter cause I would be cast in the show despite all of that. I was beyond ecstatic to hear that I would be a part of this amazing show with an amazing (and also really, really, really ridiculously good looking) cast!
     

So after we found out we were cast we had be secretive about it and not tell a soul. And while we waited to be able to tell everybody our amazing news, I watched videos from the show and kept tabs on Director Adam Adolfo and what he would next reveal to us let alone to the world. I kept discovering a little more about the show here and there through clips and people just letting me know what they know.

Then all of a sudden one day I woke up and we’re on the Broadwayworld.com.

 That’s when it really started sinking in.

But what really got me was our Cast Greet & Meet. I, of course, was still working when it started and would arrive, fashionably, 45 minutes late. I was greeted with the most, legit, warm welcome from the cast and we started our meeting. In 4 hours, Adam Adolfo would help change my outlook on not only the show, but on topics IN MY LIFE that I can genuinely say that he has helped changed for the better. I would learn about the history of Artes De La Rosa; where it came from, what it stands for, and how as a young Hispanic what it means to the community and myself. It would give you a sense of pride for the journey that we would begin to embark on whether you were Hispanic or not.
      

I would get to watch a documentary about the original cast’s journey up to opening night. A journey that will be, without a doubt, just as intimate and special to everyone involved in this production. And last but not least, we come to this night. The night that I would actually sit down at my computer and listen to the soundtrack all the way through while I followed along in my libretto. All I can say is wow. It’s cheesy and they say it ain’t easy being cheesy but I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job so far. I was in tears by the end of the Finale.
    

Everything just makes sense when you know more about it, you know? After getting know the little I, MYSELF, know about the show and what it means to this theater and what it meant to Lin-Manuel Miranda, I can proudly say that I have never been more excited about a show than I am now about this show.

Thank you Adam. Thank you for giving us this chance to be apart of something so special and so much bigger than ourselves!

BENICKA JANAEE GRANT - "Dreams Do Come True!"

Getting cast in In The Heights was such a shock. I had no idea what In The Heights even was when I was told about the audition. A friend of mine, Michael Sylvester who is playing Graffiti Pete, told me that the play was Urban and that they needed some dancers. I said “Oh what the heck, Ill go for it. What I didn’t know was that I would have to sing. I am NOT a singer…..AT ALL! I was mortified. “What the hell had I gotten myself in to??” The day of the singing audition I was terrified. I was shaking and sweating like I never had before. Thank God that once I got on stage to sing, I just had to sing for the pianist and just do a few scales. The next day, I went in to the dance audition and gave it 110 percent. I had to show the production team that I may not be a great singer but I can dance my butt off. I wanted to leave the audition knowing that even if I didn’t get cast, I did something I’ve never done before; I sang at an audition and gave my absolute best in both the dance and singing portion.

The next day, March 12, 2013 at 12:58 pm, I received the email, letting me know that I had been cast in In the Heights. “Are you kidding me right now?” was the first thought to come to my head. I read the email a couple of times to make sure it said what I thought it did. YEP, it did! I wanted to get on Facebook and let the world know the great news, but I couldn’t.  In the mean time, I researched all I could about In the Heights so I knew what kind of musical I had gotten myself in to.  Finally, on March 21, it had been announced on Facebook that the Ft. Worth production of In the Heights was revealed on Broadwayworld.com. NO FREAKING WAY!! That’s when it really hit me. The feeling you get when you see your name on a website like Broadwayworld.com, is indescribable.  I began to cry. For me, this was huge. I had never been in a real Broadway show.  “Would I be able to do this?” “Did I make the right decision by accepting the offer?” “Is this right for me?” “Am I ready for this challenge?’……………….YES!

In 23 years of my life, I would have never thought that I would be doing a musical and actually singing in it. I had always been just a dancer. Everyday, I thank Michael Sylvester for telling me about the audition. He has motivated me and become a mentor and an amazing friend throughout this process. I look forward to working with a truly gifted cast of people. I am so blessed, honored and humbled. I know the road to this production will not be easy. There will be many tears and lots of days when I tell myself I can’t do and want to give up, but I will keep going and become a better performer and a better person after it is over with. DFW better get ready for us! The cast of In the Heights is coming with a vengeance. #dreamsdocometrue

 

 

 

 

The Article referenced on Broadway.com can be found by CLICKING HERE.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: Matt Randsell Jr. talks on dreams realized...

Over the next 6 weeks we will get to know members of the cast of IN THE HEIGHTS which is recieving it's Fort Worth debut this May at the Rose Marine Theatre. Today we spend time blogging with Matt "Superman" Randsell, Jr. who will be starring as Usnavi, the hip hop bodega owner of Washington Heights.

 

"Personally, I feel like there’s a task we all have to do as people before we truly decide what we plan to do with our lives. Since our younger days, people harp on us about “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, they preach to us about setting goals and how to plan, they also encourage us to dream big and to shoot for the stars. However somewhere along the line, we have to decide for ourselves if any of these things are even related or applicable. I mean sure, they all sound positive, and progressive, but how do they work, which ones matter more, and which are even possible. See, some of us are lucky, we have a dream and we’re on a one-way street to that destination with all of the support and encouragement we could ask for, and that’s pretty cool. However, I think most of us, myself, didn’t find it that easy. You see, to me, dreams seemed fictional, they were something to keep my imagination flowing, but not necessarily something to invest much into. I had dreams of spot lights, autograph signings, applause, however when I was asked “What do you want to be?” my answers ranged from lawyers, to teachers, to broadcast journalist. Dreams were unrealistic, and due to an environment that discourages the unrealistic, and encourages the possible, the mediocre, I started applying myself more to my simple goals than to my dreams. Excelling in general courses such as English, history, geography, and athletics, seemed more necessary than taking theatre, art, or music classes seriously. See, I truly believe that my teachers, and parents, they were right in encouraging me to follow the safe path, the secure path. I mean, realistically it’s a lot less scary, and a lot less bumpy of a ride. And for the most part, I stuck with the plan, the goals seemed more obtainable and spoke to me, louder than the dreams did. Dreaming was fun, but it was never clear, it never seemed obtainable. Then there’s this moment, most performers know what I’m talking about, when I say this moment that defines your passion for what you do. Something happens, you see, hear, try something that makes you feel as if you just woke up for the first time, your senses crisper than ever. Some call it, their calling, but as the moment I saw Lin Manuel Miranda rapping at the Tony awards, this whole “dream” of mine, seemed possible. Seemed realistic. Now don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t my intention to put all of my eggs in this basket, however there didn’t seem to be an alternative. Nothing seemed as fulfilling, or rewarding. Performing now, auditioning, traveling, rehearsing, had a different taste to it. It was undeniable. I was officially packed up and on the path, and by then, there was no turning back." - Matt Ransdell Jr. #Usnavi #InTheHeightsFW

 

Matt is a particularly interesting and inspiring young man and no stranger to the Heights having been called back for the role of Usnavi on Broadway, and both National Tours, he is incredibly honored to be officially cast as his dream role for the first time ever in his home state of Texas. Matt's journey on that audition was documented on the online series JOURNEYME. See it below.

 

 

MYSTERIES OF MARIA; Inside Artes de la Rosa's Maria De Buenos Aires - BLOG 6 - What IS a musical operetta tango ballet?

Today we blog with actress Lorens Portalatin who plays Alma, The Voice of the Brothel... one of the two youngest members of the cast, Lorens is proving to be quite a fierce company member! You'll have to see what we mean when the show opens May 11th at the Rose Marine Theater. You can be sure that you'll be seeing more of her on stage at Artes de la Rosa!

Lorens Portalatin with JP Cano

What IS a musical operetta tango ballet?

Whenever I first recieved the Facebook audition event invite for Maria de Buenos Aires I skimmed through it and disregarded it, thinking that someone would consider me either too young or unexperienced for this type of production. But after really going through and reading the description of the show, and hearing through the wording how passionate, and intense, and how physical the show was going to be, I just knew I had to be a part of it.

While reading the synopsis I knew that nothing like this had ever been done in Texas and that peaked my interest even more! A musical, operetta, tango ballet, that is NOT a musical, operetta, tango ballet... Honestly? What does that even mean?

I went through the audition process, was fortunate enough to be called back and then was cast as the Alma, the Voice of the Brothel. And in knowing that I was one of the two youngest in the show I knew that I could learn and experience so much from this production. Between the cast, dancers and production staff I have truly seen how much work and time and thought has gone into this entire process. From the storyline, to the characters to the very point or flex of a dancer's foot. It's going to be a marvelous monster within itself. Full of love, hate, anger, jealousy and every other deadly sin that you never knew could be portrayed in such a sensual and unseeingly beautiful way.

While being in rehearsal with the cast, crew and Adam (director), we've had the show broken down piece by piece, and all the way down to the heart of the story. The music. Astor Piazolla, wrote a show that did not have to be physically interpreted or represented. The story line drives the music, where it's going and where your mind takes you.

This is going to be a production that the audience walks out knowing and what we were portraying and telling them about Maria and her choices. They have never seen anything like it and it will be unforgettable

The Grapes of Wrath; A Moment with Actress Laura L. Watson

Over the next two weeks we will be spending time with members of the cast of The Grapes of Wrath; A Living Scrapbook as they prep for the WORLD PREMIERE production this March 28th at Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center for the Arts. Today we spend time with actress, collegue, and friend, Laura L. Watson.


Not many people know this about me, but I was born in Oklahoma. My entire extended family lives in and around McAlester, Oklahoma. We work as butchers, bakers, shop owners, newspaper men, housewives, at the ammunition plant, but primarily we are ranchers and farmers.
As word travels through the grapevine that I am, in fact, part of this commissioned production of The Grapes of Wrath (thanks to Adam Adolfo, Texas Wesleyan, and the National Endowment for the Arts for making this production possible as part of The Big Read), my family echoes the same sentiment: My acting career must be hitting an all time low to be a part of anything by Steinbeck.
“Steinbeck never lived in Oklahoma.”
“He heard a few stories and then made up one, and people believed it.”
“We don’t talk like that. Nobody does. People from Oklahoma were educated, Christians - we are good people. But no one who’s read that book thinks so.”
“That book is still banned. My kids won’t read it.”
My family stayed in Oklahoma and held on during the Dust Bowl’s Great Depression. They are a proud people who work hard and never, ever give up.
I remember reading The Grapes of Wrath in high school. I hated it - as I should.
Now, I’m reading it as a Texan, as an actor, as an historian, and as a journalist. Though I see my family’s point, I’m also beginning to see everyone else’s reasons for calling it a great American novel.
So, here I am: an Oklahoma-born Texan diving into the bowels of The Grapes of Wrath. And though I can pick the book apart, I see the heart of it - the heart of a peple who refuse to quit. He captured the spirit of Oklahomans. I know these people.
Adam calls this production his book report on The Grapes of Wrath - NOT his adaptation. We are here to make people want to read this book. And, as we make this living book report come alive - complete with anticipation, preparation, birth pains, and (hopefully) the overwhelming celebration when we hear a new life take its first triumphant breath - I am bringing my entire family and our history into the delivery room with me. Though they refuse to support Steinbeck’s work, my family will be on the stage with me.
As part of this diverse cast (including Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Chicanos, Germans, British, and so forth), I will attempt to capture my Oklahoma spirit - the pride, the strength, and the refusal to quit until the work is done. That is what jumped out at me during the first rehearsal: All anyone wanted during the Great Depression was to WORK. To earn their keep, to feed their family and take care of their own. To hold their head up high. I sat up with pride as I realized this was the American spirit of this time - just let me work. (Where is this attitude today? Oh, my, THAT is another blog for another show.) My family may see this as a low point in my acting career, but at least I’m working. And they are proud of me for that.

Q&A with Lee Castro!

Today spend some time with Lee Castro who plays Abuela in the upcoming production of ELECTRCIDAD recieving it's regional premiere at Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center for the Arts!

Q & A with Lee Castro
• Born & Raised: San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Education: Associated Degree Paralegal, Applied Art Degree in Performing Arts.
• Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
• Audition Song: Big Spender
• First Play/Musical You Ever Saw: La Charca (The Pond) de Manuel Zeno Gandia.
• Must See TV Show: Modern Family, Game of Thrones, & Dexter.
• Why you work in theatre: Theater is magic, anything can happen, you just become whatever character you wish and your on for a free ride.
• First Role: Adela in The House of Bernarda Alba by Federico Garcia Lorca
• Favorite Play: Los Cuentos de Juan Bobo.
• Pop Culture Guilty Pleasure: American Idol, Project Runway, Chopped.
• Pre Show Rituals: Open Chakra's; pray be in peace, in harmony with all staff and cast, I need everybody’s energy - I cannot do it alone.
• Any Theatre Superstitions: Respect the Theater no matter how old, new, humble or state of art. They have a lot of Characters born and died in the Theater because of the energy that the actor gives to them and sometimes they are still around. I believe in Energy because you are open when you gave life to them.
• Something you're REALLY bad at: Math. I'm nothing with out a calculator.
• Stage or screen stars of the past you would most have loved to perform with: Barbara Stanwyck or Robert Moose.
• Music that makes you cry, any genre: I love all kind the music, but Evanescence "woke me up inside" and " Immortal"
• Last book you read: Realiza tu suenos/ Realize your Dreams
• Last good movie you saw: The Help.
• Favorite liquid refreshment: Super Cold Beer. (Dos X, Negra Modelo, Coors light and Presidente).
• Most challenging stage role you've performed: The one I'm working on right now!
• Three things you can't live without: Music, On Demand, and Hot Comb.
• Best thing about Fort Worth & the North Side: Culture, History, architecture, old buildings and of course, the people.


*Photos by Shannon Atkinson

Inside Electricidad with Cesar Hernandez!

Today we play Q&A with actor Cesar Hernandez who plays Nino from the upcoming production of ELECTRICIDAD by Luis Alfaro.

CESAR HERNANDEZ


· Born & Raised: El Paso, TX

· Education: A little in Chuco, a little in Austin, & a little bit here in the Metroplex.

· Zodiac Sign: Born in the year of the Dragon! (also a Capricorn)

· Must See TV Show; Dexter, Breaking Bad, Epitafios.

· Why you work in theatre: It's a great feeling to lose yourself on stage...teatro is a rewarding way to reach the community and stay grounded in your roots.

· First Role: Don't remember the character's name but it was the guy who gets the plate of sardines glued to his hand and loses his pants in Noises Off.

· Favorite Play: Favorite I've been in thus far has been Nuestra Pastorela with Cara Mia Theatre Co.

· Pre Show Rituals: Driving to the theater and doing vocal warm-ups.

· Special Skills: I can knit a scarf of cherry stems with my tongue.

· Favorite Post Show Meal: Negra Modelo

· Biggest On Stage Mishap: Smoking a huge Cheech & Chong joint (tobacco) on stage and parts of it falling out & leaving a smoky trail behind me.

· Something you're REALLY bad at: Snorkeling.

· If you could go back in time and catch any performance, what would it be? Either the Beatles or the Doors live at the peak of their careers.

· Stage or screen stars of the past you would most have loved to perform with: Giulietta Masina, Tin Tan

· The one performance – attended - that you will never forget: Dralion by Cirque du Soleil

· Most played song on your iPod/mp3/cd player: I listen to so much different music on shuffle all the time that it sould be anything.

· Last book you read: The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder by Vincent Bugliosi.

· Last good movie you saw: Sukiyaki Western Django

· Some films you consider classics: Goodfellas, 8 1/2, Seven Samurai, Dazed & Confused

· Favorite liquid refreshment: Cerveza

· Three things you can't live without: Sex, Cultura, y Familia

· Best thing about Fort Worth & the North Side: Rose Marine Theater & tacos


Cesar Hernandez, who plays Nino, pictured with James "Jimmy" Moreno who plays Orestes.

*Photos by Shannon Atkinson

ELECTRICIDAD: WORTH THE WAIT

Today, we blog with Director Yvonne Duque on the upcoming REGIONAL PREMIERE of Luis Alfaro's ELECTRICIDAD!



Worth the wait…

In 2006, when Electricidad was first brought to Teatro de la Rosa, the timing wasn’t right. I had pushed to put it on the season, but it was met with a number of obstacles. Now I know why. Teatro had to run its course and Artes de la Rosa needed to experience its renaissance under new leadership. A friend of mine sent me a message last week - "Electricidad...I know that's a long one in the making". This couldn’t be truer.

Sometimes it is hard to release your dream project and wonder if it will ever find you again. In the arts, we often act on instinct, on the here and now. This is a great idea and I will do this now matter the odds! This kind of conviction can fall either way. It can (1) create exciting, innovative art or (2) compromise your vision by becoming a personal crusade, ultimately watering down what’s most important – the play.

Getting to direct Electricidad, NOW, means doing it for the right reasons and with the complete support of Artes de la Rosa. The personal journey is about the work, the play and not about proving myself as an artist. Ultimately, I’ve already won, DFW is going to have the chance to experience a story that has its roots dating back some 2500 years.


The Cast of ELECTRICIDAD By Luis Alfaro at Artes de la Rosa
...so worth the wait!

Photo by Shannon Atkinson

ON THE JOURNEY: 26 Miles is coming to a close...

If feels like the show just opened and here we are going into closing weekend! The excitement of Opening Night was incredible! We were ready & the response from the audience was thrilling. It's what we, as actors, work towards during rehearsals. We enjoy creating characters with a message & visual experience that will speak to the people sitting in the seats of the theatre, "sharing the human experience."

I sound very idealistic, but I am! I want people in those seats to enjoy a night of "live" acting & theatre, to forget for a brief moment, our daily worries & "see" first hand how others relate in similar ways to similar situations & revel in the fact that we are all connected in the same way we live, love, hurt, joy &... Fill in any word here about what it means to be a person with natural emotions. - To express another human's (the playwright, director & designer's) experience in this life on this place we call home!

That is why I can say the next two nights after Opening Night - I was sad! Our audiences were small in number. Yes, I can be grateful that people came & that should satisfy me, at least our message was heard, BUT it didn't. I selfishly wanted full houses for the following performances! I needed that energy to feed off. I needed people to hear me!

That is sometimes our dilemma, filling those seats, most especially when we have busy schedules with our family & friends & on top of that the Holiday season! It takes planning & effort to peel away from what we need to do & then there are the other elements we have to compete with like TV & the movies. Big spectacles that we most likely can't reproduce on stage unless you saw the 70 million dollar Spiderman on Broadway, which I did, but that's another story.

I think to myself what do I need to do to help bring in bodies to those seats? I invite my Friends & Family & most come, but what can I say to YOU, friendly Stranger, to encourage you to be here the next few performances/weekends or even for the next show at Rose Marine Theatre/Artes de la Rosa?

I was in New York when September 11th happened. And, in fact, in the middle of rehearsals for a show & when Opening Night came, we worried if we would have an audience. We were all in mourning. And who could ask people to come see a show at that time. But we did and we had an Audience! People came in droves to each performance! They needed to escape their sadness and reconnect to what we almost lost and did lose. They came to see theatre!

I encourage you to come see US, come see Theatre at its best! Come escape!

What else do I need to tell you to encourage you? Do I need to get on my knees?! Do I need to tell you a little more about myself so you can “see” why I do this? I am a recent Breast Cancer survivor; I have not been on the stage for a while because I was recovering AND going through a lot of other things, like a divorce, loss of a home, leaving New York, loss of my life as I knew it… and the only thing I wanted to do was to get back on stage, get back to my passion of sharing LIFE! That is what it means TO ACT for me… SHARING LIFE!

So here is my challenge to you… For those of you who may not want to spend the money during these times, I will gladly take some of my Christmas money and spend it on YOU as a MY GIFT TO YOU! Buy your tickets online at www.artesdelarosa.org and use the discount code DEANNA and I will pay $4 dollars of your ticket! THERE IS NO LIMIT to this if 150 of you want to come, I'll be paying $4 off each of your tickets!

That's my gift to you! Everyone deserves to see this amazing show at Rose Marine Theatre... I DARE YOU! Please come! We need YOU there! Come escape with us! it's a wonderful drive!

DeAnna Gonzales*
Actress
26 Miles
Artes de la Rosa

ON THE JOURNEY - 26 Miles; So Long Sabbatical

After a weeklong “sabbatical” from rehearsal, I am eager to get back to our "play" world. I missed it. As actors, directors & designers, I realize how close the cast becomes while "working" on a play. For the actor, it's about how individually close we become to our character's journey, story & words. There becomes a need to see them, to be with them rehearsal after rehearsal... To keep working towards our goal, as theatre artists, to enliven the words, characters & relationships on the page into a visual story that needs to be heard & shared. Our short break made that longing unbearable! We return to our work on Sunday & I just think about how exciting it will be to see everyone in the cast, to hear what new things we each have discovered or polished while we were away! What new elements for the play our Director has to share with us! After all, that is what theatre is about! Coming together to share our experiences & stories as human beings in a tangible way. We are on the precipice of achieving that goal for our audience & that is the most exciting part. Our lines are learned, our blocking studied & now our remaining rehearsals are about putting the last puzzle pieces together...

I can't wait!!

-DeAnna Gonzales
Actress, 26 Miles

26 Miles - On the Journey; A Family of Friends

As I ready myself for the eleventh rehearsal for 26 Miles, I have to take the time to smile at how different my character and I are. But also the similarities we share. But now I'm starting to see the similarities in how I connect with my fellow cast mates, and how my character Olivia is connects to the casts characters.

In rehearsals, I have take into account that I am the baby of the cast. In my character Olivia’s life, she is babied by her father, Aaron. The gentleman playing my father is David Johnson, who I’ve done shows with since I was quite young. So I almost do see David Johnson as a father figure. Playing his daughter isn’t so tough, and we had a parent-child connection faster than I thought we would. Oddly enough, in other shows we’ve performed in, we never played family members. So, now I’m glad to share the stage with such a talented actor like David, while playing his daughter.

I had only worked with DeAnna Gonzales once, and it was earlier in the year. I had never performed or even auditioned with her before. I stage managed The V-Monologues at Artes De La Rosa, and she performed the monologue “I was in the room." So the only connection I had with her, was mostly when I was telling her she had 5 minutes before she went on stage. Short, and small connections. I had only heard of how wonderful it was to work with her, on stage. In a way, this represents her character, Beatriz’s relationship with my character, Olivia. Beatriz is Olivia’s mom, but lost custody of her when Olivia was very young. They only had short, and small meetings after the custody battle. Suddenly, DeAnna auditions the same night I do for 26 Miles. We connect quickly, read well together, and chat the night away. Suddenly, Beatriz suddenly shows up at Olivia’s house at 4am, and takes her on a spontaneous trip across the nation. The two characters connect, and quickly want to know what they’ve missed out on. Now that I’m in this show with DeAnna, I find myself close to her, as if she is one of my long lost family members.

The newest connection in my life, and Olivia’s life, is Carlos Iruegas. Carlos plays the part of Manuel Torres, the boyfriend of Beatriz. Olivia has only seen him a few times, and has known him the shortest amount of time. I’ve only known Carlos for a couple of months, after seeing him play the role of the lawyer in A View From The Bridge. (another ADLR show, produced back in September). In 26 Miles, Olivia and Manuel share an unexpected friendship, and both have something to relate to; Beatriz. Both Carlos and I are going to the same college (Tarrant County College) and sometimes find ourselves running lines in between classes. I feel at times that Carlos and I have developed a brother and sister relationship.

So here we are. A family. I see rehearsals almost as family dinners sometimes. Having only three other cast mates with me in the show, we can get a little intimate. We all share personal stories, a lot of laughs, and a lot of support for each other. I feel like I’m with my second family. I have love for each family member, including our director Adam Adolfo. Even if we do sometimes drive each other crazy.

-Georgia Marshelle Phillips
The Baby Gringa

26 Miles - On the Journey; The Power of an Intimate Family

I've done dramas, comedies and musicals; I've been in casts ranging in size from small, medium, and very large. But with only four actors, this is the smallest cast that I have ever been part of! While there is something majestic and awesome about seeing a cast of dozens executing choreography in perfect synchronization, there is something intimate yet powerful about a small, tight knit cast. And this is what excites me about the upcoming production of 26 Miles by Quiara Alegria Hudes having its Fort Worth Premiere at Artes de la Rosa Cultural Center for the Arts.

It has been noted by others before me that 26 Miles is a story about journeys, families, identity, and belonging. Ironically, the same can be said of theater productions themselves. The actors each have a role to play - it must be authentic on an individual level but still fit within the overall fabric of the play; And through the journey of the rehearsal process, the actors become a family, even if only within the limited context of the show.

The nice thing about such an intimate cast is that time can be spent developing relationships between actors first, which then flows naturally into relationships between the actors' characters. This is a luxury not afforded to larger casts, where more time must go to crowd management - the shear effort required to keep so many elements in motion.

Even after only a few rehearsals, I think that this cast is becoming increasingly comfortable with each other. I am excited to see this projected onto the stage in the coming weeks. The audience will experience the onstage journey (and I think they will be rewarded for coming with us on that journey), but the cast and crew get the additional satisfaction of the joy of journey that is the production itself.

And this is shaping up to be a good one!

26 Miles - On the Journey;

I had a hard time working out what I wanted to say in today’s Blog. We are all very excited to be given an opportunity to show a story that a whole lot of people haven’t seen yet. And that is after all why we do this, because we love telling a story. This one will be especially touching to a lot of people. While we may not have many things in common with the main characters most of us have at some point in our live felt lost. That’s part of growing up sometimes, getting lost, and finding that place that you can call home again. See this story and you will see parts of your own story, regardless of what background you came from.

That is after all one of the reasons we see shows and movies. Not just to get away for a little while, but also because it helps us understand events in our own lives. It helps us look at our own past with a fresh set of eyes. Those old arguments and disagreements that you may have had in the past, which you thought you were over, well sometimes they can still haunt you. All our characters in our show have broken relationships. Seemingly shattered beyond repair, but life isn’t like glass. Stories like this one shows us that no matter what happens you always have hope to repair what was once broken. Come see the wonderful show, and let us tell you a story of hope, and of second chances. Who knows, afterwards you may see hope in something that you thought was broken.

Carlos Iruegas, Actor
26 Miles

26 Miles - On the Journey; Taking the LEAP

What can I say… I have recently had a tremendous life journey, one that was good and bad, but one that has taught me a lot about myself and how to approach the world around me. What person doesn’t go through these kinds of things in a lifetime? Most of us do! Well, I’ll admit, I’m still learning, but I’m a little closer… I’m learning to take LEAPS.

And that is how 26 Miles speaks to me. Both women in this play are discovering to be the women they want to be… Stretching their comfort level to take a LEAP: traveling across country and forcing themselves to relate to one another. They are finding HOME in the sense of being in a place where they can truly belong and it is realized in their relationship as Mother and Daughter, no longer estranged.

At first I thought I could not connect with the role of Beatriz, the mother. Why not? I’m a Mother and we are about the same age. But that was just it… I could and it wasn’t just about being a Mother! It was about taking a leap of Faith. I am just like her. Maybe not in the exact situation but I’m learning to recover from past choices, whether made on my own or not. And Beatriz realized she needed to take a leap to make a change. And that is how we can all relate to this story. So I am taking a leap in this role, hoping I can organically portray her emotional journey to becoming the woman she wants to be!

-DeAnna Gonzales, Actress
"Beatriz" in 26 Miles

26 MILES - ON THE JOURNEY; And now a word from our token gringa...

And now a word from our token gringa..

When Artes De La Rosa announced their 2011-2012 season, I wanted to know what the December play was all about! I had read A View From The Bridge before, being an Arthur Miller fan. But I had only heard a little bit about Quiara Alegria Hudes’ play, 26 Miles. Not being a latina, I usually throw the chance of being in another ADLR show, to the back of my mind. I've always enjoyed the way ADLR takes pride in their culture, in beautiful and classic plays (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, View From The Bridge, The V-Monologues). Give the audience something they don't expect! But I'll tell you one thing.. It’s hard to find a theatre company that takes pride in Black Dutch/Cherokee Indian heritage!

Being a dance instructor for ADLR, 26 Miles kept my interest, seeing the season announcement on every brochure, poster, program, etc.. Something was calling me to read the script, and audition.

My best friend, who also works for ADLR, Rob Bosquez gave me a copy of the script one night at Stage West (A theatre also in Fort Worth). We also both work at SW in the Ol Vic’ Cafe. I sat down immediately, during my shift, and read the first few pages. I sipped on my ice cold diet dr pepper, snacked on veggie straws, in a dimly lit dinning area, and got lost in Hudes’ beautifully written piece. As my eyes traveled to the pages, the sentence that stuck with me, was the first in the script. It was a character description of Olivia. It read, OLIVIA: 15, looks white. Looks WHITE?! Did I read that right?! Well, I just might have a chance here..

Months later, I find myself at auditions, after reading the script dozens of times again. I read for Olivia, with a few ladies reading for the mother, Beatriz. A few days later, I read the email Adam sent offering me the role of Olivia, and all I could think was.. Well, they don’t call me the token gringa at ADLR, for NOTHING!

Half of the script, of 26 Miles, has to do with culture. It's important that the audience connects each character with where each character grew up. They all share different traditions, types of speech, manners.. And it all comes from their culture. I understand why Hudes' emphasizes why Olivia must look white, in the character description. She describes Beatriz as "Cuban, Dark Skin". It's very specifically written for each character's race.

It really is an honor to work with Adam Adolfo once again on the Rose Marine Stage. ADLR is great to work for, and they have never seriously offended me. Except for that one time the staff said my show proposition, "Cupcake; The Musical", wouldn't be a success. No hurt feelings, though.


-Georgia Marshelle Phillips
The Black Dutch, Cherokee, Gringa.

Let the Journey Begin - it'll only take 26 MILES

So I woke up this morning...and there was a chill in the world... a crispness to the breeze... an aroma in the air... it's the feeling of change, more acurately it's the feeling of the change that comes with a long journey.

This journey will take us 26 MILES into the heart of a story from a Latina Jewish Woman as she shares the trials and tribulations of mother daughter relationships! Quiara Alegria Hudes is the Pulitzer Prize Nominated Playwright of the Tony Award Winning Musical IN THE HIEGHTS. Her intimate and passionate family comedy 26 MILES captures a very special realtionship that will be presented on stage at The Rose Marine Theater by Artes de la Rosa. The story is simple...

The custody battle left them estranged for eight years. The road trip will take them two thousand miles across the country. This family comedy follows an opinionated Cuban mother and her shy Jewish daughter as this pair reunite to escape their reality, chasing their dreams, reminding us that the best souvenirs on the road of life are the relationships we make along the way...

We're very excited to be presenting this play this Holiday Season in its FORT WORTH PREMIERE... it's an escape from the sugar plum fairies and Christmas Carols around the city, but still of that celebratory family life style! It's a story for Mothers and Daughters to celebrate and get lost in. Last evening, the cast settled around a table with a couple of pizzas to meet eachother for the first time and read this phenomneal play aloud. As the words came out of their mouths, the air in the office began to crackle and a sense came that a very special story was begining on what will be for the cast and myself a very special journey. A journey that will ask us a very simple question...

HOW FAR DO YOU HAVE TO DRIVE TO FIND YOURSELF? 26 MILES.

Please meet the cast of the FORT WORTH PREMIERE of Quiara Alegria Hudes 26 MILES.

Starring as the fiery Cuban mother Beatriz, DeAnna Gonzales makes her Artes de la Rosa debut. Returning to the Rose Marine stage in the role of the sensitive misunderstood Jewish/Cuban daughter is Georgia Marshelle Phillips. Rounding out the cast as Father Aaron & StepFather Manuel respectively are Carlos Iruegas and David Johnson. Mr. Iruegas was last seen in Artes de la Rosa’s A View From The Bridge while Mr. Johnson is making his first appearance on the Rose Marine stage. Artes de la Rosa’s Artistic Director Adam Adolfo will direct & design this production with Lighting Design by Juan Gonzalez and Stage Management by Oliver Luke.


Photo of the Cast of 26 Miles after their First Rehearsal!

Over the next few weeks you'll get the opporutnity to meet the members of the cast as they blog for you their journey through the rehearsal process. If you have questions you'd like them to answer please feel free to comment here or on our Facebook and we'll make sure they answer those questions for you!

So, we've got a full tank of gas, a mixed cd of great songs, and our map... let the journey begin.

-Adam Adolfo
Artistic Director
Artes de la Rosa

A View of A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE: Preshow Actor Rituals and Superstitions!

Ever wonder what goes through an actor's head before they go on stage? Well wonder no more! Today the cast of A View From The Bridge, now open at Artes de la Rosa takes us through their preshow rituals and superstitions.

Alyssa Maldonado – “Before a show I like to do a lot of little stretching exercises! And i usually pray either on my way there or backstage like 15 minutes before the show. While I'm doing hair & makeup i like to just clear my mind of everything & just think about the show & each one of my scenes...Oh & breathing exercises help me stay calm too. ”

Fredy Edward Quiroga – “I usually workout before a show and then meditate…”

Laura L Watson – “I pray on the drive there- about 30 minutes worth- for everyone and everything. Once at the theatre, I do my hair and make up. Then I do my warm up on the stage- a mixture of dance stretches, pilates, and Linklater vocal work. It takes about 45 minutes. Once I'm warmed up, the house is open and I am banished to backstage where I finish dressing and review my entire script. I am often asked to lead a group warm up and energizer, which is always fun. Right before the SM calls places, it's breath mints, breath mints, breath mints! I am a creature of habit- it comfort and calms. I have no superstitions per se, but I respect and participate in any others have.”

Stephanie Cleghorn – “Prayer and lucky underwear.”

Eddie Zertuche – “Health first. Make sure I am fed and rested. Early in the day, I will scan my script for reinforcement of lines, blocking, direction, notes, etc... There is usually prayer/meditation all day long....basically trying to let my will go and put in the hands of something greater. This prevents any unnecessary thinking from occurring lol. The thinking is inevitable sometimes though. Warm ups prior to the show are helpful... stretching, breathing, vocals, etc. I do my best to welcome in the nerves. I treat it like its a normal, good thing because it is. No superstitions. Right before the show starts, I will find a quiet place, all to myself, and I will snap my fingers in comfortable rhythm and chant the words "It's gonna be right" over and over again. Smell the roses. Blow out the candle.”

Jacqui Rash - “This is my first play so I will pray for a wonderful show and that everyone will be happy with their performance. No stressful work, "Well, take it easy."

Jp Cano – “A lit bit of everything... some pray to God/Universe and some stretching/vocalization. I always have that Love/hate feeling for opening night that is amazing...I always feel like I need to go to the bathroom just before my first entrance to the stage, so I do go to the bathroom hehe!! No superstitions at all... life is acting... acting is life!! Oh something else...just before we start I really like to express to my cast members "break a leg" or "mierda" (I know, disgusting, but that's a Spanish ritual word)."

Carlos Iruegas – “I spend time with family and friends and make sure I laugh, so i remember to have fun and not take myself to seriously.”

Yvonne Duque – “I burn sage and face the four directions…”


Cole Spivey – “I used to be afraid of the color purple. I am no longer afraid of the color purple because I was overloaded with so much purple during this show that I became cured. On the other hand, I'll never say The Scottish Play cursed name anywhere near a stage. It starts with Mc. . .”

A View From The Bridge - TEASER TRAILER