Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
'Hope, Part II of a Mexican Trilogy' at LATC
Esperanza America Ibarra, Dyana Ortelli, Keith McDonald, Dru Davis, Olivia Delgado in 'Hope, Part II of A Mexican Trilogy' (photo by Hector Cruz Sandoval).
()
Evalina Fernandez' retro family drama Hope, Part II of a Mexican Trilogy, is playing at Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC). Falling somewhere between Hairspray, West Side Story, and The Wonder Years, Hope depicts the interpersonal relationships of the Garcia family as they are impacted by the major political events of 1962. Director Jose Luis Valenzuela pits stark cold-war era images from the Cuban-Missile Crisis, John F. Kennedy's presidency, the Vietnam War, and kitschy nuclear safety drill cartoons against a candy-colored, sweetly sung theatrical context.
The ensemble flawlessly incorporates buttery, close-harmony songs from the 1950s and 1960s into their performance while executing perceptible but subtle choreography. Esperanza America Ibarra and Sal Lopez are cast standouts. Ibarra proves her range as a performer as Gina, a character that is widely different from her recent and brilliant performance at LATC in The Vault. She has a commanding stage presence, excellent comedic timing, and a strong singing voice. Lopez is subtle, seasoned, and compassionate in the role of Enrique. His voice is atypical but beautiful and full of warmth.
While Fernandez' Hope characters lack compelling depth, this detail is largely overshadowed by capable performances, direction, and high production value. Valenzuela crafts an aptly fragile atmosphere that is perfectly suited to the instability of the family and political dynamics reflected in the plot -- he boldly frames darkness and sentient shadows with lightness and delicacy. The play is aesthetically delightful, fun, and intriguing with clever scenic design by Francois-Pierre Couture, discerning lighting by Cameron Mock, and gorgeous period costuming by Raquel Barreto.
We have seen cheesy choreography totally ruin otherwise good musicals. Movement Coordinator Urbanie Lucero's not only avoids this pitfall but gracefully enhances the show with subtle and tasteful gestures. Note that Hope is part of a trilogy but works perfectly as a stand-alone play as well.
Support for LAist comes from
Hope, Part II of a Mexican Trilogy is playing at Los Angeles Theatre Center through November 20, 2011. Tickets are $10 to $40 and available online, at the box office, or via phone at 866-811-4111.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist