Written by Jesus Figueroa@ThisFunktional
Casa 0101 commence their 25th anniversary season with the riveting MUJERES ON THE VERGE, Four One-Act Plays in celebration of Women’s “HER”story Month, to be presented on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. through March 23 in the Gloria Molina Auditorium at CASA 0101 Theater.
MUJERES ON THE VERGE (WOMEN ON THE VERGE) brings together four one-act plays that explore love, friendship, ambition and the unexpected turns in life. From former Pachucas reigniting an old rivalry (Pleito) (Rumble), to best friends sweating through menopause and tough choices (The Fan Club), to a woman whose dreams of writing are sidelined by caregiving (La Noche de Anoche) (Last Night), to a holiday gathering that unravels a lifetime of addiction (La Mano de Dios) (The Hand of God).
Playwrights include: Lindsey Haley, Mariana Herrera, Maria G. Martinez and Raquel Salinas. Directors include: Olivia Chumacero, Jacqueline Guido, Karla Ojeda and Vilma Villela. Actors include: Alejandro Bravo, Tricia Cruz, Tina D’Marco, Alejandra Flores, Carmelita Maldonado, Gisel Murillo, Ariana Raygoza, Saul Rodriguez, Raquel Salinas, Jasia Topete and
Myrna Velasco.
All four plays hit on subject matter very seldom discussed by the Hispanic community, even more à female.
This series of plays commences with La Noche de Anoche, a play that tells the story many families can relate to.
Audiences are quickly captivated by the talented cast Alejandra Flores who plays Luz, Carmelita Maldonado who plays Maria, and Ariana Raygoza who plays Vanessa in the one-act play written by Maria G. Martinez and directed by Jacqueline Guido.
The play has the perspective of three generations and their perspectives on family obligation and self obligation.
This one act play can hit on many true to life scenarios and both Maldonado and Raygoza play their respective parts with respect.
To lighten the mood, before the short intermission, The Fan Club written by Mariana Herrera and directed by Karla Ojeda presents a comical take on menopause and the support system women come to lean on.
Gisel Murillo who plays Sonia, Carmelita Maldonado who plays Terry, and Myrna Velasco who plays Anna are a fantastic trio whom while similar each bring a different dynamic to the stage.
Murillo has a strong and poised presence which brings out the emotional aspect of her character when needed.
Maldonado is in your face and outspoken making her comical moments hilarious.
Velasco steals the show with a character whom is more meek and mild, but prominent as needed. The performance is brilliant, while not being the lead, she can steal the spotlight.
Alejandro Bravo who plays Marco Gomez Saul Rodriguez who plays Raul are equally as incredible as the female ensemble.
Bravo matches the energy of Murillo as their characters confront each other, but is not overly dominating as to weaken Murillo’s performance.
Rodriguez brings some fun and excitement, but stays a supporting background character.
One act/one woman play La Mano de Dios/The Hand of God brings the audience after intermission with serious topics interweaved with fun moments.
Raquel Salinas stars in her own play, La Mano De Dios/The Hand of God directed by Olivia Chumacero.
Salinas has the audience captivated through her passionate storytelling, uncomfortable topics, and at times light hearted anecdotes. The pacing keeps audiences in anticipation for what is next to come and fills moments with wonder.
These plays may l’argent ensemble of the performances closes the night.
Tricia Cruz who plays Diana, Alejandra Flores who plays Mrs. Sanchez, Carmelita Maldonado who plays Terry, Tina D'Marco who plays La Red, and Jasia Topete who plays Jasmine in Pleito/Rumble, written by Lindsey Haley directed by Vilma Villela, delight in this one act play that centers around old rivals reviving an old dispute after reencountering each other after more than 50 years. Alejandro Bravo who plus Mr. DeLeon comes in just to stir things up.
This play ends the night with excitement and laughs. While taking the topic of grudges, they play pokes fun at not being able to take in other perspectives to better understand the situation.
These plays may be about MUJERES ON THE VERGE, but these personal and intimate plays hit on topics not much discussed that are relatable and universal.
MUJERES ON THE VERGE, Four One-Act Plays, presented on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. through March 23 in the Gloria Molina Auditorium at CASA 0101 Theater.
Casa 0101 is located at 2102 East First Street (at St. Louis Street), in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles, CA 90033.
Casa 0101 commence their 25th anniversary season with the riveting MUJERES ON THE VERGE, Four One-Act Plays in celebration of Women’s “HER”story Month, to be presented on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. through March 23 in the Gloria Molina Auditorium at CASA 0101 Theater.
