Latino Theater Company presents acclaimed "Mexican Triology: An American Story" as single epic event

LOS ANGELES - Aug. 21, 2016 - PRLog -- An epic, theatrical event! For the first time, Evelina Fernández's award-winning trilogy, 'Faith,' 'Hope' and 'Charity,' will be presented in its entirety as one unforgettable tour de force, Audiences can choose to enjoy this adventure over the course of two evenings — or as one thrilling, all-day immersive experience (box dinners available for purchase). Directed by Latino Theater Company Artistic Director José Luis Valenzuela and featuring musical direction by Rosino Serrano and choreography by Urbanie Lucero, 'A Mexican Trilogy: An American Story' opens at the Los Angeles Theatre Center on Thursday, Sept. 15 and continues through Oct. 9. Preview performances begin Sept. 8.

Travel with the Morales family through decades of the Mexican-American experience, from a remote mining town in Arizona during World War II, to the Phoenix family home during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and, finally to Los Angeles following the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005.A Mexican Trilogyis the winner of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle's Ted Schmitt Award and was published by Samuel French in 2015.

"We subtitled it 'An American Story' because the immigration experience is so integral to the fabric of our country," explains Valenzuela. "We first presented the plays individually in 2011 and 2012. Our intention was to create a history, in response to growing anti-immigration rhetoric, of contributions made to this country by Mexican-Americans - how we have assimilated, how we have participated in the democratic process, how we have contributed culturally. Now, with immigration a hot-button topic in the current election process, these plays are more important and more timely than ever."

Compelling, funny, peppered with song and flavored with a splash of magical realism,'A Mexican Trilogy: An American Story'touches on aspects of tradition, religion, labor issues, war and the clash between immigrants and their first and second generation American offspring. In just five hours, the twelve-actor ensemble portrays members of the Morales family over the course of 90 years and four generations. As the years fly by, we recognize the music of each era in classic songs ranging from the Andrews Sisters and Glenn Miller, to the Isley Brothers and Elvis, to Jimi Hendrix.

Anchoring the narrative is centenarian family matriarch Esperanza, played by Lucy Rodriguez.  Olivia Cristina Delgado takes on the role of Esperanza in her youth, as well as her daughter, Elena, and granddaughter Betty; Esperanza America plays daughter Faith, granddaughter Gina and great-granddaughter Valentina; Ella Saldaña North is daughter Charity and an older Elena. Also in the cast are Sal Lopez as Esperanza's husband, Silvestre; Kenneth Miles Ellington Lopez and Julio Macias as grandsons Johnny and Bobby; Sam Golzari as great-grandson Emiliano; the playwright, Evelina Fernández  as Esperanza's comadre, Lupe; Robert Beltran as Rudy; Xavi Moreno as Charlie; and Geoffrey Rivas as radio personality Ricardo Flores aka "Ricky Flowers."

Evelina Fernández is the resident playwright for the Latino Theater Company. In 2013, she won the LA Drama Critics Circle Award for 'Outstanding Writing of a World Premiere Play' for A Mexican Trilogy, and she received an Ovation 'Best Playwright' Award nomination for Part II of the trilogy, Hope.

José Luis Valenzuela is the Artistic Director of the Latino Theater Company and the Los Angeles Theatre Center. He is also a Distinguished Professor and head of the MFA Directing program at UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television. In 2010, under Valenzuela's leadership, the LATC was nominated for an LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award for 'Best Theatre Season.'  Valenzuela also serves on the national steering committee of the Latina/o Theatre Commons and produced the historic Encuentro Festival in the fall of 2014.

The Latino Theater Company is dedicated to providing a world-class arts center for those pursuing artistic excellence; a laboratory where both tradition and innovation are honored and honed; and a place where the convergence of people, cultures and ideas contribute to the future. Each production in its 2016 season was selected to explore a unique story about who we are and where we come from to reflect the diversity of a global Los Angeles. LTC is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary and its 10th year operating the Los Angeles Theatre Center, a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and a landmark building in Downtown's Historic Core.

Performances of'A Mexican Trilogy: An American Story'take placeSept. 15throughOct. 9. The first half of the trilogy (Part A:Mexican Revolution to the Cuban Missile Crisis) can be seen onThursdaysat8 p.m.;Saturdaysat5 p.m.; andSundaysat3 p.m. The second half (Part B:assassination of JFK to the death of Pope John Paul II) runs onFridaysandSaturdaysat8 p.m.andSundaysat6 p.m.For those wishing to experience the entire trilogy in one day, box dinners are available for$20between performances on Saturdays and Sundays (must be ordered 48 hours in advance). Preview performances take place Sept. 8 through Sept. 11 on the same schedule. Ticket prices are$50for a single part, or$90for the entire experience.TheLos Angeles Theatre Centeris located at514 S. SpringSt.,Los Angeles,CA90013. For more information and to purchase tickets, call(866) 811-4111or go towww.thelatc.org.