East L.A. Classic Theatre recently
completed a successful three day run of Much Ado About Nothing - Mariachi
Style! at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse
East L.A. Classic Theatre's
production is part of
Shakespeare for a
New Generation,
a national
initiative sponsored by the
National Endowment
for the Arts in
cooperation with Arts Midwest.
Our Productions
(photo credit: Paul Rodriguez © 2006)
"Much Ado About Nothing”
Mariachi Style
Set following the great Battle of Puebla, which is celebrated every year on
Cinco de Mayo, this story follows the lives of and interactions between
families of upper class Mexican Rancheros and working-class Anglo
prospectors and farmers.
This "Much Ado About Nothing” musical adaptation was created, in part,
to assist schools to meet the California State Board of Education’s history
and social science curriculum mandate requiring 4th grade students to study
“…the social, political, cultural, and economic life and interactions among
people of California from the pre-Columbian societies to the Spanish mission
and Mexican rancho periods.” However, this production can be enjoyed by
"children" of all ages.
Written by William Shakespeare
Adapted by Bert Rosario in collaboration with Jose Hernandez of Mariachi Sol
de México®
Directed by Tony Plana
Zoot Suit "Romeo & Juliet”
Set in 1943, during the height of the Zoot Suit riots in Los Angeles, “Romeo
and Juliet” tells the story of a young couple struggling to define and
protect their forbidden love against the backdrop of social and civil
upheaval brought about by issues of immigration, culture, race and
assimilation. This play is most enjoyed by children
age 10 and up.
Written by William Shakespeare
Adapted and
Directed by Tony Plana
