Bilingual Musical coming to Wimberley Playhouse
“Mariachi Girl” is all about pursuing your dreams,” the playwright Roxanne Schroeder-Arce told the Wimberley Players.
Years ago, Roxanne’s single mom, who had only an eighth-grade education, told her not to risk trying for college. “it’s not for people like us,” she said.
But instead of rejection, Roxanne followed her dream, earning MFA in drama and theatre for youth from UT and a bachelor’s degree and teaching credentials from Emerson College. She currently serves as associate professor of theatre education at the University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance.
On Saturday afternoon, Feb. 16, at 2:00 pm, the Wimberley Players will offer a free performance by Teatro Vivo of Roxanne’s bilingual musical, “Mariachi Girl.” Alexis A. Arredondo directs.
Music and lyrics by Hector Martinez Morales are an integral part of the show. The cast will present a staged reading, rather than a full production. “That means they’ll have scripts in their hands, but there will be plenty of family drama as well as singing by the actors and the mariachis who are part of the story,” said Mario Ramirez, executive artistic director of Teatro Vivo. He added that Roxanne wrote the script especially for children and families, but all ages are welcome.
“This will be a first for the Wimberley Players and our community,” said Julie Ray, Players coordinator for the event. “It’s an opportunity to experience Latino cultural traditions through the art of theatre.” “Mariachi Girl” dialogue is mostly in English, songs mostly in Spanish. The show will be easy to understand, regardless of language differences.
The story centers on a young girl’s dream to become a mariachi like her father. He says their family mariachi tradition is for males only. Not to be denied, the determined Carmencita asks her mother to help, and the two hatch a plan.
“Theatre has always been a way for people to explore what they hold in common and their differences,” said David Bisett, president of the Players board. “I believe this family event at our theater will be enjoyable and rewarding—and it’s free.”
The event is made possible by generous support from underwriters: Amigos de Jesus, lead underwriter; and individual donations by Terri Burney-Bisett and David Bisett, Brenda and Patrick Cox, Sharon and Bruce Drobeck, Jane and Cleon Dunham, Teresa Kendrick and Guy Ben-Moshe, Jean and Al Sander, and Julie and Bert Ray.
“Mariachi Girl” is a nocharge event open to all. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are requested at wimberleyplayers.org or call the box office at 512-847-0575. The Wimberley Playhouse is located at 450 Old Kyle Road.