San Diego REP Announces TORTILLA CURTAIN Cast
By: Kelsey Denette Feb. 01, 2012
San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) today announced the sixth and final production of the company's 36th season, the world premiere of "Tortilla Curtain." San Diego REP Artistic Director Sam Woodhouse will direct the piece adapted by Matthew Spangler from the best-selling novel by T.C. Boyle.
Part satire and part parable, "Tortilla Curtain" is a humorous and heart-breaking play that speaks passionately to the future of California and the challenges of forming "a more perfect union" in our changing America. Previews begin Sat., March 17, 2012 on the Lyceum Stage. Opening night is Fri., March 23, 2012 and runs through Sun., April 8, 2012. The San Diego REP production of "Tortilla Curtain" is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Plays award.
The Story
In the sun-baked beauty of Topanga Canyon, the lives of three people are on a collision course. Behind the walls of a gated hilltop community, Delaney Mossbacher – nature writer and staunch environmentalist – lives a tidy, comfortable existence with his wife and stepson. They are living the American dream, unquestioning of their absolute right to all that they have. Cándido Rincón and his wife América– recently arrived un-documented immigrants from Mexico – live in a ravine at the bottom of the canyon, fight the elements, and tirelessly mow lawns and clean houses while they save for an apartment. They cling to their vision of the American dream, which manages to elude their grasp at every turn. One summer day, Delaney, driving up the narrow, twisting canyon road, hits Cándido with his car. The lives of the two men and their families will never be the same. "The story is relevant and immediate as today's headlines and is a provocative reflection on American values told through a frank and very intimate personal story," says Woodhouse. "Here we are, living in a land that used to be called Mexico, continuing to debate issues of privilege and opportunity, and continue to ask who has the right to call themselves an American."
San Diego REP's production of "Tortilla Curtain" is a world premiere. Spangler, who lives in the San Francisco Bay area, had never seen a REP play, but knew the company would be the right fit to bring this production to life. "San Diego REP is well-known nationally for its progressive values, strong ties with the local community, long history of working with the most highly renowned Latino/a theatre artists, and dedication to telling stories with bi-national importance -- all of which are right for this script," explains Spangler. "I was ecstatic when Sam Woodhouse called back to say he was interested in producing it; I can't imagine a more appropriate theatre anywhere to stage the world premiere of this play."
About the Cast
Mike Sears (Delaney) debuts at San Diego REP in "Tortilla Curtain." Locally, Sears performed in "Bonnie and Clyde" (La Jolla Playhouse), "A Behanding in Spokane" and "Man From Nebraska" (Cygnet Theatre), "Simpatico" (New Village Arts); as well as productions with Compass Theatre, Mo'olelo Performing Arts, Lamb's Players Theatre, and North Coast Repertory Theatre. His OffBroadway credits include productions with Houseman Theatre, Abingdon Theatre, Phil Bosakowski Theatre, New York Fringe Festival, The American Globe Theatre, NY Musical Theatre Works and more. Sears is a member of Actors Equity Association.
Lisel Gorrell-Getz (Kyra) returns in her third production with San Diego REP, previously appearing in "In the Next Room or the vibrator play" and "Intimate Apparel." Her other San Diego credits include "Dead Man's Cell Phone and The Crucible" (MOXIE Theatre); "9 Parts of Desire" (Mo'olelo Performing Arts); "Don't Dress for Dinner" (North Coast Repertory Theatre); "Bluebonnet Court" (co-production of MOXIE Theatre and Diversionary Theatre); "Biedermann and the Firebugs" (Cygnet); "Current Nobody" (La Jolla Playhouse); "Macbeth" and "Valparaiso" (Sledgehammer); as well as productions with New Village Arts, Moonlight Stage Productions, and 6th@Penn.
Vivia Font (América) comes to San Diego from the East Coast. Her recent credits include "Underneathmybed" (Rattlestick Theatre), "Menders" (NYC), "Mariela in the Desert"and "Map of Heaven" (Denver Center), "Six Degrees of Separation" and "All's Well That Ends Well" (The Old Globe)," La Tempestad" (Ohio Theatre), and "Twelfth Night" (Princeton Repertory). She has also performed in workshops and performances at South Coast Repertory, Perry Mansfield, New Dramatists, INTAR, Repertorio Español, George Street Playhouse, and McCarter Theatre.
Kinan Valdez (Cándido) was previously in San Diego REP productions of "Bandido" and the world premieres of "Earthquake Sun" and "Restless Spirits." Valdez directed the 2005 world premiere of "Corridos Remix: A Musical Fusion of Ballad Beyond Borders," which he co-wrote with his father Luis Valdez. Valdez is a 20-year ensemble member of El Teatro Campesino and currently serves as the organization's producing artistic director. Aside from working in the theatre as a playwright and director, Valdez is an actor, an award-winning filmmaker, and an educator at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Presently, he is orchestrating the development of a new cycle of mythic plays based on POPOL VUH, the Quiche-Mayan book of creation, and guiding the world premiere production of Victor In Shadow, a new play with music about famed Chilean folk singer and progressive icon Victor Jara.
Miles Gaston Villanueva (José Navidad/Sancho) makes his debut at San Diego REP in "Tortilla Curtain." Villanueva performs throughout California with theatre companies such as San Jose Repertory Theatre, TheatreWorks, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Livermore Shakespeare Festival, The Western Stage and Woodward Shakespeare Festival.
David Meyers (Jack Sr.) has performed extensively on stage, in television and film, and commercial voice-over. Meyers has been a company member of many regional theatres, including Portland Repertory, Artists Repertory, Portland Center Stage, Salem Repertory, Mt. Hood Repertory, Perseverance Theater, PCA Theaterfest, The Old Globe, Southwest Repertory, and North Coast Repertory Theatre. Recently, Meyers performed in "Little Miss Sunshine" for La Jolla Playhouse. His film and television credits include "Men of Honor," "Firefox," "The Wise One's," HallMark Hall of Fame's "The Valley of Light," "Final Justice" and "Terror on the Towers."
Jeremy Kahn (Jack Jr.) makes his San Diego REP debut in "Tortilla Curtain." His theatre credits include productions with San Francisco Playhouse, Center Rep, Jackalope Theatre Company, Theatre Mir, Chicago Playworks and The Inconvenience. In 2008, Kahn appeared in "SHAKESPOD" at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He is currently developing his new production, "Well-Bred," with Theatre Mir in Chicago where he is an artistic ensemble member.
Sam Woodhouse will direct "Tortilla Curtain." Set designer is Ian Wallace with costume design by Valerie Henderson. Jennifer Setlow is lighting designer and Tom Jones oversees sound design. Bruno Louchouarn is composer and Heather Brose is stage manager.
San Diego REP's box office is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. on non-performance days and noon until curtain on performance days. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets at a discounted rate. Four hours of free parking at Horton Plaza is available for patrons who validate at the Lyceum Theatre. For more information, please visit www.sdrep.org.
About San Diego REPertory Theatre
San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) produces intimate, exotic, provocative theatre. We promote a more inclusive community through vivid works that nourish progressive political and social values and celebrate the multiple voices of our region. San Diego REPertory Theatre feeds the curious soul. To learn more about San Diego REPertory Theatre, visit www.sdrep.org. Join us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/sandiegorep) and follow us on Twitter (@SanDiegoREP).
"Tortilla Curtain"
By Matthew Spangler
Based on the best-selling novel "The Tortilla Curtain" by T.C. Boyle
Directed by Sam Woodhouse
March 17 – April 8, 2012
Opening Night: Fri., March 23, 2012
The Lyceum Stage
World Premiere
San Diego REPertory Theatre
Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. (except preview Sunday); performances also are scheduled on selected Saturdays at 2 p.m. and selected Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Please visit www.sdrep.org for specific days and times. correct
San Diego REP
79 Horton Plaza
San Diego, Calif. 92101-6144
Ticket Prices: $32 to $57 (Student tickets: $18)
Discounts for groups, seniors and military also available.
San Diego REP Box Office (619) 544-1000
Tickets available for purchase online at www.sdrep.org.
Four hours free parking in the Horton Plaza Garage with validation at the theatre.
A complete list of Surround Events will be posted at www.sdrep.org.
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