TheaterWorksUSA's Family Summer Theater returns this season with new bi-lingual musical El Otro Oz. Free performances of the new show will be presented across New York City at multiple venues June 21-July 10.
The production will hold performances at Pregones/PRRT, El Museo del Barrio, the Sheen Center for Thought and Culture, and the Jamaica Performing Arts Center at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning. The July 7 7:30 PM performance at El Teatro at El Museo del Barrio will be pay-what-you-will to help subsidize other performances.
Featuring a book by Mando Alvarado and Tommy Newman, with music and lyrics by Jaime Lozano and Newman, the show follows Latiné teenager Dora as she embrace her identity after being swept off to a strange new land ahead of her upcoming quinceañera in this Mexican folk-inspired musical. Orchestrations and arrangements for El Otro Oz are by Salomon Lerner and Lozano.
Starring in the company are Mayelah Barrera, Regina Carregha, Juan Danner, Gerardo Esparza, Indra Palomo, and Rafa Reyes.
Elena Araoz will direct the production, which will also feature scenic design by Frank J. Oliva, costume design by Christopher Vergara, puppet design by Jessica Scott, choreography by Andrea Guajardo, and music direction is by James Osorio. Victoria Sanchez serves as stage manager.
“This multi-generational musical is so honest about what many families contend with—working to keep our traditions and languages, while trying to belong in the United States. I'm honored to tell this joyous story that is so close to my experience,” said Araoz in a statement.
“Working on El Otro Oz allowed me to share my experience growing up on the US/Mexico border,” said Alvarado in a statement. “I struggled with accepting and embracing my Mexican and my American identity. My hope is that once the audience goes through the journey with Dora, they’ll come to celebrate the bicultural aspects of who they are.”
Support has been provided by the Miranda Family Fund, ConEdison, The Shubert Foundation, The Lucille Lortel Foundation, The Chanel Family Foundation, DCLA and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
For tickets and more information, visit TWUSA.org.
