El Otro Oz, a new bilingual musical featuring a book by Mando Alvarado and Tommy Newman, with music and lyrics by Jaime Lozano and Newman, begins free performances June 21. The TheaterWorksUSA's Family Summer Theater production is being presented at multiple venues across New York City through July 10.
The new 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. Starring in the company are Mayelah Barrera, Regina Carregha, Juan Danner, Gerardo Esparza, Indra Palomo, and Rafa Reyes.
Venues for the show include 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.
Elena Araoz directs the production, which also features scenic design by Frank J. Oliva, costume design by Christopher Vergara, puppet design by Jessica Scott, choreography by Andrea Guajardo, music direction by James Osorio, and orchestrations and arrangements by Salomon Lerner and Lozano. 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 director Araoz in a statement.
“Working on El Otro Oz allowed me to share my experience growing up on the US/Mexico border,” said book writer 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.
