MALVERN, PA — In a triumphant finale to its 49th season, the Malvern-based theatre People’s Light is all set to present the much-anticipated regional premiere of “Somewhere Over the Border”. This musical magic from Brian Quijada, a masterful Emmy-nominated playwright, actor, and composer, starts on July 17, breathing life into the true story of Quijada’s mother’s migration from El Salvador to the U.S.
Playing on the brilliant narrative of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz”, Quijada orchestrates an epic tale of courage and determination. Renowned director Laura Acalá Baker, with her remarkable ensemble, takes center stage in the Leonard C. Haas Stage upon the commencement of the premiere.
Quijada’s reputation as an innovator in the theatrical circuit precedes him. His earlier works, including the critical darling “Where Did We Sit on the Bus?” and “Kid Prince and Pablo”, have been recognized and celebrated across the nation. “Somewhere Over the Border”, lauded by critics as a show “overflowing with heart and urgency”, has already seen successful runs at Syracuse Stage, Geva Theatre, and TeatroVista, before its arrival in Malvern.
“Quijada’s work is vibrant, accessible, fun, poignant – just the right mix for this time in our world.”, admires Zak Berkman, the Producing Artistic Director at People’s Light, foreshadowing an unforgettable experience for the theatre’s community and wider audience.
For the regional premiere, the cast of “Somewhere Over the Border” will reprise their roles from the City Theatre presentation. The ensemble includes actors Isabella Campos, Arusi Santi, Ariana Valdes, Gloria Vivica Benavides, Bobby Plasencia, and Jerreme Rodriguez, all making their debut at People’s Light with this production.
Under Laura Acalá Baker’s meticulous direction, the creative team, boasting of Music Director Michael Meketa Sanchez and other talent such as Scenic Designer Chelsea Warren, is bound to make this production truly memorable.
“Somewhere Over the Border” opens with preview performances from July 17 through July 20, with the grand opening slated for July 21. The musical will run until August 11, with affordable and diversified ticket options available. The journey of Reina Quijada, filled with friends, trials, and the quest for the “wizard”, awaits audiences at the People’s Light. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness a spectacular homage to the strength of determination, family, and friendship.
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