By Bel Hernandez Castillo

The beloved comedy ’57 Chevy is getting a fresh new ride. An all-new ensemble adaptation of the hit play will make its debut at Long Beach City College’s Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center beginning May 21, 2026, bringing to life a heartfelt and hilarious immigrant story that has already captivated audiences across Southern California and the Southwest.

This is a hilarious story of a daydreaming immigrant boy, his stern Mexican father, and their family’s beloved ’57 Chevy.  

Originally performed as a one-man show starring Ric Salinas (of the acclaimed comedy ensemble Culture Clash), ’57 Chevy became a theatrical favorite during its acclaimed run at the Los Angeles Theatre Center before touring throughout the region. Critics praised the production as “a hilarious trek” (Los Angeles Times), “profoundly satisfying” (L.A. Weekly), and “an evocative coming-of-age masterpiece” (Su Teatro News). During the 2020 pandemic shutdown, San Diego Repertory Theatre even adapted the production into a filmed streaming presentation for audiences at home.

Now, playwright and four-time SoCal Emmy Award-winning writer Cris Franco is reimagining the production in a bold new way. Expanding from a solo monologue into a full ensemble piece, the new version features 17 actors portraying more than 30 colorful characters drawn from Franco’s bicultural childhood growing up between Mexico City, South Central Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley.

The transformation from solo performance to ensemble production was sparked by Franco’s longtime collaborator and friend, Valerie Dunlap. Believing the story could become even richer through a larger cast, Dunlap encouraged Franco to expand the script so that more performers—and more audiences—could connect with its humor, heart, and cultural authenticity.

“As a boy, the only thing larger than my big familia was my fantasy life fueled by endless hours of watching American television,” Franco shared. “It’s going to be a blast seeing a full cast step into my imagination and tell the crazy-but-true stories about our Chevy that brought our family from Mexico City to our first home in South Central L.A., and later to the San Fernando Valley.”

Shortly after completing the new script, Dunlap shared it with Rick Greaver at Long Beach City College, who introduced the work to Senior Faculty and Professor of Theater Arts Anthony Carreiro. After viewing the filmed version and reading the expanded adaptation, Carreiro immediately recognized the production’s significance for LBCC’s diverse student body.

“One hoped the ensemble version would attract theater groups, high schools, and colleges,” Dunlap explained. “And that’s exactly what happened.”

With nearly 60 percent of LBCC students identifying as Latino, the play offered student actors the rare opportunity to portray culturally authentic Latino characters spanning generations—from Mexican immigrants newly arrived in the U.S. to Chicanos fully immersed in American culture.

“I have directed many productions at the college, and every time I’ve found a play that speaks directly to our community, I’ve seen the joy in students who recognize themselves in the story,” Carreiro said. “That is exactly what is happening with this wonderful play.”

The production will be staged in the Little Theater at LBCC’s new Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center and directed by acclaimed actor, choreographer, and director Jessica Berón. For Berón, the rehearsal process has been both emotionally resonant and wildly entertaining.

“We’ve had fascinating conversations about how memories feel and even how they sound,” Berón said. “That exploration led us into choreography, physical comedy, stunts, and so much playfulness. There are moments in rehearsal where we laugh so hard it takes time to recover and continue working.”

At its core, ’57 Chevy is a loving portrait of a bilingual, bicultural Mexican-American family navigating the promise and contradictions of the American Dream during the 1950s through the 1970s. Franco fills the play with vivid details from his childhood: plastic-covered living room furniture, strict immigrant parents, inventive Spanglish phrases, crowded family homes, and the unforgettable image of “Gringo Stalker Jesus”—the blue-eyed portrait of Jesus seemingly watching every move inside Latino households.

But beneath the comedy lies a timely and deeply human message.

“What makes America great is its culture of opportunity,” Franco explained. “It allowed immigrants like my father—and so many others—to pursue their dreams through hard work, sacrifice, and hope.”

Berón believes the play’s themes feel especially urgent today. Although the story takes place decades ago, the backdrop includes the Civil Rights Movement, anti-war protests, and ongoing debates surrounding immigration and identity.

“These students recognize the parallels between that era and the world we’re living in now,” Berón noted. “The play highlights the challenges immigrants face while also celebrating what connects us across cultures.”

Excitement around the production has continued building across campus, with students and faculty alike praising the energy surrounding rehearsals. The ensemble cast is led by Abraham Figueroa as Junior, Danny Rangel as Dad, Frania Dueñas as Mom, and Juliana Medina as Young Junior, alongside Alexis Frisch, Alyssa Hilton, Elizabeth Aoshi, Catherine Fuentes, Celvin Reyes, Miguel Yozov, Nicholas Paddit, Nichole Mendez, Noah Cisneros, Olin Archuleta, Paola Ovalle, Quinn Hicks, and Travis Johnson.

As opening night approaches, Franco says the production captures the youthful wonder and optimism that shaped his memories growing up in America.

“Because the story is told through the eyes of a wildly imaginative nine-year-old boy, the play sparkles with innocence, joy, and humor rarely seen onstage today,” Franco said. “I’m proud families can experience together what it was like to be an immigrant at a time when the American Dream still felt possible for hardworking newcomers.” For tickets and show information, visitLBCC ’57 Chevy Show Information

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There are love stories—and then there are Love Struck.

In this daring, funny, and emotionally layered theatrical production, audiences are invited into the intimate world of Rachel and Laura—two women whose passionate romance has evolved into something deeper, more complicated, and ultimately more mundane. One American, the other Cuban, their relationship becomes a prism through which questions of ambition, identity, and belonging are explored with wit and candor.

At the center of it all is Odalys Nanin—a powerhouse in the Latinx and LGBTQ theater communities—who co-writes, co-directs, and stars as Laura. With a career spanning more than two decades, Nanin has built a reputation not just for provocative storytelling, but for consistently delivering award-winning work that resonates across cultures and communities.

A Story of Passion—and Its Aftermath

Rachel (played by Lizette Santiago) and Laura have been together for three years. What began as a whirlwind of “white-hot lust” has settled into a comfortable domestic life in Los Angeles. Their relationship is playful and adventurous—they experiment with role-playing, cosplay, and erotic accessories—but beneath the surface, tensions are building.

Laura’s professional success contrasts with Rachel’s growing insecurities. As Rachel yearns to match her partner’s accomplishments, she also begins to feel the pull of her roots in New York. What emerges is a deeply relatable question: Can love alone sustain a relationship when ambition, identity, and longing pull in different directions?

A Legacy of Theatrical Excellence

Nanin’s body of work reads like a canon of bold, unapologetic storytelling. From Frida: Stroke of Passion to Garbo’s Cuban Lover and The Nun and the Countess, her plays have pushed boundaries while celebrating complex, often underrepresented voices. Her honors include the prestigious Nancy Dean Playwriting Award, and her influence extends beyond the stage as the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Macha Theatre/Films.

Her continued success is no accident. Nanin has a rare ability to merge sensuality, humor, and cultural identity into narratives that feel both intimate and universal. With Love Struck, she revisits one of her earliest works—first produced in 1997—and reintroduces it to today’s audiences with renewed urgency and relevance.

A Dynamic Creative Team

Joining Nanin is co-director Angela Nicholas, a multi-hyphenate talent who brings experience as an actor, choreographer, playwright, and designer. Her previous collaboration with Nanin on Garbo’s Cuban Lover adds a layer of creative synergy to the production.

Co-writer Marie Barrientos, known for her work on Law & Order and Another World, contributes a nuanced perspective that enriches the script’s emotional depth and authenticity.

Meanwhile, Santiago brings both vulnerability and strength to Rachel—a role that reflects her own award-winning trajectory, including recognition at the Short and Sweet Hollywood Festival and standout performances in La Wija and Whiskey Hollow Road.

A Pioneering Story—Then and Now

When Love Struck first premiered in 1997, it broke ground as a lesbian romantic comedy at a time when such stories were rarely told on stage—let alone with humor, sensuality, and cultural specificity. Today, its revival feels both celebratory and necessary.

This is not just a story about love—it’s about the evolution of love. It’s about what happens after the passion settles, when real life, real dreams, and real differences come into play.

It’s sexy, yes. It’s funny, absolutely. But most importantly, it’s real.

As Nanin continues to build on her award-winning legacy, Love Struck stands as a testament to her enduring voice—one that refuses to be boxed in and continues to evolve with every production.

Written by Odalys Nanin and Marie Barrientos. Directed by Odalys Nanin and Angela Nicholas. Presented by Macha Theatre/Films. A visiting production at Odyssey Theatre Ensemble.

At the Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. Free parking onsite. Admission: $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Box Office: (310) 477-2055

ONLINE TICKETING: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/love-struck-tickets-66479031573

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Now in its 13th year, the annual celebration of Latina-directed cinema will present Merino with the Lupe Ontiveros Award on Opening Night, while Riggen will receive the Maverick Award. Both honors spotlight Latina leaders whose work has reshaped representation, storytelling, and opportunity across the entertainment industry.

Yvette Merino to Receive Lupe Ontiveros Award

Merino, producer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, will be honored for a career defined by artistic excellence and trailblazing achievement. The Lupe Ontiveros Award—named after the late actress who paved the way for generations of Latina performers—recognizes women whose careers demonstrate courage and a sustained commitment to expanding representation in film.

Merino made history as the first Latina to receive the Academy Award for Animated Feature for producing Disney’s Encanto. Over her 25-plus years at Disney Animation, she has served in key production roles on blockbuster titles including Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, the Oscar-winning Big Hero 6, and Oscar-nominated Moana.

Following Encanto, Merino earned an Emmy Award for producing the short film Once Upon a Studio and served as producer on Moana 2. She is currently producing Zootopia 2. Beyond the screen, Merino was also instrumental in launching Voces@Disney, the studio’s first Latino employee resource group, serving as co-president for two years.

Patricia Riggen to Receive Maverick Award

Riggen will be presented with the Maverick Award, honoring a filmmaker whose body of work has challenged dominant narratives while bringing underrepresented stories to global audiences with authenticity and emotional depth.

Widely regarded as one of America’s leading female directors, Riggen’s feature credits span genres and scale. Her recent action thriller G20 stars Viola Davis, while earlier work includes Sundance breakout feature Under The Same Moon/La Misma Luna and Sony Pictures’ box-office hit Miracles from Heaven starring Jennifer Garner.

Her television directing credits include multiple episodes of the Emmy-winning limited series Dopesick starring Michael Keaton, as well as season one of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.

A graduate of Columbia University School of the Arts, Riggen’s early short film work earned a Student Academy Award, Student Emmy, and Mexican Academy Award. She later directed Lemonade Mouth, which received a Directors Guild of America nomination, and the Chilean mining drama The 33 starring Antonio Banderas and Juliette Binoche—a production that required 30 days of filming underground in active mines.

Originally from Mexico, Riggen remains one of the few women of color to have directed top-grossing studio features in the past decade and continues to mentor emerging Latino filmmakers.

Festival Leadership and Mission

LIFE is led by Festival Directors Iris Almaraz and Cristina Nava, whose shared focus on community engagement, equity, and independent film continues to define the festival’s growth. Nava, a veteran independent producer and cultural organizer, brings decades of experience championing socially conscious storytelling and grassroots arts advocacy. Together, Almaraz and Nava position LIFE as both a platform for exhibition and a space for mentorship, networking, and long-term career development.

Founded thirteen years ago by screenwriter and playwright Josefina López (known for writing the groundbreaking film and Broadway play Real Women Have Curves), the festival was built on the belief that representation matters and that diverse voices strengthen the cinematic landscape.

In addition to screenings, the 2026 edition will feature panels, workshops, and networking sessions connecting emerging Latina directors with industry leaders and resources. LIFE is a fiscally sponsored project of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP).

Tickets and full programming details are available at www.LIFEFilmFestLA.com.

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Buena Onda Presents has unveiled the star-studded lineup for the 2026 edition of Festival La Onda, returning May 30–31 to the Napa Valley Expo in the heart of downtown Napa. Headlining this year’s two-day Latin music celebration are Maná, Ivan Cornejo, J Balvin, and Christian Nodal, leading one of the most dynamic Latin festival lineups in the country.

Timed for the weekend following BottleRock Napa Valley, La Onda delivers a premium festival experience spotlighting the hottest Latin artists across genres including Mexican Regional, Reggaeton, Rock, Hip Hop, Latin Pop, Salsa, and more. The 2026 lineup also features Danny Ocean, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Paulo Londra, La Arrolladora, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Grupo Niche, Molotov, Orishas, Chiquis, Kinky, Ozomatli, and dozens of rising and established acts.

Beyond the music, Festival La Onda offers a fully immersive experience complete with curated Latin cuisine, specialty beverages, shaded lounges, spa activations, a dance club, silent disco, and elevated viewing areas — all infused with Napa Valley’s signature hospitality.

Premium ticket options elevate the weekend even further. VIP guests enjoy access to the VIP Village with premium bars, shaded seating, air-conditioned restrooms, and prime sightlines. El Mirador offers elevated decks with all-inclusive drinks and shaded lounges, while Suite and Platinum Experiences deliver unmatched luxury, including private viewing areas, concierge services, premium dining, and front-row access.

Weekend and single-day tickets are on sale at LaOndaFest.com. General Admission weekend passes start at $218, VIP at $448, El Mirador at $1,287, and Platinum at $3,318, with flexible layaway plans available.

For updates, visit LaOndaFest.com, sign up for text alerts, and follow @LaOndaFest across social platforms.

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Set over one absurd and volatile weekend in Texas, The Circle brings together three generations of the Medina and Mahoney families as unresolved tensions erupt against the backdrop of the 2016 election season. What unfolds is a darkly comic yet deeply human portrait of family, identity, political fracture, and the collective pain that reverberated across the country during one of the most divisive moments in modern American history.

Rivera’s script balances humor and heartbreak, using the intimacy of family dynamics to explore broader questions of accountability, belonging, and healing. Under Jacobs’ direction, the production leans into both the chaos and compassion at the heart of the story, allowing audiences to laugh, wince, and reflect in equal measure.

The cast includes Michael Brainard, Jeanette Godoy, Alma Martinez, Victoria Ratermanis, Lisa Richards, Ava Rivera, Luna Rivera, René Rivera, and Lakin Valdez—an ensemble that spans generations both onstage and off, reinforcing the play’s themes of legacy and inherited trauma.

Adding another layer to the production is original music by Germaine Franco, whose compositions underscore the emotional rhythm of the play and elevate its tragi-comic tone. Franco’s involvement signals the production’s ambition to blend theatrical storytelling with a cinematic musical sensibility.

The four-week run will take place Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m., January 30 through February 22, 2026, with Pay What You Can preview performances on January 28 and 29. Free parking is available at the theatre.

Opening weekend is designed as both a celebration and a space for community engagement. Friday night will feature a celebrity and VIP opening with a photo booth, while Saturday’s performance will be dedicated to the late producer C. Raul Espinoza. In his honor, Greenway Arts Alliance will make a financial donation to La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, which will also present an art exhibit in the theatre lobby that evening.

On Sunday, February 1, the production extends beyond the stage with a post-show panel discussion titled “Restorative Circles: Indigenous Roots to Today.” Moderated by Fidel Rodriguez of the LA vs. Hate Team, the panel brings together leading voices in restorative justice, healing, and social transformation, including authors, educators, and institutional leaders from UCLA and Loyola Marymount University. The discussion aligns closely with the play’s core themes of reconciliation, accountability, and collective repair.

The Circle is recommended for adults of all ages and older children who experience the play through guided conversation, though parents are advised that the production addresses intense themes.

With its fusion of political reckoning, family drama, humor, and restorative dialogue, The Circle positions itself as more than a theatrical event—it is an invitation to sit in discomfort, listen across divides, and consider what healing might look like after rupture.

For tickets and additional information, visit greenwaycourttheatre.org. TICKETS HERE

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Nosotros and NBCUniversal are signaling a decisive shift in how Latino talent is developed and presented for the industry. With Season 5 of Ya Tú Sabes, the long-running incubator has fully transitioned from a traditional showcase model into a cinematic short-form pipeline—culminating in the crowning of The Comedian as this year’s top winner and positioning the program as a serious launchpad for writers and actors ready for film and television.

What began in 2020 as a challenge from NBCUniversal Launch to rethink the traditional actor showcase has evolved into a fully realized creative pipeline. Initially launched as the Ya Tú Sabes Monologue Slam, the program emphasized original writing and live performance. Over time, it expanded into fully produced stand-alone scenes selected through a competitive process, under a new name, Ya Tú Sabes Monologue Shorts.

Nosotros and NBCUniversal have marked that evolution and raised the bar once again with the explosive fifth season of Ya Tú Sabes, unveiling a bold new evolution of the long-running Latino talent incubator—one that trades the traditional stage showcase for cinematic pieces designed to reflect the professional readiness of Latino talent when given meaningful resources and production value.

“In a year shaped by a difficult national climate for Latinos, support for arts programs like this was far from guaranteed,” said Joel M. Gonzales, President of Nosotros. “We’re deeply grateful to NBCUniversal and the NBC Launch program for standing with us when sponsorships were tight. What Season 5 represents is how much this program has grown over the past five years—and how Latino artists continue to create opportunity, break through, and tell our own stories on our own terms.”

Emerging as Season 5’s creative breakthrough and top winner with judges and audiences alike, is The Comedian, written by stand-up comic José Maestas and powerfully performed by actor Richard Eick. This piece amplifies the Ya Tú Sabes’ core mission: spotlighting Latino writers and actors through original work rooted in universal themes—while steadily expanding the scale and seriousness of the platform.

A sharply observed and emotionally layered piece, The Comedian draws directly from Maestas’ personal experience to explore the duality of life on and off the stage—the persona versus the person. Its resonance was immediate, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about monologue shorts of the season for its depth, honesty, and cinematic execution.

“Across a lineup of powerful shorts, one of the strongest examples was the winner, The Comedian,” said Gonazlez, adding “The writing and performance stood out immediately and reflect the level of depth and readiness that exists in our community when the opportunity is real.”

The Ya Tu Sabes Monolouge Shorts premiered live at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre this past December, streaming simultaneously on the Nosotros YouTube channel, with Audience Choice voting closing on December 31 declaring writer Cristal González Ávila and actor Mariana Belén as the  Audience Choice winners for Ropa Sucia.

Industry-Level Execution

Season 5’s six monologue shorts were led creatively by Hector Felix, who served as director, editor, and cinematographer, establishing a cohesive visual language across the entire showcase. The project was produced by Gonzales and co-produced by Nosotros Creative Director Juan Munevar, with creative collaboration from Joaquin F. Palma, writer/director of the program’s first three seasons—bridging the initiative’s roots with its cinematic future.

This year’s highly noted celebrity ambassador judges underscored the program’s industry credibility, include Julian Works (The Long Game, Jimmy), actor/producer Nicholas Gonzalez (La Brea, The Good Doctor), producer/director Ben DeJesus (Leguizamo Does America), actor/director Jon Huertas (This Is Us), and Larry Laboe, Executive Director of NewFilmmakers LA. They were joined by NBCUniversal executives and a broad cross-section of casting directors, agents, managers, publicists, and industry professionals.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the Season 5 monologue shorts—led by The Comedian and Ropa Sucia—will be submitted as stand-alone short films to film festivals, extending their life well beyond the showcase and expanding visibility for the participating writers and actors across the festival and industry landscape.

Winners will receive cash prizes and sponsored access to key industry leaders, including NBCUniversal executives, casting directors, agencies, and senior writers and producers—solidifying Ya Tú Sabes not just as a showcase, but as a tangible bridge to career advancement.

With Season 5, Nosotros and NBCUniversal have made a clear statement: when Latino artists are given space, resources, and respect, the results are not just promising—they’re cinematic.

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The Dreamer Cinderella opens on January 23, 2026 in theaters nationwide, marking a major milestone for this bold indie romance with a studio-scale theatrical rollout. The Dreamer Cinderella marks the highly anticipated theatrical debut of a powerful new indie feature, arriving in cinemas nationwide. The film stars Tara Reid,Anakaren Chablé, Anthony W. Preston, Paul Rodriguez, Victoria Del Rosal, and Paul Johansson, bringing together a cross-generational ensemble of recognizable talent and emerging voices.

The film’s official World Premiere screening is on Wednesday, January 21st. Although it is already sold out, the producers are having local red carpet screening available for the public to attend, adding to the excitement of the opening week celebration. All audiences are invited to a red-carpet, Hollywood style screening at several locations at the following theaters (some cast will be in attendance).

Local red carpet premieres that have tickets available include (CLICK HERE Purchase tickets):

Tuesday, January 20 – Fresno, Maya Cinemas

Thursday, January 22 – Norwalk, Milagro Cinemas

Saturday, January 24 – Chino, Maya Cinemas

Sunday, January 25 – Las Vegas, Maya Cinemas

The producers also invite the public to support The Dreamer Cinderella beginning January 23rd at the following locations: CLICK HERE TO Purchase your ticket

? SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

• Cinépolis Cinemas Pico Rivera
• Milagro 8 – Norwalk, Los Angeles, CA
• Regency Theatres Van Nuys Plant – Los Angeles, CA
• Regency Commerce 14 – Los Angeles, CA
• Maya Cinemas Chino 8

? CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

• Maya Cinemas Fresno 16
• Maya Cinemas Bakersfield 16
• Maya Cinemas Delano 12

? NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

• Maya Cinemas Pittsburg 16
• Brenden Theatres Modesto 18
• Maya Cinemas Salinas 14

? TEXAS

• City Base Cinemas – San Antonio, TX
• Santikos Casa Blanca – San Antonio, TX
• Premiere LUX Cine 17 IMAX – El Paso, TX
• AMC Gulf Pointe 30 – Houston, TX
• AMC Willowbrook 24 – Houston, TX

? LAS VEGAS

• Maya Cinemas North Las Vegas, NV

? FLORIDA

• AMC Hialeah 12 – Miami–Fort Lauderdale, FL
• AMC Tamiami 14 – Miami–Fort Lauderdale, FL

Written and directed by Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz, The Dreamer Cinderella centers on Xochitl, a Mexican-American fruit vendor whose life is unexpectedly transformed when she becomes the focal point of a high-stakes bet between two rival film directors. Blending romance, social commentary, and industry satire, the film explores themes of ambition, visibility, and who gets to be seen—and valued—within Hollywood and beyond.

The film’s nationwide theatrical rollout underscores a growing appetite for culturally resonant, audience-driven independent cinema. Members of the media are invited to attend the red-carpet premiere and participate in exclusive interviews with cast and filmmakers, spotlighting the film’s message, cultural impact, and journey from grassroots development to wide theatrical release.

Community is invited to help make this a boxoffice success. Latinos have the power as they are the #1 film going audience.

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Three Latina entrepreneurs have anchored Highland Park’s York Boulevard for up to 17 years, building businesses that became the backbone of one of LA’s most celebrated independent corridors. This Saturday, October 11, the 11th Annual Mercado Fall Festival (12-8 PM, York Blvd between Avenues 50-52) celebrates them with a free, three-block party of art, food, and community.

The festival’s main stage, Friends Over Followers, is hosted by LABellatini (Isabel Reyes), a DJ, curator, and community connector who has activated markets and showcases across Los Angeles for years. Her lineup spotlights Highland Park’s musicians, dancers, and performers – many of whom work at the very businesses lining York Boulevard. LABellatini’s work embodies what the Mercado stands for: joy, representation, and collaboration.

The festival’s three Latina entrepreneurs who have anchored York Boulevard for years: Noelle Reyes has run Mi Vida Boutique since 2008, providing a platform for Chicanx artists and creatives for 17 years. Corissa Hernandez, a first-generation Chicana entrepreneur and financial educator, co-founded Nativo and Legacy Full Circle Financial. At the Mercado, Nativo debuts a special cocktail menu with drinks inspired by neighboring businesses. Marcy Guevara-Prete launched The Plus Bus in 2015, LA’s premiere mobile plus-size boutique creating community and style for a market the fashion industry ignores.

These women represent a growing wave of Latina business leadership, creating spaces that are not only successful but intentional about who they serve and what they represent.

This year carries special meaning. As small businesses and street vendors across Los Angeles face economic pressure, the Mercado is both a celebration and an act of resilience – a moment to rebuild, reconnect, and reaffirm the creative economy that defines Highland Park.

Now in its second decade, the Mercado Fall Festival stands as both celebration and statement: that culture, creativity, and local business ownership remain the heartbeat of Northeast Los Angeles. With live music, lowriders, art activations, and over 100 neighborhood vendors, the Mercado continues to grow as one of LA’s most beloved community events – powered by collaboration, heritage, and pride.

Mercado Fall Festival
 York Blvd between Avenues 50 & 52, Highland Park
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 12 PM – 8 PM
Music, food, art, car clubs, and local vendors

Follow @FriendsOverFollowers for updates and behind-the-scenes coverage.

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When President Ulysses S. Grant said, “I do not think there was ever a more wicked war than that waged by the United States on Mexico … “ he was predicting the impetus for the searing drama that unfolds in Josefina López’s newest play, Eléctrico, having its world premiere production at Casa 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights (Los Angeles) from October 10 through November 2, 2025. 

Set in the spring of 1910, prior to the Mexican Revolution, Eléctrico is the story of a white passing electrician, Raymond Brown.  The action takes place in a small town in Texas, close to the Mexican border, 62 years after the U.S. landgrab was set into motion by the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo where Mexico ceded half its territory.  Brown is caught in a racial struggle between whites and the Mexicans when he discovers the shocking reason why the town’s electricity went out.

“As a Mexican-American playwright and screenwriter I feel I have a responsibility to tell the stories of my people, which might otherwise remain untold”, said award-winning playwright and author López. “After reading William D. Carrigan and Clive Webb’s book, The Forgotten Dead about the lynching of Mexicans in the southwest, I was compelled to write my play, Eléctrico, as a historic feminist western drama”. 

For this important piece, López teams up once again with director Corky Dominguez.  Together they present as a winning combination, seeking to challenge and entertain the audience in an inventive and unabashed way.  The bold direction of Dominguez style is perfect for this important historical story.

“Although the play’s characters and plotline are fictional, the subject matter which Josefina’s play is based on, is 100% true’, [They] took place in Texas in the late 1800s and early 1900s; brutal realities that for the most part, that have been forgotten by history.” 

“My goal is to unearth the truth that has been buried and forgotten along with all the dead who are part of this ‘American’ story, Josefina chimes in. ”I needed to write this play to open this uncomfortable conversation that needs to be discussed.”  

Due to the play’s mature subject matter and violence, this show is recommended for ages 13 and above.

Emmanuel Deleage, Casa 0101 Executive Director and producer talked of the significance of premiereing Eléctrico this year. “CASA 0101 Theater is thrilled to present Josefina López’s latest creation, a feminist western, as the centerpiece of our Theater’s 25th Anniversary celebration,” and emphasized, “It is a story rooted in the past and as relevant today as ever.

With original corridos (story ballads) written and performed by Francisco Rivas Medina,Eléctrico stars Robert Moris Castillo and Corina Calderon – both professionals with numerous impressive film, television and theater credits.  It features the talents of Sonia Aguirre, Casara Clark, Andrew Laughery, Dustin Loomis, Francisco Rivas Medina, Alessandro Mendoza, Jeremiah Ocañas, Ryan Padilla, Sierra Pérez-Gelbman and Timothy Willard.

Often treated like strangers in their own land, Chicano/Mexican-Americans are raised hearing the adage that “we didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us!”  Eléctrico strives to bring light to this dark time in history in hopes of engendering understanding in a more just America.   

For all show info: www.casa0101.org

Where:  The Gloria Molina Auditorium at CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 East First Street, Los Angeles, CA  90033  

When:  Fridays & Saturdays @ 8:00PM, Sundays @ 3:00PM, four weeks only: October 10 thru November 2, 2025 

Tickets: $25.00 each General Admission; $22.00 each Students & Seniors 60+; $20 each Boyle Heights residents & Groups of 10 or more. The Box Office can be reached at 323.263.7684 or at tickets@casa0101.org

Talk Backs: (for ticket holders only): Following Sunday matinees on: 
October 12th (led by playwright Josefina López with Dr. Stewart Davenport, History Professor at Pepperdine University discussing the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo) & October 26th (led by director, Corky Dominguez, guest speaker/s TBD). 

Free Art Exhibit: Arthur Carillo’s “My Experience y La Tuya,” prior to performances in the theater lobby. 

Casa 0101 Theater Is Supported In Part By:  The State of California, Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture, National Latinx Theater Initiative, Herb Alpert Foundation, Perenchio Foundation, The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, California Arts Council, U.S. Bank, The Herb Block Foundation and the David Lee Foundation.

The post Deadly Legacy Of The Mexican-American War Comes To Life In ‘Eléctrico’ debuting At Casa 0101 first appeared on .

Organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, LéaLA has become the most ambitious platform in the U.S. dedicated to Spanish-language books and thought. This year’s theme, “Let’s Build Peace Together,” underscores the festival’s commitment to promoting dialogue, cultural pride, and community connection through literature and the arts.

Created for all ages

Over four days, visitors can enjoy a completely free program featuring:

• Author readings and conversations with acclaimed writers from Mexico, the U.S., and across Ibero-America, including José Ignacio Valenzuela (“El Chascas”), Xavier Velasco, María Baranda, Toño Malpica, Benito Taibo, and Jorge F. Hernández.
• Film screenings, such as La Falla by filmmaker Alana Simões, exploring the emotional lives of children in rural Jalisco.
• The beloved Poetry Hub, where voices from both sides of the border share their work in an interactive setting led by Gaspar Orozco and Ilana Luna.
• Children’s workshops, expanded this year to ten sessions in partnership with the University of Guadalajara’s Letras para Volar initiative, offering storytelling, music, and creative activities to inspire a love of reading among young audiences.
• Educational panels within the Forum of Ideas, focused on the transformative power of education and bilingual learning, with leaders from LAUSD and academic institutions in Mexico and California.

“Our 2025 theme, ‘Let’s Build Peace Together,’ reflects our mission to create spaces for thinking, reflecting, and growing in harmony,” said Marisol Schulz Manaut, LéaLA’s general director.

Gustavo Padilla, president of the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, emphasized the festival’s role in education: “The Forum of Ideas is designed to promote equity, inclusion, and international academic collaboration. It’s about building bridges through language and learning.”

With more than 40 publishers and the University of Guadalajara’s Carlos Fuentes Bookstore on-site, attendees can browse and purchase a wide variety of Spanish-language titles.

Since its first edition in 2011, LéaLA has drawn tens of thousands of readers, students, and families, building a loyal following in Los Angeles. With support from community institutions, educational partners, and sponsors like DirecTV, the 2025 festival marks a milestone tenth edition.

Festival Details

? LéaLA – Spanish-Language Book Fair and Literary Festival
? September 25–28, 2025 | 9 AM – 7 PM daily
? LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
? www.lea-la.com
? All activities are free and open to the public

From thought-provoking discussions to hands-on workshops and live performances, LéaLA offers something for everyone—whether you’re a lifelong reader, an educator, or a family looking for enriching cultural activities.

Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making books, stories, and creativity part of your weekend in the heart of Los Angeles.

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