Upcoming on KPFK’s Arts in Review, celebrating the best in live theater and cabaret in the Greater Los Angeles area.  The prolific playwright Josefina López, now celebrating the 20th Anniversary of her Sundance Film Festival award-winning film, Real Women Have Curves, based on her groundbreaking play of the same name, will be expanding her creative palette with her latest collaborative work, the World Premiere of “Remembering Boyle Heights:  Part 2.” This is an immersive theater piece, created and devised by Josefina López, Corky Dominguez and the Remembering Boyle Heights:  Part 2 Ensemble. López joins Arts in Review host, journalist Julio Martinez on Friday, November 18 (2 to 2:30pm) on KPFK 90.7fm.

The new production is the second half of a theatrical celebration inspired by the diverse stories, memories and experiences of Boyle Heights’ history and monumental events shaping the community from the 1940s to present day. CASA 0101 Theater in partnership with El Centro del Pueblo are proud to co-produce this new production to be presented at CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 East First Street (at St. Louis Street), Boyle Heights, CA  90033.  Opening Night is Friday, November 18, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. Performances will be given on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and on Sundays at 3:00 p.m., Nov

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Inspired by the original Swedish novel and film, Let The Right One In, Showtime is currently airing a 10-episode series of the same name, which debuted early in October. The series focuses on Mark, played by Mexican actor Demián Bichir (A Better Life) and his daughter Eleanor, portrayed by 12-year-old Madison Taylor Baez (Selena: The Series), whose lives were changed 10 years earlier when young Eleanor was turned into a vampire. The title refers to the legend that vampires cannot enter someone’s abode unless they are invited. 

Bichir said he admired the novel and the film. “I am not usually a big fan of dark stories,” Bichir admits, “It is always tricky territory. We actors go deep into anything we do, and the task is not to get too buried within the somberness. But playing the father of a child played by Madison, with all her energy and vitality, brings a lightness to the show. That made our two characters an engaging duo and the whole project enjoyable.”  

“This is my first horror show, and at first it seemed daunting,” admits Baez. “I knew it would be hard. But working with Demián really lightened the atmosphere. After filming all the gory scenes, I would have a scene with Demián or Ian, who plays Isaiah, Eleanor’s friend.  That immediately brought a nice change for the mood of the show.”

“The episodes were emotionally and physically exhausting,” Bichir admits. “But the energy generated by the whole cast was inspired by the scripts created by our Showrunner Andrew Hinderaker (Penny Dreadful, Pure Genius, and Away) and his staff. 

Hinderaker, also a great fan of the novel by John Lindqvist (2004) was surprised how much he liked the film, directed by Tomas Alfredson (2008). “For me, the movie is not only one of the best horror movies ever made, but probably the most moving. That’s why I am proud to have assembled our extraordinary team of artists to do this series.”  

Showtime picked up the show in September 2021, with Hinderaker as executive producer alongside Marty Adelstein (Last Man Standing, Teen Wolf), Becky Clements (Cowboy Bebop), Seith Mann, who also directs (Raising Dion), with Alissa Bachner (Snowpiercer) and Ben Rosenblatt (10 Cloverfield Lane, Prey) as co-executive producers, Demián Bichir (Grand Hotel) as a producer, and Paul Leonardo Jr. (Severance) as a co-producer.

Hearing the list of production credits, Bichir, who was born in Mexico City and was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his role in A Better life, chuckles. “Producers and directors don’t know, but whenever they audition us, we audition them because we have to make sure that they are wonderful people, knowledgeable and cultured…if we are lucky. I also wondered how they were going to expand that wonderful two-hour film into ten-episodes of television.”   

“I certainly feel lucky to have been cast,” says Baez. “When I first got the script and this role, I definitely knew there were certain lengths that I was going to have to go, and I was willing to accept it, and that definitely worked out for me. Especially during those late nights of filming, all of those hard scenes with lots of blood on my face. The result was definitely worth it.”

Baez might have felt lucky to be portraying Eleanor because she is not known as a dramatic actress. Raised in Orange County of Hispanic and Filipino descent, she was dubbed a “musical prodigy” at age eleven, using her own powerful singing voice in her portrayal of youthful Selena Quintanilla in the series, Selena, and was a semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent.  

Also in the cast are Anika Noni Rose (The Princess and the Frog, Everything, Everything, Maid), Grace Gummer (American Horror Story, Dr. Death), Kevin Carroll (The Walking Dead), Josh Wingate, Ian Foreman, Caroline Neff (Chicago P.D.), Jimmie Saito (The Blacklist), Fernanda Andrade (Moon Knight, The Devil Inside), Michael Patrick Thornton (Private Practice, The Exorcist), Don Darryl Rivera, and Jacob Buster.

Rose, who plays New York policewoman Naomi Cole, is delighted to be cast in a role that provides tension for Mark and Eleanor. “As well as being a very focused cop, I am also Mark’s neighbor and the mother of Isaiah,” says Rose. “Being a cop means that she is potentially more watchful than your average neighbor.”

Bichir adds, “You also have to know that the City of New York also is a huge part of the story. The City has this personality that is so brutally appealing. The biggest challenge for me was that it was the long winter. I just couldn’t believe when Madison had to go barefoot or with no jacket on.”

Baez laughs. “I just stayed in character.” 

Let The Right One In is produced by Tomorrow Studios and Showtime Networks, distributed by Paramount Global Distribution Group and airs on Showtime on Fridays at (10pm)

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Actor/comedian George Lopez, whose ALMA Award-winning George Lopez Show ran on ABC for 120 episodes (2002 2007), has now added his daughter, Mayan Lopez, to the world of sitcom TV, in NBC’s Lopez vs Lopez, which will launch November 4 (8pm).  “I am happy to be back on network TV, George exclaims. “I just think as times have changed, social media has changed, the comedy has changed, but yet the use of multi-camera doesn’t change.  So, to have done it 20 years ago is great; but now, it is so gratifying to do it with this incredibly talented cast.”

Mayan nods in agreement. “The series does reflect my history with my dad. My parents got divorced about ten years ago. There was a time where we didn’t speak and were estranged. But within the last two years, my dad and I really solidified our relationship. The pandemic brought us back together. I started making TikToks with my family.” It turns out that Debby Wolfe (Showrunner/Executive Producer) was scrolling one day and she saw one of her TikToks. “This whole Lopez vs. Lopez was kind of born from that idea.”

Wolfe, who is of Salvadoran descent, feels the show is also an amalgamation of the cultural references from the writing staff’s own upbrings, infusing the parent-child references of any minority. She states, “I think George Lopez’s original show paved the way, opened a lot of doors and inspired a lot of Latinx talent to pursue their dreams.  And now, 15 years later, here we are. Writing a sitcom about a Latino family and casting Latinos is so much easier today.”

The series also stars Selenis Leyva (Gloria Mendoza in Orange is the New Black) as George’s ex-wife, Rosie, Matt Shively, best known for his role as Ryan Laserbeam on the Nickelodeon television series True Jackson, VP stars as Mayan’s ultra-Caucasian husband, Quintin and Brice Gonzalez (featured in upcoming Flamin’ Hot, Eva Longoria directorial debut) as Mayan’s 5-year-old son, Chance. Bruce Helford (George Lopez, The Conners) and George are Executive Producers.  

“This series is also a result of me coming to terms with myself,” George added.  “I used to give up on people, whether it was my fault or not.  I would remove people from my life.  And if I was to blame, I would just never have to see them again. So it was very difficult to be able to have to look at myself, to be honest and know that whether it worked out or not, I was going to do something that was entirely new to me that was going to take me on a very painful journey.  But much like life, laughter is the best medicine.  I don’t think it’s as good as antidepressants, but it can be a good medicine.” 

George Lopez’s self-titled original series was based on his comedy act, which featured hilarious reminiscences of living with and working with his ethnically rigid grandmother in a factory. Procured by Sandra Bullock, It featured Constance Marie as his wife and Belito Moreno as his alcoholic Mother (subbing for his grandmother),  along with Masiela Lucha, Luis Arman Garcia, Valente Rodriguez, Aimee Garcia and Emiliano Diaz.

Like his previous broadcast sitcom, Lopez vs Lopez will include some real-life history about his and daughter Mayan history adding the dynamic of the other characters in the show. Mayan and Shively play young adults with a child, attempting to have carve out their own life. Their journey together brings lots of rich material to the show. And Lyeva as Lopez’s ex-wife Rosie, adds so much texture to the show.  

The role of Rosie is a fictionalized character Wolfe clarifies, and it is based on her own Salvadoran-born mother and mothers of some of the show’s Latino writers, making her a blend of many Latinas in one. 

“I feel like every actor has to find a little bit of themselves to bring to a show,” says Lyeva. “George and Mayan, although they are playing themselves, they’re not showing up, opening their mouths and being George and Mayan. And I’m doing the same thing. There is maybe a little bit of Ann Lopez (George’s real ex-wife) going on.  But I strive to create my own character and make my own path to tell the story.”

As the interview draws to a close, Mayan reminisces about being a young child when the original George Lopez Show was being made. “That was actually my first job. They called me “kid AD.” I even had a little headset. I made $20 bucks an hour.  In about four weeks, I was able to buy an American Girl doll.  I would go and get Constance, who played George’s wife Angie, from the set, and take her to makeup.”

Mayan also made her acting debut on the show. She went on to study comedy, then began working as an actress and producer, more recently known for Kill Her! Handsome (2017), A Netflix mystery movie and Mr. Troop Mom (2009). But she affirms her fondest memories were  watching her dad work. “Now I have the honor and privilege of playing alongside him in something that’s so personal. It’s the dream of a lifetime.”

When asked if he had any advice for Mayan, that might make her road a lot smoother in life and in the business than his has been, George replied, “I’ve said to Mayan on occasion, ‘I’m going to tell you something my grandmother never told me.  I want you to be happy’.” 

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For long-time television police show fans, the most recognizable face in the new CBS cop show, East New York, will be Jimmy Smits as two-star Police Chief John Suarez.  The network is launching this new police procedural series, focusing on Deputy Inspector Regina Haywood (Amanda Warren), a protegee of Suarez, who he has now promoted to be boss of the 74h Precinct. Located in a troubled working-class neighborhood of Brooklyn, overrun with crime, and poverty, it is now facing encroaching gentrification. Warren’s Haywood, who has family ties to the area, exudes a calm determination as she utilizes creative methods to protect and serve her community; but first, she must corral her working staff, many of whom are dubious about the abilities of this new appointee and her methods. Meanwhile, she is under the watchful eye of Chief Suarez, who is keeping his options open.

Warren’s Haywood is enjoyably reserved, always soft-spoken, understated but steadfast as she maneuvers within her crew, which includes veteran cop and neighborhood expert Marvin Sandeford (Ruben Santiago-Hudson); old-school detective Tommy Killian (Kevin Rankin), rigidly not in favor of Haywood’s new methods; Killian’s partner Crystal Morales (Elizabeth Rodriguez), who fluidly deals with her partner’s negativity, while also embracing her boss’s ideas; Capt. Stan Yenko, played by Richard Kind, is better known for his comedic flair, but proves his dramatic abilities as the veteran cop, fearful of being washed up and practically begs to be Haywood’s second-in-command; Officer Andre Bentley (Lavel Schley), a trainee from an upper-middle-class background whose naivete makes him error-prone; and ambitious patrol officer Brandy Quinlan (Olivia Luccardi), the sole volunteer to live in a local housing project as part of Haywood’s plan to bridge the gap between police and community.

Smits graced the small screen as Detective Bobby Simone in ABC’s long-running NYPD Blue for five seasons. Before that, he was attorney Victor Sifuentes on the long-running legal drama, L.A. Law (80s-90s). Of Puerto Rican descent, he was born in Brooklyn.  His Chief Suarez is a man of few words, who encourages Haywood’s creative methods, but is ever aware that the mayor’s office is watching her every move. When a crime goes down in the 74^th Precinct involving a dignitary close to the Mayor, Chief Suarez decisively and unapologetically brings in another unit to assist in the investigation but is clear in crediting the 74^th for bringing the case to its close. As the season develops, it will be interesting to learn more about Police Chief John Suarez. 

Elizabeth Rodriguez, who is best known for her role as Aleida Diaz in the Netflix prison comedy/drama series, Orange is the New Black, is now portraying Detective Crystal Morales, the most effusive member of Haywood’s crew. Rodriguez’s portrayal allows her to expertly juggle her partner’s negativity and her boss’s positive agenda.

The first two episodes of the series display the on-the-job workings and occasional foibles of the 74^th work while providing a vivid look at Deputy Inspector Regina Warren’s effort to take command. Also on display is the City of New York, whose pulsating energy makes it a vibrant setting for the series. What’s missing is a sense of episodic continuity. Co-creators/EPs, William Finkelstein and Mike Flynn have given us the two opening episodes that involve the whole team, then wrapping up any loose ends by the episode’s close. Here’s hoping for some cliffhangers in the future…

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Prime Video is launching the series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, introducing the fabled Second Age of Middle-Earth’s history, set thousands of years before the events of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Fans of the previous series are now taken back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen (Suaron) threatens to turn this world, inhabited by Elves, Dwarfs and Humans, into darkness.

There are two Latino actors in the ensemble — Robert Aramayo (Elrond) and Ismael Cruz Córdova (Arondir) — whose characters are greatly assisted in keeping Middle Earth in the “light.” Completing the cast of regulars are Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Owain Arthur, Nazanin Boniadi, Morfydd Clark, Markella Kavenagh and Lloyd Owen.

When asked how daunting was it to go into something new, with the history that Tolkien’s works have had, Puerto Rican-born Córdova replied, “The cast talks a lot about the trilogy. But we’re all professional actors and when you are approaching the work, you are concerned with things that are essential: honesty, truth, what drives your character, what is the essence of each role. You can’t really concern yourself with the largeness of it all, but we all have a lot of love for our characters.”  Cordova first gained national attention playing Mando on Sesame Street, then was featured in the Showtime original series Ray Donavan and in the third season of Berlin Station, as Rafael Torres, an SOG operative. His current character, Arondir, is an Elf, with a forbidden love for the human healer Bronwyn (Boniadi).

Aramayo, born in England of Spanish descent, adds, “I have always loved the books and when I got to New Zealand to begin shooting the series, I started reading more and became really obsessed with Tolkien’s writing. There were a number of cast members who felt the same way. We formed the Legendarium Club. It was a salon with a bunch of very passionate people meeting and talking.” From 2016 to 2017 Aramayo also had some experience performing in the fantasy genre, playing the role of young Eddard Star in the sixth season of the HBO series, Game of Thrones. In 2021, he starred in the Netflix psychological thriller miniseries, Behind Her Eyes. In this series, his character Elrond is an Elvan, having both Elves and Humans as ancestors.

Boniadi, who plays Cordova’s love interest, who was a member of Aramayo’s Legndarium Club, exclaimed, “I read the fantastic essay, Fairy-Stories, by Tolkien. And the thing that resonated with me personally is that fantasy and myth cushion you into a world where you can comfortably explore your existential longing. What is it to be human? And for me that’s timeless.”

“Reflecting on what Nazanin said,” Cordova adds, “there’s something that I think about a lot. We are such a large cast and we’ve become a community and family, but we come from such different backgrounds. Yet, you still find yourself finding a little home in Tolkien. I grew up in Puerto Rico in houses with mud floors and experienced so many hardships in my life. And every time that I saw Tolkien — because I saved all my money to buy my first DVD, “The Lord of the Rings” — I felt myself in there. I felt that the spiritual and emotional connection, especially with the Elves coming from the mountains, I found a little home there. But for someone who grew up in perhaps a much easier life, they can also find their spirit there. You’re able to connect to the existential — I mean dread even — for the ways of the world.” 

When asked what was the most difficult part of acting in the series, the members were in agreement –working with green screen.  Owain Arthur exclaimed, “In my scenes with Rob Aramayo I played a dwarf and Aramayo as Elrond was much taller. So, with the height difference, I was often on my knees and Rob was on the top of a ladder.” Aramayo agreed, “The trickiest part of the green screen work was when you had to sort of match what you did on a smaller version of the set. And that’s where it gets really challenging. But I think what was good about it was we were just all kind of in it together.”

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” debuts on Prime Video in 240 countries and territories worldwide, in multiple languages, on September 2. The production was led by JD Payne, Showrunner, Executive Producer, Patrick McKay, Showrunner, Executive Producerand Lindsey Weber, Executive Producer. The series was produced by Amazon Studios with the Tolkien Estate, the Tolkien Trust, HarperCollins and New Line Cinema.  

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While Martinez´s written work consists of eight pieces originally written as radio plays, the adaptation by the Southern California venue features four pieces dealing with the source origins of the most beloved things about Christmas. But the acts remain radio plays. For that, The Group Rep turns its Upstairs theater venue into a radio studio with actors at microphones, live music and foley sound.  

The Group Rep´s adaptation is directed by Kathleen Delaney with musical direction by Paul Cady and produced by Stevie Stern. The cast features Michael Gabiano, Sheena Georges, Kelly Goode, Doug Haverty, Matthew Hoffman, James Lamire, Kayley Stallings, Mark Stancato, Diane Vincent and Leslie Young. 

In the interest of full disclosure, Martinez is a freelance writer for this website, Latin Heat.

Martinez created the radio plays in 2004 after the Pacifica Radio Network asked him to develop dramas to be aired over the public radio network that owns stations in Los Angeles, Berkeley, Houston, New York and Washington DC. The network has reportedly about 180 stations in the U.S. Martinez, who is the producer and host of the weekly show Arts in Review since 1987, wrote the new works to be broadcast every holiday season, including All Is Calm All Is Bright, The Nutcracker’s Journey, Keeping Christmas Well, O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi, To All Good Night, A Christmas Eve Truce, One Horse Open Sleigh and A Christmas in Tinseltown. They were originally broadcast over KPFK 90.7 FM, Pacifica Radio for the Greater Los Angeles Area, and distributed nationally over the Pacifica Radio Network. Two of the works, Keeping Christmas Well and A Christmas Eve Truce, were also broadcast over BBC Radio in Great Britain. All eight plays can be produced as staged readings in radio-style or can be theatrically staged and produced as theater plays.

Now the Christmas radio plays are being taken to the stage by The Group Rep. The creative and production team consists of Bert Emmett (set design), John Lucewich (lighting design), Don O’Connell (foley design), Sammy Strittmatter (sound consultant), Cheryl Crosland (costume design), John Ledley (stage manager), Kristin Stancato (assistant director), Leslie Young (props), Hisato Masuyama (assistant musical director and utility player), Cathy Tomlin (stage manager and utility player), Doug Engalla (photography and videography), Kristin Stancato (social media) and Doug Haverty (graphics). 

Christmastime Origins runs through Jan. 2 with shows on Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. The show´s running time is approximately 90 minutes. There will be talkbacks with the writer, cast and production team after the shows Dec. 11 and 18, followed by a book signing of The Eight Plays of Christmas with author Martinez. 

General admission is $20 and $17 for seniors and students with ID. All patrons must be vaccinated and show ID and proof of full vaccination are required upon entry. Wearing masks is required inside the theater complex.

Upstairs at the Group Rep is located on the second floor of the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood.

For tickets and information, visit www.thegrouprep.com or call 818.763.5990. 

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