Whittier Boulevard is a funny and poignant commentary on ageism, presented in Latino Theater Company’s members Fernández, Lopez, Rivas and Rodriguez with Valenzuela directing.

In this ensemble-devised work, the company uses its trademark blend of comedy, drama, music, dance and theatrical magic to transport us to Los Angeles in the year 2042. Years of fires, torrential rain, anarchy and bloodshed have led to a totalitarian city-state where the elderly disappear, their stories forgotten. When authorities make a surprise visit to the home of faded Chicana starlet Veronica Del Rio on the eve of her 75th birthday, she enlists the help of her loudmouth nurse, a kindhearted policeman-fan, and a down-on-his-luck poet. Will Veronica disappear and be forgotten before she finds true love?

“This ensemble of actors has been working together for the last 38 years,” says Valenzuela. “In this play we look at ageism, but we also explore finding the divine within ourselves so that we can create a better society. It’s fun and campy, but we also address serious social issues, such as the current whittling away of civil rights in this country.”

Whittier Boulevard feature original music by Robert Revell and choreography by Urbanie Lucero. The creative team includes scenic designer François-Pierre Couture; lighting designer Pablo Santiago; sound designer John Zalewski; projection designers Yee Eun Nam and Yuki Izumihara; and costume designer Naila Aladdin Sanders. The production managers are Nathan Edelman and May Fei.

Whittier Boulevard opens on Saturday, April 29 at 8 p.m., with performances thereafter taking place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. through May 28. Six preview performances take place April 20 through April 28 on the same schedule. There will be two additional performances, on Monday, May 1 and Monday, May 15, both at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $22–$48, except opening night (April 29) which is $58 and includes both pre- and post-performance receptions. Previews are $10.

The Los Angeles Theatre Center is located at 514 S. SpringSt., Los Angeles, CA 90013. Parking is available for $5 with box office validation at Joe’s Parking structure, 530 S. Spring St. (immediately south of the theater).

For more information and to purchase tickets, call (213) 489-0994 or go to www.latinotheaterco.org.

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Key Largo, a film noir style theatrical production, co-adapted by actor Andy Garcia and Jeffrey Hatcher, is an admirable and stunning production that is well served by its ensemble cast who bring vibrant layered portrayals to the stage drama.

Set in a small hotel in the Florida Keys in the late 1940s where mobster Johnny Rocco is hiding out waiting to complete a criminal deal while a Hurricane is brewing. The drama unfolds when a former soldier arrives to visit the father and widow of a fallen World War II comrade, with the resulting interaction with Rocco and the other hotel residents.  The rising storm outside reflecting the rising tensions among the unwilling participants caught in a dire situation in the hotel.

One of the most important leading Latino film actors of his generation, Garcia is stepping on stage for the first time in four decades and this is a rare opportunity to see him in a superb live performance.

Garcia takes center stage and is a commanding presence as Rocco. He is stylish, brash, cunning and deadly, interacting with the other players with confidence as the gangster all the while displaying a controlled maturity.

Danny Pino (Mayans M.C., Law and Order SVU) is quite effective and has a quiet reserve as the veteran Frank Mcloud and Tony Plana (Mayans M.C., Resurrection Blvd.) as Mr. D’Alcala, the aged and blind owner of the hotel gives a standout performance. Joely Fisher as Rocco’s aged alcoholic girlfriend Gaye, elicits empathy in a nuanced portrayal. 

The rest of the seasoned cast delivers the goods. John Lee Beatty’s scenic design evokes a rundown tropical hotel of the era. The costumes by Linda Cho are spot-on for the time period and locale. The lighting, special effects and sound design are exemplary. Ten-time Grammy award and Emmy recipient musician and composer, Arturo Sandoval contributed an atmospheric underlying trumpet laden musical score that sets the tone and punctuates the drama. 

The production is based on Maxwell Anderson’s play and the Warner Bros’ 1949 film Key Largo which is now recognized as a classic, starring Edward G, Robinson, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall and Claire Trevor. Garcia and stage production cast have managed to make their imprint on the material. Bogey and Gang would be awfully proud. 

The Geffen Playhouse and producer Frank Mancuso should be commended for their total and unsparing support of Latinx artists, giving American Theater a new perspective.  The smaller Geffen Theater venue allows for a richer more intimate theatrical experience. Garcia co-adapted along with Mancuso and is also listed as one of the producers of Key Largo, with Doug Hughes directing.

Key Largo runs through December 15th at The Geffen is located in Westwood just across the street from the UCLA Campus and Medical center. Tickets are going fast and are sure to sell out. This is a rare opportunity to see notable Latinx actors at work, up close and personal in a wonderful theatrical production that won’t disappoint.  For early birds, there are 2:00 P.M. afternoon performances scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays, otherwise, shows are Tuesday through Sunday 8:00 P.M. For more information: Contact the Geffen Playhouse at 310-208-5454.

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