“If you can only see one play this year, go and see Coachella Valley Repertory’s production of Carmen Rivera’s, La Gringa. Rarely does a play make me laugh and cry with such sincerity. This production, this script and these actors all come together with a harmony so rarely seen on stage. They will make you laugh oout loud, shed a tear or two and have you leaving the theatre with plenty of food for thought.”
– Dee Jae Cox, Coachella Valley Weekly
“Peter Mins and Liana Arauz, who both stepped into their roles at the last minute, are so good, you’d never believe they didn’t have six weeks of rehearsal. Ayanery Reyes of Los Angeles helps the show elicit laughter and tears as the woman searching for an identity. It’s a testament to director Ron Celona that “La Gringa” is another winner for this emerging professional theater company.”
– Bruce Fessier, The Desert Sun
“The cast is quite strong. Ron Celona once again proves his skill as a director. He’s particularly good at casting, and elicits memorable performances from each actor. La Gringa is particularly timely considering our country’s ongoing political battle over immigration. The play does make you think about what the word “home” really means. In the end, the play proves that the cliché is true: Home is where the heart is. ” – Bonnie Gilgallon, Coachella Valley Independent
“This charming comedy-drama written by Carmen Rivera, and insightfully directed by CVRep founding artistic director Ron Celona, explores the vexing Puerto Rican-American experience and the feeling of not belonging in one’s own country. . . .The characters all have their moments to shine in this tender ensemble story. (Ayanery) Reyes, (Marina) Re, and (Peter) Mins, in particular, have powerful onstage memorable moments.” – Jack Lyons, Desert Star Weekly
“CVRep’s new production of La Gringa is, as usual, brilliantly acted and brilliantly directed (by Ron Celona). The set design and other technical aspects of the production are, again as usual, also superb.” -Audrey Liebross, BroadwayWorld.com