HOLD THESE TRUTHS The Journey of Gordon Hirabayashi
A solo play by Jeanne Sakata
April 15-May 3, 2015
During WWII in Seattle, university student Gordon Hirabayashi fights the US government’s orders to forcibly relocate people of Japanese ancestry to internment camps. As he struggles to reconcile his country’s betrayal with his passionate belief in the US Constitution, Gordon begins a 50-year journey toward a greater understanding of America’s triumphs – and a confrontation with its failures.
Directed by Ron Celona
Actor: Blake Kushi (Gordon Hirabayashi and multiple other roles)
“It’s a compelling story that will astound most theater-goers.” – Bruce Fessier, The Desert Sun
“Actor Blake Kushi, who appears in HOLD THESE TRUTHS, is not yet a household name, but he deserves to become one. In this production, he plays each character from the heart – especially the protagonist. His versatility enables him to perform multiple characters who speak in Japanese and English and whose voices, accents, and facial expressions differ from each other’s. The result is a brilliant performance. ” – Audrey Liebross, BroadwayWorld.com
LA GRINGA
By Carmen Rivera
March 4-22, 2015
Maria goes to visit her family in Puerto Rico with plans to also connect with her homeland. Once there, comedy ensues. She realizes that Puerto Rico considers her an American – a gringa. If she’s a Puerto Rican in the United States and an American in Puerto Rico – Maria concludes that she is nobody, everywhere. Through the wise and colorful words and music of her uncle, Maria learns life lessons.
Directed by Ron Celona
Actors: Robert Almodovar (Victor), Liana Arauz / Kyla Garcia (Iris), Peter Mins (Manolo), Eliezer Ortiz (Monchi), Marina Re (Norma), and Ayanery Reyes (Maria)
“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.” – Jack Lyons, Desert Star Weekly
“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.” – Bonnie Gilgallon, Coachella Valley Independent
HAVING OUR SAY The Delany Sisters’ First Hundred Years
A play by Emily Mann, adapted from the book Having Our Say by Sarah L. and A. Elizabeth Delany with Amy Hill Hearth
January 21-February 8, 2015
103-year-old Sadie and 101-year-old Bessie take us on a remarkable journey through the last hundred years of our nation’s history, recounting a fascinating series of events and amusing anecdotes drawn from their rich family history and careers as pioneering African-American professionals.
Directed by Ron Celona
Actors: H. Chris Brown (Dr. Bessie Delany) and Regina Randolph (Miss Sadie Delany)
“There is absolutely everything right about the CVRep’s production of ‘Having Our Say.’ If you are looking for an excellent piece of theatre, this is the show to see. It is a personal and intimate oral history that can be appreciated by all ages. . . . It does not get better than Chris Brown and Regina Randolph if you are looking for top notch performances.” –Dee Jae Cox, Coachella Valley Weekly
“At Coachella Valley Repertory’s . . . performance of Having Our Say, the gentle Delany Sisters stole our hearts. These two ladies charmed the packed house from their first words. Their stories and memories will make you laugh often, and you’ll find yourself misty-eyed at least once or twice.”
– Valerie (VJ) Hume, Coachella Valley Independent
THE CHOSEN
Adapted by Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok from the novel by Chaim Potok
October 29-November 16, 2014
The award-winning play is the story of two boys, two fathers and two very different Jewish communities “five blocks and a world apart” in Brooklyn, in the 1940s. This is a heartfelt story of friendship and important choices that two families make on the path toward understanding, respect and reconciliation.
Directed by Ron Celona
Actors: Drew Feldman (young Reuven), Dennis Gersten (David Malter), David Light (Reb Saunders), Dave Natale (Reuven Malter and others), and Daniel Seigerman (Danny Saunders)
“‘The Chosen’, because of its subject matter and numerous poignant scenes, could easily descend into schmaltz if performed or directed by less skilled individuals. The talented cast members and the show’s director (Ron Celona, CVRep’s artistic chief) all resist the temptation to turn the characters into ethnic caricatures or players in a melodrama.”
– Audrey Liebross, BroadwayWorld.com
“How CVRep Artistic Director Ron Celona found the play and got it to the stage is an achievement unto itself. But theater-goers get the rewards. …The play illuminates universal lessons, revealing how a quest to understand — not just tolerate — different ideas can lead to personal enlightenment.”
– Bruce Fessier, The Desert Sun