Alma

by Benjamin Benne
Directed by Sara Guerrero
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Members reserve now. Tickets go on sale to the public on October 18, 2024.

Awards and Recognition

  • OC PREMIERE
  • WINNER ATC National Latine Playwriting Award
  • OCTG Recommended
  • StageRaw Recommended

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EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND THRU MAY 31!

On the Fyda-Mar Stage… 

Alma and her daughter, Angel, made sixteen wishes long ago: good health, love, carne asada every day, perfect SAT scores, and a spot at UC Davis, to name a few. But now that Angel is 17, she’s got a different vision for her future than her immigrant single mom. Featuring the powerfully fresh voice of playwright Benjamin Benne, winner of the National Latinx Playwriting Award, Alma is a poetic, funny, and timely play filled with lots of amor and a touch of symbolism. It begs the question: what does the American Dream mean today—and who does it belong to?

WINNER of 2019 ATC National Latine Playwriting Award

“An entertaining and frantic physicality powers Portillo’s portrayal. […] Echeverria makes for a very believable 17-year-old, equal thirds cagey wise child, self-absorbed rebellious whelp and vulnerable, emotive, teen all at once. The actress smoothly shifts through her own feelings while alternately combatting, placating and, always, loving the domineering woman who is the play’s center of gravity.”Orange County Register

“A spirited Marta Portillo portrays Alma with comedy and flair, while an audacious Heather Lee Echeverria as her daughter Angel volleys back her fair share of adolescent sass and filial love.” StageRaw

“A poignant reflection of the real-life experiences of countless immigrant families […] a grounded and lovely performance.” Orange Curtain Review

“Relatable, grounded, and thought-provoking.” SoCal Thrills

Executive Producers
Steven & Louise Koch

Associate Producer Laurie Smits Staude

Executive Season Producers
Bette & Wylie Aitken

Associate Season Producer The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar

Community Partners

 


Show artwork designed by KC Wilkerson, kcwdigital.com.


 

LATINX COMMUNITY NIGHT

Friday, May 17, 7-11:00 p.m.
Community Partners: Breath of Fire Latina Theatre Ensemble, Hispanic Education Endowment Fund, and Café Biaani'
  • 7:00 p.m. - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour drinks. Be sure to meet our Community Partners!
  • 8:00 p.m. - Alma begins! We can't wait for you to see this performance!
  • 9:45 p.m. - Participate in a post-show conversation with the Cast and our Community Partners.
  • 10:15 p.m. - Don't leave just yet! We have a second round of bites and drinks.
  • 10:45 p.m. - Last call! The event comes to an end.
Community Partners
 
Are you part of a Community Organization? Contact us at [email protected] for information on special discounts and fundraising opportunities.

IN PERFORMANCE

IN REHEARSAL

Articles & Reviews

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Audience Buzz

    1. The quality of the productions are amazing.

      — Marie Perez
    2. It was powerful, well written, simple and yet so layered

      — Anonymous
    3. The show Alma was very entertaining.

      — Alan Lowe
    4. Great, timely story. Emotionally presented.

      — Anonymous
    5. Because I can recommend it to so many others. I am White but fluent in Spanish due to my Peace Corps service in Peru and Chile. This play will be enjoyed by fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Also: fellow retired bilingual and regular teachers from Anaheim Elementary School District who taught English Learners; fellow classmates of the Advanced Spanish sessions of CSU Fullerton OLLI for retirees; and my family members and friends.

      — Anonymous
    6. Outstanding overall!

      — Anonymous
    7. Writing is gorgeous. Acting is spectacular!

      — Anonymous
    8. I may be biased as one of the producers – but this show is absolutely perfect for the Chance and the Fyda-Mar stage. The intimate theater thrusts the audience into the small apartment with the 34 year old mother, Alma, and her daughter, Angel, 17. We become uncomfortable voyeurs as these two women bare their souls to us as Alma realizes the 16 wishes she made for and with her daughter over the years of are not the same as Angel’s. This wonderful story, written beautifully by playwright Benjamin Benne, is a love letter to mothers everywhere. I am amazed by the progress of the cast and crew at this point of the process and look forward to Opening Night. Can’t wait to see this show numerous times over its run at the Chance and proud to be underwriting such a wonderful project!

      — Louise
    9. Great show

      — Erica Ramirez

Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center

Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA  92807
More Information Get Directions
Venue Amenities
  • Full-Service Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Conveniently Located

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