October 24, 2024
9:30AM, 12:30PM & 7PM*
La Mirada Theatre for
the Performing Arts
Carmencita, de diez años, sueña con ser cantante de mariachi y algún día unirse a un espectáculo con su padre. Sin embargo, su padre se aferra a una antigua tradición familiar de mariachis exclusivamente masculinos.
Cuando la maestra de Carmencita le ofrece un libro sobre una mariachi, todo cambia para “Cita” al ver la posibilidad de que su sueño se haga realidad. ¿Podrá celebrar su propia herencia y ampliar la visión del mundo que tenía su padre? Mariachi Girl es un edificante drama familiar bilingüe sobre cómo alcanzar tus sueños y está lleno de vibrante música de mariachi original.
CYNTHIA SOPHIA ÁLVAREZ (Carmen) is an actor and writer native to El Paso, TX. She is very excited to be performing at La Mirada for the very first time. She holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Texas at El Paso, where she is currently adjunct faculty, and an MFA in Acting from UCLA. She recently took part in Teatro Neplanta’s 24hr Play Festival as a writer. Her recent acting credits include Cimber in Julius Caesar, Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet, and Rallitos in Ophelia’s Jump production of the Hall of Final Ruin. She would like to thank the Phantom Projects team for this incredible opportunity, her family and friends for their unwavering love and support, and the amazing cast and crew of Mariachi Girl.
LUIS BERNAL (Luis) is a seasoned actor and musician with a 20-year career, shines across film, television, commercials, and voice dubbing. Noteworthy recent credits include “Candy Cane Lane” on Amazon, “The Snitch Cartel” on Netflix, and the emotionally charged “Canto para no llorar.” His versatility extends to international projects like the music video “El Ondeado” and collaborations with brands like Universal and Goodwill. Bernal’s voice work spans diverse films and TV series, showcasing his adaptability. His international presence attests to his talent and ability to connect with audiences worldwide. In the dynamic entertainment landscape, Luis Bernal stands as a versatile and accomplished artist, leaving a lasting impact with his compelling performances.
NATALIE FRIEDEMAN (Mrs. Parker) is thrilled to be making her Phantom’s debut and proudly connect with her Mexican heritage through this uplifting story. Recent theatre credits include Yerma (Foolish Production Co) and Twelfth Night (British American Drama Academy), both of which she also composed original music for. She received her BA in Theatre at Northwestern University where she performed in shows like Blood Wedding and In the Heights and directed multiple student-written plays. Film credits include Two Flares Up and Breaking Through. She also creates handmade watercolor and pop-up cards in her free time. Natalie is represented by Stewart Talent Agency. She would like to thank this incredible team, her family and friends for their unconditional support, and all of you for coming! Instagram: @nataliefriedmann
ANDREW LANDEROS (Danny) is an actor from Chino Hills, California. He studied acting at UCI and graduated with a B.A. in Theatre in 2021. Since then he has had the pleasure of working on shows such as Newsies (Davey), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), and West Side Story (Ensemble). He is so excited to be back with Phantom Projects as you might remember him as Jonas Fogg in Sweeney Todd, and Danny in the previous production of Mariachi Girl. He feels so honored to be retelling such a heart warming story for the La Mirada stage and hopes the show touches your heart as well. He would like to thank all his friends and family for their support.
LOLA LOPEZ (Cita) has previously worked with Phantom Projects in “Charlotte’s Web”, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, and “Matilda Jr.”. She is very excited to reprise her role as Cita with Phantom Projects since “Mariachi Girl” is quite a special show to her. She hopes it can resonate with so many more audience members the way it has with herself and others.
OSCAR RIVAS (Jose/Abuelo) is a dynamic artist whose talents span music, education, and acting. As a seasoned musician and vocalist, Oscar has honed his craft over the years through participation in ensembles like Mariachi Aztecas de Oro, Cumbia Ska group MULA, Afro Latino group QUITAPENAS, and Redlands’ Inland Masters Chorale. His musical expertise is further refined through formal training, including tenor lessons at Riverside City College and private baritone lessons with Maestro Gualtiero Negrini. Oscar’s journey into theater began with his acclaimed performance in Mariachi Girl with Phantom Projects, where he played two distinct roles, showcasing both his dramatic and humorous range. He continued to grow as a performer in American Mariachi with the Latino Theater Company, where he took on the role of a mariachi musician, playing the guitarrón both on stage and behind the scenes. Oscar has returned for another round of Mariachi Girl with Phantom Projects. In addition to his performance career, Oscar teaches Mariachi music to high school students in the Hemet Unified School District, where he nurtures the next generation of musicians. With a passion for artistic expression and a commitment to mastery, Oscar brings a captivating blend of melody, emotion, and cultural heritage to every performance, both on stage and in the classroom.
