House on Mango Street Sizzles on Calle Pedro Infante
The House on Mango Street, now running at La Casa del Mexicano Theater
in Los Angeles is not a “must see” but a “why haven't you
seen it yet?”
Produced by East Los Angeles Repertory Theatre Company, Amy Ludwig's adaptation
captures the essence of Sandra Cisneros' beloved novel. Jesus A. Reyes' direction
gives the narrative script vivid liveliness, filling the large stage with activity
and some inspired staging in the acto tradition of teatro chicano. Most rewardingly,
the performance sizzles. These actors know their craft and practice their art
sublimely. Particularly superb is newcomer Mariella Saba's Esperanza, the perfect
casting for the role.
This production should be on the Mark Taper Forum's main stage, with Saba playing
lead. But the Taper needs to hurry; the seventeen-year old will quickly outgrow
the part. Reyes' director's chair must have been a pleasure. The Company's outlandishly
talented actors Cristela Saravia, Juan Enrique Carrillo, Richard Andrade, Marina
E. Gonzales, Raquel Sanchez, and Blanca M. Melchor, move comfortably from character
to character, the minimalist set demanding they fill each role with voice, facial
expression, and movement. With the right tools, you can do anything, and these
actors have great tools, well worth the drive to this out-of-the-way auditorium.
The East Los Angeles theatre experience has a few drawbacks that a million
dollar grant from an arts organization couldn't fix with a snap of the checkbook.
The
company could improve playbill information; for instance, the actor playing
Sally, the Saturday I attended, deserves recognition for her presence and skill,
but
the roles aren't named other than as “Woman #1” “Woman #2” and “Woman
#3.” Audiences familiar with the early days of Ivy Substation or the
house at the Actor's Gang, will recognize the same potential in La Casa del
Mexicano
Theater.
This company merits wider support. Area theater-goers will be encouraged to
learn several of Los Angeles' better Mexican restaurants and taco stands are
nearby--La
Serenata de Garibaldi or Siete Mares, for more complex cuisine; King Taco or
Cinco Puntos for hand-held fast food; Manuel's or El Gallo for sit-down home
style cooking. The local ambience--but especially the excellence of the theatre--
make a drive out to Pedro Infante Street an event to invite friends along.
The East LA Rep's 6-play season continues through November. The House on
Mango Street
runs weekends through March 13. La Casa del Mexicano Theater, 2900 Calle Pedro
Infante, Los Angeles, CA 90063.