This month, the Moorpark College Theatre Arts department will premiere Luis Santeiro’s comedy “Our Lady of the Tortilla” on the Performing Arts Center Main Stage.
The cast will perform on select dates from Oct. 10-20, offering both evening and matinee shows for viewing. Additionally, the department will hold a free show on Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. with free churros provided by the Associated Students of Moorpark College.
Set in 1980s New Jersey, the story follows the Cuban-American Cruz family in their pursuits of romance, culture and belonging. While everyone faces their own struggles, ranging from infidelity to rivalry, the matriarch of the family Dolores sees the face of the Holy Virgin in a tortilla. This phenomenon brings many visitors to the Cruz home and explores the many forms of family love as the true miracle.
Moorpark College Theatre Arts Professor Suzanne Fagan expressed the decision to do a light-hearted comedy production, closely mirroring real life that audiences can relate to.
“I think that the comedy [“Our Lady of the Tortilla”] is also based on the relationships of the characters and their family,” Fagan said. “So, I feel like the comedy really supports the love in the family, and I think in that way, hopefully, audiences can connect.”
The production is part of the 2024 Latinx Heritage Month celebration at Moorpark College, highlighting the importance of showcasing diverse voices and connecting with younger audiences who can learn more about their heritage.
Claire Jiao, assistant director of “Our Lady of the Tortilla,” shared how love is the central theme of the story, with characters exploring various forms.
“I feel that family relations and like the theme of love is really prominent in this show [“Our Lady of the Tortilla”], because, yes, it’s also religious, but it’s also like the love for everything,” Jiao explained. “Like the character Dolores, she talks about how God gives her all these little things and makes her really happy and that’s her love. So, love is a really big thing about this play, both romantic, familial and like, just love for everything is there.”
The play also has religious components that connect family tradition and dynamics, contributing to both the story and its central theme.
Tickets for “Our Lady of the Tortilla” are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online to save 20%.
