Andrea Daniela from Houston, Texas will play the lead role as Lucha in The Public Theater of San Antonio’s state premiere of American Mariachi by José Cruz González.
This new production launches the 2022–23 Season curated by Executive Artistic Director Claudia de Vasco. The production plays at the Russell Hill Rogers Theater at San Pedro Playhouse in San Pedro Park, from September 9 through October 2, 2022 under the direction of Claudia de Vasco and musical direction by Jaime Ramirez.
American Mariachi is set in the 1970s, where Lucha spends her days caring for her ailing mother but longs to shake up her life. When a forgotten record sparks her mother’s memory, Lucha and her cousin strike upon a radical idea: to create an all-female mariachi band. Infused with live music played by a live mariachi band, this “big-hearted, musical tugs at the heartstrings” and reminds us how music and love can make just about anything possible.
American Mariachi is filled with well-known mariachi classics and depicts beautiful portraits of Latina women. Written by José Cruz González, this premiere production marks the first time a latino writers’ work will be produced at the Russell Hill Rogers Theater in the organization’s 100 years. Claudia de Vasco explains about directing this regional premiere:
“As I thought through the decision about what show to launch my tenure as Artistic leader of The Public Theater, I searched for a play that reflected our South Texas Latino community in a way that hadn’t been before on our stage, a play that was also filled with music as our audiences have come to expect, and a play that was a universal story for all to connect with. American Mariachi is an American story about family, about coping with dementia, and about perseverance. I am thrilled to share this story with our city!”
Andrea Daniela landed the lead role in the play after Claudia saw her video of her mariachi rendition of “Perfect.”
Andrea Daniela sings “Perfect” with the help of Jose Longoria Mariachi Director at the University of Houston. Jose wrote the arrangement and recorded all of the instruments for Daniela with the exception of the trumpet.
Andrea Daniela was born to be on stage. She is a professional singer, violinist, dancer, and actor born and raised in Houston with Texas pride and Mexican roots. Her passion for performing began at the age of 4 and she accredits her foundation at MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts), a non-profit organization focused on giving youth in the inner city a creative outlet, for allowing her to explore her talents in dance, theater, voice, and music. She is an alumni of Johnson Middle School and HSPVA (The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts), both renowned magnet schools. In 2009 she competed in the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in San Antonio, Texas and placed first in the high school category. In 2010 and 2011 she performed at the international festival El Encuentro de Mariachi in Guadalajara, Jalisco with Mariachi Autlan. One of her proudest experiences was playing at the Teatro Degollado and sharing the stage with Mariachi Vargas, Mariachi Camperos and Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan, being the only woman on stage. She competed in the Houston Rodeo’s Mariachi Invitational placing second in both 2014 and 2022 with Mariachi Michoacan of Dallas and Mariachi Imperial of Houston, respectively. As a professional musician she has accompanied artists such as Ana Gabriel, Yolanda Del Río, Paquita la del Barrio, Las Jilguerillas, Espinoza Paz, and Shaila Durcal. In 2018, Andrea was named one of Las Grandes Voces de Mariachi in Guadalajara, Jalisco. In 2019, she was also cast in the acclaimed Mariachi Opera El Milagro de Recuerdo with the Houston Grand Opera. Thanks to mariachi music she has performed on numerous stages across the globe such as Norway, Vietnam, and India and continues to share her passion for her culture with the world. She is proud to join the San Antonio Public Theater in her debut lead role in the state premiere of “American Mariachi” and honored to interpret a heartfelt story that resonates with her personally. Andrea actively showcases her talent around Texas and is currently working on her EP, which will feature a new wave of modern mariachi music.
You can continue to follow Andrea Daniela’s journey on social media @theandreadaniela as she balances her passion with performing and entrepreneurial endeavors in real estate, giving back to the community, and supporting the arts and local businesses while empowering women to be the most powerful version of themselves.
Vanessa Alonzo will participate in a discussion following the 2 pm show of American Mariachi on Sunday, September 18. Plan to join us on this day for the play and post discussion. Click here Ticket link for American Mariachi.
Tickets for shows are $45 (Standard), $30 (Military/Student/Senior* with valid ID), and $15 (Child Under 12) are available online at thepublicsa.org/currentseason, by phone at (210) 733-7258. The Public Theater of San Antonio is wheelchair accessible. For additional information about group sales, contact Patron Services Manager, Ariel Rosen at ariel.rosen@thepublicsa.org.
Mariachi music educators can receive 50% off of up to two tickets here. For all others, click here and use the promo code Mariachi to purchase tickets.
AMERICAN MARIACHI CAST MEMBERS
Andrea Daniela — Lucha
Giselle Galindo — Boli
Isabel de la Cerda — Amalia
Abraham Zapata* — Federico
Amy Mireles de la Rosa — Isabel
Jaime A. Gonzalez Quintero — Mateo
Bianka Nicole Torres — Gabby
Crystal M. Bratton — Soyla
Jose de Hoyos — Mino
MUSICIANS
Robert Cardoza — Trumpet
Julian Arizola — Guitar
Cristina Vazquez — Violin
Rene Benavidez — Guitarron
Jaime Ramirez — Musician
PRODUCTION TEAM
Claudia de Vasco — Director
Laura T. Garza — Associate Director
Jaime Ramirez — Music Director
Laura Moreno — Costume Designer
Pedro Guevara — Set Designer
Carlos R. Nine — Lighting and Sound Designer
Saphire Mendez* — Stage Manager
About The Public Theater of San Antonio
The Public Theater of San Antonio is a non-profit organization producing live professional theater that inspires, educates, and connects communities. As San Antonio’s regional professional theater, many volunteers and service contractors contribute to the organization’s success. Annually, an average of two hundred professionally paid performers and technicians participate in productions. Nearly 90% of the performers and creative team members are from the local region under the leadership of Executive Artistic Director, Claudia de Vasco. Established in 1912 as the San Antonio Dramatic Club and incorporated on April 6, 1927 as the San Antonio Little Theatre, it is the longest running theater in South Texas. The company has had other brands such as The San Pedro Playhouse (1997), and The Playhouse San Antonio (2012). Its most recent brand, The Public Theater of San Antonio, was unveiled on January 7, 2018 in an effort to align the organization’s new professional vision to the needs of the region. For over a century, The Public Theater has evolved to serve its community as a 501c3 non-profit organization. Visit www.thepublicsa.org for more information.
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