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In the working class melting pot that was Boyle Heights in the 1960s, five diverse employees in the return department at Sears form a tight bond as they cope with upheaval in their personal lives, their community and the rapidly changing world around them. Connie, a Latinx single working class mother, realizes her agency and discovers her true identity when the anxieties of war, civil unrest and political assassinations plaguing the country tragically affect her own life. Infused with period music and magical realism. Latino Theater Company at The Los Angeles Theatre Center, (The LATC) 514 S Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013; $24-$38; (866) 811-4111; http://thelatc.org/
The Mother of Henry
Critics
LemonMeter
Reviews: 8
Reviews
There is a lot to enjoy from Evelina Fernández's play of The Mother of Henry, which is funny, magical and always inventive. What is remarkable are the relationships between family and friends, between the spiritual and human, and the harsh realities of everyday life played out in mortal silence.
A gorgeous new play written by Evelina Fernández is now running at The Los Angeles Theatre Center in Downtown LA. Presented by The Latino Theater Company, The Mother of Henry combines magical realism with harsh truths as it focusses on the interactions between five employees in the returns department at Sears, circa 1968.
The story, if summarized, might sound more bitter than sweet, but the strength of the performances, the warmth and humor of the developing relationships, the excellence of the design elements and Valenzuela's spirited direction cast an irresistible spell.
Community history is a worthy subject for a play, and The Mother of Henry properly emphasizes how people are moved to change within that community. As Connie becomes more conscious about the war, she concludes, “You can't just sit around and do nothing.”
While not groundbreaking theatre, it does relate an important and effective story that a lot of people can relate to. Hearing the classic protest songs of the period sung by La Virgen de Guadalupe—well, that is special. What's goin' on? The times they are a-changing.
There is a sweetness in the sincerity of this production. It's like I'm going on a journey in the writer's mind, hearing her unique thoughts on history, life, religion and love.
Fernández uses gently provocative storytelling to convey the horrors of war from a mother's point of view. Though her frequent use of magical realism is refreshing, the script is sometimes weighted down by frivolous domestic drama. The play maintains a staunchly optimistic tone despite the grim socio-political realities, and despite the difficulties Connie faces. - RECOMMENDED
Although the story's pivotal moment of loss is staged too swiftly and abruptly, just about everything else in this endearing production works wonderfully, beginning with Umaña, who fills her role with warmth and elegant simplicity.
The cast, under the inspired direction of Mr. Valenzuela, is splendid. The guitar playing and songs sung by Mr. Revell and Ms. America are like being at the Fillmore or Winterland back in the day.
There is a lot to enjoy from Evelina Fernández's play of The Mother of Henry, which is funny, magical and always inventive. What is remarkable are the relationships between family and friends, between the spiritual and human, and the harsh realities of everyday life played out in mortal silence.
A gorgeous new play written by Evelina Fernández is now running at The Los Angeles Theatre Center in Downtown LA. Presented by The Latino Theater Company, The Mother of Henry combines magical realism with harsh truths as it focusses on the interactions between five employees in the returns department at Sears, circa 1968.
The story, if summarized, might sound more bitter than sweet, but the strength of the performances, the warmth and humor of the developing relationships, the excellence of the design elements and Valenzuela's spirited direction cast an irresistible spell.
Community history is a worthy subject for a play, and The Mother of Henry properly emphasizes how people are moved to change within that community. As Connie becomes more conscious about the war, she concludes, “You can't just sit around and do nothing.”
While not groundbreaking theatre, it does relate an important and effective story that a lot of people can relate to. Hearing the classic protest songs of the period sung by La Virgen de Guadalupe—well, that is special. What's goin' on? The times they are a-changing.
There is a sweetness in the sincerity of this production. It's like I'm going on a journey in the writer's mind, hearing her unique thoughts on history, life, religion and love.
Fernández uses gently provocative storytelling to convey the horrors of war from a mother's point of view. Though her frequent use of magical realism is refreshing, the script is sometimes weighted down by frivolous domestic drama. The play maintains a staunchly optimistic tone despite the grim socio-political realities, and despite the difficulties Connie faces. - RECOMMENDED
Although the story's pivotal moment of loss is staged too swiftly and abruptly, just about everything else in this endearing production works wonderfully, beginning with Umaña, who fills her role with warmth and elegant simplicity.
The cast, under the inspired direction of Mr. Valenzuela, is splendid. The guitar playing and songs sung by Mr. Revell and Ms. America are like being at the Fillmore or Winterland back in the day.