5 6 3 5 E V E R H A R T R D, C O R P U S C H R I S T I , T X
CONTINUING HIS LEGACY
Ed Chapa was a fiercely passionate man with big aspirations and a love for the arts. What started as a simple thought shared with his wife, Mary, grew into a vision that was realized with the inception of the Aurora. The dream to open a quaint community theater on the Southside of Corpus Christi became a driving force in Ed’s life, and his dedication to the cause served as an inspiration to all he met. The success of the Aurora lives on as a testament to the strength of his vision and of his faith in the many volunteers and community supporters who gave of their time and hearts as much as he gave of his.
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
I am beyond excited to be directing Our Lady of the Tortilla, Aurora Arts Community Theatres’ first production of 2022! The cast and crew have completely dedicated themselves to bringing the Cruz family to life and showing us that hard times are inevitable but so are family, faith and “funny”. It’s a huge responsibility, now more than ever, for our entire production team to set the tone of the year to come and what better way to do it than with a comedy. Humor heals and all our hearts needsome healing right now.
Laurie Guajardo Laurie Guajardo Director
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GET INVOLVED
Have you always wanted to perform in your favorite play or musical? What are you waiting for! Visit auroraartstheatre.com to see upcoming auditions.
presents
Written & Created by Luis
Santeiro
“OUR LADY OF THE TORTILLA is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.” Director
Laurie Guajardo Stage Manager
Technical Director
Etta Enow
Burt Baxter
Scenic Design
Set Construction
Burt Baxter, Laurie Guajardo
Burt Baxter
Lighting Design
Sound Design
Lisa Perry
Lighting/Sound Operator
Lauren Kuvet
Scenic Artist
Burt Baxter
Victor Garcia Sound Recording
Victor Garcia, Eddie Espino, Nora Gutierrez-Perez Photography
Alex Chapa
Prop Master
Ernie Pruneda
Costumers
AAT Cast Photos, video and/or audio recordings of this performance by any means whatsoever are strictly prohibited. Following the conclusion of our performance, an opportunity will be provided in the lobby for guests to meet and take photos with the cast members.
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MEET THE CAST Lue Gonzales as Dolores Cantu Lue is from Bishop, Texas. His passion for theater, speech and debate started at a young age. His passion lead him to continue his craft by being a competitor for the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Speech and Debate team, and was an active member of the TAMUK Theater program. Lue obtained a degree in Communications and Theater from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He is thrilled to kick off his first debut with Aurora Arts Theater. “Thank you to my Family and Friends for the countless amount of motivation, encouragement and most importantly love!”
Jesse Ochoa IV as Eddy Cruz Jesse Alexander Ochoa IV: 26 Jesse is thrilled to be in his first production at Aurora. Growing up in Robstown, Texas, Jesse has spent all his life around interesting characters. He’s a recent graduate of A&M Kingsville, with a degree in Radio/ Television/ Film; and he also appeared in TAMUK Theatre’s American Idiot The Musical. I want to thank my friends and family for the inspiration you bring to my life. I love you all… “All you touch and all you see, is all your life will ever be.” ~Pink Floyd
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Lisa Espinoza McGrew as Dahlia Cruz She has been involved in community theatre in the Coastal Bend for almost 30 years at Harbor Playhouse, The Rialto Theatre and Port Aransas Community Theatre. This is her first time onstage at Aurora and she is excited to be a part of this production. In addition to theatre, she has also participated in local film festivals and lent her voice to the Narada Radio Company. She taught theatre arts at Tuloso Midway Middle School for the past six years and credits her colleagues for helping her become a better thespian. She is currently teaching English as a Second Language at the School of Science and Technology-Bayshore Campus and sponsor/director of the Drama Sharks Youth Troupe.
Mario Garcia as Nelson Mario made his first appearance at Aurora 5 years ago. In a memorable feat, he was at the forefront of Rumors’ cast at the start of the pandemic. Since then, he has been strengthening his acting skills on stage and on camera. He has worked with Canadian actor D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (Reservation Dogs, FX) and aspires to cross paths with other talented artists in his quest to become an entertainer. Mario thanks all of you for staying safe in these uncertain times and hopes you all enjoy the show!
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MEET THE CAST Meagen Henderson as Beverly Hi, I am from Aransas Pass and 25 years old. I’ve always had a passion for and felt very drawn to performing. It’s something I’ve wanted to pursue for most of my life but in the past I was very shy and insecure and had a lot of doubts in myself. I finally feel confident and comfortable enough to go for what I want to do. This is my first play and I hope it will be the first of many.
Etta Enow as Valerie Spinetti Etta Georgette Enow is excited to be performing in her first acting role for Aurora Arts Theatre as Valerie Spinetti. She is currently in her last semester at Texas A&M University Kingsville where she has acted in numerous TAMUK Theatre productions. When she’s not acting you can listen to her live on the radio on WILD 105.5 7am-10am to the Hacker Morning Show. She is very excited to showcase her talent in Our Lady of The Tortilla.
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SUPPORT US
It’s because of you the lights keep shining and the actors keep acting. The goal of Aurora Arts Theatre is to give people an opportunity to reach their dreams and showcase their talents. In order to do this, we seek help from the community to help make dreams happen. We would like to thank the following for their support and contributions: Charles X. Chapa & family Roland A. Chapa & family Erica & Roland Almaraz Bryan Davis Lara Energy ZAZA Energy Tammy & John Hearn Alpha Air Conditioning/Heating H-E-B Debbie & Sam Isaacs
Priscilla’s Pantry David Garcia Debra & Scott Cornett Sue & Rex Halsey A.J. Soza Erin Craig Brenda Davis Wienerschnitzel Gaylord & Sue Hoyt NavyArmy Community Credit Union
If you are interested in making a donation to the Aurora Arts Theatre, visit auroraartstheatre.com or call 361-851-9700. AURORA ARTS THEATRE 9
Opens March 25, 2022 Get Your Tickets Today auroraartstheatre.com 361-851-9700