Expanded ‘La Posada’ creates new enchantment

Tom Titus

Like a group of youngsters who’ve made the transition from grade

school to junior high and discover a larger playground and more fun

things to play with, the company of South Coast Repertory’s “La

Posada Magica” is reveling in its expanded surroundings on SCR’s new

Julianne Argyros Stage.

This annual Hispanic-flavored Christmas story -- the ninth

rendition of Octavio Solis’ uplifting blend of fantasy and reality,

set to music by Marcos Loya -- has graduated from the confines of the

old Second Stage into the luxurious proscenium of the Argyros, and

has taken full advantage of the expanded dimensions.

With Diane Rodriguez returning for a third turn in the director’s

chair and scenic designer Christopher Acebo taking his first thrust

at creating magical backdrops, “La Posada” flexes its artistic

muscles without losing its intimacy with the audience -- a vital

component of the production. The current incarnation is a skillful

blend of the familiar and the unexpected.

Chrissy Guerrero, who headed the cast for four years (1995-98) in

the role of Gracie, a teenage girl who has lost her faith after her

infant brother’s death, returns to the company -- this time in the

role of Mariluz, who not only depicts the virgin Mary in the

procession, but is about to become a mother herself. Adding a touch

of authenticity, Guerrero is indeed pregnant, with her delivery a few

months away.

Matching Guerrero’s tenure in the central role is Tiffany Ellen

Solano, returning for her fourth time as Gracie. She maintains the

feisty, rebellious nature that causes her character to sabotage the

posada by blowing out the marchers’ candles.

Solano is particularly effective as Gracie when, thrust into a

dark fantasy world of the past, she becomes the fervent protector of

Mariluz and leads the search for a warm place in which to bring a new

life into the world.

Guerrero is luminous in the role of Mariluz, bravely enduring the

chill of the December evening while her husband (Mauricio Mendoza)

shivers even more in his bare-legged outfit. Miguel Najera, in his

first stint as Horacio, leader of the posada, brings a sage

countenance to the part as he narrates the story in rhyme.

Three roles are guaranteed show stealers -- especially when played

by actors returning to the parts.

Sol Castillo rocks out in his third turn as Refugio, the posada’s

wisecracking hipster, who nearly brings the audience to its feet with

his all-stops-out solo, “I’m Your Loving Santa,” while doubling as a

macabre hood.

Denise Blasor (seven productions), and Carla Jimenez (three) again

inject a comic thrust into their dual roles as posada marchers and

the Siamese twin-like “widows Sandoval.” This year they’ve added a

sight gag as they struggle within their single outfit.

Kevin Sifuentes is one of the few first-timers in the company

(along with Najera and Mendoza), playing the school security guard

who triples as a bitter father and Castillo’s companion in creepy

crime.

Composer Loya returns with a new compadre, Lorenzo Martinez, as

the musicians who keep the pace humming.

Acebo’s flashy and colorful set pieces and symbolic backdrops

enhance the familiar production, as do Shigeru Yaji’s imaginative

costumes (including, this year, oversized ghoulish elements) and

Lonnie Alcarez’s richly executed lighting effects.

Basically, this ninth rendition of “La Posada Magica” is a fresh

production, with familiar actors expanding their holiday magic in an

elaborate new, and beautifully furnished, home. No matter your

familiarity with Spanish (mine is nada), you’ll enjoy this

heartwarming show.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His

reviews appear Thursdays and Saturdays.