One-acts at Theatre Nuevo offer something for everyone

Themes of Latin pride and identity take center stage for Theatre Nuevo's second effort, "Orgullo: A Pride of One Acts," and the result is further example of bridges that can be built instead of walls.

A top-notch cast performs a panoply of one-acts, ranging from comical to tragedy. The original works were selected from playwrights all over the country, including nationally renowned Jose Casas, Tlaloc Rivas and Alvaro Saar Rios.

The plays were directed by local talent, some with Hispanic roots. Artistic director and award-winning performer Anna Skidis Vargas, who grew up in Fairview Heights, directed four of them, with Adam Flores, Gabe Taylor, Kathryn Bentley, Natasha Toro and Christina Rios one each, and Robert Ayllon of Belleville helming two.

"Brown Only," flipping audition prejudice in an amusing way, featured funny turns by Kelvin Urday, Clayton Bury and Ariel Saul as the actors trying out, with Robert Ayllon as the director's voice of God. It was written by Alvaro Saar Rios, who also contributed the goofy "Menudo Pops," humorously acted by Rahamses Galvan, Ann Marie Mohr and Kelvin Urday.

More serious fare included tragic "No Apologies — Our Song," with a strong monologue by Natasha Toro, ad a poignant "No Apologies — Muneca," both written by Jose Casas. Rahamses Galvan delivers a touching performance, all in Spanish, with a translation in the program.

"La Cocina de Jorge" is a heartbreaking look at an Hispanic woman's attempts to hold on to her family restaurant in the face of a corporate takeover. It was written by Gregory Fenner, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduate. Toro and Jesse Munoz excelled as the mother and son, while Clayton Bury and Ariel Saul were the soulless enforcers.

More comical efforts included "Never Mess with a Mexican Girl" by Miryam Madrigal and the robust finale song "I'm Casting a Vote" by Nathan Jatcko.

"La Cita" was part in English, part in Spanish, and takes an interesting turn, with Ayllon and Vargas working seamlessly as the duet.

"Byzantine," featuring Jesse Munoz and Ann Marie Mohr, was another strong duet, as was "Exotic," with Gabe Taylor and Vargas.

Theatre Nuevo presented a fresh perspective, with passion and commitment.

This story was originally published July 22, 2016 at 5:02 PM with the headline "One-acts at Theatre Nuevo offer something for everyone."