La Mirada Theatre Presents CHRISTMAS IN MEXICO 12/19

On December 19, 2009 at 7:00 pm, the stage at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts will become a rainbow of shimmering color and a festival of vibrant sound as the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano brings sparkle to the holidays with its award-winning spectacular, NAVIDAD EN MEXICO. An award-winning Christmas production featuring 30 impressive dancers and 10 musicians, a singer and a lariat roper, this ‘south-of-the-border' celebration is laden with seasonal accents such as a traditional Christmas processional (posada), Mexican holiday songs (villancicos), a visit from the Three Wise Men, a festive piñata scene, and a vibrant holiday finale performed in the spirit of a true mariachi fiesta.

Besides its seasonal flavor, however, NAVIDAD EN MEXICO also gives the audience a whirlwind tour of the country's distinct cultural regions. Animated dances executed with shakers and machetes, from Mexico's central and Pacific coast regions, stand in contrast to sensuous Caribbean dances from the country's Gulf coast areas. Graceful harvest and courtship dances from the country's southern states are juxtaposed with the fast-paced footwork (zapateado) of male dancers and energetic skirt whirling (faldeo) of the female dancers, both so typical of the Mexican folkloric dance repertoire. And not to be missed are the festive pieces from Jalisco, in the banda and mariachi styles, which create a party-like atmosphere of popular music, song and movement that characterize Mexico's most cherished cultural exports.

NAVIDAD EN MEXICO is a first-rate and polished production with enough seasonal glitz, folkloric glamour, and nostalgic flavor to satisfy the artistic tastes of both a Mexican and non-Mexican audience. Beautiful backdrops displaying a quaint plaza or a lush tropical scene provide the setting for a show that is also a fanfare of eye-catching costumes. Add to this a full mariachi band and the result is a lively and passionate rendition of Mexican heritage laced with holiday sparkle. NAVIDAD EN MEXICO is definitely a cultural alternative to a Eurocentric holiday theme.

NAVIDAD EN MEXICO will perform for one night only on December 19, 2009 at 7:00 pm. Ticket prices are $60, $40 and $25. Tickets to this special holiday event are now available by calling the Box Office at 562-944-9801 or 714-994-6310 or online at www.lamiradatheatre.com.

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada. Parking is free.