ESPERANZA RISING is Now Playing at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Children's Theatre of Charlotte will present 'ESPERANZA RISING,' a stage adaptation of Pam Muñoz Ryan's Pura Belpré Award-winning book. Learn more about the show here!
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Esperanza Rising at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Dates: 2/28/2026 - 3/15/2026
📍 Theatre: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
300 E 7th St
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 704-973-2800
Tickets: $17 - 28
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Smart and stubborn teenager Esperanza Ortega lives the life of a rich girl in 1920s Mexico wearing pretty clothes and attending private school. The day before her birthday tragedy strikes, setting a chain of events into motion that forever change her life. She and her family flee Mexico for the United States only to face new struggles as they start again during the Great Depression. This powerful story illuminates loss and shines a light on hard work and hope. One-Act, approx. 60 min.
Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios with Original Music and Song by Dinorah Márquez | Based on the book ESPERANZA RISING | by Pam Muñoz Ryan, © 2001. All Rights Reserved. | By special arrangement with Gurman Agency LLC | Winner of the Pura Belpré Award
Cast and Creative Team for Esperanza Rising at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Cast
Lucca Amortegui
Esperanza
Lucca Amortegui is a Colombian-American actress who has grown up immersed in the arts. An alumna of the inaugural pre-college cohort at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, Lucca is also a 2026 RADA Young Actors incoming summer student.
Mamá
Isabel Gonzalez has made a vibrant impact on Charlotte’s theatre scene. She performs regularly as a resident actor with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (CTC) and can also be seen in productions at Three Bone Theatre. Favorite CTC roles include Sophie in The Invisible Boy, Mamá in Esperanza Rising, and Cinderella/Gretel in Grimmz Fairy Tales, which received a Drama League Award nomination for Outstanding Digital Theatre. Her portrayal of Josefina in the Three Bone Theatre production of Mojada earned Isabel a 2024 Broadway World Charlotte Nomination, and she appeared again with Three Bone Theatre as the formidable Clemencia in the 2025 production of Electricidad.
Melissa Mendez
Abuelita / Hortensia
Julio Hernandez
Miguel
Carlos Luis Nieto
Papá / Alfonso
Melissa Lozada
Marta
Isabella Echevarria
Isabel
Creative Team
Alicia Tafoya
Director
AIicia Tafoya is an actor, director, new work dramaturg, and certified Michael Chekhov teacher. Previous directing projects span multiple genres including Latinx Theatre, Opera, Theatre for Social Change, and Children’s Theatre.
Alicia holds an MFA in Performance & Pedagogy of acting and directing from Texas Tech University and BA from Southern Utah University in acting, directing, and dance performance.
News About Esperanza Rising at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
About the Theatre
Similar Shows Nearby
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
Where is Children's Theatre of Charlotte located?
Children's Theatre of Charlotte is at 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC.
What shows have played recently at Children's Theatre of Charlotte?
Esperanza Rising (2/28/26-3/15/26)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (1/24/26-2/15/26)
Topsy-Turvy Cinderella (1/10/26-2/1/26)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (11/22/25-12/23/25)
Bessie Coleman: Fearless & Free (11/15/25-11/16/25)
See more shows at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (1/24/26-2/15/26)
Topsy-Turvy Cinderella (1/10/26-2/1/26)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (11/22/25-12/23/25)
Bessie Coleman: Fearless & Free (11/15/25-11/16/25)
See more shows at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
What shows are coming up next at Children's Theatre of Charlotte?
Esperanza Rising (2/28/26-3/15/26)
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