Tony Plana, Malaya Rivera Drew Join Cast of Goodman's THE SINS OF SOR JUANA

Casting is complete for Goodman Theatre's production of The Sins of Sor Juana by Karen Zacarías, directed by Resident Artistic Associate Henry Godinez. As the centerpiece production of the Goodman's 5th biennial Latino Theatre Festival, The Sins of Sor Juana features stars of the stage and screen Malaya Rivera Drew (The L Word, ER) in the title role of legendary Mexican poet, Juana Inés de la Cruz, and Tony Plana (Ugly Betty, Resurrection Boulevard) as Padre Nuñez/Viceroy, as well as Amy J. Carle (Goodman's Rock 'n' Roll, Desire Under the Elms) as Sor Sara/Vicereine; Laura Crotte (Goodman's Mariela in the Dessert and Electricidad) as Xochitl/Sor Filothea; Ilana Faust (Teatro Vista's Our Lady of the Underpass) as Ensemble; Joe Minoso (American Theatre Company's Celebrity Row) as Don Pedro; Dion Mucciacito (American Conservatory Theater's Boleros for the Disenchanted) as Silvio; Christina Nieves (American Theatre Company's Welcome to Arroyo's) as Novice and Isabel Quintero (Lifeline Theatre's The Mark of Zorro) as Ensemble. In addition, recent Northwestern University (NU) graduates Elly Lachman and Kevin Fugaro appear in the ensemble and understudy the roles of Juana and Silvio, after playing these characters in Godinez's production at NU last year.

The Sins of Sor Juana runs June 19 - July 25, 2010 in the Goodman's Albert Theatre. Tickets start at $25. Goodman Theatre is grateful to The Sins of Sor Juana and Latino Theatre Festival Sponsors. Target is the Lead Corporate Sponsor of The Sins of Sor Juana and Lead Festival Diversity Night Sponsor; and the Corporate Sponsor Partner of The Sins of Sor Juana is Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. The Major Festival Sponsor is The Boeing Company Charitable Trust. Baker & McKenzie LLP is a Festival Night Sponsor. Principal support of Artistic Development and Diversity Initiatives is provided by The Joyce Foundation.

Legendary Mexican poet Juana Inés de la Cruz (Drew) writes expressive, sensual verse at the Viceroy's court in the 1600's, a time when it was unfashionable-and sinful-for women to exercise their intellect. The Viceroy (Plana) is jealous of Juana's influence on his beautiful wife, the Vicereine (Carle), who has arranged a profitable marriage to ensure that Juana will always have a place at court. Believing his own marriage is threatened by Juana's engagement, the Viceroy hires Silvio (Mucciacito), a charming, educated rogue to seduce her and destroy her reputation. When Juana refuses to compromise her poetry for what the church ordains appropriate, she stands to lose everything she loves.

With the debut of five world premieres in 2009, Washington, D.C.-based Playwright Karen Zacarías is the country's most-produced Latina playwright. Zacarías and Henry Godinez began their collaboration in 2005 at the Goodman with the world-premiere production of Mariela in the Desert and Ferdinand the Bull, a Goodman play for young audiences. They teamed up again in 2008 for a workshop of a bilingual adaptation of Romeo and Juliet (Romeo y Julieta) at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. "While we have only worked together on about three major endeavors, it seems as though we have known each other forever," said Godinez.

About the 5th Biennial Latino Theatre Festival

Goodman Resident Artistic Associate and Festival Curator Henry Godinez drew inspiration for the 5th biennial Latino Theatre Festival (June 17 - July 25) from two milestone events-the centennial of the Mexican Revolution and bicentennial of Mexico's independence. In addition, Teatro Buendía, one of Cuba's most celebrated independent theater companies, makes its U.S. debut. In addition to The Sins of Sor Juana, the Fest includes two plays by Teatro Buendía-La Visita de la Vieja Dama (July 8 - 11) and Charenton (July 15 - 18)-in the Owen Theatre. The festival culminates in a weekend (July 23 - 25) of new works from the Lark Play Development Center's U.S./Mexican Playwright Exchange, helmed by Chicago artists. Also included are collaborations with Grant Park Music Festival (Memory of Fire, July 7), Millennium Park (the family-friendly Sarruga: Insects, July 16 - 18), and one-night-only presentations from Chicago's Latino theater companies-Teatro Vista (El Nogalar, July 17); Albany Park Theater Project (Feast, July 20); and Aguijón (Las Soldaderas, July 21). Two works from the Latino Music Festival will enjoy encore performances-The Leader, composed by Gustavo Leone and On "Sor Juana" by Elbio Barilari-together in one evening (July 22). For tickets or more information, call 312.443.3800 or visit GoodmanTheatre.org. For more information about Latino Theatre Festival, including a Festival calendar, visit the Press Room.

Tickets to The Sins of Sor Juana ($25 - $71) and are on sale now. Call 312.443.3800, click GoodmanTheatre.org or visit the box office (170 North Dearborn). Mezztix are half-price mezzanine tickets available at 12 noon at the box office, and at 10am online (promo code MEZZTIX) day of performance; Mezztix are not available by telephone. 10Tix are $10 mezzanine tickets for students available at 12 noon at the box office, and at 10am online on the day of performance; 10Tix are not available by telephone. Valid student I.D. must be presented when picking up the tickets. Limit four per student with I.D. All tickets are subject to availability and handling fees apply. Discounted Group Tickets for 10 persons or more are available at 312.443.3820.

Photo Credit: BWW-Staff

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