LA POSADA MAGICA To Get Los Angeles Premiere

LA POSADA MAGICA had been a staple at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa for fifteen years. Simultaneously funny, dark and emotionally touching, Octavio Solis script is a classic holiday tale about the Christmas spirit lost, then found, enhanced with a score by Marcos Loya.  Due to budget cuts, the production was eliminated from the SCR's 2009 line-up, much to the devastation of the community.  

However, the show will live on in Los Angeles, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times, when it begins its run with the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble from December 4-24 later this year.  This production will mark the L.A. premiere of LA POSADA MAGICA.

The play centers around 14-year-old Gracie, whose faith in God and Christmas spirit, has been destroyed by the death of her baby brother. As the play unfolds, she turns into the local Grinch, with plans to sabotage her neighborhood's annual Posada -- a traditional Christmas procession reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem.  As the play reaches its climax, in an example of "it takes a village," Gracie finds her way back to spiritual enlightenment and happiness.

The production at the Odyssey will be directed by Diane Rodriguez, associate producer at Center Theatre Group.  She has staged four editions of LA POSADA MAGICA at South Coast, and will bring a majority of the cast from previous SCR productions of the Christmas favorite with her.  Marcos Loya, the co-creator, will musical direct and conduct as he did in Costa Mesa since the show's premiere there in 1994. 

Tiffany Solano, 17 when she first played Gracie in 1999, is reprising her role. 

The Los Angeles Times reports that it was in fact previous cast members in the Costa Mesa show who appealed to the Odyssey for a holiday run.  All involved are hoping to bring the production East for a limited run on top of its performance dates at the Odyssey later this year. 

To read the more about LA POSADA MAGICA in the Los Angeles Times, click here.