THE KING OF THE DESERT Opens at Casa 0101 Theatre

Stacey Martino's critically acclaimed hit play, "The King of the Desert," starring René Rivera, under the direction of Sal Romeo, opened for its third run here in the Southland on Friday, January 27, 2012 at Josefina López's Casa 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights, CA to enthusiastic audience which gave the show a standing ovation. The Opening Night performance was followed by a catered reception overseen by Chenin Chappell at Casa 0101. Singer Matthew "Mateo" Stoneman performed Spanish Language Boleros at the reception.

The new co-production is being presented by Casa 0101 Theater, Josefina López, Founder/Artistic Director and American Latino Theatre Company, David Llauger-Meiselman, Artistic Director, in association with CoActive Content, Stacey Martino, Founder/Artistic Director. Prior to this current production, the play, which depicts a Mexican American boy's journey through self-actualization, was first presented at the El Centro Theatre in Hollywood on Cinco de Mayo in 2010, and subsequently at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood in 2011.

The Production Team for "The King of the Desert" includes: Josefina López, Production Co-Producer, "The King of the Desert," Founder/Artistic Director, Casa 0101 Theater; David Llauger-Meiselman, Co-Producer, "The King of the Desert" and Artistic Director, American Latino Theatre Company; Felipe Alejandro, Co-Producer, American Latino Theatre Company; Stacey Martino, Playwright and Co-Producer, "The King of the Desert" and Founder/Artistic Director, CoActive Content; Heather Mendoza, Associate Producer and Costumer Designer; Sal Romeo, Director; Danuta Tomzynski, Set Designer; Michael Brainard, Set Builder; Jeremy Pivnick, Lighting Designer; David B. Marling, Sound Designer; Mat Hale, Video Designer; Blair Thompson, Projection Designer; Maurie Gonzalez, Production Stage Manager; Astrid Chevallier, Poster Designer; Erik J. Goodrich, Website Designer; Jack Reynolds, Web SEO and Enhancer; Ed Krieger, Production Photographer; Adriana Millan, Director of Development and Steve Moyer Public Relations, Press Representative.

"The King of the Desert" explores the way our cultural identity often informs our personal view of ourselves and in turn affects our children. The play strives to present accurate Mexican American history that is often overlooked as seen through the eyes of one ordinary man surmounting extraordinary struggles. During a time in which immigration issues and stereotypical images of Latinos are still prevalent in society today, this play focuses on a forgotten story, a true account of a Mexican American experience. Concurrently throughout the run of the play an exhibition of Milagros (artwork created by young Latino children representing their dreams and aspirations) will be on display at the theatre. Children from schools throughout Southern California will be bussed to special matinee performances of the show.

Performances are being presented on the new Main Stage of Casa 0101 Theater; 2102 East First Street (at North St. Louis Street); Los Angeles, CA 90033 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 7:00 p.m. through February 12, 2012. Tickets are $20 each for General Admission. Tickets for Students and Seniors are $17 each. Tickets for Groups of six or more are $17 each. Tickets for Boyle Heights residents with identification are $15 each. The running time of the play is approximately 80 minutes without intermission. For reservations and further information please call the Box Office at 323-263-7684, or buy online at tickets@casa0101.org or at www.casa0101.org. Ample street parking is available surrounding the theatre. For further information about the co-production, please visit the website, www.thekingofthedesert.com.