THE MERMAID HOUR: A Rolling World Premiere, Opens 3/23

What do you do when you encounter a challenge that you have no experience dealing with? What do you do when that challenge involves someone you love? How as a parent do you rise up and support them? David Valdes Greenwood's play The Mermaid Hour reimagines these timeless issues through the story of Violet, an impulsive, radiant, and redemptive 12-year-old transgender girl whose search for acceptance will put her parent's love, commitment, and resources to the ultimate test.

The Mermaid Hour is a fast-paced, down-to-earth comedy that tackles real-world challenges through the lens of the modern all-American family. The play approaches sensitive subjects with great humor and compassion, reminding us all of our flawed, but genuine, attempts at love.

Milagro is one of four theatres producing The Mermaid Hour as part of the National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. The other theatres participating in this project are Borderlands Theatre in Tucson, AZ; The Actor's Theatre of Charlotte; and the musical adaptation Mermaid Hour: ReMixed premiering at Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, MN. The play is written by David Valdes Greenwood and directed by Sacha Reich. The cast includes Nelda Reyes, Jed Arkley, Jaryn Lasentia, Barbie Wu, Kai Hynes, and Michael Cavazos.

Adult tickets in advance start at $27. Discounts are available for seniors, students, veterans, and groups. Tickets may be purchased at milagro.org, on the phone at 503-236-7253, or in person at 425 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR during regular business hours. Show times are Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM and Sunday matinees at 2 PM.

ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT/DIRECTOR

David Valdes Greenwood

David Valdes Greenwood is the author of plays which have been staged across the US and abroad. His work has been seen with the Huntington Theatre Company, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Portland Stage, New York Theatre Workshop, Actors Theatre of Charlotte, the Humana Festival, and others. Recent productions include Full Code (Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company) and Raggedy And (Pride Films & Plays). Other recent work includes Vow Keepers, workshopped with Fresh Ink and Teatro IATI. The Mermaid Hour was included in the National Showcase of New Plays and developed by the Actor's Theatre of Charlotte and Ensemble Studio Theatre. His latest play, The Last Catastrophist, was developed by Company One and The Huntington Theatre Company. His play, Brave Navigator, is published by Samuel French and he is the author of four books, including Homo Domesticus: Notes from a Same-Sex Marriage.

Sacha Reich

Sarah Reich conceived, adapted and directed original programming for her company, Jewish Theatre Collaborative (JTC), including Charlotte Salomon: Life? Or Theatre? A Play with Songs, A Pigeon and a Boy, The Ministry of Special Cases and Davita's Harp. Before JTC, she was the Co-founder and Artistic Director of Women in Time, a Bay Area theatre company creating critically acclaimed, innovative ensemble productions of classical theatre, such as The Misanthrope and Winter's Tale. Reich also served as an Artistic Associate with Milagro Theatre, participating in company visioning, play selection, and directing main stage productions; among them, Yemaya's Belly. She is thrilled for the invitation to rise up with Milagro and this play.

March 22 - April 14, 2018. Milagro Theatre, 525 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR, 97214. Adult tickets are $27 in advance, $32 at the door. Discount for students, seniors, veterans, groups 15+, and with the Oregon Trail card through the Arts for All program. Senior tickets are $25 in Advance, $30 at the door, Student/ Veteran tickets are $20 in Advance, $25 at the door. Tickets available at milagro.org or 503-236-7253.