Showing posts with label robertoclemente teatrosea puertoricanheritagemonth baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label robertoclemente teatrosea puertoricanheritagemonth baseball. Show all posts

Monday, November 07, 2011

'The Roberto Clemente Story' musical to premiere in NYC

Featured Puerto Rican Heritage Month event Looking forward to seeing The Roberto Clemente Story musical this Saturday. Here is the press release:
The Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA), during its 6th Annual BORIMIX: Puerto Rico Fest, is proud to present the World Premiere of DC-7, The Roberto Clemente Story, a musical about the life and legacy of the Baseball Hall of Famer and humanitarian. This limited run of 12 performances at Teatro SEA (107 Suffolk Street, between Rivington and Delancey Streets) begins November 11 (Opening Gala Performance) and ends December 4. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 6pm. Clemente, right-fielder for the Pittsburg Pirates (1955-1972), was one of the most beloved figures in the history of the MLB. He was the first Latino to win a World Series as a rookie (1960.) He also won the MVP Award (1966) and the World Series MVP Award (1971.) He finished his career with over 3,000 hits and 12 Golden Glove Awards. He was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame following his untimely death on December 31st, 1972 from a plane crash while traveling to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. In DC-7, a bilingual musical with English and Spanish book and lyrics, three of the most influential characters in Clemente’s life meet at his funeral to share their memories. Matino (Clemente’s brother), Vera (his widow) and Ramiro Martínez (a close friend and journalist), reminisce about their life with Clemente. Their stories transport the audience to Clemente’s early years in Puerto Rico, his time with the Montreal Royals and his 18-year tenure with the Pirates. This musical also dramatically depicts the era of the Civil Rights Movement and how it affected his life as a Black Hispanic. Through all his trials and tribulations, Clemente triumphed becoming a legend on and off the field. This new musical is a dedication to a hero whose extraordinary life continues to inspire and touch lives. This World Premiere production stars Modesto Lacén (Off Broadway’s Celia The Musical and La Barbería) as Clemente, Lorraine Velez (Broadway’s Rent) as Vera, Josean Ortiz as Martino, and Dr. Manuel A. Morán as Ramiro Martínez. Also featured in the cast are Shawn Beck-Gifford, Anthony Coto, María del Mar González, Johanna Rodríguez, Xiomara Rodríguez and Fidel Vicioso. Chroreography and Musical Staging by Luis Salgado (Broadway’s In The Heights, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.) Musical Direction and Arrangements by Harold Gutiérrez. Produced by Dr. Manuel Morán, Artistic Director and Founder of SEA. Dr. Morán comments on the play, “Roberto Clemente has been an inspiration to people of all generations and cultural backgrounds. SEA is thrilled to present this new work that highlights his life and legacy which is still very much alive in communities across Puerto Rico and the nation.” Luis Caballero adds, “As we approach the 40th anniversary of the plane crash that took Clemente’s life, it is time to revisit his story of success, resilience, public service, spirit and sacrifice. This show will inspire us and leave us with much to think about.” For Modesto Lacén, who recently played Clemente on 3,000 (a film about the day when the slugger hit that career record,) recreating the character on stage is a dream come true. “I thank SEA, Luis Cabellero and the Roberto Clemente State for this remarkable opportunity to bring to life one of my all-time heroes. I have wanted to play this role on stage all my life." DC-7 is part of BORIMIX: Puerto Rico Fest 2011, a month-long cultural celebration that highlights all forms of art during Puerto Rican Heritage Month. For more information, go to www.borimix.com. photo of Modesto Lacén as Roberto Clemente (photo by Abey Charron/courtesy of Teatro Sea)