OnStage Playhouse is holding the world premiere of “Star of Ocotillo,” written by Herbert Siguenza and directed by Siguenza and OnStage Playhouse Interim Artistic Director James P. Darvis, marking the third collaboration between both award-winning artists.
An alternative Christmas play, “Star of Ocotillo” runs Dec. 1-23, offering audiences a dark Chicano comedy with miraculous consequences. Siguenza said this is the most provocative play he has written.
This echoes the artistic principles of OnStage Playhouse, known for delivering compelling and thought-provoking performances that push boundaries and challenge conventional norms. This collaboration between Siguenza and Darvas promises a theatrical experience that not only entertains but also challenges perceptions and sparks meaningful conversations.
“It’s beyond a privilege to be working with Mr. Siguenza on our third collaboration. Mr. Siguenza has outdone himself with this nuanced and thoughtful play,” OnStage Playhouse Artistic Director James P. Darvas said. “To be given his trust in my interpretation is something I will continually be grateful for.”
Siguenza is a veteran playwright and actor, co-founder of Culture Clash which is now 40 years old.
“I was playwright and resident at San Diego Rep for six years,” he said. “This is my third alternative Christmas play for OnStage Playhouse in Chula Vista. We wanted to do something on stage for the holidays. Something different, not something original like ‘The Christmas Carol.’ I wanted to write something provocative that talked about Christmas but in a new and provocative way. OnStage’s style is provocative, dark, it is great. I love it.”
Siguenza said this is one of his more provocative plays.
“It is about a Latino Hollywood producer who gets kicked out of Hollywood during the MeToo Movement and he constructs a home on the border in Ocotillo,” he said. “He decides to leave Hollywood with his young wife TV star and moves to Ocotillo and builds a big desert home there and completely gets away from Hollywood. His wife is not happy about it because she is a rising star. A couple of old friends come over for the weekend, but they find an immigrant girl hiding in his wine cellar. This immigrant girl carries the hope of a new era. I do not want to give away the play, but she has a miracle inside her.”
As with the prior productions of “Lonely Planet” and “Mugre,” ticket pricing for Star of Ocotillo will be donation-based, allowing patrons to secure their seats online for any amount they wish to contribute with a minimum of $15 due to ticketing site fees. Pay-what-you-can seats will be available at the door for each performance, operating on a first-come, first-served basis until the venue reaches full capacity.
The cast for “Star of Ocotillo” includes Teri Brown, Adriana Cuba, Maya Sofia Enciso, Javier Guerrero, and Dave Rivas. Katy Carter will provide stage management with costume design by Brad DuBois, set design by Doug Cummings, lighting design by Karelle Arcedera and sound design by Gabriel Zendejas.
