Chavez Ravine

Written by Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas & Herbert Siguenza
Directed by Edgar Landa
Presented on Oct. 9-17, Strub Theatre

Based on historical documents and personal interviews, Chavez Ravine tells the story of how, in the 1950s, the titular neighborhood in Los Angeles was taken by eminent domain to build a Richard Neutra-designed public housing project. City politics thwarted the development, and the land instead became Dodger Stadium. A cast of twelve plays dozens of roles in this all-too-true satire of gentrification, urban power structures, community identity, and Los Angeles history and culture.

Cast

Thalia Cordova (Maria Ruiz), Louie Enriquez (Henry Ruiz, Nicky Apodaca, Nicky Apodaca III, Tough New Yorker, Dancer), Reed Sights (Manazar, Jaime Jarrin, Don Magdaleno), Christopher Wagner (Father Tommy, Walter O’Malley, Lefty, Cleve Hermann, Howard Holtzendorff, Olvera Street Donkey), Melissa Green (Richard Neutra, Lou Costello, Senora Sanchez, Newsreel Voice), Joey Bedard (Norris Poulson, Tommy Lasorda, Joe, Dodgerthon Dancer), Tori DiGeronimo (Millie Miller, Fernando Valenzuela, Rabbi Dancer, Elderly Woman, LAPD  Detective, Miss Swanson’s Frozen Foods 1953), Natalie Sharp (The Watchman, Fighting Woman, Sal, Mrs. Maraccino, Dodgerthon Stage Manager), Rebecca Starr (Mover, Rabbi Dancer, Helicopter Pilot, Pachuco, J. Edgar Hoover, Dancer), Max Schapiro (Shaker, Uri, Dodger Dog Girl, Dorky Nicky Fan), Joey Glyman (Frank Wilkinson, Lencho, Yiddish Radio Hour Host, Dodgerthon Dancer), Tyler Faison (Vin Scully, Kenneth Hahn, Dick Walsh, LAPD Detective), Imani Embaye (Bud Abbott, HUAC Chairman, Yasiel Puig, Washington Heights Caller, LA Police Chief Parker, Senora Ruiz)

The Band

Joey Martinez (Drums), Geoffrey Feldman (Guitar), Sarah Defors (Guitar/Vocals), Emma Whitley (Vocals), Andre Martinez (Bass)

Production Team

Charles Erven (Set Designer), Rob Hillig (Sound Designer/Lighting Designer), Randy Rodarte (Music Director), Catharine Christof (Pagan Consultant), Josh La Cour (Costume Designer), Alexa Vellanoweth (Stage Manager), Jessica Cohen, Izaura Avitia (Asst. Stage Manager), Nathan Lampl (Light Board Operator), Kat Connell (Sound Board Operator), Kathleen Shew (Projection Board Operator), Brigid Breen, Brinn Abbate, Kyle Salih (Running Crew), Jason Sheppard (Technical Director), Rob Hillig (Assistant Technical Director/Master Electrician), Patricia McMahon (Costume Shop Manager), Cameron Kauffman, Jess Gabor, Keyshawn Garraway, Tom Ash, Alexa Vellanoweth, Sarah Reichel, Emma Whitley, Makenna Elias (Work Study)