Let the Eagle Fly takes off in San Diego
Chula Vista, Ca., Last night “Let the Eagle Fly” opened at Southwestern College’s Mayan Hall Theatre. A nearly packed house enjoyed the first night musical play put on by Teatro Mascara Magica and the Theatre Faculty. It was written by John Reeger with music and lyrics by Julie Shannon. Directing the show is the esteemed and just about to retire William Virchis. The two hour and 45 minute play depicts the early life of Cesar Chavez and goes up to his first grape industry contracts in 1970.
The epic musical covers his roots and reasons for becoming who he became, his struggles, his family life and his emergence as a national and international figure. The acting and singing are superb and the performance is filled with emotionally touching moments beginning with the opening scene depicting his funeral procession.
Cast List
Chavez Family
- Cesar Chavez - Joey Molina
- Richard Chavez - Dave Rivas
- Young Richard - Frank Blythe
- Young Cesar - Joshua Morones/Marc Gonzales
- Helen Fabela Chavez - Satya Chavez
- Juana - Sylvia Enrique
- Librado - Richard Falcon
- Rita - Jessica Powers
- Eloise, 12 - Carolina A. Lopez
- Anna, 10 - Marley Parra
- Elizabeth, 8 - Charisma McKorn
- Paul Chavez - Marc Gonzales/Frank Blythe
- Anthony Chavez Marc A. Gonzalez
Ensemble Roles
- Foreman in fields - B.J. Jezbera
- Woman at party - Yvette Rojas
- Man at party - Enrique Rosales
- Carlos - Christian Campos
- Cook - Roberto Gonzales
- Fred Ross - Spencer Smith
- Man at door/Victor’s friend - Sean Paredes
- Woman at door - Christine M.R. Gonzales
- Girl - Julie Inserra
- Woman with baby - Raquel Ramos
- Dolores Huerta - Suzie Peredo Hernandez
- Mr. Sanchez - Lorenzo Rodriguez
- Mr. Martinez - Isreal Valdivia
- Victor Mendoza - Jose Herrera
- Manuel Rivera - Leo Sandoval
- Sheriff Ray Devlin - Eusevio Cordova
- Mr. Simmons - Rory Gaetzman
Farm Workers/Strikers
- Will Holloway
- Antonio Millbower
- Damian Gonzales
Grape Gals
- Jessica Powers
- Christine Gonzales
- Kathe Garcia
- Yvette Rojas
I wish I had been there last night. I had to leave on a family emergency, but I’ll be there on the 3rd!!
Thank you Mascara Magica for making this great show!
I am a long time fan, I take my students to see the Pastorelas every year.
Ms. C
i googled my name && this came up :DD
wow im sooo happy people are taking recognition of this inspirational story of the life of cesar chaves.
he truly is my hero.
and im very thankful to mr.virchis for giving me the wonderful oppurtunity
I got to see this show. It was amazing!!!! I’m trying to find info to see if there is a cd or something. I absolutely LOVE the music and the show.
Mr. Virchis has been authorized to direct “Let the Eagle Fly” again for a second San Diego County performance.
The Sweetwater Union High School’s Summer Institute that mixes professional and student performers will beauditioning for the musical at the Ruth Chapman Performing Arts Center located at Eastlake High School in Eastern Chula Vista:
June 16 & 17, 2008 from 6pm to 8pm
Callbacks June 18, 2008