Overview
EIGHT TALES OF PEDRO begins in 17th century Mexico, as Pedro and his companion travel from a small port town into the fabled Veracruz, telling stories while following Pedro’s one true love. Meanwhile, in the present day, in a van full of Mexican immigrants, Peter crosses a border into an unfamiliar country, while his companions tell him stories to chase away his fears. The two storytellers risk everything as their lives and plots intertwine.
Casting & Production
Casting
ALFONSO — (M 20-25) plays the title character of PEDRO URDEMALES and the disguised DON CABALLITO. He is a comical leading man, who sees that Peter is in need of hope. He knows the stories, and more than that, knows how to be a leader and a guide.
GENOVEVA — (F 32-38) plays GORDO, GLORIA, WIFE, PIGKEEPER and the FARMER. She is first and foremost a mother. She leads with her heart. Her favorite of the stories involve Pedro and his mother. Easily embarrassed by public displays of affection. She has two children and a husband she misses very much.
FELIPE — (M 35-40) plays DON JOSE, DOCTOR, and ESPOSA. He is the clown of the group and a master of physical humor. Astore owner who spends his weekends at the library reading to kids. They love his use of various voices and characters. Felipe prides himself in finding the comedy in everything he does.
RENÉ — (M 25-30) plays FLACO, MASTER, and SECOND FARMER. A young father with a sick child in Mexico. Depressed about his circumstances, escaping into the story reminds him of better times with his son.
ESCOLÁSTICA — (F 20-25) goes by STACY. She plays TERESA, MAMA, and HUSBAND. She is the ingenue of the group. As much as she denies it, ESCOLÁSTICAloves her studies, and loves details. Her boyfriend Alfonso may know the story, but she knows everything about it.
PETER — (M 19) plays JUAN BOBO. The youngest of the group. He does not know the stories. He is at the end of his rope, leaving the only home he knows. Avery young father who knows that he has continuously made the wrong choices. Driven, aggressive, street smart, and possibly dangerous. But with a heart of gold.
Setting
THEN
A village, two haciendas, the countryside, and the city of Veracruz—all in 17th century Mexico
and
NOW
A van, headed to the Mexico/California border.
Accolades
Winner of the 2018 UnFringed Festival Best of the Festival Prize.
Winner of the New York Innovative Theatre Awards- Best Music – Luis D’Elias
Winner of the New York Innovative Theatre Awards- Best Supporting Actor – Federico Mallet
Chosen as part of Queens Theatre’s New American Voices Play Reading Series
Reviews
“A thought-provoking focus on Latino heritage.”
—Queens Chronicle
“The ultimate message of undying hope for one and all.”
—The Queens Courier
”Humorous and poignant”
—Stagebuzz
”Funny, thought-provoking & healing.”
—Show-score
