Tomás and the Library Lady
by Magik Theatre
Jan. 26 - Feb. 17, 2018
Saturdays-Sundays
Adapted from the book by Pat Mora, Tomás and the Library Lady explores the true life story of Chicano author and educator Tomás Rivera. Tomás was the son of migrant workers who loved learning, but had to leave school to follow the crops with his parents. When he met a library lady, a world of books opened up for him. Despite the conditions of migrant life, Rivera graduated from high school and went on to receive his master’s degree. He became the first Latino Chancellor of an American university in 1979.
“The story is timeless and relatable to everyone working to overcome challenges,” Director Laura Garza says about the play. “Because I grew up in the small border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, this story resonates with me on a very personal level. To this day, students like Tomás continue to experience the same scenario of falling behind on their education in order to move up North and go help their families make money to live off of. Tomás was able to overcome these obstacles all due to the kindness and compassion of that one library lady who showed him that reading is truly powerful."
“The Magik Theatre is committed to accessible programming for all of San Antonio, and offering bilingual theatre is an important component of that. Especially in Bexar County, where in the 2016-2017 school year, 72.8% of students were Hispanic,” Managing Artistic Director Frances Limoncelli says. “And the story speaks to Magik’s mission by fostering the idea that education can transform lives.”
Video: Backstage Interviews
The story comes to life onstage January 26 - February 17. Adapted by Jose Cruz Gonzalez with music by Anthony Runfola.
The cast includes: Michelle Bortoni (Josefa and Enrique), Greg Hinojosa (Florencio and Papá Grande), Lorenzo Mireles (Tomás), Corina Zars (Nightmare Teacher and Library Lady)
The production team includes: Laura Garza (Director), Isabel DeLaCerda (Music Director), Ronald Watson (Scenic and Costume Designer), Roy Moya (Lighting Designer), Lucian Hernandez (Properties Designer), Madeline Hull (Stage Manager).
Special Community Performances
Opening Night and Educator Day: January 26, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. Educators receive a FREE TICKET (with I.D.) for this performance and 1.5 CPE Credit Hours for attending. Opening night events include crafts, music and pictures with the characters before the show!
Military and First Responders Performance: February 3, 2018 at 2 p.m. Magik appreciates all of the selfless heroes in the community who put their lives on the line. To celebrate them, active or retired members of the military and first responders with I.D. pay $5 per ticket for their entire party for this performance.
American Sign Language Interpreted Performance: February 4, 2018 at 2 p.m. The Magik Theatre is joined by Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, to offer at least one ASL interpreted performance for every production of the 2017-2018 season.
Sensory-Friendly Performance: February 10, 2018 at 2 p.m. During a Sensory-Friendly performance, lights and sound effects are softened, theatre etiquette is relaxed, and all are accepted and welcomed. These performances are adjusted for accessibility, reaching people on the autism spectrum, those with cognitive disabilities, and families with very young children. Sponsored by University Health System.
Tomás and the Library Lady
by José Cruz González, based on the book by Pat Mora
Magik Theatre
January 26 - February 17, 2018
Regular performance times are Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit MagikTheatre.org or call the box office at 210-227-2751. Tickets are $13.50 for adults and children; senior, military and educator discounts are available.
