Zapata - A Folklórico Superhero Musical
by Zach Theatre

Mar. 27 - Apr. 26
Tuesdays-Sundays

Sixteen-year-old Xochitl Fernandez dreams of becoming a folklórico dancer. Her mother, Ofelia, vehemently opposes the idea, urging Xochitl to focus on college, pursue a well-paying job for stability, and assimilate as the best possible American. Constantly on the move from city to city, the duo finally finds a semblance of home in Tejas. However, their stability is shattered when Ofelia, on the brink of a promotion at her energy drink company, is abducted by the villainous Helado.

To her amazement, Xochitl discovers that she shares a special power with her mother and grandmother – the power of Zapata! In a quest to rescue her ama from Helado, Xochitl embarks on a journey down El Camino De Las Estrellas to find Mazatepa, Mexico, essential for fully unlocking the power of Zapata. Tested along the way, Xochitl will need to call on specific traditional Ballet Folklorico dance moves to pass tests.

Book, Music, & Lyrics by Jesse J. Sanchez

Director: Anna Skidis Vargas | Director of Education: Nat Miller

Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical was originally commissioned by Zach Theater as part of the nationwide initiative by TYA/USA and the BIPOC Superhero Project, led by playwright and Zach alumni José Casas. After receiving grant support from the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT), Zapata’s developmental journey included a reading at the 2024 Austin Latinx New Play Festival, 2025 NAMT, The Orchard Project and 2025 Live & In Color.

“I’ve always dreamed of writing a superhero musical that centered folklórico dance and I found myself asking, ‘Why not create a superhero story rooted in Latino heritage?’ Zapata became that answer,” said playwright Sanchez. “This production blends puppetry, traditional folklórico dance, and Broadway-style songs (intertwined with Mariachi, Cumbia, Pop, & more) into a story that celebrates identity, family, and community. My hope is that audiences walk away feeling empowered knowing that their culture is their superpower and that we can build a world where everyone belongs.”

When heritage meets heroism, anything is possible. Sixteen-year-old Xochitl dreams of becoming a folklórico dancer—but her mom wants her focused on fitting in and getting ahead. When her mother is suddenly kidnapped by the villainous Helado and his feline army, Xochitl discovers a family secret: she holds the power of Zapata. With her talking chihuahua sidekick by her side, she dances her way down El camino de las estrellas in a vibrant adventure filled with tradition, magic, and plenty of sass.

Casting for Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical includes Lucero Garcia as Xochitl/Zapata/Gatitos; Olivia Rodriguez as Ofelia/T./Gatitos; Michael Reyna as Helado/Q/Sparrow; Zaid Ricarte as Chicalinga/Gatitos; andDiana Alcaraz as Albondiga/Amparo/Gatitos.

Directed by Anna Skidis Vargas with musical direction by Benjamin Dia and choreography by Mayra Agis.The additional production team for Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical includes scenic and video design byMax Estudillo Cantú; properties design by Brady Flock; costume design by David Arevalo; lighting design by AJ Rose; sound design by Johann Solo; stage manager Brennah Crowley-Galvin; and assistant stage manager Victoria Salazar.

---

Zapata - A Folklórico Superhero Musical
by Jesse J. Sanchez
Zach Theatre

March 27 - April 26, 2026

Opening Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m.

Performances Saturdays and Sundays

Whisenhut Stage, Zach Theatre, Austin