In American Mariachi at Alley Theatre, Traditions Are Embraced in a New Way

Before the first line is uttered, it’s clear from the set that the play takes place in several locations. A hotel, a bar, a garage, a salon, a church. Signage like “El Infierno” and “La Michoacana." Lights go up and the wall turns to reveal the living room.

They meet Isabel , Gabby , and Soyla to round out their mariachi quintet. The chemistry among the women is palpable despite the age differences and life experiences.Rivera’s performance is bubbly enough to always keep audiences on her side and grounded enough where she never veers off into the land of naïveté. Her chemistry with Resa, albeit cousins, is the perfect balance of sister and friend. Their playful reminiscing and fun vocal harmonizing reveal the depths of their bond.

While Act 1 relies more on Lucha and Boli to drive plot, Act 2 must pivot toward Lucha and Amalia to drive the story so that the themes of family, tradition, and female empowerment found through music, mariachi and Mexican culture are more explicit.The dialogue becomes more canned in Act 2 as the characters' information dumps about mariachi, sexism and female independence become more obvious to the ear. Questions are asked and resolutions take place because it's the end of the play.

Ocón marvels as the wistful and confused partner. Without dialogue, her eyes convey the complete story of Amalia’s memories and thoughts. In a standout scene between her and Arriaga overWhile some think monologues are where an actor’s true gifts shine, it’s what actors do when they have to use their instrument — not the playwright’s. Ocón’s varied expressions and controlled movements makes vivid and clear Amalia’s interior world despite her inability to articulate the memories herself.

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