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Q&A: Caridad De La Luz of Boogie Rican Blvd: The Musical
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Urban Lifestyle Media (ULM) this month presents Boogie Rican Blvd: The Musical for a limited engagement at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre (304 W. 47th Street in Manhattan), a musical set on a fictional Bronx street called "Boogie Rican Blvd." of course.
According to the show synopsis: A bodeguero's family struggles between Latino tradition and the modern-day values taught on the streets of the Boogie Down Bronx. On Boogie Rican Blvd. is where the Pacheco family and their colorful collection of friends examine life, love and regret through dance and rhythms from the Caribbean and the Bronx. Boogie Rican Blvd. explores issues such as child abuse, drug addiction, gay bashing, teen pregnancy, and abandonment, in a way that leaves you moved, touched and inspired. Everyone is welcome here, and after one visit you will understand.
Written and performed by Caridad De La Luz “La Bruja,” directed by Nelson Vásquez and music by William Cepeda, Boogie Rican Blvd. is where the Pacheco family and their colorful collection of friends examine life, love and regret through words, song and dance in front of Don Jose’s bodega.
De La Luz gives life to seven colorful characters such as “Don Jose,” the owner of the bodega, patriarch of the family and father of three daughters. Being a “Sugar Papi” full of Latino pride and machismo makes Don Jose call his granddaughter “Papo,” hoping one day she will take over the family business. Don Jose’s daughters are “Maribella,” a proud virgin and on the brink of fashion; “Cuca,” a teen poet who has become pregnant by “Pito,” the “wanna-be rapper” who is in denial of his seed, and “Lola,” the eldest daughter, who has chosen a life of drugs over motherhood.
Days before the show's opening on June 30th at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, De La Luz spoke with this Examiner about Boogie Rican Blvd. and why she thinks audience members, especially those who don't regularly go see live theater, should attend.
The Q&A
1. "Boogie Rican Blvd: The Musical" is about to open before an audience at the PRTT. What are your feelings right now?
I am exhausted right now, too exhausted to feel nervous about how it's going to go. It's been a lot of hard work to get to this point, but I have had many good laughs during rehearsals, watching the cast interpret the play and be directed by Nelson. Right before the show starts, literally minutes, I will be shaking with nerves, wondering what lines I might forget, what dance steps I will do wrong, what cues I might miss, what costume I may put on wrong...But right now, I'm not thinking of any of that...Can't you tell? LOL.
2. Why do you think people who are strapped for cash these days should consider spending money to watch Boogie Rican Blvd.?
People spend money on a lot of frivolous things even when they are broke...but if they use it to see BRB, there is a possibility that they will be so inspired that it will change their lives forever in such a positive way. That was the goal when I wrote the piece, to inspire positive thinking and change lives for the better.
3. What inspired you to write this musical?
Growing up in the Bronx and spending my summers in Puerto Rico gave me a colorful range of insight, ideas, inquiries and impressions. BRB is a melting pot of people and experiences in my life, anyone that comes to see it will be able to identify with the piece.
4. Who do you hope is sitting among the audience and why?
It could be anyone. I hope it is filled with people that have never seen theater before, with people that never thought they could enjoy it, with people that aspire to create such work, and people that are looking for a good laugh, a good cry and great music.
5. You play several characters. Who is your favorite and why?
I enjoy doing them all. I don't have a favorite although Don Jose is very dear to my heart. His character was inspired by my grandfather Carlos Pereira R.I.P. who was a huge baseball fan and was always working hard to keep his family together.
I also enjoy performing Marta and her "Cuernophobic" ways...When someone "te mete los cuernos" means that they are cheating on you...so Cuernophobia is a common condition when you are in love with a playboy like Eddie. The song "Cuernophobic" is one of my favorite songs of the show. It's the silliest thing ever!
Remember that the show has a limited run at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre until July 26th.
Information: http://www.urbanlatino.com/misc/boogierican.
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