Ric Salinas of the ground-breaking comedy troupe Culture Clash, stars in a solo performance in Emmy® -winning writer Cris Franco’s memoir of being a “double immigrant”: Moving from Mexico to South Central Los Angeles, then from South Central to the San Fernando Valley----so different, it could be on another planet.
Cris’ Dad comes from Mexico to the U.S.A. legally---as a skilled mechanic who can repair any car, especially German cars like Volkswagens.
He saves his money and pays cash for an immaculate ’57 Chevrolet: a thing of beauty, a work of art, a masterpiece of engineering.
More than that, it is a symbol: A symbol of American excellence, a symbol of the hope for a better future, enhanced by a boundless optimism.
On a vacation from his job, Dad drives to Mexico and collects the rest of the Franco family.
Cris spends most of his early childhood in South Central, then a happy wonderland of cultural diversity (from his very young perspective).
His father, achieving upward mobility, packs up the clan and moves to the “Same Fernando Valley,” where everything and everyone is the same, except for the fact that Cris is the only Mexican boy in his new neighborhood. He’s in for a culture shock.
’57 Chevy takes the audience for a ride as Cris grows up with his sisters, his friends, his cousins, his Mom, but most especially with his Dad, who teaches his son that “life is work and work is life.”
It’s a large and loving family, and ’57 Chevy is filled with fun, warmth, wit and humor, ensuring a feel-good experience for the audience.
Cris Franco, the playwright and memoirist, is best known for his work on television.
He is the winner of three Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards.
Programs for which he has written include East Los High; God, the Devil and Bob; The Cris Franco Show; California Connected; Life and Times; The Puzzle Place; Square One Television; Café California; Al dia con Maria Conchita; El Show de Paul Rodriguez; and more.
He is also a producer, director and actor.
Valerie Dunlap directs ’57 Chevy. In addition to being a director, she is also a choreographer, songwriter and playwright.
Ric Salinas portrays the entire gallery of performers in ’57 Chevy.
As a founding member of the famed and acclaimed trio Culture Clash, he has collaborated on the writing and performance of seventeen productions, among them Chavez Ravine, Water and Power, A Bowl of Beings, The Mission, Culture Clash in AmeriCCa, and more.
He recently completed a successful national tour as the star of Placas: The Most Dangerous Tattoo. As of this writing, he is currently an Ovation Award® nominee for a revival of Chavez Ravine.
’57 Chevy marks your opportunity to see a legendary performer in a warm, funny new show, set in Los Angeles by a locally-based playwright of stature.
Opens Nov. 7 at 8:00 p.m., runs through Dec. 6. Show times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00; Sundays at 3:00.
The performances on Nov. 5, 6 and 7 are Sold Out.
Special Wednesday performance on Nov. 11th at 8 p.m., and Monday performance on Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. (Dark on 11/12 & 11/26)
ADMISSION: $32 general. $37 Premium seating. Students, seniors and veterans $24. All prices include service fees.
RESERVATIONS: Call toll-free, (866) 811-4111.
ONLINE TICKETING: www.thelatc.org
