November 13, 1997 11/13/97 CONTACT:Margie Yu,Public Affairs Asst.,Cal State L.A.(323) 343-3047 Calendarof Events Cal State L.A. Theatre Arts and Dance Department PresentsMaria! Maria, Maria, MariaLos Angeles, CA -- November 13, 1997 -- On November 21-23 and 28-30, the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at California State University, Los Angeles will present their Fall production, Maria! Maria, Maria, Maria, by award-winning Los Angeles playwright Lisa Loomer. Originally commissioned by the Mark Taper Forum with a reading at last year's New Works Festival, Maria! Maria, Maria, Maria will receive its first fully-produced debut at Cal State L.A.'s State Playhouse. Lisa Loomer is best known for her nationally produced comedy, The Waiting Room, and her children's play, Bocon! Loomer's latest farcical comedy, Maria! Maria, Maria, Maria, follows the on-stage and backstage life of a multi-ethnic television sitcom, "All in the Multicultural Family." Directed by Cornerstone Theater's Bill Rauch, the actors will perform television's idea of stereotyped multiculturalism. A "sexy" Latina mother, Maria, and her Indian husband, a 7-11 store clerk, are parents to twin teenage daughters, "bad" black La Toya and "good" Asian Kimiko. A mysterious Armenian banker, "mean" Korean shopkeeper and disabled landlord complete the television picture. Backstage, the actors reveal the complexity of their identities. The actress playing La Toya is trained at Yale, the Indian actor is British, and the Jewish landlord is Italian. Meanwhile, Maria dreams of playing smarter and stronger "Marias." Hilarious surprises abound as the actors continue to reveal their secrets (and humanity) on the "revolutionary" stage set designed by Theatre Arts professor Snezana Petrovic. Currently nominated for a Los Angeles Ovation Award for Best Director (Malliere), Bill Rauch serves as the artistic director of nationally renowned Cornerstone Theater, an ensemble focusing on community-based and professional work. An exciting group of students, faculty, and working professionals makes up the company. Rauch cites the multi-ethnic student and faculty mix at Cal State L.A. as an opportune venue for Maria! Maria, Maria, Maria. He explains, "The play looks unblinkingly, with outrageous humor, at hot button issues facing our increasingly diverse society." Maria! Maria, Maria, Maria will be performing Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Post-show discussions led by professors (and cast members) Jose Cruz-Gonzalez, Debra Piver and faculty liaison Sonja Kuftinec will follow the performances on Sunday, November 23, and Friday, November 28. General admission is $8; students/seniors/group admission is $5. Tickets may be purchased at the door, but reservations are recommended. Call (323) 343-4118. What & Who:The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at California State University, Los Angeles will present their Fall production, Maria! Maria, Maria, Maria, by award-winning Los Angeles playwright Lisa Loomer. Originally commissioned by the Mark Taper Forum with a reading at last year's New Works Festival, Maria! Maria, Maria, Maria will receive its first fully-produced debut at Cal State L.A. When:November 21-23 & 28-30, 1997.Show time: Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Where:Cal State L.A. State Playhouse. The University is located at the Eastern Avenue exit, San Bernardino (I-10) Freeway, at the interchange of the 10 and 710 Freeways. Tickets:General admission: $8 and students/senior citizens/groups: $5. Info:Visitors park in areas with permit dispensers or meters (North Parking Structure II, Lot C or Lot G). For ticket reservations or more information, call (323) 343-4118. # # # | Cal State L.A. | | Publications/Public Affairs | News Releases main page
