[NoHo Arts District, CA] – As part of its 25th anniversary season, CASA 0101 Theater presents FERNANDOMANIA, a 10-minute play festival celebrating the life and legacy of the world-renowned Mexican Major League Baseball Pitcher, Fernando Valenzuela.
About FERNANDOMANIA
FERNANDOMANIA is a collection of 12 world premiere 10-minute plays celebrating the world-renowned Mexican Major League Baseball Pitcher, Fernando Valenzuel. They explore the phenomenon of how this 20-year-old pitcher from Mexico, changed Major League Baseball and the lives of so many Angelenos. The show, in English and Spanish with subtitles, features 16 actors playing 57 roles in 12 short plays, helmed by four directors
During the course of his legendary career he played with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1980-1990), California Angels (1991), Baltimore Orioles (1993), Philadelphia Phillies (1994), San Diego Padres (1995-1997) and the St. Louis Cardinals (1997). His Career Highlights include being a six time All Star, a World Series Champion in 1981 and 1988, a National League Cy Young Award winner in 1981, a National League Rookie of the Year in 1981, recipient of the Gold Glove Award in 1986, two-time Silver Slugger Award in 1981 and 1983, a National League Wins Leader in 1986, a Major League Baseball Strikeout Leader in 1981 and he Pitched a No-Hitter Game on June 29, 1990. Valenzuela was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. He was a member of the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame, which retired his Jersey Number 34 from the entire league on July 6, 2019. Fernando Valenzuela’s Jersey Number 34 was retired by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023.
FERNANDOMANIA — Act I Plays
Fernandomania Forever
Written by Josefina López, directed by Emmanuel Delage features Eugene Antonio Negrete (as Robert Vargas), Evelyn Menchaca (as Josefina López), Phoenix Marroquin (as Monica Mejia) and Gabriel Montoya (as Male Politician), along with actors Yasha Alaniz, Adlih Alvarardo, Veli Gonzalez, Phoenix Marroquin, Edward Navarrete, Jeremiah Ocañas, Gabriela Pendraza and Alejandro Reynoso (as Community Members/Ensemble). This play anchors the show playing out in 12 transitional scenes between each play throughout Act I, and Act II.
Story: In Fernandomania Forever renowned muralist Robert Vargas creates a mural of Major League Baseball pitcher Fernando Valenzuela in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles, with the encouragement of local activist and award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Josefina López, as a lasting tribute for inspiring immigrants and Latinos for making them feel visible.
Inspiration: Josefina López said: “I initially wrote a poem about Fernando Valenzuela which I first read at the dedication of the mural unveiling in Boyle Heights on Sunday, November 3, 2024, which then evolved into this short play. Fernando Valenzuela was my hero when I was 12 years old, when I had none. My family and I were undocumented and Fernando Valenzuela’s victories made us fell so proud and seen. My father, who was a Bracero and was humiliated in this country during that time, felt so proud to be Mexican when he saw Fernando strike out his opponents. He was so proud he even named my little brother after Fernando.”
Linda
Written by Maria Valenzuela, the youngest daughter of Fernando and Linda Valenzuela, directed by Carmelita Maldonado features Yahsa Alaniz (as Young Linda Valenzuela), Laura Vega (as Old Linda Valenzuela),Edward Navarrete (as Fernando Valenzuela), Veli Gonzalez (as Reporter, Linda Valenzuela’s Mother, Girl at Party), Jeremiah Ocañas (as Reporter, Guy at Party), Itzel Ocampo (as Fan) and Gabriel Montoya (as Father Miguel, Drunk Guy).
From Somewhere
Written by Jose Luis Lopez, Jr., directed by Carmelita Maldonado features Adlih Alvarado (as Elena), Alejandro Reynoso (as Raúl), Itzel Ocampo (as Daniel), Edward Navarrete (as Fernando Valenzuela), Martin Morales (as Jaime Jarrín) and Luis Galilei (as Mr. Baker).
Story: As Fernando Valenzuela rises on the mound and Jaime Jarrín’s voice drifts through a crackling AM radio, a young boy in LA clings to the hop of the fame while his immigrant parents shoulder quiet battles of work and belonging.
Inspiration: Jose Luis Lopez, Jr. said: “Both of my parents are immigrants. They weren’t into sports, but they still felt a connection to Fernando Valenzuela — because he represented people like them. I missed Fernandomanía, but I grew up knowing who Fernando Valenzuela and Jaime Jarrín were, before I even understood baseball. This play is about hard work, family, and being seen. It’s my way of honoring my parents and the many others who gave so much and asked for so little.”
Beisbol y Novelas (Baseball and Mexican Soap Operas)
Written by Ignacio Gonzalez directed by Carmelita Maldonado features Gabriela Pendraza (as Jaime), Luis Galilei (as Avelino, Jaime’s Dad) and Laura Vega (as Abuela Maria, Avelino’s Mother).
Story: Jaime and her live-in Abuela clash over the only television in the house whenever his Dodgers and her Novela are on TV at the same time. Avelino, Jaime’s dad, is caught between two generations with roots in two countries. That changes when a young pitcher from Mexico brings the family – and the entire community – together.
Inspiration: Ignacio Gonzalez said: “With my play, I wanted to show how Fernando Valenzuela brought together generations within families around Beisbol. Prior to his arrival, baseball was an activity for little boys and maybe their father or an uncle as coach. After Fernando Valenzuela, abuelas, tias, and primas wanted to go to the stadium and play Beisbol as well.”
No Sabo (I Don’t Know)
Written by Oscar Arguello, directed by Emmanuel Deleage features Jeremiah Ocañas (as Kid and Gooch), Laura Vega (as Mom) and Martin Morales (as Dad).
Story: A nine-year-old boy is obsessed with television and begins to reject his culture, until his mother points out the similarities between themselves and Fernando Valenzuela. He learns a lesson about identity and makes a new hero along the way.
Inspiration: Oscar Arguello said: “This is my story. I was a No Sabo Kid in the 80s who didn’t speak Spanish at home, even though my parents were Mexican. But once Mexican Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela came on the scene as a world-renowned television media star, I found my identity and embraced by Mexican heritage, since he was one of us.”
A Good Hero/Un Buen Heroe
Written by Celina Martinez directed by Karla Ojeda features Gabriela Pedraza (as Felicia Marquez), Eugene Antonio Negrete (as Juan Marquez) and Vin Scully (as himself in a Voiceover).
Story: A college professor suffering from chronic illness and insomnia calls upon the spirit of her deceased father to experience the joy of reminiscing about their favorite memories of their beloved Fernando Valenzuela. The professor, Felicia, has stopped watching Dodger games as a result of their choice to go to the White House, and her father reminds her that she has to do what she loves because it will help to heal her and keep her healthy.
Inspiration: Celina Martinez said: “I used to watch baseball with my father, Juan, during my childhood. He taught me everything he knew about baseball and regaled me with his stories of playing in the Cuban Baseball Leagues when he was young. My father passed away in 2005. As a Dodgers fan, I feel close to him when I follow the games. Fernando Valenzuela was our favorite player and was an inspiration to me and my father, who was an immigrant from Cuba. My father was also a pitcher when he played in Cuba.”
FERNANDOMANIA — Act II Plays
Once Upon A Time in LA
Written by Michael St. Onge, directed by Karla Ojeda features Alejandro Montoya (as Victor), Martin Morales (as Abuelito Alfonso), Laura Vega (as Teresa) and Luis Galilei (as Poncho).
Story: A grieving 10-year-old boy and his elderly Mexican grandfather, who speaks little English and has no car, embark on a journey across Los Angeles to see Fernando Valenzuela pitch, finding connection and healing in their shared quest to fulfill a broken promise.
Inspiration: Michael St. Onge said: “This story is based on true events that occurred in my life. My grandfather came to America as a young immigrant and worked the fields of Coachella in 1958. He listened to the Dodgers’ games on radio in Spanish for a lot of years, but truly became a fan when Fernando Valenzuela started pitching. We did not have a lot of money growing up and going to a Dodgers game was not possible. After my father passed, I had a lot of behavioral problems, and my grandfather invited me to a Dodgers game to see Fernando pitch. It was the first Dodgers game for both of us, and it changed both of our lives. For my grandfather, I think he saw a little bit of himself in Fernando, and he was so proud. For me it made me look at the odds Fernando had to beat coming to America so young from another country, not speaking English, and against all odds, he was still able to succeed. That’s what I saw as a kid and knowing that I also had a rough path ahead of me, there was still a chance for me to succeed as well.”
Nando
Written by Gloria Isabel Briseño, directed by Carmelita Maldonado features Jose Nateras (as Fernando “Nando”) and Itzel Ocampo (as Isabel).
Story: Nando is about the playwright’s late brother, Fernando Ochoa, whom she lost a year ago in August 2024. The play features two siblings, Nando and Isabel. Both siblings make a yearly hike up the hills of Elysian Hills to just hang out and talk about everything and nothing. As the conversation goes, we realize Nando isn’t there, showing Isabel imagining the conversation, and trying to cope with her grief.
Inspiration: Gloria Isabel Briseño said: “I was inspired to write this play because of Chavez Ravine, my brother, and my love of baseball. My mom named my brother Fernando because of Fernando Valenzuela. I am big in shining a light on the history of Chavez Ravine and the residents who lived there before the stadium was built, and being a big Dodger fan, it hits home altogether. This play shines light on how one event foreshadowed many following impacts in the city and life.”
La Habra Ass Foos
Written by Christopher John Magallanes (ake Don Heusos) directed by Vance Valencia features Gabriel Montoya (as Johnny), Jose Nateras (as Robert) and Edward Navarrete (as Gabe).
Story: Gabe has changed himself to fit the Chicano stereotype. Can Johnny and Robert convince him to be true to himself? What does it mean to be Chicano?
Inspiration: Fernando Valenzuela entered the public eye at a time when Mexicans felt that they had no place in Major League Baseball. Fernando’s presence in the predominantly white sport of baseball resonated with many Latinos who felt like they were fighting for recognition in a country that disregarded them. Not only did Fernando achieve recognition and acclaim, but he did so while always being himself and never changing to match the status quo.”
Safe At Home
Written by Kimberly Huff directed by Vance Valencia, features Veli Gonzalez (as Kathryn), Martin Morales (as Antonio) and Laura Vega (as Mary, Kathryn’s Grandmother).
Story: A middle-aged, third-generation American Mexican Dodger fan, communes with her late Grandfather about Fernando Valenzuela’s influence on immigrants as she grapples with the whiteness of her own skin, and the silence of the Dodgers during the recent political events in and around Los Angeles, including the recent ICE raids.
Inspiration: Kimberly Hoff said: “The main female character, Kathryn, embodies elements of my late mother and me. The character of Antonio is based on my later maternal grandfather. When Fernando Valenzuela came on the scene, I was about nine or 10 years old, and Grandpa and I shared a strong mutual admiration of ‘El Toro.’”
Our Playground
Written by Dr. Connie Valencia, directed by Vance Valencia, features Adlih Alvaradro (as Cassandra/Cassie/Valenzuela), Evelyn Menchaca (as Laura), Phoenix Marroquin (as Maria/Mari), Gabriela Pedraza (as Raquel/Rocky Road) and Edward Navarette (as Fernando Valenzuela).
Story: In a local park in East LA, a friendly workout among four childhood friends takes an unexpected turn when a competitive ex-ballplayer signs them up for a baseball game, forcing a nervous Cassandra to confront her anxieties and strive for victory, all while guided by the spirit of Fernando Valenzuela.
Inspiration: Dr. Connie Valencia said: “During the run of CASA 0101 Theater’s En Mi Jardín playwriting group in 2024, I thought about Fernando Valenzuela and the well-being of our family. I felt inspired to write the play, Our Playground, focused on my childhood and the influence that Fernando had on women in baseball and Latino families. The four women represent three of my friends and I. The three of us engaged in several youth sports. We were part of the YMCA at Breed Street Elementary for more than two years. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience being part of that program. My parents felt more at ease when Fernando Valenzuela was playing because we were watching a game that represented all of us. On game days, my parents would pick us up from school as soon as possible so that we had enough time to make dinner, clean the house, finish homework and enjoy the game. My parents, especially my dad, were in high spirits and approachable when Fernando played. These were the days when I felt more at ease around my dad. The Dodgers became a cultural staple in our household when they signed Fernando Valenzuela. For the first time, many Latinos, including members of my family and my friends, felt that Latinos were being recognized as fierce and with the potential to engage in sports.”
Blue Day
Written by Chris Banda, directed by Karla Ojeda features Itzel Ocampo (as Pilar), Jose Nateras (as Miguel), Yasha Alaniz (as Viviana) and Martin Morales (as Poncho).
Story: As four siblings sift through what they think is their late father’s neglected possessions, they unexpectedly uncover a long-buried memory that sparks a journey of healing and connection among them.
Inspiration: Chris Banda said: “While cleaning out my garage, I came across some small mementos from when my son was one year old. He is now 26, but holding these items brought back memories I had long forgotten. I find it fascinating how these little keepsakes can transport us back in time, serving as magical keys that unlock doors in our minds. Many of us have strong memories tied to experiences with Fernando Valenzuela, and I wanted to connect those memories to the objects we keep over the years. These items help us preserve and infuse meaningful moments into tangible memories.”
The Production Tam
The production team for FERNANDOMANIA includes: Josefina López (of the Boyle Heights), Festival Co-Creator and Playwright, Founding Artistic Director, CASA 0101 Theater; Emmanuel Deleage (of Silver Lake, CA), Festival Producer, Director and Executive Director, CASA 0101 Theater; Edward Padilla (of the Boyle Heights) Casting Director and CASA 0101 Theater Board Member; Maria Valenzuela (of Hollywood, CA) (Fernando and Linda Valenzuela’s youngest daughter) Playwright; Oscar Arguello (of La Puente, CA) Playwright; Chris Banda (of West Covina, CA) Playwright; Gloria Isabel Briseño (of Inglewood, CA) Playwright; Ignacio Gonzalez (of Downey, CA) Playwright; Kimberly Huff (of Azusa, CA) Playwright; Jose Luis Lopez, Jr. (of Riverside, CA) Playwright; Christopher John Magallanes (aka Don Heusos) (of Montebello, CA) Playwright; Celina Martinez (of Silver Lake, CA) Playwright; Michael St. Onge (of Fontana, CA) Playwright; Dr. Connie Valencia (of South Los Angeles, CA) Festival Co-Creator and Playwright; Carmelita Maldonado (of El Sereno, CA) Director; Karla Ojeda (of East Los Angeles, CA) Director; Vance Valencia (of Boyle Heights) Director; Rigo Tejeda (of Whittier, CA) Stage Manager; Maia Melendez (of South Los Angeles) Assistant Stage Manager; Alejandro Parra (of Burbank, CA) Lighting Designer; Audrey Szot (of Pico Robinson, CA) Set Designer; Mari Mercado (of East Los Angeles, CA) Costume Designer and Make-Up Artist; Andy James Garcia (of East Los Angeles, CA) Prop Master; Miguel Angel Delgado (of South Gate, CA) CASA 0101 Theater Technical Director; Mark Kraus (of Los Angeles, CA), CASA 0101 Theater Development Director; Itzel Ocampo (of Alhambra, CA) Projection Designer, Graphic Designer and CASA 0101 Theater Marketing and Operations Manager; Gabriela López de Dennis, Soap Studio Inc. (of Los Angeles, CA) Program; Jorge Villanueva (of the Boyle Heights) Facilities Manager; Oscar Basulto (of the Boyle Heights) Baseball Consultant and Box Office Manager; Al Aguilar (of Los Angeles, CA) Production Assistant; Rudy Torres (of Los Angeles, CA) Production Photographer and Steve Moyer Public Relations (of Los Angeles, CA), Press Representative.
This production is made possible in part from a grant from Eastside Arts Initiative. CASA 0101 Theater is supported in part by: Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture, National Latinx Theater Initiative, Herb Alpert Foundation, Perenchio Foundation, The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, California Arts Council, U.S. Bank and the David Lee Foundation.