The festival grew out of a 10-week playwriting workshop co-facilitated by Gonzalez and playwright Dr. Connie Valencia at CASA 0101. Nearly 20 writers participated, and 12 plays were ultimately chosen for production.

Among the lineup:

Fernandomania Forever by CASA 0101 founding artistic director Josefina López, which anchors the show in 12 transitional scenes. López, best known for Real Women Have Curves, explores how Valenzuela became an icon for Boyle Heights immigrants, inspiring pride and visibility.

Linda, by Maria Valenzuela, the youngest daughter of Fernando and Linda Valenzuela, tells the story of how her parents met. “It’s been incredibly meaningful to be part of this festival and honor him by writing a play that reflects both his impact and our family’s love,” she said in a statement.

No Sabo by Oscar Arguello depicts a boy struggling with identity who finds connection through Valenzuela.

Once Upon a Time in LA by Michael St. Onge recalls a childhood trip to Dodger Stadium with his grandfather to see Valenzuela pitch, blending grief and healing.

Our Playground by Dr. Connie Valencia centers on four women in East Los Angeles who find strength and inspiration in Valenzuela’s legacy.

The program also includes works by Chris Banda, Gloria Isabel Briseño, Kimberly Huff, Jose Luis Lopez Jr., Christopher John Magallanes, Celina Martinez and others.

Valenzuela, nicknamed “El Toro,” pitched 17 seasons in Major League Baseball, 11 of them with the Dodgers. He was a six-time All-Star, 1981 Rookie of the Year, Cy Young Award winner, and a two-time World Series champion. The Dodgers retired his number 34 in 2023, just one year before his passing at age 63.

For Gonzalez, the legacy is not only in the record books but in the way Valenzuela brought people together.

“These plays aren’t just about baseball. They’re about families remembering how they fell in love with the game, how generations connected through Fernando,” Gonzalez said. “There’s a direct line from Fernandomania to the Dodgers being one of the most popular franchises in baseball today.”

Fernandomania runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through Sept. 21 at CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 E. First St., Los Angeles. Tickets are $25 general admission, $22 for students and seniors, and $20 for Boyle Heights residents and groups of 10 or more.

For tickets and information, visit casa0101.org or call 323-263-7684.