{"id":154027,"date":"2025-08-17T21:05:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-17T21:05:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/154027\/"},"modified":"2025-08-17T21:05:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T21:05:11","slug":"fernandomania-noho-arts-district","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/154027\/","title":{"rendered":"FERNANDOMANIA – NoHo Arts District"},"content":{"rendered":"

[NoHo Arts District<\/a>, CA] \u2013 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.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

About FERNANDOMANIA<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 The show, in English and Spanish with subtitles, features 16 actors playing 57 roles in 12 short plays, helmed by four directors<\/p>\n

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).\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Valenzuela was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Fernando Valenzuela\u2019s Jersey Number 34 was retired by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023.<\/p>\n

\"Cast<\/p>\n

FERNANDOMANIA \u2014 Act I Plays
\nFernandomania Forever<\/p>\n

Written by Josefina L\u00f3pez, directed by Emmanuel Delage features Eugene Antonio Negrete (as Robert Vargas), Evelyn Menchaca (as Josefina L\u00f3pez), 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 Oca\u00f1as, Gabriela Pendraza and Alejandro Reynoso (as Community Members\/Ensemble).\u00a0 This play anchors the show playing out in 12 transitional scenes between each play throughout Act I, and Act II.<\/p>\n

Story<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 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 L\u00f3pez, as a lasting tribute for inspiring immigrants and Latinos for making them feel visible.<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/b>:\u00a0 <\/b>Josefina L\u00f3pez said:\u00a0 \u201cI 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.\u00a0 Fernando Valenzuela was my hero when I was 12 years old, when I had none.\u00a0 My family and I were undocumented and Fernando Valenzuela\u2019s victories made us fell so proud and seen.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 He was so proud he even named my little brother after Fernando.\u201d<\/p>\n

Linda<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Mother, Girl at Party), Jeremiah Oca\u00f1as (as Reporter, Guy at Party), Itzel Ocampo (as Fan) and Gabriel Montoya (as Father Miguel, Drunk Guy).<\/p>\n

From Somewhere<\/p>\n

Written by Jose Luis Lopez, Jr., directed by Carmelita Maldonado features Adlih Alvarado (as Elena), Alejandro Reynoso (as Ra\u00fal), Itzel Ocampo (as Daniel), Edward Navarrete (as Fernando Valenzuela), Martin Morales (as Jaime Jarr\u00edn) and Luis Galilei (as Mr. Baker).<\/p>\n

Story<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 As Fernando Valenzuela rises on the mound and Jaime Jarr\u00edn\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/b>: <\/b>Jose Luis Lopez, Jr. said:\u00a0 \u201cBoth of my parents are immigrants.\u00a0 They weren\u2019t into sports, but they still felt a connection to Fernando Valenzuela \u2014 because he represented people like them.\u00a0 I missed Fernandoman\u00eda, but I grew up knowing who Fernando Valenzuela and Jaime Jarr\u00edn were, before I even understood baseball.\u00a0 This play is about hard work, family, and being seen.\u00a0 It\u2019s my way of honoring my parents and the many others who gave so much and asked for so little.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beisbol y Novelas (Baseball and Mexican Soap Operas)<\/p>\n

Written by Ignacio Gonzalez directed by Carmelita Maldonado features Gabriela Pendraza (as Jaime), Luis Galilei (as Avelino, Jaime\u2019s Dad) and Laura Vega (as Abuela Maria, Avelino\u2019s Mother).<\/p>\n

Story<\/b>: <\/b>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.\u00a0 Avelino, Jaime\u2019s dad, is caught between two generations with roots in two countries.\u00a0 That changes when a young pitcher from Mexico brings the family \u2013 and the entire community \u2013 together.<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/b>:<\/b> Ignacio Gonzalez said:\u00a0 \u201cWith my play, I wanted to show how Fernando Valenzuela brought together generations within families around Beisbol.\u00a0 Prior to his arrival, baseball was an activity for little boys and maybe their father or an uncle as coach.\u00a0 After Fernando Valenzuela, abuelas, tias, and primas wanted to go to the stadium and play Beisbol as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

No Sabo (I Don\u2019t Know)<\/p>\n

Written by Oscar Arguello, directed by Emmanuel Deleage features Jeremiah Oca\u00f1as (as Kid and Gooch), Laura Vega (as Mom) and Martin Morales (as Dad).<\/p>\n

Story<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 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.\u00a0 He learns a lesson about identity and makes a new hero along the way.<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/b>:\u00a0 <\/b>Oscar Arguello said:\u00a0 \u201cThis is my story.\u00a0 I was a No Sabo Kid in the 80s who didn\u2019t speak Spanish at home, even though my parents were Mexican.\u00a0 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Good Hero\/Un Buen Heroe<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

Story<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 Celina Martinez said:\u00a0 \u201cI used to watch baseball with my father, Juan, during my childhood.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 My father passed away in 2005.\u00a0 As a Dodgers fan, I feel close to him when I follow the games.\u00a0 Fernando Valenzuela was our favorite player and was an inspiration to me and my father, who was an immigrant from Cuba.\u00a0 My father was also a pitcher when he played in Cuba.\u201d<\/p>\n

FERNANDOMANIA \u2014 Act II Plays
\nOnce Upon A Time in LA<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

Story<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 Michael St. Onge said: \u201cThis story is based on true events that occurred in my life.\u00a0 My grandfather came to America as a young immigrant and worked the fields of Coachella in 1958.\u00a0 He listened to the Dodgers\u2019 games on radio in Spanish for a lot of years, but truly became a fan when Fernando Valenzuela started pitching.\u00a0 We did not have a lot of money growing up and going to a Dodgers game was not possible.\u00a0 After my father passed, I had a lot of behavioral problems, and my grandfather invited me to a Dodgers game to see Fernando pitch.\u00a0 It was the first Dodgers game for both of us, and it changed both of our lives.\u00a0 For my grandfather, I think he saw a little bit of himself in Fernando, and he was so proud.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 That\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nando<\/p>\n

Written by Gloria Isabel Brise\u00f1o, directed by Carmelita Maldonado features Jose Nateras (as Fernando \u201cNando\u201d) and Itzel Ocampo (as Isabel).<\/p>\n

Story<\/b>:\u00a0 <\/b>Nando is about the playwright\u2019s late brother, Fernando Ochoa, whom she lost a year ago in August 2024.\u00a0 The play features two siblings, Nando and Isabel.\u00a0 Both siblings make a yearly hike up the hills of Elysian Hills to just hang out and talk about everything and nothing.\u00a0 As the conversation goes, we realize Nando isn\u2019t there, showing Isabel imagining the conversation, and trying to cope with her grief.<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/b>:\u00a0 <\/b>Gloria Isabel Brise\u00f1o said:\u00a0 <\/b>\u201cI was inspired to write this play because of Chavez Ravine, my brother, and my love of baseball.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 This play shines light on how one event foreshadowed many following impacts in the city and life.\u201d<\/p>\n

La Habra Ass Foos<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

Story<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 Gabe has changed himself to fit the Chicano stereotype.\u00a0 Can Johnny and Robert convince him to be true to himself?\u00a0 What does it mean to be Chicano?<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/b>:\u00a0 <\/b>Fernando Valenzuela entered the public eye at a time when Mexicans felt that they had no place in Major League Baseball.\u00a0 Fernando\u2019s 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.\u00a0 Not only did Fernando achieve recognition and acclaim, but he did so while always being himself and never changing to match the status quo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Safe At Home<\/p>\n

Written by Kimberly Huff directed by Vance Valencia, features Veli Gonzalez (as Kathryn), Martin Morales (as Antonio) and Laura Vega (as Mary, Kathryn\u2019s Grandmother).<\/p>\n

Story<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 A middle-aged, third-generation American Mexican Dodger fan, communes with her late Grandfather about Fernando Valenzuela\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 Kimberly Hoff said:\u00a0 \u201cThe main female character, Kathryn, embodies elements of my late mother and me.\u00a0 The character of Antonio is based on my later maternal grandfather.\u00a0 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 \u2018El Toro.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Our Playground<\/p>\n

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 \u00a0 Pedraza (as Raquel\/Rocky Road) and Edward Navarette (as Fernando Valenzuela).<\/p>\n

Story<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 Dr. Connie Valencia said:\u00a0 \u201cDuring the run of CASA 0101 Theater\u2019s En Mi Jard\u00edn playwriting group in 2024, I thought about Fernando Valenzuela and the well-being of our family.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 The three of us engaged in several youth sports.\u00a0 We were part of the YMCA at Breed Street Elementary for more than two years.\u00a0 It was an amazing and unforgettable experience being part of that program.\u00a0 My parents felt more at ease when Fernando Valenzuela was playing because we were watching a game that represented all of us.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 My parents, especially my dad, were in high spirits and approachable when Fernando played.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blue Day<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

Story<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 As four siblings sift through what they think is their late father\u2019s neglected possessions, they unexpectedly uncover a long-buried memory that sparks a journey of healing and connection among them.<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/b>:<\/b>\u00a0 Chris Banda said:\u00a0 \u201cWhile cleaning out my garage, I came across some small mementos from when my son was one year old.\u00a0 He is now 26, but holding these items brought back memories I had long forgotten.\u00a0 I find it fascinating how these little keepsakes can transport us back in time, serving as magical keys that unlock doors in our minds.\u00a0 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Production Tam<\/p>\n

The production team for <\/b>FERNANDOMANIA<\/b> includes:\u00a0 Josefina L\u00f3pez<\/b> (of the Boyle Heights), Festival Co-Creator and Playwright, Founding Artistic Director, CASA 0101 Theater; Emmanuel Deleage <\/b>(of Silver Lake, CA), Festival Producer, Director and Executive Director, CASA 0101 Theater; Edward Padilla<\/b> (of the Boyle Heights) Casting Director and CASA 0101 Theater Board Member; Maria Valenzuela <\/b>(of Hollywood, CA) (Fernando and Linda Valenzuela\u2019s youngest daughter) Playwright; Oscar Arguello <\/b>(of La Puente, CA) Playwright; Chris Banda <\/b>(of West Covina, CA) Playwright; Gloria Isabel Brise\u00f1o <\/b>(of Inglewood, CA) Playwright; Ignacio Gonzalez <\/b>(of Downey, CA) Playwright; Kimberly Huff <\/b>(of Azusa, CA) Playwright; Jose Luis Lopez, Jr. <\/b>(of Riverside, CA) Playwright; Christopher John Magallanes (aka Don Heusos) <\/b>(of Montebello, CA) Playwright; Celina Martinez <\/b>(of Silver Lake, CA) Playwright; Michael St. Onge <\/b>(of Fontana, CA) Playwright; Dr.<\/b> Connie Valencia <\/b>(of South Los Angeles, CA) Festival Co-Creator and Playwright; Carmelita Maldonado <\/b>(of El Sereno, CA) Director; Karla Ojeda <\/b>(of East Los Angeles, CA) Director; Vance Valencia <\/b>(of Boyle Heights) Director; Rigo Tejeda<\/b> (of Whittier, CA) Stage Manager; Maia Melendez<\/b> (of South Los Angeles) Assistant Stage Manager; Alejandro Parra<\/b> (of Burbank, CA) Lighting Designer; Audrey Szot<\/b> (of Pico Robinson, CA) Set Designer; Mari Mercado<\/b> (of East Los Angeles, CA) Costume Designer and Make-Up Artist; Andy James Garcia<\/b> (of East Los Angeles, CA) Prop Master; Miguel Angel Delgado<\/b> (of South Gate, CA) CASA 0101 Theater Technical Director; Mark Kraus <\/b>(of Los Angeles, CA), CASA 0101 Theater Development Director; Itzel Ocampo <\/b>(of Alhambra, CA) Projection Designer, Graphic Designer and CASA 0101 Theater Marketing and Operations Manager; Gabriela L\u00f3pez de Dennis, Soap Studio Inc. <\/b>(of Los Angeles, CA) Program; Jorge Villanueva<\/b> (of the Boyle Heights) Facilities Manager; Oscar Basulto<\/b> (of the Boyle Heights) Baseball Consultant and Box Office Manager; Al Aguilar<\/b> (of Los Angeles, CA) Production Assistant; Rudy Torres <\/b>(of Los Angeles, CA) Production Photographer and Steve Moyer Public Relations <\/b>(of Los Angeles, CA), Press Representative.<\/p>\n

This production is made possible in part from a grant from Eastside Arts Initiative.\u00a0 CASA 0101 Theater is supported in part by:\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n