American Mariachi is set in the 1970s, where Lucha spends her days caring for her ailing mother but longs to shake up her life. When a forgotten record sparks her mother’s memory, Lucha and her cousin strike upon a radical idea: to create an all-female mariachi band. Infused with live music played by a live mariachi band, this “big-hearted, musical tugs at the heartstrings” and reminds us how music and love can make just about anything possible.

This play with music is filled with well-known mariachi classics and depicts beautiful portraits of latina women that any San Antonian can relate to. Written by José Cruz González, this premiere production marks the first time a latino writers’ work will be produced at the Russell Hill Rogers Theater in the organization’s 100 years. Claudia de Vasco explains about directing this regional premiere:

“As I thought through the decision about what show to launch my tenure as Artistic leader of The Public Theater, I searched for a play that reflected San Antonio communities in a way that hadn’t been before on our stage, a play that was also filled with music as our audiences have come to expect, and a play that was a universal story for all to connect with. American Mariachi is an American story about family, about coping with dementia, and about perseverance. I am thrilled to share this story with our city!”