Video Submissions Now Being Accepted;
Public Voting Will Take Place February 9 – March 16;
Winners Will Be Announced Monday, March 19

SAN DIEGO (February 2, 2018)—The Old Globe celebrates the world premiere of José Cruz González’s play American Mariachi with a Virtual Battle of the Mariachi Bands. Starting today, February 2, Southern California mariachi bands can submit a video for the world to see (see below for contest guidelines). Audiences will then be able to vote for their favorite band starting Friday, February 9 at 12:00 noon through Friday, March 16. The first-, second-, and third-prize winners will be announced Monday, March 19. Only the first 20 eligible videos received will be presented online to the public for voting, so interested bands should act fast!

The mariachi band with the most votes will receive an invitation to perform live on The Old Globe’s Copley Plaza before the opening night performance of American Mariachi on Thursday, March 29, as well as a cash prize of $500 and two mini-subscriptions to The Old Globe’s current season for each band member. Members of the second-prize band will each receive two mini-subscriptions to The Old Globe, and members of the third-prize band will each receive a pair of tickets to the world premiere of American Mariachi at The Old Globe.

Video submissions can be made through this link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/OGTBOBSUB.

(If 20 eligible videos are not submitted by the February 9 public voting date, videos will be accepted until 20 videos are received. In this case, voting will begin with the videos available, and the form will be updated with new submissions as they become available.)

Public voting, which begins February 9, can be done through this link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MariachiBands.

(One vote will be counted per person.)

Before submitting a video, a mariachi band and the content of their video must meet the following criteria:

• All members of the band are 18 years or older at the time of the video submission;
• The person submitting the video is a member of the band or officially affiliated with the band;
• The video is submitted as a link to a YouTube video;
• The video includes only one song and is recorded live (not a studio recording or audio-only);
• The video is no longer than three minutes;
• Only one video is submitted per band;
• In the event that it wins the first prize, the band is available to perform at The Old Globe on Thursday, March 29 from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.;
• First-prize winners provide their own transportation to The Old Globe in Balboa Park.

For questions or further information, interested bands can email Contest@TheOldGlobe.org.

American Mariachi is a heartwarming and hilarious world premiere comedy about family, progress, and the freedom to dream big that will send your heart soaring and put a bounce in your step with a wave of vibrant, infectious live music. Spending her days caring for her ailing mother, Lucha yearns to break her monotonous routine. Here’s a wild idea: an all-girl mariachi band! But it’s the 1970s, and girls can’t be mariachis...or can they? As Lucha and her spunky cousin hunt for bandmates, dodge disapproving relatives, and bring Mom along for the ride, they wonder: will the band come together?

Directed by Globe favorite and San Diego native James Vásquez (Rich Girl, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!) and presented in association with Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company, American Mariachi will run March 23 to April 29, 2018 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Tickets start at $30.00 and go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 9 at 12:00 noon. Previews run March 23 to 28, 2018. Opening night is Thursday, March 29 at 8:00 p.m. (The production will play in Denver from January 26 to February 25, 2018.)

Additional events taking place during the run of American Mariachi include:

LOBBY EXHIBIT: “American Women in Mariachi,” ongoing during the run of American Mariachi.

This special exhibit will be curated by Dr. Leonor Xochitl Perez, Founder and Director of the Mariachi Women's Festival, and will use photographs, videos, instruments, and costumes to track the involvement of American women in mariachi.

PANEL DISCUSSION: Monday April 2, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.

Scholar Dr. Leonor Xochitl Perez, Ph.D. and American Mariachi music director Cynthia Reifler Flores take a musical look at the form and history of mariachi.

VICKI AND CARL ZEIGER INSIGHTS SEMINAR: Tuesday, March 27 at 5:30 p.m.

An opportunity to closely connect with productions both onstage and backstage. A panel selected from the artistic company of each show—possibly including playwright José Cruz González and director James Vásquez, joined by actors, designers, and/or technicians—engages patrons in an informal and illuminating presentation of ideas and insights to enhance the theatregoing experience. Reception at 5:00 p.m. FREE.

SUBJECT MATTERS: Saturday, April 7, following the 2:00 p.m. matinee.

Explore the ideas and issues raised by a production through brief, illuminating post-show discussions with local experts, such as scientists, artists, historians, and scholars. Subject Matters will ignite discussion, bring the play’s concerns into sharp focus, and encourage you to think beyond the stage! FREE.

POST-SHOW FORUMS: Tuesdays, April 3 and 10, and Wednesday, April 18.

Join us after the show for an informal and enlightening question-and-answer session with cast, crew, and/or Globe staff members. Get the inside story on creating a character and putting together a professional production. FREE.

AXIS: Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles Saturday, March 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

With community partner Dr. Leonor Xochitl Perez and theMariachi Women’s Festival, the Globe’s Arts Engagement Department will present the band Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, a performance that will captivate audiences with vivacious spirit. America’s first all-female mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles brings sensitivity, beauty, warmth, and a new perspective to the realm of Mexico's musical heritage. FREE.

SINGLE TICKETS to American Mariachistart at $30.00 and go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 9 at 12:00 noon. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE [234-5623], or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. Discounts are available for full-time students, patrons 29 years of age and under, seniors, military members, and groups of 10 or more.

Performances begin on March 23, 2018, and continue through April 29, 2018. Performance times: Previews: Friday, March 23 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 24 at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m.; Tuesday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m.; and Wednesday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m. Opening night is Thursday, March 29 at 8:00 p.m. Regular performances (March 30 – April 29): Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. There will be an additional matinee performance on Wednesday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. and no matinee performance on Sunday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m.

American Mariachi at The Old Globe is supported in part through gifts from Production Sponsors Globe Guilders, Paula and Brian Powers, and Vicki and Carl Zeiger. Financial support is provided by The City of San Diego.

LOCATION and PARKING INFORMATION: The Old Globe is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. Through a special arrangement with the San Diego Zoo, Old Globe evening ticket-holders have the opportunity to pre-purchase valet parking in the Zoo’s employee parking structure. With a drop-off point just a short walk to the Globe, theatregoers may purchase fast, easy, convenient valet parking for just $14 per vehicle per evening. Pre-paid only, available only by phone through the Old Globe Box Office. Call (619) 234-5623 or visit
www.theoldglobe.org/plan-your-visit/directions--parking/valet-parking. The Balboa Park valet is also available during performances, located in front of the Japanese Friendship Garden. For additional parking information visit www.BalboaPark.org.

There are numerous free parking lots available throughout the park. Guests may also be dropped off in front of the Mingei International Museum. There is a 10-minute zone at The Old Globe, used only for daytime deliveries, ticket purchases, and handicapped access dropoff. For directions and up-to-date information, please visit www.theoldglobe.org/plan-your-visit/directions--parking/detailed-directions.

PLEASE NOTE: To look up online or GPS directions to The Old Globe, please do not use the Delivery Address above. For GPS users, please click here for the map coordinates, and here for written directions to The Old Globe and nearby parking in Balboa Park.

CALENDAR: The Importance of Being Earnest (1/27/18–3/4), Uncle Vanya (2/10–3/11), AXIS: Give Love San Diego (2/10), American Mariachi (3/23–4/29), AXIS: Mariachi Reyna (3/31), The Wanderers (4/6–5/6), AXIS: Happy Birthday, Mr. Shakespeare! (4/21), A Thousand Splendid Suns (5/12–6/17), coLAB, Program Showcase 5/12), Native Gardens (5/26–6/24), The Tempest (6/17–7/22), Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax (7/2–8/12), Barefoot in the Park (7/28–8/26), Much Ado About Nothing (8/12–9/16), AXIS: Mexican Independence Day Celebration (9/15), 2018 Globe Gala (9/22).

PHOTO EDITORS: Digital images of The Old Globe’s productions are available at www.theoldglobe.org/press-room.

The Tony Award-winning Old Globe is one of the country’s leading professional regional theatres and has stood as San Diego’s flagship arts institution for over 80 years. Under the leadership of Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein and Managing Director Timothy J. Shields, The Old Globe produces a year-round season of 15 productions of classic, contemporary, and new works on its three Balboa Park stages: the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the 600-seat Old Globe Theatre and the 250-seat Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, both part of The Old Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, and the 605-seat outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, home of its internationally renowned Shakespeare Festival. More than 250,000 people attend Globe productions annually and participate in the theatre’s artistic and arts engagement programs. Numerous world premieres such as the 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Meteor Shower, Bright Star, Allegiance, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,and the annual holiday musical Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! have been developed at The Old Globe and have gone on to enjoy highly successful runs on Broadway and at regional theatres across the country.

x x x

World Premiere

AMERICAN MARIACHI

By José Cruz González

Directed by James Vásquez

In association with Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company

RUNS: March 23 – April 29, 2018.

Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, Old Globe Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.

TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $30.00.

SYNOPSIS: Spending her days caring for her ailing mother, Lucha yearns to break her monotonous routine. Here’s a wild idea: an all-girl mariachi band! But it’s the 1970s, and girls can’t be mariachis...or can they? As Lucha and her spunky cousin hunt for bandmates, dodge disapproving relatives, and bring Mom along for the ride, they wonder: will the band come together? American Mariachi is a heartwarming world premiere comedy about family, progress, and the freedom to dream big that will send your heart soaring and put a bounce in your step with a wave of vibrant, infectious live music.

CAST: Natalie Camunas (Gabby), Crissy Guerrero (Soyla, Sister Manuela), Rodney Lizcano (Mino, Padre Flores), Doreen Montalvo (Amalia, Doña Lola), Jennifer Paredes (Lucha), Bobby Plasencia (Federico), Luis Quintero (Mateo, René, Rubin), Amanda Robles (Isabel, Tía Carmen), Heather Velazquez (Hortensia aka ”Boli”).

CREATIVE TEAM: Regina Garcia (Scenic Design), Meghan Anderson Doyle (Costume Design), Paul Miller (Lighting Design), Ken Travis (Sound Design), Cynthia Reifler Flores (Music Director), Shirley Fishman (Dramaturg), Joanne Denaut, CSA (Casting), Rachel Ducat (Production Stage Manager).

BOX OFFICE WINDOW HOURS: Noon to final curtain Tuesday through Sunday. American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA accepted.
(619) 23-GLOBE [234-5623].

LOCATION: The Old Globe is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. Free parking is available throughout the park. Valet parking is also available ($14, advance reservation).

PHOTOS: Digital images of Globe productions are available at TheOldGlobe.org/press-room

PREVIEW PERFORMANCES:

Mar 23 FRI 8:00pm

Mar 24 SAT 8:00pm

Mar 25 SUN 7:00pm

Mar 27 TUE 8:00pm (Vicki and Carl Zeiger
Insights Seminar)

Mar 28 WED 8:00pm

OPENING NIGHT: Mar 29 THU 8:00pm

REGULAR PERFORMANCES:

Mar 30 FRI 8:00pm

Mar 31 SAT 2:00pm

Mar 31 SAT 8:00pm

April 1 SUN 2:00pm

April 1 SUN 7:00pm

April 3 TUE 7:00pm (Post-Show Forum)

April 4 WED 7:00pm

April 5 THU 8:00pm

April 6 FRI 8:00pm

April 7 SAT 2:00pm (Subject Matters)

April 7 SAT 8:00pm

April 8 SUN 2:00pm

April 8 SUN 7:00pm

April 10 TUE 7:00pm (Post-Show Forum)

April 11 WED 7:00pm

April 12 THU 8:00pm

April 13 FRI 8:00pm

April 14 SAT 2:00pm

April 14 SAT 8:00pm

April 15 SUN 2:00pm

April 15 SUN 7:00pm

April 17 TUE 7:00pm

April 18 WED 2:00pm

April 18 WED 7:00pm (Post-Show Forum)

April 19 THU 8:00pm

April 20 FRI 8:00pm

April 21 SAT 2:00pm

April 21 SAT 8:00pm

April 22 SUN 7:00pm

April 24 TUE 7:00pm

April 25 WED 7:00pm

April 26 THU 8:00pm

April 27 FRI 8:00pm

April 28 SAT 2:00pm

April 28 SAT 8:00pm

April 29 SUN 2:00pm

April 29 SUN 7:00pm

PRESS CONTACTS:

Susan Chicoine (619) 238-0043 x2352 / 325-9416
   schicoine@TheOldGlobe.org

Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti (619) 238-0043 x2356
   aenciso@TheOldGlobe.org

THE OLD GLOBE presenta una BATALLA VIRTUAL DE MARIACHIS Con motivo del estreno mundial de AMERICAN MARIACHI ESCRITO POR JOSÉ CRUZ GONZÁLEZ

Ahora Estamos Aceptando Videos; El público podrá votar del 9 de Febrero al 16 de Marzo; Los Ganadores Serán Anunciados el Lunes 19 de Marzo

SAN DIEGO (Febrero 7, 2018) — Old Globe celebra el estreno mundial de la obra de José Cruz González, American Mariachi con una Batalla Virtual de Mariachis. A partir de ahora, los grupos de Mariachi en el sur de California, podrán enviar su video para que el mundo lo vea (consulte las reglas del concurso a continuación). El público podrá votar por su Mariachi favorito a partir del Viernes 9 de Febrero a las 12:00 del mediodía, hasta elViernes 16 de Marzo. Los ganadores del primero, segundo y tercer premio se anunciarán el Lunes 19 de Marzo. Sólo los primeros 20 videos elegibles, se presentarán en línea para que el público vote, ¡Así que los grupos interesados deberán actuar rápido!

El Mariachi con el mayor número de votos, recibirá una invitación para tocar en vivo la noche de estreno de American Mariachi en la Copley Plaza del Old Globe, antes de la función el Jueves 29 de Marzo; así como un premio en efectivo de $ 500 dólares y dos mini-suscripciones a la temporada actual del Old Globe para cada miembro del grupo. Los ganadores del segundo lugar, recibirán dos mini-suscripciones al Old Globe, y el tercer lugar, será acreedor de un par de boletos para el estreno mundial de American Mariachi.

El registro de Videos será a través de: www.surveymonkey.com/r/OGTBOBSUB. (Si no se reciben los 20 videos elegibles para la fecha de votación pública del 9 de febrero, se seguirán recibiendo hasta lograr los 20. En este caso, la votación comenzará con los videos disponibles, y la lista se irá actualizando conforme se vayan recibiendo.)

La Votación que comienza el 9 de Febrero, se puede hacer a través de: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MariachiBands. (Se contará un voto por persona)

Antes de enviar un video, el grupo y el contenido de su video deben cumplir con los siguientes criterios:

• Todos los miembros del mariachi deben tener 18 años o más cuando envíen el video;
• La persona que envíe el video debe ser un miembro del grupo;
• El video debe ser enviado como enlace de YouTube;
• El video debe incluir solo una canción y ser en vivo (no puede ser una grabación de estudio o un video que solamente tenga audio);
• El video no puede durar más de tres minutos;
• Sólo se puede enviar un video por grupo;
• En caso de ganar el primer lugar, el grupo deberá estar disponible para tocar en el Old Globe el Jueves 29 de Marzo, de las 6:45 p.m. a las 7:45 p.m.;
• Los ganadores del primer premio proporcionarán su propio transporte al Old Globe en Balboa Park.

Para preguntas o mayor información, los grupos interesados pueden enviar un correo electrónico a:Contest@TheOldGlobe.org.