OBIE Award winner José Rivera (A.C.T.'s Brainpeople, Marisol), the Academy Award–nominated screenwriter of The Motorcycle Diaries, returns to his native Puerto Rico to explore the ineffable dreams of lovers. In one of his most personal works, passion and humor collide in an exuberant village in 1953, where Flora's search for true love follows an unexpected course. A bold, moving second act, set almost 40 years later in America, probes the darker mysteries of marriage.
This brilliant new work reverberates with the gorgeous sounds of Latin love songs, or boleros, written by master composer Fabian Obispo. Acclaimed actors Rachel Ticotin (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Total Recall, and Broadway's Macbeth) and Robert Beltran (Star Trek: Voyager, Big Love) star alongside the fresh new talents of Drew Cortese, Lela Loren, Dion Mucciacito, and Michele Vazquez in their A.C.T. debut.
"The most theatrically satisfying production of the Bay Area season and what could well be remembered as one of A.C.T.'s all-time watershed productions . . . stunning performances . . . a profoundly moving love story" —Contra Costa Times
"Pure delight! An outstanding ensemble of six actors weave the magic of a funny, romantic, winning story." —San Francisco Examiner
"One of A.C.T.'s finest productions ever! Magnificently written . . . brilliantly directed . . . a remarkable evening!" —KGO Radio
"Deeply affecting! Beautiful! A play that celebrates love" —The Boston Globe
"Magical! An enchanting production that sizzles with passion. José Rivera has
penned a heartfelt ode to true love." —Metro (Boston)
"What makes Boleros for the Disenchanted so appealing is much more than Rivera's comic writing, the family pathos, or the strength of A.C.T.'s acting ensemble. This is a drama about continuity—of family, of marriage ideals, of love—and, most importantly, of great personal devotion . . . a warm, richly satisfying evening of theatre." —George Heymont's My Cultural Landscape
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A Conversation with José Rivera
April 18, 10 a.m.
Join us for a special free event with José Rivera, the Academy Award–nominated screenwriter of The Motorcycle Diaries and author of A.C.T.'s Boleros for the Disenchanted. The conversation will be moderated by Artistic Director Carey Perloff. Read more about the Koret Visiting Artist Series.
Koret Prologue*
May 12, 5:30 p.m.
Get inside the artistic process—come early for a preperformance discussion with the director and a member of the A.C.T. artistic staff.
Koret Audience Exchanges*
May 19, 7 p.m.
May 20, 2 p.m.
May 24, 2 p.m.
After the show, stick around for a lively Q&A session with the actors, moderated by a member of the A.C.T. artistic staff.
OUT with A.C.T.
May 20, 8 p.m.
LGBT night at A.C.T. features a catered afterparty and a cast meet and greet. Visit www.act-sf.org/out for more information about how to subscribe to OUT nights.
*Discussions are free for ticket holders. Please note that performance times vary.
Insight into the Play, the Playwright, and the Production
Each entertaining and informative issue of Words on Plays, A.C.T.'s in-depth performance guide series, contains a synopsis, advance program notes, study questions, and additional background information about the historical and cultural context of the play.
Words on Plays is available for purchase in the lobby of the theater during performances or online ($12 each + postage and handling). To subscribe to the full season ($70), call 415.749.2250.
Words on Plays Prepared by
Elizabeth Brodersen, Publications Editor
Michael Paller, Resident Dramaturg
Dan Rubin, Publications & Literary Associate
Lesley Gibson, Publications & Literary Intern
Megan Cohen, Dramaturgy Intern
Debra Munro, Artistic Intern
Table of Contents
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1.
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Characters, Cast, and Synopsis of Boleros for the Disenchanted
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8.
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Boleros for the Disenchanted Meet and Greet / Design Presentation
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14.
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"Family Stories: An Interview with José Rivera (click to view excerpt)
by Dan Rubin
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20.
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A Brief History of Puerto Rico (click to view excerpt)
by Megan Cohen
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23.
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A Guide to Towns and Cities Seen or Mentioned in Boleros for the Disenchanted
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26.
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A Boleros Miscellany and Glossary of Spanish Terms
by Megan Cohen
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28.
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Questions to Consider
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28.
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For Further Information . . .
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On the A.C.T. Blog
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
A Flicker of Light
posted by Dion Mucciacito, cast member of Boleros for the Disenchanted
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Producing for Results
posted by Rusty Rueff, A.C.T. Trustee
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