By:Bianca Hernandez

“The Big Bad Musical” performed by the Tartan Theatre Troupe this month is about The Three Little Pig’s, Little Red Riding Hood, The boy who Cried Wolf, and, of course, what’s a story with out the Big Bad Wolf.  It all comes together in one story putting the wolf on trial for all the bad things he has done.  At the end, the audience choose if he guilty or not guilty.

What caught the eye in this play was that it was a children’s tale, that adults and even teens could enjoy. Talent all around Bel Air was presented. Involving choreography by the Mu Delta Chi dance team, and singing from the choir, The Big Bad Musical was a spectacular play.

Leanna Hernandez one of the backup singers said, “ I liked being in this play. Although this isn’t something I do as a career, I was happy that they asked me to be in this play. “

What’s a tale about the three little pigs without the big bad wolf ?

Patrick  Jaramillo, who played the wolf, said, “I have been in speech and debate for two years , so I knew how to get over being nervous; theatre is an opportunity to become something other than myself on stage.”

Jaramillo played the big bad wolf with much enthusiasm and great character. Watching the play from the seats is a great experience.

As for people behind the scenes, it is a lot more hectic and thrilling to be off stage.

Ashley Hernandez the stage manager for the play said, “ It’s a stressful job. I enjoy doing it, but it’s not something I want to do in the future. Doing this has taught me to have a lot of patience, because I am not one to have patience in the first place.

The player deserve a lot of credit because some of theses actresses and actors have never been on stage before, and for being in front of many people for the first time. they did an excellent job entertaining the audience. This play sent viewers on an adventure through childhood stories , and that for all was very entertaining and exciting.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 By Jenny Rosales

HC Parade <– (CLICK HERE)

Student Activities Director Sylvia Palmer talks about plans for the Homecoming Parade and Assembly Wednesday.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 By Rebeca Cazares

Karla Olivas (Mujer 3,4) and Yasmin Castro (Poncia) practice a scene for “La Casa de Bernarda Alba” Thursday in the Tartan Theatre. “Acting is one way to let my feelings show. This is why I like acting,” Castro said. – Maria Enriquez

“La Casa De Bernarda Alba,” Tartan Theatre Troupe’s fall play, depicts the lives of Bernarda and her five daughters mourning the recent passing of Bernarda’s husband.

The opening night for the play is at 7 p.m. Oct. 6 . The show also is at 7 p.m. Oct. 7, with the final showing at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 8 in the Tartan Theatre.

Ticket prices will be $3 general admission and $2 for students.

“La Casa de Bernarda Alba” is directed by Pablo Jasso, director of Bel Air’s Theater. The show will feature Spanish teachers Rosalia Rodriguez who plays Bernarda and Maria Dadras who plays Maria Josefa, Bernard’s mother, alongside the student cast.

Both teachers are excited about participating in and portraying their characters since they feel a connection between themselves and the their characters. Even Rodriguez’s children have mentioned the similarities the connection between her and her character.

“When my own children knew that I would characterize Bernarda de Alba, they told me, “It is the right role for you. You are like her.” I consider that I am conservative and strict woman, but not like Bernarda, and also I am younger than her,” Rodriguez said.

Choosing the cast wasn’t the issue, instead it was that the whole show is being done in Spanish, which proved to be an interesting challenge for the director.

“It was extremely difficult. I think this is the shortest but most difficult play I’ve ever directed,” Jasso said.

Along with the obstacles of doing a Spanish speaking play, the cast has been doing daily after school rehearsals. The rehearsals, though, take time and have proven to be challenging especially for Rodriguez.

“It’s not easy.The play requires an extra effort, time to practice after school, and memorize the dialogue,” Rodriguez said.

Although the play features a family, Yasmin Castro, who plays Poncia (the housekeeper) in the show, doesn’t consider it to be a family play because of strong language and strong scenes.

“I think high school students and above would be interested in this play, because it is a serious play,” Castro said.

The play deals with serious issues such as the oppression of women, and feelings of being trapped and useless.

“Unfortunately, we may still see this situation, especially among Hispanic families. I believe that this is sad because women, young or old, are free. They deserve to enjoy their lives and be happy. Of course I reject Bernarda’s behavior. As mother we do not have the right to control our children’s lives. As a mother I wish the best for my children,”  Rodriguez said.

Dadas agreed.

“Women should be able to live and decide what they want to do with their life,” Dadras said.

The play’s ultimate goal though is not only to make women realize the relevance and commonness of sexism, but also to attract the interests of all the Spanish speakers of the community.

“Our intent is to get every Spanish speaker or bilingual person to come and see this play,” Jasso said. “We want everyone who can to come and watch.”

Cast

Rosalia Rodriguez- Bernarda

Maria Dadras- Maria Josefa

Korina Fonseca- Mendiga, Mujer 1 y 2

Itzel Trejo- Amelia

Bridgette Martinez- Adela

Nancy Esparza- Magdalena

Aimme Lopez- Martirio

Karla Olivas- Mujer 3,4 y Muchacha

Amayeli Arnal- Angustias

Yasmin Castro- La Poncia