On Tuesday, June 30th, 2009, Urban Lifestyle Media (ULM) will proudly present “Boogie Rican Blvd.: The Musical” for a limited engagement at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre (304 W. 47th Street), running from July 1st – July 26, 2009. Written and performed by Caridad De La Luz “La Bruja”, directed by Nelson Vásquez and music by William Cepeda. Boogie Rican Blvd. in Bronx, New York is where the Pacheco family and their colorful collection of friends examine life, love and regret through words, song and dance in front of Don Jose’s bodega.
The multi-faceted De La Luz gives life to seven colorful characters such as “Don Jose”, the owner of the bodega, patriarch of the family and father of three daughters. Being a “Sugar Papi” full of Latino pride and machismo makes Don Jose call his granddaughter “Papo”, hoping one day she will take over the family business. Don Jose’s daughters are; “Maribella”, a proud virgin and on the brink of fashion; “Cuca”, a teen poet who has become pregnant by “Pito”, the “wanna-be rapper” who is in denial of his seed, and “Lola”, the eldest daughter, who’s chosen a life of drugs over motherhood.
Directed by actor, writer and producer, Nelson Vásquez, who co-produced and wrote the hit play and screenplay, “Da Spanish Mob”, an offbeat comedy with Michael Del Río. Nelson has co-starred alongside Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony in “El Cantante”, as the legendary musical director/co-founder of Fania Records, Johnny Pacheco.
Renowned composer and arranger, William Cepeda comes from a well-known family rooted in music. The Familia Cepeda is famous for their performances of folkloric music with African roots, and as keepers of traditional Puerto Rican music for many years. Cepeda, whose unique jazz style he coined as “Afrorican Jazz”, has toured with Dizzy Gillespie; one of the founders of Latin Jazz, and played and recorded with Latin music artists such as Oscar De Leon, Paquito d’Rivera, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri. Cepeda has produced all the music for “Boogie Rican Blvd.: The Musical”.
The extended Boogie Rican Blvd. posse includes: Patchy-the Hip-Hop sneaker friend of Maribella, played by Patricia Marte “PattyDukes”, Chico-Pito’s loyal sidekick, played by Amilcar Alfaro-Martell “RephStar”, Johnny-the handsome and openly gay friend of Maribella, played by Dimitri Minucci, and making her theatrical debut, while sharing the stage with her mother Caridad De La Luz, the young and talented Carina De La Luz-Vazquez, playing Papo-Don Jose’s granddaughter. These are most of the faces you will find on Boogie Rican Blvd. and surprises are an eminent part of this magical place.
Through dance and rhythms from the Caribbean and Bronx, Boogie Rican Blvd. explores issues such as child abuse, drug addiction, gay bashing, teen pregnancy, and abandonment in a way that leaves you moved, touched and inspired. Everyone is welcome here, and after one visit you will understand.
Performance Schedule:
Opening Night; Tuesday, June 30th at 8:00 p.m. July 1st through 26th, Tuesday -Saturday; 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Closing Night; Sunday, July 26th at 3:00 p.m.
Tickets:
Tickets are ($45) for Front Orchestra, ($40) for Back Orchestra, ($25) for First Row Balcony, and ($20) for Balcony.
To purchase tickets:
● Online: here
● E-Mail: tickets@ulmedia.net
● By phone: 718-855-2681
About The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre (PRTT)
The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre (PRTT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educate and acquaint the general public with important contributions by playwrights of Latino or Hispanic extraction; to present and produce professional bilingual professional theatre; to offer artistic development to emerging and established artists; and in these ways to contribute towards the diversity of American theatre and national culture. The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, 304 West 47th Street, between 8th and 9th avenues, New York, NY 10036. Reservations: 212-354-1293 or visit prtt.org.
About Urban Lifestyle Media (ULM)
Urban Lifestyle Media, LLC (ULM) is a marketing/media/entertainment company founded by Jorge Cano-Moreno in 2007. Specializing in the urban-multicultural market, ULM creates solutions by utilizing aspects of marketing and entertainment and placing them in the relevant media to deliver results. Current projects include feature film project; “Harlem Hostel” and musical artist Pantoja. ULM clients include Maya Releasing, MUN2, Clear Channel, Univision Radio, Sony Music, and Latin jazz legend Eddie Palmieri.www.urbanlatino.
About the company:
Caridad De La Luz (Playwright and Performer: Don Jose/Maribella/Pito/Cuca/Lola/Marta/Mama) Also known as “La Bruja”, Caridad is a talented poet, writer, actor, dancer, model and activist. Long regarded as one of the leading American spoken-word poets, this dynamic and gifted performer infuses hip-hop and reggaeton with her irresistible blend of sensuality, potent intelligence, and lyrical skill. Whether singing on Telemundo, acting in a Spike Lee film or appearing in History Channel docudramas, performing on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, or modeling Levi’s in Glamour and Marie Claire magazines, this modern-day Renaissance woman refuses to be put in a box. With the musical release of Brujalicious, La Bruja joins the ranks of artists who infuse music with the power of the word.
Nelson Vásquez (Director)
With over twenty-five years of professional experience Nelson is an accomplished actor, writer, director and producer. As an actor, Nelson has had the pleasure of working with some of Hollywood’s most prominent directors, including Spike Lee, Brian DePalma, Michael Apted, Martin Scorsese, Steve Buscemi, John Gallagher and Leon Ichaso. Nelson has co-starred alongside Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony in “El Cantante”. Additional film credits include “Carlito’s Way”, “Carlito’s Way-Rise To Power”, and “Piñero”. Nelson has convoked praise from many theater critics for his work in “Barefoot Boy With Shoes On” at Primary Stages, “Clean” at Atlantic Theater, “Icarus” at Theater of Louisville and “Blade To The Heat”, directed by George C. Wolfe, at the Public Theater. He co-founded Pan y Vino Productions, a company dedicated to developing new works of different genres. Nelson co-produced and wrote the hit play and screenplay, “Da Spanish Mob”, an offbeat comedy with Michael Del Río.
William Cepeda (Composer)
Accomplished on the trombone and a noted composer and arranger, William Cepeda comes from a well known family rooted in music. The Familia Cepeda is famous for their performances of folkloric music with African roots, and as keepers of traditional Puerto Rican music for many years. His interest in jazz and great talent has enabled him to develop a unique jazz style which he calls “Afrorican Jazz”. The music is a fusion of jazz with the musical themes so prevalent in the folk music he grew up with. He studied and played with such notable jazz musicians as Slide Hampton, Donald Byrd, David Murray, and others. He also played and recorded with Latin music artists such as Oscar De Leon, Paquito d’Rivera, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri.
Carina De La Luz-Vazquez (Papo)
This nine-year old child actor [and daughter of playwright Caridad De La Luz] has been performing from an early age. Carina is following in her mother’s footsteps by writing poetry and singing in the school chorus of P.S. 100/Isaac Clason School, just like Mom did years ago – in the very same school. Carina is a very generous child, and expresses herself through drawing, poetry writing, stories, and composing songs. Always been a straight-A student, Carina proudly carries the torch of culture, art and empowerment. This is Carina’s first theater production.
Amilcar Alfaro-Martell (Chico)
Also known as “RephStar,” Amilcar is an emcee, producer, writer, and mixed media visual artist. He is member of hip-hop group Circa ’95, and hosts the group’s Internet radio show of the same name [airing on urbanlatinoradio.com, every Sunday from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.] Reph was recently featured on HBO Latino in “RoadTrip,” and “Habla Ya”. He is the producer behind the 2007 Cuervoton contest winner PattyDukes and his music has been featured in the underground online cartoon sensation, Three Thug Mice. RephStar is also the winner of the 2006 UAI (Urban Artist Initiative) grant from ¡AHA! (Association for Hispanic Arts) and NYFA (New York Foundation for The Arts), for founding RhymeFactory.org, a non-profit organization that supports youth pursuing careers in hip-hop. Reph is currently in the studio at work on the yet untitled debut album. rephstar.com / circa95.com
Patricia Marte (Patchy)
Also known as “PattyDukes,” Ms. Marte is a performer, emcee, and writer. She is also a member of hiphop group Circa ’95, with her partner Amilcar Alfaro-Martell (Chico). Patty was recently seen on cable TV’s HBO Latino, as well as on-stage in the role of Nancy, in Danny Hoch’s “Till The Break of Dawn”, produced by the NYC Hip-Hop Theater Festival and The Culture Project. Patty is the recipient of the 2007 BRIO Award (The Bronx Recognizes It’s Own) and the 2008 UAI (Urban Artist Initiative) grant; she was also the 2007 Cuervoton contest national award-winner. PattyDukes is in the recording studios now, working on the yet untitled debut album, and developing her own one-woman show. pattydukes.com / circa95.com
Dimitri Minucci (Johnny)
Dimitri Minucci was born to perform. One of Dimitri’s first memories is of his mother teaching him songs and choreography – as early as four years old. An alumni of the Red Bank School of the Performing Arts, Dimitri has studied voice, dance, musical theater and acting. Dimitri has produced, directed and starred in countless shows at New York City venues such as The Cutting Room, Don’t Tell Mama, The Duplex and DROM, which resulted in Mr. Minucci winning the 2005 Backstage Bistro Award. Most recently, Dimitri played the role of Judas in a regional production of Jesus Christ Superstar. While performing on-stage is Dimitri’s first love, working behind the scenes has also played an intrical part in his career. An accomplished make-up artist, songwriter, composer and vocal coach, Dimitri finds creative expression in all facets of the industry. When approached by De La Luz to be a part of Boogie Rican Blvd., Dimitri jumped at the chance to be a part of this talented ensemble and work alongside a dear friend.
