The 8th Annual “La Pastorela de Sacramento”

The Latino Center of Art and Culture (LCAC), Sacramento's nonprofit Latino art and cultural center, presents the 8th Annual "La Pastorela de Sacramento," a popular holiday musical for kids and adults alike. This Pastorela is a clear-eyed example of theater with a point of view, mixed with cultural traditions mixed with hope and holiday spirit.

"La Pastorela de Sacramento" is a modern bilingual musical of Mexico's traditional Christmas pageant," said Marie Acosta, LCAC Director Emeritus and writer. "This play is satirical, poignant, moralistic, sly and romantic, it draws from current affairs in the best tradition of magical realism and a musical perfect for the spirit of the season".

The transformation of contemporary recognizable figures into four "shepherds" is a new twist. Armando, a young developer about to score a major contract in Oak Park; Carmela, a Sacramento-born former Hollywood starlet who lost everything when she refused to sleep with her producer; Juan, an Afghanistan war vet with PTSD, and Gila, a college student and homeless advocate face their moral dilemmas. They have to work together to help a homeless family (Mary and Joseph characters) and save the world from "fire, famine and pestilence". The finale, a dramatic battle of good VS. evil, has audiences erupting into boos, cheers and songs.

Written by Marie Acosta (LCAC Director Emeritus/San Francisco Mime Troupe alum), and Los Angeles based writer Tomas Benitez (Plaza de La Raza/Teatro Café) and directed by Richard Falcon, (Teatro Nagual), the lively play brings together professional actors and community players. Original songs amplify the visual power of the show, which uses low-tech magic to great effect.

8th Annual La Pastorela de SacramentoWednesday - Sunday, December.15 - 19, 2021Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Dec. 15, 16, 17, 18 at 8:00 P.M.Sunday, Dec.19 at 2:00 P.M. The Guild Theater (Oak Park), 2828 35th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817Details: www.thelatinocenter.org