Los Lobos Sister Inspires New Play at Bootleg Theater

“Evangeline, The Queen of Make Believe,” features music by Los Lobos band members David Hidalgo and Louie Pérez. It began a three-week run at the Bootleg Theater in Historic Filipinotown this weekend.

Family and friends gathered after the premiere performance Saturday night to celebrate. Among them were former high school friends of Hildago and Perez, as well Perez's two sons John and Matthew, and Perez's sister Carmen.

According to Perez, Carmen grew up in East L.A. but spent much of her adult life in Venice. He said she is a lot like the character of Evangeline, who leaves the tight-knit East L.A. for Laurel Canyon and adventure in the late 1960s.

Friends at the party Saturday said the Lobos were open to outside influences early on too. They carried early issues of Rolling Stone around with them in high school, even as they were performing traditional Mexican songs with their bands.

"Evangeline the Queen of Make Believe" continues through May 27.