Esperanza Rising

Program
Audio Program
Teacher's Guide
by Lynne Alvarez
based on the book by Pam Muñoz Ryan
directed by Lisa Portes
musical direction by Mark Elliott
Esperanza loves fancy dresses, pretty dolls, and birthday parties, but when tragedy hits her home in beautiful Mexico, she is forced to flee to the United States where things are very different for her. Facing new challenges, Esperanza learns to take care of herself and her family. In the process, she discovers her own power to create a new home. ​
Recommended for ages 8 and up.​​​​
TUE, THU & FRI at 10 AM
SAT & SUN at 2 PM​

Themes: Culture; Customs and Traditions; Home; Hopes and Dreams; Immigration; Justice; Perseverance; Prejudice; Principles; Social Studies; Society and Class​

The cast features

Paola Sanchez Abreu (Esperanza), Aida Delaz (Hortensia), Julia Atkin (Ramona), Nicole Lockard (Marielena/Wealthy American Daughter/Marta), Talia Payomo (Servant Girl/Isabel), Claire Allegra Taylor (Marielena's Mother/Modesta), Michael Cohen (Miguel), Brian Healy (Don Sixto/"Mailman" Migrant Worker).

The production team includes scenic design by Maggie Armendariz, costume design by Hailey Rakowiecki, lighting design by Jamie Davis, sound design by Sadie Tremblay, dramaturgy by Lauren Quinlan, and stage management by Emily Mills.
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October 8, 2015 - November 14, 2015DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Special Events:

10/10: USO of Illinois Day—US Armed Forces personnel & their families can reserve up to four free tickets. Visit www.tixfortroops.org
10/10: Opening Day Autograph Session with the cast following the performance
11/1: Special Sunday performance (2 PM)
10/22 and 11/7: Post-Show Discussion

Accessibility Services and Interpreted Performances:

If you or your child require wheelchair accessible and/or companion seating, or have any other hearing or vision needs, please let us know when you reserve your tickets so that we can make sure you visit to our theatre is an excellent one. Discounted tickets are available for patrons with disabilities, and their guests.

Performances Interpreted in American Sign Language & Assisted Listening Devices:

The performances of Esperanza Rising on 10/29 (10 AM) and 11/1 (2 PM) will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Call TTY (773) 325-7975. We also offer Sennheiser personal listening devices for each performance at DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre. These assisted listening devices are available to patrons upon request. ​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​