Rio Grande Valley Theatre En EspaÑol

Judith Luna, Armandina Sesin, Wendy Lara, Alexandra, and other cast members in "Una Huelga Singular" at Carnahan Theatre in Pharr, Texas.

Ivan Orozco

Armandina Sesin, Alexandra

Ivan Orozco

Francisco Crisanto

Wendy Lara

Judith Luna, Dani Ela

Judith Luna

Francisco Crisanto

"Una Huelga Singular" by Jose M. Alvarez and directed by Pedro Garcia of the Pharr Community Theatre is a fantastic play of enourmous relevance and a hilarity that signifies how much this theatre group has matured. The actors have each honed their skills so well that they managed to do what some more generally accepted groups of actors wish they could accomplish: suspend reality in real time. 

It's no easy feat. Standing in front of a crowd that holds you to a certain level of expectation to entertain them and help them immerse themselves in a fantasy. Movies are so good at doing this, especially the really good ones. But those actors have the benefit of the retake. These guys doing it live are tasked with going up there every night four times a week for two weeks and deliver the goods or suffer the pressure of an onlooking crowd that cringes and gasps for air as you freeze bringing the entire fast moving act to a screeching halt like a train about to be derailed. It's an aweful feeling. I've been there. Scary.

But these actors working with the Pharr Community Theatre are such professionals, such passionate individuals, completely dedicated to their craft that they deserve standing ovations, noteriety, fame and all the accolades and benefits that come with being professionals at what they love: acting. 

The one reason I wrote this piece tonight after having seen the play is because I cannot stress how absolutely crucial it is for people to know of these things happening in the Rio Grande Valley. If you have not been to a play or to this play, do not hesitate. Get out there. The quality of the overall production I think is being under-emphasized. I dare anyone to go tomorrow (the last showing will be at 3 p.m. at the Carnahan Auditorium at 317 E Gore St. Pharr, TX.) and then come back to this post and tell me specifically why you disagree with this assessment. I can guarantee that you will find it impossible. As a matter of fact, I welcome any feedback on that play. 

Congratulations to this wonderfull group of people elevating the art of South Texas and exemplifying what makes great theatre in the Rio Grande Valley. 

GHS