Brenda has disappeared. She went to work at the maquiladora (factory) in Juarez, Mexico and she didn’t come home on the bus like she usually does. Her mother, Yoli, is distraught. The play jumps back in forth between after her disappearance and before, slowly revealing the details of what took place.
The cast does an excellent job with this very heavy piece. Laura Crotte plays the acoustic guitar and sings beautifully as Desamaya. Charin Alvarez (Lettie) is strong and determined as Marisela, another mother who has lost a daughter. Sandra Delgado is fiercely emotional as Yoli struggling to find her daughter. Karen Rodriguez (The Doppelganger, The Rembrandt) plays Ivonne as a very complicated character stricken by the situations she finds herself in. Lastly, Cher Alvarez is perfectly delightful and innocent as Brenda.
The music does a great job setting the tone. It consists of many Mexican traditional songs and Mexican staples. The tones vary from joyous to haunting.
Just like their previous show in the Upstairs theatre, Downstate, this show is challenging and rewarding as an audience member. Get tickets now for La Ruta though January 27th!
Cost of a ticket: $70
PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It
Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother
Quinn Delaney
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