Are you looking for something family-friendly and fun to do? This weekend marks the opening weekend for Orlando Rep’s newest production, Luchadora! Luchadora features excitement, friends, family, a lesson on friendship and being true to yourself. But what exactly is Luchadora about? You don’t have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy this one. Trust me, this production is one you definitely do not want to miss.
About the Show…
Imagine the Chinese legend Hua Mulan set in the world of lucha libre—Mexican wrestling! When Vanessa discovers a pink lucha libre mask, Nana Lupita tells her granddaughter about the family’s history in the wrestling ring in 1960s Texas. Lupita discovers her father is a famed wrestler and the stakes get very high, very quickly. The life of a secret female warrior emerges as Vanessa learns about her family, honor, and friendship. This award-winning play is written by Alvaro Saar Rios.
A play about Mexican Wrestling?
Luchadora was not on my radar to see this year. We are not wrestling fans, so it wasn’t a big deal. When I read what this play was about (Mulan meets Mexican wrestling) I was intrigued enough to find out. We were invited to a showing earlier this week and I cannot tell you how happy I am that my daughter and I saw this production. When you walk into the Orlando Rep lobby, the colorful Mexican decor is everywhere – spreading into the theater. The set is very simple, using the two upper corners as well as the main floor.
The story starts off with a young teenage girl visiting her grandmother, Nana Lupita. Nana Lupita tells her granddaughter the family wrestling history. The story features a strong female cast, with many take-away lessons about family, honor, and friendship. Wrestling is featured in this production, but it is not violent. There are many Spanish words used in this production, but there is a poster available with translations before you enter the theater.
The production was extremely well done, with wonderful detail. Most of the play is authentically set in 1968, with teenage Lupita and her friends Liesl & Leo. Teenage Lupita struggles with having to do the mundane task of managing the flower cart for her aging father when she would rather be riding her bicycle with her friends. When she gets the chance to run an errand for her father, she encounters the mask maker and a secret family history.
Luchadora is perfect for older elementary aged children. There are mentions of death, sickness and teenage rebellion. Nana Lupita also manages to give a lesson on a story being a gift – and that interruptions while someone is speaking shows a lack of respect. This is directed at teenage Vanessa’s cell phone use while Nana Lupita is speaking.
Luchadora is exclusively at Orlando Rep until February 26, 2023. Tickets are available now.
FREE Fiesta this Weekend with Ticket
Join Orlando Rep February 4th or 5th for Opening Weekend Fiesta! Don’t miss the chance to pose for photos like a Lucha Libre wrestler, hear from the show’s director, create themed crafts, decorate custom cookies, and enjoy food from local Mexican vendors. The lobby will also showcase art from community partners Hope CommUnity Center, ArtReach Orlando, and ArtWorks Orlando with an original student performances and displays.
Luchadora is a 90 minute production (45 minute halves with a 10 minute stretch break).
A Disney blooded, crafty, fun-lovin’ wife/mom/organizer/planner, etc who is obsessed with all things Disney 🙂 Maria grew up with the Magic Kingdom and has loved watching WDW evolve into what it is today. A firm believer in the Power of Pixie Dust, she is the owner of The Disney Driven Life – A Community for Neurotic Disney People & a d.i.y. crafty blog, Carousel of Projects – create~inspire~share.
