(EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE) —Boyle Heights, CA — The Experience Magazine attended the world premiere of Dive Bar at CASA 0101 Theater on Friday, Oct.16th, where a neighborhood bar becomes the setting for a suspenseful story about danger, uncertainty and the choices people face.
Written by Chris Banda and directed by Miguel Angel Delgado, the play unfolds at Vee’s Bar as police helicopters circle overhead after a nearby shooting. When a mysterious older man matching the description of a person of interest walks in, the patrons begin to speculate about who he is — and soon find themselves caught in a fight for their lives.
The production features Vance Valencia as Mr. Smith, Martín Morales as Charlie, Gilbert Reynoso as Goose, Oscar T. Basulto as Willie and Arezu Tavakoli as Sam. Valencia brings an unsettling presence to the mysterious visitor, while Reynoso’s troublesome Goose adds comic friction. Basulto gives Willie an easygoing charm, often with an old-fashioned in hand. Morales anchors the ensemble as Charlie, the bar’s owner, and Tavakoli brings fresh energy to the role of Sam.
The rustic set, designed by César Retana-Holguín, makes the bar feel lived-in. A television that appears to switch on at key moments becomes an effective touch, adding to the play’s suspense. The costumes, designed by Tony Iniguez, help establish the characters and the atmosphere of the bar.
CASA 0101 is a community theater with deep roots in Boyle Heights, presenting stories by and about the people of the neighborhood. The lively audience on opening weekend helped make the evening feel like a shared community experience. Nearby restaurants and plenty of street parking make the theater a convenient destination; limited free parking is also available at the Boyle Heights City Hall lot, entered from Chicago Street.
Dive Bar continues through Nov. 1 at the Gloria Molina Auditorium at CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 E. First St. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. There is a special discounted industry performance Thursday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m.; there will be no performance Saturday, Oct. 31.
Tickets are $25 for general admission, $22 for students and seniors 60 and older, and $20 for Boyle Heights residents and groups of 10 or more. Industry-night tickets are $15. The show runs 93 minutes, not including intermission, and is recommended for ages 13 and older; children 3 and younger are not permitted.
Tickets are available through the CASA 0101 box office at 323-263-7684, by email at tickets@casa0101.org or online at casa0101.org.
A free exhibit, Pensar y Poder: Jimmy Centeno, Volume 2, is also on view in the Jean Deleage Art Gallery in the theater lobby through October. The retrospective features photography, assemblages, paintings and mixed-media work. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and before performances.
Dive Bar continues through Nov. 1 at the Gloria Molina Auditorium at CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 E. First St.Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. There is a special discounted industry performance Thursday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m.; there will be no performance Saturday, Oct. 31.
Tickets are $25 for general admission, $22 for students and seniors 60 and older, and $20 for Boyle Heights residents and groups of 10 or more. Industry-night tickets are $15. The show runs 93 minutes, not including intermission, and is recommended for ages 13 and older; children 3 and younger are not permitted.
Tickets are available through the CASA 0101 box office at 323-263-7684, by email at tickets@casa0101. Or go online at www.casa0101.org
