By Alex Banx
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 07/13/2022— This past weekend the Hollywood Times had the joyful experience of being taken back to the when house music ruled Los Angeles. As we sat on the edge of our seats, laughing, tearful, struggling to not get up and join the dance party, we knew this was going to be an honest and unique journey back down Boogie Lane.
Can You Feel the Beat?
Amplified by the classic dance music that pumped through the speakers of one beloved nightclub in Hollywood, CA spun by the one-and-only DJ Irene in the 1990’s, ARENA: A HOUSE MUSIC-al centers around the story of Lucio, a young man on mission to find his truth. Lucio could no longer suppress his talent or his passions behind the oppressive walls of his father’s church. With help from a new friend, Lucio found the support and freedom he and his voice deserved, at Arena (6655 Santa Monica Blvd).
The Arena nightclub opened by Gene La Pietra in 1974 was a safe haven for Latinx and Black gay men, trans folks, and lesbians often targeted by violence that weren’t welcomed in West Hollywood, a haven that upheld its sanctuary for four decades until it’s closing in 2015. Everyone was welcomed.
“The best part about being gay is you get to choose your own tribe.” – Abel Alvarado, Author of the book, Arena: A House Music-al)
The book and concept written by Abel Alvarado for ARENA: A HOUSE MUSIC-al developed in the what may soon be considered the greatest new musical in years features music by Ben Larson, additional songs by Daniel Sugimoto, and lyrics by Gabrielle Maldonado, exceptionally performed by stars Preston Gonzalez Valle (Lucio), Matthew Noah (Ms. Martin, House Mother & Arena Hostess), Caleb Green (Jerry, House Father), and the other 22 other wonderful casts member portraying family members, closet cases, and club kids that revived the life and passion that made Arena so legendary; each voice that sang out tributes to the classic 90’s house music anthems that filled the room and filled our hearts, took us back, took us there, taught the children, let them grow, knew our history, and celebrated it with love.
Prepare the Broadway theaters. Epic gems, stage or screen, don’t come by this often; especially those celebrating the empowerment, community, and perseverance of the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community. We laughed, we held back the urge to join the cast on stage during every beautiful dance break.
We, the audience, were taken back to the dancefloor, back at ARENA, back where we belonged.
Whether you danced at Arena or not, this is a journey for everyone who has ever wanted to be free and found that freedom in music. This is for all those who have ever had a magical night under the disco lights. For those who found their tribe on the dancefloor.
Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good)!
“Just when I first heard the story, I knew there was something different and big about to happen. I felt it could be the new queer as folk. I was assistant director first time around. I got to witness all the hard work blood sweat and tears of everyone from Abel Alvarado writer creator to the tech and the cast. I go to see the first stages if this play as a reading not quite done yet and then see the final product on stage. The energy the memories and freedom you feel is indescribable. A very big congratulations and a round of applause to everyone. I have no doubt this musical will grace other stages.” – Cinnamon Rivera (Writer, Director, Producer)
Before being seated, we enjoyed the pleasure of viewing the works of art of display featuring local artists, curated by Jimmy Centeno at the Jean Deleage Gallery surrounding the theater lobby.
If you never made it to Arena before it’s closing in 2015, this revival welcomes you to family. If you were there, you deserve the a journey back as we know, there has been nothing like Arena since. The laughing, the crying, the loving, the fighting, and everything that made Arena home. We all had our stories, it’s not to late to join Lucio’s. You’ll have the time of your life!
Tickets are selling out quick!
Get you tickets now for ARENA: A HOUSE MUSIC-al, written by Abel Alvarado, directed by Rigo Tejeda, and was produced and presented by four entities, CASA 0101 Theater, TNH Productions, El Centro Del Pueblo and Los Angeles City Councilmember Gil Cedillo
Director Rigo and TNH Productions presented their Tony Award ® winning musical “In the Heights” at Casa 0101 in 2013.
ARENA: A HOUSE MUSIC-al
Currently @ the Casa 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights
2102 E. First Street, Los Angeles, CA
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays until July 31st.
Free parking on Fridays & Saturdays!
Tickets start at $25 – $35/pp.
Runtime: 150 minutes, not including intermission.
This show is recommended for house music lovers 17 years or older.
ARENA: A HOUSE MUSIC-al contains nudity and adult themes.
#ArenaAHouseMusical
@stevemoyerpr
Go See ‘ARENA: A HOUSE MUSIC-al’ Live, On-Stage This Weekend!
To view a Sizzle Reel link of show highlights, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?