“Evangeline, the Queen of Make-Believe” featuring the songbook of David Hidalgo and Louie Pérez of Los Lobos

By Al Borde NewsApril 12, 2012Edúcate

Evangeline, The Queen of Make-Believe

The songbook of Grammy Award winners David Hidalgo sand Louie Pérez of Los Lobos drives Evangeline, the Queen of Make-Believe, a multimedia play with music by Theresa Chavez, Louie Pérez and Rose Portillo that takes its title from the group’s 1985 rocker “Evangeline.”


Chavez and Portillo co-direct the world premiere production for About Productions, opening at the Bootleg Theater on May 12 for a limited, three-week engagement through May 27. Low-priced previews take place May 3-11.

Evangeline is a devoted daughter by day and a Hollywood go-go dancer by night. A journey of self discovery by a young Chicana, whose neighborhood roots and make-believe world collide when she experiences the West Side art scene and the music of the Sunset Strip, is set against the 1968 student walkouts in East L.A. and the fight for equal education and civil rights.

Songs written by Hidalgo and Pérez are drawn from their 40-year catalogue, marking the first time the songbook will be part of an original production. Songs including “Good Morning, Aztlán,” “River of Fools,” “The Neighborhood” and “Revolution” will be played live on stage by East L.A. band Ollin with featured vocalist CAVA (Claudia Gonzalez-Tenorio). Musical direction is by Ollin’s Scott Rodarte.

Evangeline, the Queen of Make-Believe runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays @ 7 pm and Sundays @ 2 pm from May 12 through May 27, with preview performances taking place May 3-11.

Tickets are $32, except for a benefit performance on May 20 which is $75 and previews which are $22. Groups of 6 or more are $25 per ticket (except previews and May 20): use promo code EVAGROUPS.

In celebration of the premiere run, a “Music Night” featuring Ollin and special guests will be presented on Saturday, May 26, immediately following the performance of Evangeline; call theater for pricing.

The Bootleg Theater is located at 2220 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90057.

bootlegtheater.org