‘La Havana Madrid’ to Bring Blend of Latin Music and Cultural Storytelling to Mission San Juan Capistrano

BY CLARA HELM

A summer filled with arts and theater ramps up as the South Coast Repertory (SCR) is set to bring the sounds of mambo and salsa to San Juan Capistrano in its production of La Havana Madrid.

The theater company is putting on the play in the picturesque and historic setting of Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Central Courtyard from July 15 to Aug. 4. All performances will start at 7:30 p.m. at 26801 Old Mission Road in San Juan Capistrano.

“La Havana Madrid promises an exceptional blend of live music and personal storytelling, all harmonizing with the stunning surroundings of Mission San Juan Capistrano,” David Ivers, SCR’s Artistic Director, said in a media release. “The characters, songs and narratives populating Sandra Delgado’s beautiful

Don Juan Mexican Kitchen + Bar Opens in Former Bueno Bueno Location

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Restaurateur Marcelo Rey was surrounded by family, friends, San Juan Capistrano community members, and small business advocates on June 28 in Downtown San Juan.

Rey celebrated the grand opening of his new restaurant, Don Juan Mexican Kitchen + Bar, at the former Bueno Bueno Mexican Kitchen on Verdugo Street. Rey purchased the restaurant space from Rob Quest, who also runs Sundried Tomato American Bistros & Catering around the corner, in September 2022.

“We’re trying to elevate the Mexican cuisine,” Rey said. “We have sea bass filet mignon, sea bass, a lot of different things—not typical Mexican food, but with a Mexican touch.”

Don Juan even has Mexican-style sushi.

“That’s going to be great,” Rey said. “I’m super-excited about this because of the quality of the food we have and the different style of food we have.”

The new restaurant has expanded the interior to make the restaurant space adventure are born out of lived experiences.”

The play centers around a real-life legendary nightclub in Chicago, named La Havana Madrid, which was frequented by Latine immigrants in the 1960s. The club serves as a social center and refuge for the patrons, unfamiliar with their new environment, to dine, dance and find community.

Directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce, the play stars the playwright of La Havana Madrid, Sandra Delgado as the nightclub’s singer/guide, as well as actors Eduardo Enrikez (Henry), Maria Jimena Gastelum (Maria), Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel (Myrna), Luis Herrera (Carlos), Marlene Martinez (Maruja), Roberto Antonio Martin (Tony), and Tristan Turner (Carpacho).

A Colombian American writer, actor, singer and producer, Delgado debuted her play in 2017, which had sold-out runs at top Chicago venues Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre. Featured in the New York Times and CNN, the playwright garnered recognition for her ability to bring to life this once-forgotten part of Latine history and culture.

In an interview with SCR, Delgado expressed that although the play takes place in her hometown of Chicago, the universal experiences of immigrants and their following generations should also resonate with California audiences.

The energy of mambo and salsa music being played live creates an immersive experience for viewers as they see the stories of Cuban, Colombian and Puerto Rican communities told with a personal lens, SCR said of the play.

“La Havana Madrid resonates joyfully with what makes us all part of a unique American community,” Ivers said in the release.

Founded in 1964 and located in Costa Mesa, SCR has put on more than 500 productions that have ranged from classic to modern plays and musicals. It is now recognized as one of the leading professional theaters in the United States, and SCR-developed works have garnered two Pulitzer Prizes and eight Pulitzer nominations, according to the group.

“South Coast Repertory is delighted to be returning to this beautiful, historic setting for another summer of theatre under the stars,” SCR’s Managing Director Paula Tomei said in the release. “Mission San Juan Capistrano’s commitment to community, culture and presenting vibrant programming to diverse audiences makes them once again, the perfect partner to join us in this engaging and lively production.”

This is the third summer that SCR is bringing an outside production to the Mission’s Central Courtyard. The staff of the Mission expressed that this event will be an opportunity for those who attend to explore new experiences and uniquely experience award-winning theater.

This year’s production fits well in the setting of the Mission, which is filled with Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage and history, noted Mission San Juan Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence-Adams.

“La Havana Madrid is the perfect production to be set within the aged corridors and architecture of old Mission San Juan Capistrano,” Lawrence-Adams said in the release. “South Coast Repertory’s masterful stage—designed to appear like the Mission itself—is an artful illusion that is just so fun to see. Audiences will be awed by the overall effect of the setting and (the) production caliber.” more open. Don Juan also has a full bar, instead of Bueno Bueno’s focus on just being a tequila bar. A few tables have also been put in inside, ideal for a date night.

This summer, the event will, for the first time, sell tables right next to the stage for $500. Not only do the tables offer a great view of the play, SCR said, they will come with light refreshments.

For those wishing to see the play in less expensive seats, the prices of reserved spots range from $35 to $50, and lawn seating is available for $20 to $35.

Single tickets may be purchased either online at scr.org or by phone at 714.708.5555. More information is available at scr.org.

The previous concrete flooring and counter have been replaced with Italian-style tile. The wall coloring and lighting have also been redone to give the restaurant a darker ambience, and a fireplace has also been added.

“The main thing is location, location, location,” Rey said of the downtown spot. “I really love San Juan Capistrano. This location is amazing. My neighbors across the street are super-successful, and I would love to be involved with them.”

Rey’s loved ones and business supporters dropped by during the grand opening to congratulate him and sample Don Juan’s food. The occasion was also honored with a ribbon-cutting, during which representatives for local politicians and the City of San Juan Capistrano presented Rey with recognition awards.

“Your drinks and your food are amazing,” San Juan Chamber of Commerce

Board Member Daniele Smith said. “You are bringing much more of a vibrant lifestyle and food option down here to complement the rest of our businesses.”

Rey also owns Stella’s Italian in Dana Point. He lives in Laguna Niguel and emigrated to the United States from

Argentina about 30 years ago with $300 in his pocket.

“I was delivering the paper and working at Domino’s Pizza,” he said. “I can tell everybody to keep working hard and keep dreaming because, even in 2023, the American dream is still there.”

The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition presents the 21st annual

Volunteer Now

We need in person and online volunteer reading tutors!

The Opportunity:

At Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano

Saturday August

TWO STEPPING UNDER THE STARS 5th

5:00 PM Gates Open & Dance Lessons

6:00 PM Event Starts

10:00 PM Event Ends

ADMISSION IS FREE!

Join us for a night of live music, the largest outdoor dance floor in Orange County, food trucks, a saloon, silent auction, opportunity drawings, and a fun zone for the kids!

Parking

$10- a car when purchased online in advance

$20- online the day-of event www.SJCEC.org for details

This is a no smoking, vaping, pets, lawn chairs, coolers, outside food/drink and no tailgating event

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors!

Premier Presenting Sponsor Platinum Buckle Sponsor Host Sponsor

Gold Buckle Sponsors

Trails of Discovery

Silver Buckle Sponsors

Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center, Bank of America Private Bank, Skye Ranch, Firner Equestrian, American Horse Products, Orange County Equine Veterinary Services, Kramer Orthopedics, Orange County Horse Show Association, Cuesta Construction, Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc., Diane Craig, DVM, DACVSVeterinary Surgical Specialists of Orange County, 5M Ranch and 5M Equine Performance Center

Bronze Buckle Sponsors

Tegan and Corey Tabor, VCS Environmental, Mission Equine Hospital, Las Vaqueras Riding Club, San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Center, Stone Creek Dressage, Equine Veterinary Associates Inc., Zone 4, Dr. Julie Ryan Johnson and Dr. Gary Johnson, Moe Architecture, Dana Smith Show Team, Dr. Sam and Kate Roth, Swallows Inn, Betsy & Ray King, Padre Junipero Serra Riders, Rancho Mission Viejo, The Shea Center, Gordon and Marsha Youde, Rio Vista Stables, Cinquini Insurance Services, Stephanie Frisch Insurance 101 Services, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Wildfire Mercantile, MG Group - Carrie Gilmore and Paige McDaniel, CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, Ramblin’ Rogues Square Dance Club Mission Viejo

Copper Buckle Sponsors

The Oaks Equestrian Facility, Capistrano Ranch, Animal Magnetism, Reveal Equestrian, Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., In Concert Pilates, Kruse Feed and Supply, Vermeulen's Landscaping INC, DVM Management, Diane Harkey, Equivont, Tyra Hattersley and Jon Dibble, The Peppermint Pig Boutique

Volunteer tutors, age 50 and over

Share your wisdom, time, and love of reading.

Help young struggling readers 1st-5th grade achieve reading level proficiencies, and beyond.

All the training and on-going support is provided.

Currently recruiting for the 2023-2024 school year. Share the gift of reading and help change a child’s future!

Join an Information Session to learn more!

When: July 20, 2023 10:00-11:00am

Where: La Sala Auditorium

San Juan Capistrano Library

31495 El Camino Real San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

For Online Information Session Dates

Visit: www.parentisfoundation.org

Join us on Saturday, July 15th for the 2nd Annual Parentis Foundation Pickleball Classic For all details: www.parentisfoundation.org

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