CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA at San Diego Opera

The renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, known as the World’s Best Mariachi and heard on more than 800 recordings, take the stage for the first mariachi opera, a bi-lingual work following three generations of a single family, spanning countries, cultures and customs. Performed to ecstatic reviews in Houston and Paris, this semi-staged production receives its West Coast premiere. “A multicultural winner”, “a stunning, emotional Mariachi opera”, “the bright Mariachi orchestration (violins, trumpets, harp and guitars) and endless variation of song forms are irresistible” say the media.

Mark, a Mexican-American dealing with the approaching death of his immigrant father, faces questions about his own place in the world - straddling two cultures - as well as that of his father and his American daughter. As long-buried secrets are revealed, he finds himself dramatically re-evaluating his own understanding of what makes a family. Like the Monarch butterflies which migrate every year to the birthplace of Mark’s father, the members of the Velasquez family must travel both physically and spiritually between Michoacán and Texas and look deep into their hearts before they learn where they truly belong.

Celebrate the music, memories, color and high spirits of Mexico in this semi-staged production as the rich classical sounds of the traditional mariachi and brilliant soloists create a poignant and moving opera which will appeal to all audiences. Directed by Broadway star Leonard Foglia, with supertitles in English and Spanish, Cruzar la Cara de la Luna will speak to your heart.