Lucha, the lead character in American Mariachi, finds inspiration and resilience in this heartfelt story about music, family, and breaking boundaries.
By Kaydon Webber
American Mariachi: Omaha Community Playhouse’s First All Hispanic Production
May 12th, 2025
American Mariachi is a story that transports audiences into the reality of a Mexican American community in the 1970s. The story follows Lucha as she cares for her mother yet yearns for more. In trying to connect with her mother Lucha decides to form an all-girl mariachi band, something that was unheard of at the time. Conflict arises when tradition meets change, and American Mariachi aims to reflect on how we can honor our ancestors’ traditions while continuing to evolve. Alex Rodriguez, director of American Mariachi, says, “Regardless of the family you grew up with the themes of the play are really universal.”
This show is a landmark in the history of the Omaha Community Playhouse because this is the first show that is almost entirely made up of a Hispanic ensemble. from the actors on stage, to the crew, to the director, and even the playwright, each person is from Latin American origin. Rodriguez says, “We feel a great sense of pride being the first to do this, and at the same time we hope we’re just the first for many more Latin X-driven stories to take place in Omaha.” The Hispanic roots of this show truly makes it something special. “…you can feel the energy in the room, and it is so celebratory, and I think it comes from a place where we feel so grateful to be telling a story, where we can be ourselves,” replies Rodriguez.
Over the course of this production, many partnerships and events arose. These included a partnership with Casa de la Cultura a thriving hub of Hispanic culture in Omaha, the murals on set crafted by local Hispanic mural artist Hugo Zamorano, and even a celebration on opening night for the playwright of American Mariachi, José Cruz González. The show itself even features local Mariachi musicians in the community and their first debut at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Rodriguez finishes stating, “[This story is about] the power of music, the power of loving, the power of forgiveness, the power of being fearless and breaking down barriers that hold us back, and that I think we can all relate to in our daily lives.”
American Mariachi will be showing until June 1st. More information can be found at omahaplayhouse.com
