REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
The play deals with what these women believe in private but what they cannot express publicly because they would be fired. Gomez crafts these women as strong willed, intelligent, and wise but they have been conditioned to be silent except among themselves. The play is difficult to watch because it so graphically deals with these workers terrible treatment by the harsh American economy. While not a musical, “La Ruta” is a play with music where the songs intensify dramatic plot moments.
As staged by Chris R. Chavez, the play runs an intense 90 minutes without intermission and Chavez keeps the action taunt, tight, and intense but slow and deliberate as the play demands. The bleak set captures the deplorable conditions but it is the magnificent acting that makes this production so telling. Although the roles vary in complexity, each of the ensemble – Dolores E. Mendoza as Yolanda, Estrella Paloma Parra’s Marisela, Amanda Lopez-Castillo as Ivonne, the Brenda of Maria Cruz, Alexandra “Sandy” Leon as Zaide, and Tiffany Valenzuela’s Desamaya – are stellar and make you care about each character.
“La Ruta” vividly portrays the way many women are treated both in our society as well as throughout the world. The winning production continues through December 17. Please be advised that the entire Tempe Center for the Arts complex including the Studio Theatre were frigidly unpleasant. Dress warmly. To order tickets, call the Stray Cat Theatre/Tempe Center for the Arts box office at 480-350-2822 or order tickets online at http://straycattheatre.org.
Grade: A