Overview

Theatrical Productions

ÁNIMO’s first play, El Bracero – A Mariachi Opera, opened at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center. Featuring Mariachi Águilas de Oxnard de J. Carlos Ozuna, the story follows a young man who travels from México to the United States during the 1950s as part of the federal Bracero program. Read more...

Following the success of El Bracero, ÁNIMO produced ¡Ay Chihuahua! an original stage play written by Miguel Orozco. The musical is loosely based on Mr. Orozco’s family and takes place in México in the1960s. Following an unexpected tragedy, the lead character Poncho, leaves the city life and travels north to the U.S. On his journey he is introduced to Mexico’s beautiful and diverse cultures, its people, and music. Read more…

Mariachi Girl, written by Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, was the third production for ÁNIMO. Directed Miguel Orozco with musical direction by Juan Carlos Ozuna, this coming-of-age bilingual musical was staged at Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Oxnard College, and the Marjorie Luke Theater in Santa Barbara. Read more…

In the fall 2023, ÁNIMO staged LOS BRACEROS de BUENA VISTA - written and directed by Miguel Orozco. LOS BRACEROS de BUENA VISTA is a mariachi opera dedicated to the braceros who resided at Campo Buena Vista - The largest bracero camp in the United States.

For fall 2024, ÁNIMO will tour MARIACHI GIRL - a bilingual musical about a young girl's dream of following in her father's footsteps to become a Mariachi. Told through the eyes of a young girl, the musical explores cultural stereotypes and assimilation in the United States. It is a heartwarming story that celebrates cultural identity and promotes a positive self-image for young women.