Armando Molina | Intimate Excellent
Lawrence Stallings, Pablo Castelblanco, Richard Azurdia, Peter Pasco
The Fountain Theatre has been honored with three Ovation Award nominations for its Los Angeles Premiere of My Mañana Comes by Elizabeth Irwin. Directed by Armando Molina, the fast-paced comedy/drama about four busboys in the kitchen of an upscale restaurant drew rave reviews. The talented cast featured Richard Azurdia, Pablo Castelblanco, Peter Pasco and Lawrence Stallings.
The Ovation Awards are the only peer-judged theatre awards in Los Angeles, created to recognize excellence in theatrical performance, production and design in the Greater Los Angeles area.
The Fountain Theatre production of My Mañana Comes has received the following nominations:
- Best Production of a Play
- Best Acting Ensemble of a Play – Richard Azurdia, Pablo Castelblanco, Peter Pasco and Lawrence Stallings
- Best Scenic Design – Michael Navarro
For the 2015/16 Ovation Awards voting season, there were 280 productions registered from 116 different organizations, resulting in nominations for 70 productions from 45 organizations. These productions were voted on by 233 Ovation Awards voters — vetted individuals from the Greater Los Angeles area who are working theatre professionals.
The 27th Annual LA STAGE Alliance Ovation Awards will occur on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at The Ahmanson Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles. More info
Full list of nominees
Posted in Acting, actors, arts organizations, designers, Drama, Fountain Theatre, Latino, Los Angeles, Mexican American, new plays, non-profit organization, Ovation Awards, performing arts, plays, restaurant, stage, Theater, theatre
Tagged Ahmanson Theatre, Armando Molina, award, busboys, Elizabeth Irwin, Fountain Theatre, Lawrence Stallings, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Premiere, Michael Navarro, My Manana Comes, new plays, nominations, Ovation Awards, Pablo Castelblanco, Peter Pasco, restaurant, Richard Azurdia, theater, theatre
The final bow . Standing ovation!
After earning rave reviews, an Ovation Recommendation, recognition from the Fringe Festival and strong audience response, our Los Angeles Premiere of My Mañana Comes completed its glorious 11-week run on Sunday afternoon. The sold-out final performance was followed by a joyous catered reception.
Written by Elizabeth Irwin and directed by Armando Molina, the play brought to life the friendship and conflict between four busboys working in an upscale restaurant. The fabulous cast featured Richard Azurdia, Pablo Castelblanco, Peter Pasco and Lawrence Stallings.
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The Fountain audience leapt to its feet in a standing ovation for the final performance on Sunday, then joined the company upstairs in our cafe for a post-show party.
“We’re very proud of this production, ” beamed Co-Artistic Director Deborah Lawlor. “A riveting play about important issues performed brilliantly by a powerful cast. Who could ask for more?”
Next up at the Fountain: the West Coast Premiere of Tennessee Williams’ Baby Doll.
Posted in Acting, actors, arts organizations, cafe, Drama, Fountain Theatre, Los Angeles, new plays, performing arts, plays, restaurant, stage, Tennessee Williams, Theater, theatre
Tagged actors, Armando Molina, cafe, Deborah Lawlor, Elizabeth Irwin, Fountain Theatre, Lawrence Stallings, Los Angeles Premiere, My Manana Comes, new plays, Ovation Recommended, Pablo Castelblanco, performing arts, Peter Pasco, plays, restaurant, Richard Azurdia, Stephen Sachs, Tennessee Williams, theater, theatre
Now playing to June 26 (323) 663-1525 MORE INFO/GET TIX
Posted in Acting, actors, Arts, arts organizations, Drama, Fountain Theatre, immigration, Los Angeles, Mexican American, non-profit organization, performing arts, plays, playwright, playwriting, Theater, theatre
Tagged Armando Molina, Elizabeth Irwin, Fountain Theatre, Lawrence Stallings, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Premiere, My Manana Comes, new plays, Pablo Castelblanco, performing arts, Peter Pasco, plays, Richard Azurdia, theater, theatre, video
Playwright in the house! The Fountain Theatre was pleased to host Elizabeth Irwin at Saturday night’s performance of our acclaimed LA premiere of her play, My Mañana Comes. Irwin enjoyed watching her play and joined director Armando Molina, movement director Sylvia Bluish and the cast in a Q&A Talkback with the audience immediately after the performance.
Elizabeth Irwin
“Watching the Fountain Theatre’s production of my show was being able to see the most beautiful connection of movement, emotion, design and direction one could hope for as a writer,” says Irwin. “It was an honor to have my work staged at the Fountain and a deep pleasure to be able to connect with their very thoughtful and whip-smart audience.”
Moderated by Fountain producing Director Simon Levy, the post-show discussion included questions to the playwright and actors about the issues of immigration, undocumented workers and fair pay that are dramatized in the play. There was also conversation about the creative process. The chat was lively, insightful, and often lifted with humor.
When the Q&A concluded, Irwin and company gathered in our upstairs cafe for drinks, chat and more laughter. Another wonderful evening at the Fountain.
My Mañana Comes dramatizes four busboys in a fancy New York restaurant as they juggle plates, immigration and their friendship. The Fountain LA premiere has earned rave reviews and runs to June 26th.
It was a pleasure having New York-based playwright Elizabeth Irwin with us and we look forward to having her back. Perhaps with another new play?
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More Info/Get Tickets
Posted in actors, Arts, arts organizations, director, Drama, Fountain Theatre, immigration, Latino, Los Angeles, Mexican American, new plays, non-profit organization, performing arts, plays, playwright, playwriting, restaurant, Theater, theatre
Tagged actors, Armando Molina, director, Elizabeth Irwin, Fountain Theatre, Latino, Lawrence Stallings, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Premiere, My Manana Comes, Pablo Castelblanco, performing arts, Peter Pasco, playwright, playwriting, Richard Azurdia, Simon Levy, Sylvia Blush, theater, theatre
Lawrence Stallings, Richard Azurdia, Jossara Jina, Pablo Castelblanco, Armando Molina, Emily Lehrer
The house was packed Saturday night for the opening night of our Los Angeles Premiere of Elizabeth Irwin’s fast, funny and powerful new play, My Mañana Comes.
The thrilling performance was followed by a lively reception upstairs in our charming cafe. The delicious food was provided by Marouch, a local Lebanese and Armenian restaurant. Fountain Friends and audience members had a wonderful time meeting the cast and company.
Directed by Armando Molina, My Mañana Comes features Richard Azurdia, Pablo Castelblanco, Peter pasco and Lawrence Stallings. The play offers an inside look at four busboys in a fancy NY restaurant as they joke wildly with each other and struggle to better their lives and chase the American Dream.
Our Fountain LA Premiere is already earning rave reviews. “This production of My Mañana Comes is an exemplar of ensemble acting, ” hails Theatre Notes.”The players are extraordinary.”
Enjoy these photos from the Opening Night Party!
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My Mañana Comes Now playing to June 26 (323) 663-1525 MORE/Get Tickets
Posted in actors, Arts, arts organizations, director, Drama, Fountain Theatre, immigration, Latino, Los Angeles, Mexican American, new plays, plays, playwright, Theater, theatre
Tagged actor, actors, Armando Molina, Barbara Goodhill, busboy, Daniel Sachs, Deborah Lawlor, Dillon Nelson, Elizabeth Irwin, Emily Lehrer, Fountain Theatre, immigration, Jeanne Valleroy, Jossara Jina, Latino, Lawrence Stallings, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Premiere, Marouch, My Manana Comes, new plays, opening night, Pablo Castelblanco, party, performing arts, Peter Pasco, plays, restaurant, Richard Azurdia, Sarah Boulton, Stephen Sachs, Tamara Bunker, Terri Roberts, theater, theatre
Lawrence Stallings, Pablo Castelblanco, Richard Azurdia, Peter Pasco
Enjoy these new production photos from our LA premiere of My Mañana Comes by Elizabeth Irwin, directed by Armando Molina. Starring Richard Azurdia, Pablo Castelblanco, Peter Pasco and Lawrence Stallings. Tonight is our final preview. We officially open tomorrow night, Saturday April 16th.
In My Mañana Comes four busboys in the kitchen of an upscale restaurant learn the hard way how to deal with pay cuts that could jeopardize their dreams for a better life, their dignity and their friendship. Fast-paced, hip and funny, the play brings to colorful life the camaraderie, sharing of dreams, competition and traitorous backstabbing that climaxes with a powerful dramatic turn at the end. Immigration, the minimum wage crisis, rights for undocumented workers, and citizenship lie at the center of this fast-moving, funny and powerful new LA premiere that examines the true meaning of ”home” and how far we’re willing to go to get there.
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Photos by Ed Krieger
My Mañana Comes Now playing to June 26 (323) 663-1525 MORE
Posted in Acting, actors, Arts, arts organizations, director, Drama, Fountain Theatre, Latino, Los Angeles, Mexican American, new plays, non-profit organization, performing arts, plays, playwright, playwriting, restaurant, Theater, theatre
Tagged actors, Armando Molina, arts organizations, busboy, Elizabeth Irwin, Fountain Theatre, Latino, Lawrence Stallings, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Premiere, Mexican, My Manana Comes, new plays, Pablo Castelblanco, Peter Pasco, photo, plays, playwriting, restaurant, Richard Azurdia, theater, theatre
Design and production team at work during tech weekend.
There are no two ways about it. Tech rehearsals are a long, incremental process. Light cues are programmed into computers, sound levels are meticulously adjusted, set and prop elements are continuously added, costumes are inspected under actual lighting. Actors work out the timing of cues, all under the eye of the director. It can be a slow, repetitive and exacting undertaking.
Over 26 years, we have found the key to a successful Tech Weekend: donuts. Lots of them. Actually, our three sacred virtues of Tech Weekend are Diligence, Patience and a Sense of Humor. The cast, design and production team for My Mañana Comes demonstrated all three last weekend as we began integrating the design elements into our upcoming LA Premiere.
The play takes place in the kitchen of an upscale New York restaurant. Michael Navarro’s red brick and stainless steel set design creates the environment. The seating at the Fountain has been restored to its original configuration (we were in-the-round for Dream Catcher) and the audience is expected to feel like fine diners with theatre programs designed like restaurant menus.
My Mañana Comes is a funny and fast-paced new play about four busboys in a fancy bistro who juggle plates, their friendship and chase the American Dream. Written by Elizabeth Irwin and directed by Armando Molina, our LA premiere stars Richard Azurdia, Pablo Castelblanco, Peter Pasco and Lawrence Stallings. It runs April 16 – June 26.
Enjoy these photos from Tech Weekend
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My Mañana Comes April 16 – June 26 MORE/Get Tickets
Posted in actors, Arts, arts organizations, designers, director, Drama, Fountain Theatre, Latino, Los Angeles, Mexican American, new plays, non-profit organization, performing arts, plays, playwright, restaurant, Theater, theatre
Tagged Armando Molina, Dillon Nelson, Elizabeth Irwin, Emily Lehrer, Fountain Theatre, Hollywood, Jeanne Valleroy, Lawrence Stallings, lighting design, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Premiere, My Manana Comes, new play, Pablo Castelblanco, Peter Pasco, plays, Richard Azurdia, set design, sound design, stage, technical rehearsal, theater, theatre
Director Armando Molina is one of the nicest guys you’ll meet. We think you’ll agree. Take a look. In this short video chat with us, he talks about about our upcoming LA Premiere of Elizabeth Irwin’s My Mañana Comes, his fabulous actors, and working at the Fountain.
Armando Molina’s credits include The Long Road Today by Jose Cruz Gonzalez (South Coast Repertory), Visitors’ Guide to Arivaca by Evangeline Ordaz (Teatro Vision in San Jose and Denver Center of the Performing Arts), Anna In The Tropics by Nilo Cruz (PCPA Theaterfest), Conjunto by Oliver Mayer and Hippie Mexicana by Evangeline Ordaz (Borderlands Theater Company, Tucson) and Living Out and Distracted by Lisa Loomer (TheatreWorks in Palo Alto and Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis). Armando received national recognition from the NEA and Theater Communications Group as a recipient of their Career Development Program for Directors. As a member of the Cornerstone Theatre Company for nine years, Armando acted in and directed Cornerstone community residencies in Baldwin Hills, Chinatown, Boyle Heights, Watts, South Central and with the Bus Riders Union. He is a co-founder of the critically acclaimed Latino comedy group Latins Anonymous, whose first play, Latins Anonymous, was held over for six months at the Los Angeles Theater Center, then followed by runs at San Diego Repertory Theater, Group Theater in Seattle, South Coast Repertory and Sacramento Theater Company. Their second play, The LA LA Awards, premiered at the Japan American Theater in Los Angeles, then ran at San Diego Rep, the Guadalupe Cultural Center in San Antonio and the Odyssey Theater in Los Angeles. Both plays were published by Arte Publico Press and continue to be performed nationally. He is currently artistic director of Company of Angels Theater, the oldest non-profit professional theater company in Los Angeles.
More Info/Get Tickets for My Mañana Comes
Posted in actors, African American, Arts, arts organizations, director, Drama, Fountain Theatre, Latino, Los Angeles, Mexican American, new plays, non-profit organization, performing arts, plays, playwright, playwriting, Theater, theatre
Tagged acting, actors, Armando Molina, busboys, Elizabeth Irwin, Fountain Theatre, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Premiere, My Manana Comes, new plays, performing arts, plays, restaurant, theater, theatre
Four busboys in a fancy NY restaurant juggle plates, immigration and their friendship in our LA premiere of this funny and fast-paced new play about chasing the American Dream and how far you’re willing to go to get it.
My Mañana Comes by Elizabeth Irwin, directed by Armando Molina, opens April 16 and runs to June 26. Featuring Richard Azurdia, Pablo Castelblanco, Peter Pasco, and Lawrence Stallings.
Enjoy these new photos!
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More Info/Get Tickets
Posted in actors, arts organizations, director, Drama, Fountain Theatre, Latino, Los Angeles, Mexican American, new plays, non-profit organization, performing arts, plays, playwright, restaurant, Theater, theatre
Tagged actors, African American, Armando Molina, busboy, comedy, drama, Elizabeth Irwin, Fountain Theatre, Latino, Lawrence Stallings, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Premiere, My Manana Comes, new plays, Pablo Castelblanco, performing arts, Peter Pasco, plays, restaurant, Richard Azurdia, theater, theatre
More Info/Get Tickets
Posted in actors, arts organizations, Drama, Fountain Theatre, immigration, Latino, Los Angeles, Mexican American, new plays, non-profit organization, performing arts, plays, playwright, Theater, theatre
Tagged actor, African American, Armando Molina, busboy, comedy, drama, Elizabeth Irwin, Fountain Theatre, Hispanic, immigration, Latino, Lawrence Stallings, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Premiere, My Manana Comes, new play, Pablo Castelblanco, performing arts, Peter Pasco, restaurant, Richard Azurdia, theater, theatre