PCPA’s Marian Theatre to Host LUCHADORA!, a Mulan-Inspired Wrestling Tale

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Alvaro Saar Rios's family-friendly play reimagines Mulan through the world of lucha libre.

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PCPA will present Luchadora!, a vibrant and heartwarming adventure by Alvaro Saar Rios, playing June 18 - July 3 at the Marian Theatre.

Luchadora! reimagines the legend of Mulan through the bold, high-flying world of Mexican wrestling. When a worn pink mask resurfaces, Nana Lupita recalls her teenage years in 1960s Texas—riding bikes with friends, working at her family's flower stand, and secretly dreaming of the lucha libre ring. But when she learns her ailing father is set to compete in a high-stakes match and that his honor is on the line, everything changes. With the help of a mysterious mask maker, Lupita trains in secret to set an ancient grudge right.

Full of heart, humor, and high-flying heroics, Luchadora! is a vibrant, family-friendly tale of love, identity, and the courage to step into your own power. This family-friendly production is an inspiring theatrical experience that will delight children and adults alike.

"My first introduction to Alvaro Saar Rios's work was 3 years ago when I saw photos of Seattle Children's Theatre production of Luchadora!. I was immediately enthralled by this story and quickly dove into Alvaro's catalogue of writing, which, much to my delight, is focused on theatre for families and young audiences. He also specifically writes young Latinas as his protagonists. When I asked him why, he said, 'I was surrounded and raised by incredible strong women, and they deserve to have better stories.'

At the heart of Luchadora!, are women, younger and older, who refuse to be put into any box society mandates they be in. These rebellious femmes quietly and loudly pursue their desires to be more than is expected of them. And in the time-honored tradition of women pursuing firsts, this is also a story about secrets—having them, keeping them, and the liberation that comes from revealing them and stepping into our truth.

To "luchar" means to fight, and right now, there are members of our community who are in a fight for their lives, their rights, and their dignity. Luchadora! is also a love letter to those families who as Father says in the play, “are more than just people who pick fruits and vegetables”. These vital members of our community are the lifeblood of Santa Maria and the Central Coast. Tu lucha es mi lucha. Siempre. Your fight is my fight. Always." - Marilet Martinez

The creative team includes Director Marilet Martinez , Costume Designer Caroline Rein, Scenic Designer Josafath Reynoso , Lighting Designer Keith Rice , Composer & Sound Designer David R. Molina , Fight Director Noah Esquivel , and Stage Manager Rebekah Carriere .

The cast includes Stephanie Román as Vanessa/ Lupita, Dena Martinez * as Nana Lupita, Jessie Villaseñor as Mask Maker/Ringer Announcer, Robert Ramirez * as Father, Edella Oroz Westerfield as Liesl/ Hannah, Joey Adanalian as Leo/ Newspaper Boy #2/ Green Luchador, Noah Esquivel as El Hijo/ Blue Luchador, and Edwin Blanco as Boy/ Newspaper Boy #1.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/santa-barbara/article/LUCHADORA-to-Open-at-PCPAs-Marian-Theatre-in-Santa-Maria-20260605)._