On The Wings of a Mariposa

A bilingual tale of remembrance

By First Stage

On The Wings of A Mariposa

On The Wings of a Mariposa (2019-10-23) by Paul RuffoloFirst Stage

Pilar is trying to relive the memories of her late abuelita (grandmother). On her journey, she discovers that “when you love someone, they never really leave you.”

On The Wings of Mariposa (2019-10-23) by Paul RuffoloFirst Stage

As Pilar’s grandmother would say, “anyone can hear a mariposa speak, but it requires using the heart as well as the ears.”

A group of mariposas enter the stage and explain their annual migration.

On The Wings of a Mariposa (2019-10-23) by Paul RuffoloFirst Stage

Pilar holds onto a rebozo (shawl), which holds the scent of her late abuelita, to recall memories of her grandmother and combat fear of monsters in her bedroom.

On The Wings of Mariposa (2019-10-23) by Paul RuffoloFirst Stage

Abuelita appears in the El Circulo Magico (the Magic Circle), which is a forest in Mexico.

On the Wings of a Mariposa (2019-10-23) by Paul RuffoloFirst Stage

Within the Mexican culture, it’s believed that mariposas carry the soul of loved ones.

A butterfly lands softly on Pilar as she takes in the world of the Magic Circle.

On The Wings of a Mariposa (2019-10-24) by Lindsey AbendscheinFirst Stage

Remember me — "On the Wings of a Mariposa" trailer.

On the Wings of a Mariposa (2019-10-23) by Paul RuffoloFirst Stage

The costumes in the play, designed by Jazmin Aurora Medina, is a blend of past and modern day Mexican culture. Take a closer look at the monster costumes, which are Jazmin’s favorite pieces.

On the Wings of a Mariposa (2019-10-23) by Paul RuffoloFirst Stage

Pilar's mom embraces Ramiro,friend of family, during Dia de los Muertos (The Day of The Dead) Celebration.

On the Wings of a Mariposa (2019-10-23) by Paul RuffoloFirst Stage

Three generations of women celebrate The Day of the Dead.

On the Wings of a Mariposa (2019-10-23) by Paul RuffoloFirst Stage

As the play ends, Pilar learns the love and memories she holds for her abuelita lives within her, instead of the rebozo.

Credits: Story

On the Wings of a Mariposa
By Alvaro Saar Rios
An adaptation of Ghost Wings by Barbara Joosse
Original Music & Lyrics by Dinorah Marquez

Adult Performers: Laura Crotte, Rana Roman, Maggie Marks

*Note young performers are double cast

Algodoncillo Cast: Abby Hanna, Catalina Cruz, Rafael Cervantes, Marilyn De La O, Daniela Munoz-Munguia, Andrea Hanna, Thomas Bastardo , Niya Marie Iniguez Carolina Islas, Gabriela Bastardo

Oyamel Cast: Dayanara Sanchez, Stephanie Santoyo-Bustos, Enzo Velasco, Lucia Harris, Isabel Franco, Leslie Aranda, Iker Velasco, Elena Harms, Savanna Gutierrez, Trinity Escalera


Creative Team: Karen Estrada, Director | Dinorah Marquez, Music Supervisor | Stephen Hudson-Mairet, Scenic Designer | Julie Ahlgrim, Assistant Scenic Designer | Jazmin Aurora Medina, Costume Designer | Jesse Klug, Lighting Designer | Kevin O'Donnell, Sound Designer | Marissa Ashlyn, Stage Manager | Anna Evans, Assistant Stage Manager

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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