«La Celestina» Original artwork by Angela Bolaños-Osorio

In just a few weeks, Milagro is pleased to present La Celestina, our Spanish-language production of the Golden Age classic sponsored by Josie Mendoza & Hugh Mackworth. This inventive new script from Raquel Carrió, based on the original novel by Fernando de Rojas and directed by Christy Drogosch, is sure to raise a few eyebrows. Rehearsals have been underway for a couple of weeks, but we thought we’d give you the 101 right here and now.

In this bigger-than-life comedy, Calisto is a young and impulsive nobleman who’s fallen madly in love with Melibea, the daughter of a rich businessman. But to win her over, the lovesick Calisto resorts to the less-than-pure magic of La Celestina, a bawdy sorceress whose scheming touches off a string of events with startling consequences. This seriously funny critique of human nature remains as potent today as when it launched Spain’s literary renaissance in 1499.

Our production will be performed in Spanish with easy-to-follow supertitles in English.

La Celestina runs Feb. 7-March 2 at the Milagro Theatre (525 SE Stark St., Portland). Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 2:00 p.m. Sundays. The first Thursday performance is a preview, for which all tickets are discounted. Opening night on Friday, Feb. 8, includes a complimentary post-play reception catered by Pambiche restaurant. Tickets range from $15 to $30, depending on date of performance and date of purchase; there are discounts for students, seniors and groups of 15 or more. To purchase, call 503-236-7253 weekdays 8:30 am.-5pm, or purchase online anytime from www.milagro.org (see «buy tickets» link in right-hand sidebar).

CAST
Bibiana Lorenzo Johnston … Celestina
Nurys Herrera … Alisa/Elicia
CarlosAlexis Cruz … Trovador
Siumara Samayoa … Melibea
Juan Antonio Martínez … Sempronio
Rafael Miguel … Calisto

PRODUCTION TEAM
Christy Drogosch … Director, Sound Designer
Kaye Blankenship … Lighting Designer
Kristeen Crosser … Set Designer
Ashley Smith … Costume Designer
Gavin Hales … Stage Manager
Wailana Kalama … Prop Master/Sound Board Operator
Nana Nash … Projectionist
Angela Bolaños-Osorio … Art Card Design
Estela Robinson … Production Manager
Collin Lawson … Master Carpenter
Russell J. Young … Photographer
Olga Sanchez … Artistic Director
José E. González … Executive Director