Latino Theater Company kicks off its spring 2023 season with this original comedy that takes its name from the 14-mile heart of East Los Angeles that has been a hub of commerce, culture and driving outings for more than 50 years. 

"Whittier Boulevard" is created by Evelina Fernandez, Sal Lopez, Geoffrey Rivas, Lucy Rodriguez and Jose Luis Valenzuela, the five original founding members of Latino Theater. 

"The play is a funny and poignant commentary on ageism, presented in Latino Theater Company's signature elevated and highly theatrical style," the company said in an official release. 

The play's synopsis states that it combines comedy, drama, music, dance and theatrical magic to transport audiences to Los Angeles in the year 2042. "Years of fires, torrential rains, lawlessness and bloodshed have created a totalitarian city where the elderly disappear, their stories forgotten. When authorities make a surprise visit to the home of fading Chicano star Veronica Del Rio on the eve of her 75th birthday, she enlists the help of her loudmouth nurse, a good-hearted cop-fan and a down-on-his-luck poet. Will Veronica disappear and be forgotten before she finds true love?" concludes. 

"This ensemble of actors have been working together for the past 38 years," Valenzuela said in the release. "In this play we look at ageism, but we also explore finding the divine within ourselves so we can create a better society. It's funny and exaggerated, but we also address serious social issues, such as the ongoing rollback of civil rights in this country."

"Whittier Boulevard" will also feature original music by Robert Revell and choreography by Urbanie Lucero. The creative team includes scenic designer François-Pierre Couture; lighting designer Pablo Santiago; sound designer John Zalewski; projection designers Yee Eun Nam and Yuki Izumihara; and costume designer Naila Aladdin Sanders. Production managers are Nathan Edelman and May Fei.

The play was prepared as a virtual presentation for RE: Encuentro 2021, a virtual festival that featured 16 Latino companies and artists from across the U.S. in digital residency at Los Angeles Theatre Center.

"Whittier Boulevard" will have its premiere on Saturday, April 29th at 8 p.m. and then performances will run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. through May 28th. 

Ticket prices will range from $22 to $48, except for opening night (April 29th), which will be $58 and includes pre- and post-show receptions.

For more information and to purchase tickets, interested parties may call (213) 489-0994 or visit www.latinotheaterco.org.