(PHOENIX) — Students at Camelback High School got a special sneak peak of a groundbreaking new musical, Americano! as the Phoenix political activist upon whose life this story is based will shared his journey and his fears with local students and members of the media.
Antonio Valdovinos is a DREAMer, a Camelback High School Graduate, and the subject of Americano! The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue on ruling on the status of DREAMers in June. Valdovinos said, I don’t want the U.S. Supreme Court to kick me out the country — the only country I’ve ever known.”
Through words and song Americano! tells the life story of Antonio Valdovinos, a DREAMer and Camelback High School graduate, who learned of his immigration status when he was denied the opportunity to join the Marines.
As a DREAMer, Antonio’s fate rests with a U.S. Supreme Court decision
on DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). Should the court strike down DACA, a decision is expected in June, Antonio Valdovinos could be deported. Ironically, if Americano! is nominated for a Tony Award, the “Tony” who is the subject of the musical may not be able to attend the ceremony.
Members of the cast of the historic musical Americano! staged a special preview for the students of Camelback High School, a predominately Latino school.
Tony graduated from Camelback High School in 2008. Tony’s journey would lead him into a life of politics as he became the first DREAMer to work at Phoenix City Hall. He would later become a political activist who played a key role in the election of a number of Arizona candidates including electing Marine Ruben Gallego to Congress. Much of the story line of Americano takes place at Camelback High School.
Americano! runs from January 29th to February 23rd at The Phoenix Theatre Company. Tickets are on sale now (click here). Americano! is believed to be the first major musical based on a DREAMer.
Rehearsals have been underway for months. For video the cast and crew rehearsing follow this
link. https://vimeo.com/386033688/3bc50b9d19
Arizona bandleader Sergio Mendoza arranged the music.
“In addition to being a hugely entertaining production, Americano! offers a unique glimpse at a turbulent and troubled time in program remains in jeopardy, those troubles continue today for Tony as well as many students at Camelback High and thousands of young people all over Arizona,” said Barnard.
Valdovinos added, “Imagine one day if Americano! got nominated for a Tony Award but this Tony could not attend. That’s not a dream. It is a nightmare and prospect for 700,000 people just like me.”
Tickets for Americano! are on sale at www.phoenixtheatre.com. Shows take place in the Company’s 378-seat Mainstage Theatre, January 29 – February 23 with the World Premiere on January 31. Also visit AmericanoTheMusical.com for more information.
Contact: Michael Anthony Scerbo / Jennifer Sturgeon
Rose+Moser+Allyn Public and Online Relations
Email: mscerbo@rosemoserallynpr.com
Email: JSturgeon@RoseMoserAllynPR.com
Phone: (602) 615-6523 / (480) 495-3806
