Adaptations from novels, whether for film or theater, can be tricky. Translating the rich textures of characters that have developed a relationship with readers over days or weeks, versus the few hours of film or theater, demands a tight grasp on the story's essence. Chicago Children's Theatre's impressive production of the young adult novel, "Esperanza Rising" manages to capture most of the book’s complex points.
The award-winning book, loosely based on author Pam Munoz Ryan's grandmother's immigration experience, provides contemporary literature's strongest girl-heroine since Anne of Green Gables. Indeed, the dearth of modern female literary characters not focused on dating and texting makes this adaptation even more significant. Add to that the current hot-button issues of immigration and union organizing tackled in the novel and the serious potential of this production is clear.
It's a tall order for an hour-and-45-minute children's play, but "Esperanza Rising" mostly delivers. Three mariachis spark the start of the drama with harmonized crooning and shouts of "Viva Mexico!" They are also cleverly employed as narrators, providing the subtext for the story. Esperanza (Maite Alvarez) is revealed in a lace-covered bed, attended by servants who help her dress. As the daughter of wealthy land-owners, Esperanza's self-centered and spoiled nature is constantly on display. But it's shortly after the Mexican Revolution and landowners are still targets for bandits and revolutionaries pushing for more equality. Esperanza's father is killed by bandits, resulting in her being forced to flee to California with her servants Hortensia (a stellar Laura E. Crotte) and Miguel (a convincing Juan Gabriel Ruiz).
The action unfolds in California as Esperanza learns to work in a migrant camp and experiences the prejudice and injustice that leads to a push for a farm workers' union. Twelve year-old Esperanza is forced to grow up and develop a more charitable and courageous nature. Director Henry Godinez ensures that the sophisticated issues aren't lost on stage and the incorporation of songs, especially a lovely melancholy duet between Esperanza and her mother Ramona (a strong portrayal by Charin Alvarez), help make the story accessible for children. Although the production is in English, Spanish is liberally sprinkled throughout the play and music so that the authenticity of the story remains. The racial issues underscored when Miguel explains to Esperanza, "white is the color of money, brown is the color of work," come through clearly as does American arrogance in a spot on scene at the U.S. border.
In the role of Esperanza, Maite Alvarez is skilled at portraying petulance but not the intangible spirit of a girl brave enough to face and survive another culture on her own. The range of emotion that's integral to this role is also missing. When Esperanza learns that her father has been killed, her reaction of questioning Miguel and rationalizing his role in the death, is unconvincing for a 12-year-old. In the role of Esperanza's young camp-friend Isabel, Gabi Mayorga steals every scene with a delightful mix of childish enthusiasm and energy.
"Esperanza Rising" is a children's production that accomplishes much more than simple children's entertainment. It exposes real social and political issues as well as engages children's imaginations.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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