West End Studio Theatre - Santa Cruz, CA

Bravo To You!

Amesti AudienceA heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderful people that donated to our Tomás And The Library Lady Fundraiser. Together, we raised a total of $1,888 which helps to bring 377 children from Pajaro Valley Unified School District to see this incredible theatre performance. In total, 1,100 Pajaro Valley Unified and 330 Santa Cruz City school children will experience the inspirational story of Tomás Rivera.

In addition to our WEST community, thank you to the Woolpert Foundation, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Women In Philanthropy, The Good Tidings Foundation, the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County and the PVUSD Family Literacy Project.

The play was truly awesome…the story, the staging, the sets, and the casting. It was pretty perfect - and quite a message. Thank you for including me.

Elizabeth C.
Amesti Elementary Teacher

Cast and Audience

Posted May 19, 2010 – 10:04 am by Terri Steinmann in News

One Public Performance

Tomás And The Library Lady

Based on the life of Tomás Rivera

Written by José Cruz Gonzáles based on the book by Pat Mora

Directed by Luanne Nunes de Char

  • Public Performance: May 16, 2010
  • Time: 2pm
  • Tickets: $10
  • Location: West End Studio Theatre
  • Call 831.425.WEST (9378) to reserve tickets or BUY NOW

ONE PUBLIC PERFORMANCE

Tomás And The Library LadyOur story is based on the inspiring true story of a Texas born migrant boy, Tomás Rivera. Unable to read English, Tomás is terrified of school. Not until his introduction to the library and to the compassionate Library Lady does Tomás find refuge. Thanks to a nurturing family and a librarian who takes time to care, a young migrant boy discovers the joys of books, a new language and writing. Spanish words and songs are sprinkled throughout, and the play can be understood by both English and Spanish speaking theatergoers…

Tomás and the Library Lady is José Cruz Gonzáles’s stage adaptation of Pat Mora’s book, based on the story of Tomás Rivera, son of migrant workers. Pursuing a career in literature and academia, ultimately he was named the youngest chancellor of the University of California-Riverside—and the first Hispanic.Tomás And The Library Lady

Playwright José Cruz Gonzáles is the son of migrant workers and grew up in Watsonville, California. This graduate of Aptos High is an award-winning playwright, director, professor and activist. His plays are celebrated globally. He is currently a professor teaching playwriting at UCLA.

Photos courtesy of Steve DiBartolomeo

Posted May 13, 2010 – 9:16 am by Terri Steinmann in News

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