Viva! El Paso
Viva! El Paso is the annual returning musical which celebrates El Paso's rich cultural history through dance, drama, narration and songs. The story begins with the early Indian settlement and takes through Spanish conquest, mestizo Mexican domination and the wild wild South-West (era domination by so-called cowboys, pioneers, or Anglos). The show started with performers surging onstage in a rainbow of neon ruffles and white spandex, blazing some serious energy, all dancing to La Bamba. About fifty dancers moved on and offstage, performing simple steps with crisp execution, shimmying relentlessly, forming lines, circles, crossing in pairs, waving streamers and marching forward with big signs that spelled out V-I-V-A. Directly followed by the Parade of the Six Flags of Texas.
This two hour lasting outdoor musical is staged at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater. The location was originally built to house El Paso del Norte, a historic outdoor drama that opened on July 4, 1976, part of the nationwide Bicentennial celebrations. El Paso del Norte lasted for two years and was replaced by a more lively, more youth oriented and more entertaining Viva! El Paso Performances from Thursday through Sunday in June, July and August. By the end of each summer, about 25,000 paying visitors have witnessed the lively musical, set against the mountainous backdrop of the canyon.
El Paso Association for the Performing Arts is responsible for the production. Hector Serrano, EPCC Head of the Drama Department, was the creator and developer of Viva! El Paso. Under his artistic guidance, young individuals have experienced their first professional theatrical endeavors both on stage and behind the scenes.
Nationally recognized costume designer Donald Pasco of Long Beach, California, was responsible for the show's impressive authentic array of vibrant costumes. He also designed costumes for EPAPA's "Shakespeare on the Rocks."
The production will celebrate its 30th anniversary with the 2007 season, now under the direction of Jaime Barba, UTEP Theater Arts, Dance and Film and the UTEP Dinner Theatre, The production has become more of an outdoor musical. The production has a tangible storyline that ties all four culture story lines together with an emphasis on culture and tradition. Artistic Staff includes: Evanie Gamboa (stage Manager) Bahoula Puentes-Polo - Character Dances, Nina Gomez - Spanish Choreography, Jaime Carrasco - Mexican Choreography, Dr. Cynthia Jay - Vocal Direction and Beth Leffler - Costume Mistress.
Viva! 1978 With a $20,000 allocation from the City of El Paso and a grant from the Department of Human Development, Los Pobres Bilingual Theater Repertory Company, a small group of dedicated theater enthusiasts directed by Hector Serrano, staged an evening of song, dance and drama that primarily spotlighted the talents of individual cast members.
Viva! 1979 The cultural elements of the production began to be emphasized and permanent format of the show was solidified. It was a tribute to the blending of the specific cultures that have had a major influence on the Great American Southwest. This task was accomplished through song, dance and drama.
Viva! 1986 The first year of production by the El Paso Association for the Performing Arts, brought together many of the show's original artistic staff. Growing community support assured the show's future. To highlight the Texas Sesquicentennial celebration, a red, white and blue opening number, a Texas Medley of song, and a Civil War battle scene were added. El Paso Grupo Folklorico was featured in the Mexican sequence, and the show closed with the moving Cantare, Cantaras.
Viva! 1987 The tenth anniversary edition, was a turning point artistically and fiscally. The emphasis of the show continued to shift towards dance punctuated with short dramatic scenes and songs, and tied together by recorded narration. A mythological history of Indian culture through dance was added, and traditional clogging was introduced to the Western sequence. The show closed with patriotic flair to God Bless the USA. A 56% increase in attendance bode well for the future.
Viva! 1988 A creation narration is being added to focus on the evolution of the desert and mountain environment. Large, moveable rock set pieces have been added for the Indian sequence. Folklorico dances from Guerrero have been introduced to the Mexican sequence. The Western Adagio Courting dance is being expanded to five couples. Huapango closes the show... a condensed story of the blending of four cultures through dance and music.
Viva! 2006 Viva! El Paso reprises its showing at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre after being hosted at the Abraham Chavez Theatre in 2005 as renovations to the Canyon were being done. The shows directors are Jaime Barba, Beth Leffler, and head choreographer Marco Alferez.
Viva! 2007 The 30th anniversary directed by Jaime Barba. Vocal direction by Dr. Cindy Jay and choreographed by Nina Gomez, Jaime Carrasco and Jonathan Perez.
Viva! 2008 Directed by Jaime Barba. Vocal direction by Dr. Cindy Jay, and choreographed by Nina Gomez (Spanish Segment), Jaime Carrasco (Mexico Segment), Jonathan Perez (lyrical) and Marco Alferez as Principal Choreographer.
Viva! 2009 Directed by Jaime Barba. Vocal direction by Joe Estala, and choreographed by Nina Gomez (Spanish Segment), Jaime Carrasco (Mexico Segment), Elony Bejarano (lyrical) and Marco Alferez as Principal Choreographer.
Viva! 2010 Directed by Jaime Barba. Vocal direction by Joe Estala, and choreographed by Nina Gomez (Spanish Segment), Jaime Carrasco (Mexico Segment),