Corina: From Lap Dance to Sundance by Corina Calderon

Corina Calderon Photos by Rudy Torres

By Joe Straw 

Dreams manifest themselves in delightful ways. They are unique, only yours, and imaginatively guide you on your journey.  For the creative type, dreams are the spark of that design, a flame of action that warms the journey. When your dreams hit the precise mark – you know it when you live it. While others may scoff at those dreams, moving forward and recognizing your accomplishment is the greatest satisfaction one can have.   

Casa 101 Theater proudly presents the world premiere play Corina: From Lap Dance to Sundance written by Corina Calderon and directed by Emmanuel Deleage November 17 through December 17, 2023.

From the program: “Warning:  The play contains adult themes of a sexual nature, strong language, and depiction of violence.  For mature audiences only.  Under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.”

Jesus Tadeo Rodrigue and Corina Calderon

In the seediest of dives, out steps a vision in see through red lace and high heels, offering an incomparable fantasy of unspeakable pleasures. She glides through the house searching for a patron that wants to throw his money, lots of money, her way. And it just so happens she’s found him, a gullible man with a protruding tongue, raptured by her presence, Joe (Jesus Tadeo Rodriguez) willing and able to accompany her to that unforgiving spot, a lone chair, as she seductively moves in his sphere of influence all for the immediate price of the green dancing between his fingers.  

But, no touching.

Corina (Corina Calderon) steps away into a private room, the other dancers edge their way onto the stage and dance beguilingly elevating the temperature of the beasts not too far away.   And, although those memories fade like a distant memory, they are embedded within her, ingrained so deep, right up to the present, that now in her present-day wear, Corina lets out a deep breath, lifting the weight of her troubles off her shoulders, relieved, and now compelled to begin her story, of how this all came to be.

Emmanuel Deleage has directed a remarkable show filled with warmth, compassion, exceptional dancing, and with a troupe that is willing to give it their all. With basically a bare stage, Deleage has carefully crafted a dream realized highlighting the quintessential moments of Corina’s journey. One might see this as an awakening and definitively an inventive journey that is well worth the prize. And in the end, it’s about coming first circle, back home, where all the dreams she’s realized, got her to the place she is today. There is a lot here that will make you smile, and the ending is exceptional.

First produced in 2018 as part of The Hollywood Fringe Festival as a one-woman show, Corina Calderon, the writer, has added several additional characters to realize her dream of a full-scale production on a Los Angeles stage.  And, with further development, a little more emotional chutzpa, this production can broaden its scope and horizons. As it is now, the show is exceptional.

Corina Calderon, the actress, is an exceptional dancer first and foremost.  The story of the complexities and conflicts of her life gives her a lot of leeway to do remarkable things on stage and for the most part it works in unimaginable ways. There are moments that require a little more thought – the opening delivery with an anger that leaves her little room to grow throughout the night and the scene with her mother in the end that requires a little more development.  Personal and emotional commitment to an objective should come slowly in those scenes to achieve the pinnacle moment. Still some brilliant work throughout the night.

Leslie Montoya is also exceptional as Teen Corina, small and very spunky, older than her years and very naive at times. Her character knows where she wants to go and is willing to accept all information that comes her way, that helps her on her journey.

L - R Sophia Arroyo, Alex Miramontes, and Natalie Heredia

Alex Miramontes brings full life to dual roles as the dad and Grandpa. His work is outstanding and has a commanding presence on stage.  It’s just the little things he does that highlights the character, the look in his eyes, the sorrow on his face, and the forgiving smile.  All of it works.   

Sophia Arroyo and Natalie Heredia play Young Corina and Young Nani respectively and are very engaging throughout the night. And it’s one more reason to go to the theatre to see younger performers that spark a loving memory of sisters and daughters.

Jesus Tadeo Rodriguez has a lot of nice moments as a member of the ensemble each person unique in several roles. His work was excellent throughout the night.

Gabriela Bañuelos does a fine turn in multiple roles and contributes with information as Anastacia, a grand moment for which none of this may have been possible.

Diana Cruz plays Mari, a friend that gets Corina started in adult entertainment, but her path leads to an unfortunate ending. Her moments are small but significant as more could be made of her character and her ending. Still, Cruz has some very fine moments especially when she plays the adult Nani.

Karla Ojeda had some fine moments as Corina’s mom, a woman with emotional, abusive, and alcoholic issues. Married to a violent husband, saddled with two children, who finds a way to get out of the marriage and moves her children near her family near Uvalde, Texas (of all places).  She takes up the bottle which puts everyone on edge. Ojeda is melancholic throughout the night but needs to find and make more of those caring moments that give more weight to the character.

Julieta Ortiz has her moments as Grandma and Tia Juanita.  She is very funny each time she steps on stage.

Mair Flores has several roles Mimi, Josie, Carla, and another member of the ensemble but there was something different about this performer. Her concentrated work was elegant and very sincere, nothing gratuitous and always gracious in her resolve.   

Johnny Ortiz plays several characters Chris, Alfonso, Acting Coach, and manager.  He has a slightly menacing presence but was fine throughout the night. 

Oscar Baasulto an understudy for Dad, Grandpa, and Juan did not perform on this particular night.

As always Able Alvarado, Costume Designer, does outstanding work at Casa 0101 and one more reason to venture to see shows here.

Other members of this crew are as follows:

Lorena M. Ortega – Production Coordinator

César Retana-Holguín – Set Designer

Kevin E. Vasquez – Lighting Designer

Jorge Villanueva – Board Operator

Itzel Ocampo – Casa 0101 Administrator

Channing Whisnant – Stage Manager

Doreen Marie Sanchez – Prop Master, Assistant Stage Manager

Alicia Mejia – Assistant Stage Manager

Velia Arroyo – Assistant Stage Manager

Steve Moyer – Public Relations

Casa 0101 is known for its outstanding work and this production puts another feather in their illustrious cap.

Tickets:  323-263-7684

Tickets via email: tickets@casa0101.org

www.casa0101.org