Review-Fernando Valenzuela: Remembering ‘El Toro’ and the Legacy of Fernandomania”
Experiencing a performance that entertains is always such a gift. It also taught me about someone who profoundly affected the lives of many Mexican Americans. Josefina López, the visionary founder of Casa 0101, truly raises the bar with their latest production, FERNANDOMANIA. This collection of 12 World Premiere Ten-Minute Plays captures the phenomenon of Fernando Valenzuela. He was a 20-year-old pitcher from Mexico. His talent and presence forever changed Major League Baseball. He touched the hearts of countless Angelenos.
The show is presented in both English and Spanish with subtitles. It showcases 16 actors bringing 57 roles to life. This is done under the direction of four talented directors. I loved being taken on this journey—each play carried a unique energy and offered a powerful glimpse into Valenzuela’s legacy.
The production reminds us of the strength of community. One individual can leave an indelible mark that transcends race and generations. FERNANDOMANIA is more than a tribute—it’s a celebration. Josefina López and everyone involved have created something courageous and heartfelt. It is deeply inspiring. This creation is a gift for all audiences to enjoy and appreciate.
Fernando Valenzuela (born November 1, 1960 – died October 22, 2024) was affectionately known as “El Toro” (The Bull). He was one of the most iconic pitchers in Major League Baseball history. He was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1979. Valenzuela made his debut in 1980 and quickly became a sensation. His signature screwball pitch sparked the cultural phenomenon known as “Fernandomania.” Born in Sonora, Mexico, Valenzuela rose from humble beginnings to inspire millions of Mexican and Mexican American fans.
During his career, Valenzuela played for six MLB teams. He earned six All-Star selections and two World Series championships. He also received the 1981 Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award. Additionally, he pitched a no-hitter in 1990. His number 34 was retired by both the Mexican League and the Los Angeles Dodgers, cementing his legendary status. Valenzuela was married to Linda Burgos. Together, they had four children. Valenzuela passed away at 63. He left behind a lasting legacy celebrated by fans worldwide. His legacy is honored in murals, tributes, and the Baseball Hall of Fame. To learn more visit-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_Valenzuela
ACT-I
- Fernandomania Forever, written by Josefina López and directed by Emmanuel Delage, features Eugene Antonio Negrete (as Robert Vargas). It also stars Evelyn Menchaca (as Josefina López). Phoenix Marroquin (as Monica Mejia) and Gabriel Montoya (as Male Politician) also act in it. The ensemble includes actors Yasha Alaniz, Adlih Alvarardo, and Veli Gonzalez. You will also see Phoenix Marroquin, Edward Navarrete, and Jeremiah Ocañas. Additionally, Gabriela Pendraza and Alejandro Reynoso join the cast. This play anchors the show, unfolding in 12 transitional scenes that bridge each act throughout Act I and Act II. Story: In Fernandomania Forever, renowned muralist Robert Vargas creates a mural. The mural depicts Major League Baseball Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. It is located in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles. He receives encouragement from Josefina López, a local activist and award-winning playwright and screenwriter. The mural serves as a lasting tribute for inspiring immigrants and Latinos to make them feel visible.
- Linda, written by Maria Fernanda Valenzuela, the youngest daughter of Fernando and Linda Valenzuela. Carmelita Maldonado directs it. It features Yahsa Alaniz as Young Linda Valenzuela. Karla Ojeda is Old Linda Valenzuela. Edward Navarrete plays Fernando Valenzuela. Veli Gonzalez takes on multiple roles, including Reporter, Linda Valenzuela’s Mother, and Girl at Party. Jeremiah Ocañas appears as Reporter and Guy at Party. Itzel Ocampo plays the Fan, and Gabriel Montoya portrays Father Miguel and Drunk Guy. Story and Inspiration: The play is inspired by her mother’s perspective on her parents’ love story. It serves as a tribute to her father, the late Fernando Valenzuela. It is also a universal reflection on love, grief, and resilience. This play marks Maria Fernanda Valenzuela’s debut as a playwright.
- From Somewhere, written by Jose Luis Lopez, Jr., directed by Carmelita Maldonado features Adlih Alvarado (as Elena), Alejandro Reynoso (as Raúl), Itzel Ocampo (as Daniel), Edward Navarrete (as Fernando Valenzuela), Martin Morales (as Jaime Jarrín) and Luis Galilei (as Mr. Baker). Story: Fernando Valenzuela rises on the mound. Jaime Jarrín’s voice drifts through a crackling AM radio. A young boy in LA clings to the hope of fame. Meanwhile, his immigrant parents shoulder quiet battles. They face challenges of work and belonging.
- Beisbol y Novelas (Baseball and Mexican Soap Operas), written by Ignacio Gonzalez. Carmelita Maldonado directs it. This play features Gabriela Pendraza (as Jaime). It also features Luis Galilei (as Avelino, Jaime’s Dad) and Karla Ojeda (as Abuela Maria, Avelino’s Mother). Story: Jaime and her live-in Abuela clash over the only television in the house. They argue whenever his Dodgers and her Novela are on TV at the same time. Avelino, Jaime’s dad, is caught between two generations with roots in two countries. That changes when a young pitcher from Mexico brings the family—and the entire community—together.
- No Sabo (I Don’t Know), is written by Oscar Arguello. Emmanuel Deleage directs it. It features Jeremiah Ocañas (as Kid and Gooch), Karla Ojeda (as Mom), and Martin Morales (as Dad). Story: A nine-year-old boy is obsessed with television. He begins to reject his culture. Still, his mother points out the similarities between them and Fernando Valenzuela. He learns a lesson about identity and makes a new hero along the way.
- A Good Hero/Un Buen Heroe is written by Celina Martinez and directed by Karla Ojeda. It features Gabriela Pedraza as Felicia Marquez. Eugene Antonio Negrete plays Juan Marquez. Vin Scully appears as himself in a Voiceover. Story: A college professor is suffering from chronic illness and insomnia. She calls upon the spirit of her deceased father. Together, they experience the joy of reminiscing about their favorite memories of their beloved Fernando Valenzuela. The professor, Felicia, has stopped watching Dodger games because they went to the White House. Her father reminds her to do what she loves. It will help to heal her and keep her healthy.
ACT II
- Once Upon A Time in LA, written by Michael St. Onge, directed by Karla Ojeda. It features Alejandro Montoya (as Victor), Martin Morales (as Abuelito Alfonso), Karla Ojeda (as Teresa), and Luis Galilei (as Poncho). Story: A grieving 10-year-old boy goes on a journey across Los Angeles with his elderly Mexican grandfather. The grandfather speaks little English and has no car. They want to see Fernando Valenzuela pitch. They find connection and healing in their shared quest. Together, they aim to fulfill a broken promise. I knew that I also had a rough path ahead of me. But, there was still a chance for me to succeed as well.”
- Nando, written by Gloria Isabel Briseño, directed by Carmelita Maldonado features Jose Nateras (as Fernando “Nando”). It features Itzel Ocampo (as Isabel). Story: Nando is about the playwright’s late brother.Fernando Ochoa, whom she lost a year ago in August 2024. The play features two siblings, Nando and Isabel. Both siblings make a yearly hike up the hills of Elysian Hills. They go there to hang out and talk about everything and nothing. As the conversation goes, we realize Nando isn’t there. Isabel imagines the conversation. She is trying to cope with her grief.
- La Habra Ass Foos was written by Christopher John Magallanes (ake Don Heusos). Vance Valencia directed it. The play features Gabriel Montoya (as Johnny), Jose Nateras (as Robert), and Edward Navarrete (as Gabe). Story: Gabe has changed himself to fit the Chicano stereotype. Can Johnny and Robert convince him to be true to himself? What does it mean to be Chicano?
- Safe At Home, written by Kimberly Huff and directed by Vance Valencia, features Veli Gonzalez (as Kathryn). It also stars Martin Morales (as Antonio) and Karla Ojeda (as Mary, Kathryn’s Grandmother). Story: A middle-aged, third generation American Mexican Dodger fan, communes with her late Grandfather about Fernando Valenzuela’s influence on immigrants. She grapples with the whiteness of her own skin. The silence of the Dodgers during the recent political events in and around Los Angeles disturbs her. It includes the recent ICE raids.
- Our Playground, written by Dr. Connie Valencia, is directed by Vance Valencia. The play features Adlih Alvaradro (as Cassandra/Cassie/Valenzuela) and Evelyn Menchaca (as Laura). It also features Phoenix Marroquin (as Maria/Mari) and Gabriela Pedraza (as Raquel/Rocky Road). Edward Navarette is cast as Fernando Valenzuela. Story: In a local park in East LA, a friendly workout among four childhood friends takes an unexpected turn. A competitive ex-ballplayer signs them up for a baseball game. This forces a nervous Cassandra to confront her anxieties and strive for victory. The spirit of Fernando Valenzuela guides her.
- Chris Banda writes blue Day. Karla Ojeda directs it. It features Itzel Ocampo (as Pilar), Jose Nateras (as Miguel), Yasha Alaniz (as Viviana), and Martin Morales (as Poncho). Story: Four siblings sift through what they think are their late father’s neglected possessions. They unexpectedly uncover a long-buried memory. This discovery sparks a journey of healing and connection among them.
FERNANDOMANIA will have its last performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. The performances will run through September 21, 2025. They will take place at the Gloria Molina Auditorium. The venue is located at CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 East First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033. To view performance footage of FERNANDOMANIA, please visit https://youtu.be/vvqvWA2W_JQ
Concurrently during the run of the show, FERNANDOMANIA, a FREE Art Exhibit entitled, AMERICA MEXICANA, is curated by Jimmy Centeno. It includes artists Aydee Martinez, Barbara Rivera, and Laura Vazquez Rodriguez. The exhibit is inspired by Mexico’s President Claudia Sheibaum’s protest. The protest concerns the Gulf of México being renamed the Gulf of America. The exhibit can be viewed prior to performances of FERNANDOMANIA. It is also available during Art Gallery Hours. These hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Other productions are part of CASA 0101 Theater’s 25th Anniversary Season. These are subject to change. They will include the World Premiere of Electrico. This is a new play by Josefina López and will be directed by Corky Dominguez. It is scheduled to be presented from October 10 to November 2, 2025. Another production is the musical, The Prince of Egypt. It will be directed by Rigo Tejeda. Music and Lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz, the Orchestral Score by Hans Zimmer, and the Book by Philip LaZebnick. It is scheduled to be presented from November 21 to December 21, 2025.
In celebration of CASA 0101 Theater’s 25th Anniversary year, principal photography is now underway for a new documentary film. It is entitled “CASA 0101: 25 Years of Theater, Transformation and Community.” The documentary is created and filmed by the three-time Emmy Award-Nominated production company, Friends We Love. The company is led by Michael and Moni Vargas.
To learn more about the documentary film and watch a two-minute trailer, please visit the website, https://casa0101film.com/ and follow the film’s Instagram account: https://instagram.com/casa0101film
For those interested in making a donation towards the film, please visit https://casa0101.org/support-us and include the word “Documentary” in the tribute note line.
