Story
As our country again is embroiled in debates about immigration, along comes ¡Americano! It explains and uplifts at a time when America is being torn apart. Backed by the distinct sound and powerful lyrics of critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Carrie Rodriguez, ¡Americano! shares the true story and journey of Tony Valdovinos, born in Colima, Mexico and brought to American when he was two years old.
Inspired by the events of 9/11 to serve in the military, Tony geared his entire Phoenix, Arizona childhood towards enlisting in the Marines on his 18th birthday. Yet when he did, Tony was devastated to learn his parents had not been honest with him and that he was an undocumented immigrant, unable to realize his dream. But that didn’t stop Tony from serving the only country he has ever known, in other, powerful ways, perhaps even doing more good and effecting even more change than he could have accomplished in the Marine Corps.
The spark for ¡Americano! arose during a chance encounter and conversation between two strangers at a wedding almost five years ago. It is now a story for these times and all times, designed to challenge preconceived notions and remind us that America’s strength has always been its melting pot, and its enterprising immigrants that #PaveTheWay.
During its 4-week run from January to February 2020, Americano! set all the box office records for an original Arizona musical, finishing with 10 consecutive sold out shows and anchoring the Phoenix Theatre Company’s 100th anniversary season. A New York City bases workshop, being co-produced by Amas Musical Theatre is taking place November 8 to November 20, 2021.
Americano! saw the likes of President Barack Obama and Lin-Manuel Miranda stop in during its three-month Off Broadway run from March 31 to June 19, 2022 at New World Stages.
Team
2020 Cast
Sean Ewing – Tony
Alyssa Chairello – CeCi
Johanna Carlisle – Felicitas
Joe Cannon – Martin
Edgar Lopez – Fro
Jon Bachan – Javi
Lucas Coatney – Joaquin
Shanni Barrett – Jessica
Chris Erikson – Scott Richter
Marisa Butler – Marsha / Olivia / Delores
Maria Amorocho – GiGi / Harriet / Teacher
Joseph Cavasos – Manny / Police Officer
Ricco Machado – Celso
Nick Flores – Dante
Matravius Avent – Recruiter / Carlos
Elyssa Blonde – Ensemble
News
NBC NEWS – ‘¡Americano!’ puts a focus on ‘Dreamers’ and their quest for the American dream.
Tony Valdovinos was in sixth grade in Arizona when the twin towers were attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. From 9/11 on, his dream was to
ASSOCIATED PRESS – ¡Americano! A real Dreamer story debuts off-Broadway
Tony Valdovinos was only a 6th grader when he made the decision to join the U.S. Marines after watching the horrors of 9/11. But the
PIX11 NEWS – Performances Begin for “¡Americano!”
After an acclaimed run in Phoenix, the new musical ¡Americano! is beginning previews at Off-Broadway’s New World Stages. Ahead of the first performance, PIX11 Morning
THE NEW YORK TIMES, A Dreamer’s life, onstage
Tony Valdovinos said it wasn’t easy watching a rehearsal of the musical “¡Americano!” It was too personal…
WNBC TV, NEWS 4 NEW YORK: “News 4 Latino: ‘Americano!’ The Story of a Dreamer”
The new off-Broadway musical ‘Americano!’ chronicles the true story of a young dreamer who was brought to America at the age of 2. News Four’s
12 News ‘Sunday Square Off’ – He inspired Arizona musical that’s making NY debut
Tony Valdovinos is the Dreamer who inspired the Arizona-made musical “Americano” …read more >
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