Have to Believe We Are Magic by Sara Guerrero

Have to Believe We Are Magic, part biographical, part magic, a love letter to a Pocha-Chicana-Latina, coming- of-age time of roller-skating, life after high school, making big life decisions, family, friendships, love, sex, abortion, marriage, guns -all under the shadow of "The Magic Kingdom," (or “The Tragic Kingdom”) in central Orange County, California in the summer of 1994.
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Have to Believe We Are Magic

Recommended by

  • Elana Gartner:
    22 Nov. 2021
    “ This play is a painful, truthful and fun examination of complicated family dynamics around secrets. What is it to survive under the challenges that a pregnant young woman faces while simultaneously trying to keep her youth? How can she not end up like her sister? How can she not disappoint her mother? Most of all, how can she not disappoint herself? Guerrero is masterful at creating a fun protagonist who the audience will desperately want to win the day. ”
  • Diana Burbano:
    29 Oct. 2021
    “ This play is magic, fun, pain, and Disneyland. It's so glorious when Gloria rolls on to steal our hearts and a bunch of Jack in the box balls. Tackling serious topics with humor and music and centering latinx women. LOVE THIS PLAY! ”
  • Augusto Amador:
    22 Jan. 2021
    “ In Ms. Guererro's play, Have To Believe We Are Magic, she brings a fresh perspective and authentic voice in telling a latina's coming of age story set in the early 90's, while learning about love, roller skating and loss of innocence in, "The (Not So Much) Happiest Place On Earth", or otherwise known as, Anaheim, CA. It's a wonderful play from an accomplished and terrific director. ”

CHARACTERS
GLORIA, 19, stuck in line towards adulthood, a beautiful disaster, Chigonx / Latinx

CARMEN, mature, mid-40’s+, Gloria’s mother, last of the baby boomers, smart, educated, tough, loving, Mexican-American, Latinx

GABBY, 20 something, Gloria’s older sister, upfront, not precious, smart, loving, loyal, Mexican-American, Latinx

KIRK, 20 something, Gloria’s “boyfriend”, Chicle, Mixed/ Latinx/ BIPOC.

ESTHER, 20, Gloria's long time bff, smart, dangerous, loving, Latinx /Non-white role

MIMI, 19ish, semi-nemesis to Gloria, smart, over achiever, Latinx/ BIPOC / Non-white role

DOUBLED ROLES/ (SOME V.O.): T.J., a security guard; KAY, (M/F) young sales associate; DAISY, (M/F) aged pawnshop owner; Women's clinic STAFF, (F); CLINIC RECORDED VOICE (F); T.J., a security guard; Women's clinic STAFF, (F); KIRK'S MOM; ESTHER’S MOM; PHONE OPERATOR. DEPT. SECURITY GUARD; DEPT. STORE MANAGER.

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Panndora Productions 16th Anniversary New Plays Festival
    ,
    2022
  • Reading
    ,
    Women's Theatre Festival OCCUPY '22
    ,
    2022
  • Reading
    ,
    Teatro Viva's Austin Latinx New Play Festival
    ,
    2021
  • Workshop
    ,
    Tu y Yo Theatre / California State University, San Marcus Project
    ,
    2021
  • Workshop
    ,
    Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble
    ,
    2020

Awards

Finalist
,
Have To Believe We are Magic
,
OC Centric
,
2022
Selection
,
Have to Believe We are Magic
,
Women's Theater Festival Occupy '22
,
2022
Selection
,
Have to Believe We are Magic
,
Teatro Vivo's Latinx New Plays Festival
,
2021