INTO THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH by Karen Zacarias

Based on the hilarious and heart-wrenching book by Luis Alberto Urrea- Inspired by the Movie The Maginificent Seven, Nayeli leaves with her best friends goth Vampi, and gay-bar ownder Tacho, to sneak into the US to bring seven Magnificent Mexican Men to defend their town from drug dealers. The epic journey from Sinaloa, Mexico- to- San Diego and finally to Kankakee Illinois- is laugh out loud funny and gut wrenching at the same time.
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INTO THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    8 Aug. 2020
    “ A dangerous trip to save the town where adventures go into unexpected territory, but what sustains them is a visceral courage, passion and conviction. The heroes are not who we expect, they're so much better! Marvelous! ”
  • Ellen Koivisto:
    4 Dec. 2018
    “ What a beautiful play, with vistas and snow and deserts and trash mountains and a quest to save a town by finding 7 Mexican men to sneak back into Mexico to fight off the narcos. During this huge road trip, people who are supposed to be heroes turn out not to be, people who should be compadres aren't, and people who seemed ordinary (or maybe a little crazy) become heroes before our eyes. You won't forget this piece -- it is magnificent! ”
  • National New Play Network:
    17 Nov. 2016
    “ Into the Beautiful North by Karen Zacarias is currently receiving a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. The partnering NNPN Member Theaters are Milagro (Portland, OR), Central Works Theater Company (Berkeley, CA), San Diego Repertory Theatre (CA), and 16th Street Theater (Berwyn, IL). ”
View all 5 recommendations

NAYELI – Latina ( age 19) The optimistic Karate-chopping heroine.

TACHO - Latino. (age 30-40) Openly gay. Nayeli’s friend and boss and big brother-mother figure.

VAMPI – Latina (19). Her dynamically pessimistic devil’s advocate Goth best friend. An orphan.

(AND 4 super versatile ensemble dynamos)

IRMA - Latina (45-60)-Nayeli’s aunt. A feminist bowling champion and town mayor. Also plays OPERATOR, ARACELI, WAITRESS, THUG (AKA BIKER CHICK)

ATOMIKO - Latino (25-30)- Also plays JOHNNY DEPP, MAID / MARIA SANCHEZ PROJECTIONIST, IMMIGRANT WOMAN

GARCIA-GARCIA- Latino (45-60). plays NARCO, GARCIA-GARCIA, CAPITAN, CREEPY MAN, PORFIRIO, the dapper CHAVA, RIGOBERTO, FISHERMAN, JIMBO

ANGEL: Latino (25-35) plays DON PEPE, MAID, OTHER CREEPY MAN, SOLDIER, BORDER PATROL, both COYOTES, GUY IN STORE

MATITO - Latino (25-35) – plays COP, CHUY, OTHER CREEPY MAN, ZOMBIE, ICE CREAM MAN, OFFICER ARNIE, MATT, MEXICAN COOK, SULLY, SAL’S BOSS

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    16th Street Theater
    ,
    2017