MANUEL VS THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, an undocumented musical-comedy

Music & Lyrics by David Davila

Book & Lyrics by Noemi de la Puente

[MUSICAL] Manuel is as American as Taco Salad and student debt, but if he wants to go to college himself he'll have to risk coming out as an undocumented immigrant. That could be extra tricky now that new immigration reform laws require all so-called-illegal immigrants to fight the Statue of Liberty (a genderqueer rock n’ roll version of the American icon) in a real life high stakes boxing match for their green...

[MUSICAL] Manuel is as American as Taco Salad and student debt, but if he wants to go to college himself he'll have to risk coming out as an undocumented immigrant. That could be extra tricky now that new immigration reform laws require all so-called-illegal immigrants to fight the Statue of Liberty (a genderqueer rock n’ roll version of the American icon) in a real life high stakes boxing match for their green-cards. Is Manuel brave enough or even crazy enough to take on the two-hundred and twenty-five ton mammoth of copper and steel? This raucous, award-winning, musical comedy leaps from Latin rhythms to rap and hip-hop to glam rock to soaring Broadway ballads as our hero navigates a treacherous world where any stranger could become an enemy, and even baby Jesus can be deported.

"The Statue of Liberty should always be played by a transgendered woman in a sea-foam-green cape and boxing trunks!" - The New York Times

"Brave and ambitious in both form and content! As entertaining as it is enlightening! Davila and de la Puente use an idiosyncratic mix of pop, rock, Latin, and hip-hop to tell their story in a manner reminiscent of Lin-Manuel Miranda." - Theatremania

"Manuel Vs the Statue of Liberty is an essential piece of musical theater that captures lightning in a bottle!"
- Stagebuddy.com

“Manuel versus the Statue of Liberty” remains a scorching critique of immigration policies in the United States and resounding celebration of the human spirit!" - Theatre Reviews Limited

"An emotional sucker punch to the gut!" - NYMF Unauthorized

Music & Lyrics by David Davila
Book & Lyrics by Noemi de la Puente

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MANUEL VS THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, an undocumented musical-comedy

Recommended by

  • Kit Goldstein Grant: MANUEL VS THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, an undocumented musical-comedy

    This is a tremendously fun musical with so much to say, but that finds inventive and *theatrical* ways to say it. It deals with immigration and the American dream with urgency and grit, but all while keeping your toes tapping to the catchy songs with their clever lyrics. Can't wait to see it again!

    This is a tremendously fun musical with so much to say, but that finds inventive and *theatrical* ways to say it. It deals with immigration and the American dream with urgency and grit, but all while keeping your toes tapping to the catchy songs with their clever lyrics. Can't wait to see it again!

  • Nilsa Reyna: MANUEL VS THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, an undocumented musical-comedy

    Davila and de la Puente make a great team and create work that's accessible, entertaining, and heartfelt. This musical has a nice blend of earnest and uplifting songs. "Change the Law," "Contender," and The Statue's Torch Song" are some of my favorites. This musical deserves a full production after the pandemic is over!

    Davila and de la Puente make a great team and create work that's accessible, entertaining, and heartfelt. This musical has a nice blend of earnest and uplifting songs. "Change the Law," "Contender," and The Statue's Torch Song" are some of my favorites. This musical deserves a full production after the pandemic is over!

  • Cheryl Bear: MANUEL VS THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, an undocumented musical-comedy

    A moving musical of bravery for the American dream so one can change the world! Fantastic!

    A moving musical of bravery for the American dream so one can change the world! Fantastic!

Development History

  • Type Residency, Organization Gallery Players, Brooklyn, Year 2018
  • Type Workshop, Organization Princeton University, Year 2017
  • Type Reading, Organization Dramatic Question Theatre, Year 2016
  • Type Reading, Organization Princeton University, Year 2016
  • Type Workshop, Organization New York Musical Festival, Year 2015
  • Type Reading, Organization New York Musical Festival, Year 2014

Production History

  • Type Workshop, Organization New York Musical Festival , Year 2015

Awards

  • Yip Harburg Award for Lyrics
    The Yip Harburg Foundation
    Winner
    2015
  • Best Actress, Shakina Nayfack
    New York Musical Festival
    Winner
    2015
  • Best New Song to "Contender"
    New York Musical Festival
    Winner
    2015
  • Social Relevance & Impact Award
    New York Musical Festival
    Winner
    2015
  • Best Musical
    New York Musical Festival
    Finalist
    2015
  • Outstanding Reading Award
    New York Musical Festival
    Winner
    2014
  • Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center
    Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center
    Finalist
    2017