Destiny of Desire: An Unapologetic and Subversive Telenovela for the Stage.

Destiny of Desire
“Terrifically entertaining theatrical roller-coaster “Destiny of Desire…is a zany, funny delight”
– LA Times – Charles McNulty

On a stormy night in Bellarica, Mexico, two baby girls are born — one into a life of privilege and one into a life of poverty. When the newborns are swapped by a former beauty queen with an insatiable lust for power the stage is set for two outrageous misfortunes to...

Destiny of Desire
“Terrifically entertaining theatrical roller-coaster “Destiny of Desire…is a zany, funny delight”
– LA Times – Charles McNulty

On a stormy night in Bellarica, Mexico, two baby girls are born — one into a life of privilege and one into a life of poverty. When the newborns are swapped by a former beauty queen with an insatiable lust for power the stage is set for two outrageous misfortunes to grow into one remarkable destiny. “A writer of comedic skill” (Variety), Karen Zacarías infuses the Mexican telenovela genre with music, high drama and burning passion to make for a fast-paced modern comedy.

“Terrifically entertaining theatrical roller-coaster “Destiny of Desire…is a zany, funny delight”

– LA Times – Charles McNulty

“Destiny of Desire” may owe a debt to soap operas, miniseries and potboilers of the most shameless variety, but it also shares storytelling DNA with Shakespeare’s romances, in which children are lost, lovers are separated and the lurking threat of death and destruction makes happy endings all the more delectable.” Read More

– LA Times – Charles McNulty

“Simply fabulous and riotously funny…highly entertaining. (Destiny of Desire) would make a good Broadway musical.“

– Chicago Tribune – Chris Jones

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Destiny of Desire: An Unapologetic and Subversive Telenovela for the Stage.

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  • Kait Kerrigan: Destiny of Desire: An Unapologetic and Subversive Telenovela for the Stage.

    Zacarias' ability to navigate tone and satisfy the dramatic constraints of melodrama, farce, and also political satire all at the same time blew me away. I found myself thinking about this play for weeks after I read it.

    Zacarias' ability to navigate tone and satisfy the dramatic constraints of melodrama, farce, and also political satire all at the same time blew me away. I found myself thinking about this play for weeks after I read it.

CHARACTERS:
HORTENCIA DEL RIO- (age 35-45) A beautiful, promising yet poor mother who due to circumstances becomes a maid to the richest woman in town.
ERNESTO DEL RIO- (age 35-45) Her hardworking poor husband who has scars on his face.
VICTORIA MARIA DEL RIO- NURSE 1- (age 18) Their beautiful yet sickly daughter.
ARMANDO CASTILLO- (Age 50-70) Owner of The Castillo Casino. The most powerful and richest man in town.
FABIOLA CASTILLO- (age 38) The beauty Queen wife of Armando Castillo. PILAR ESPERANZA CASTILLO/NURSE 2– (age 18) Their beautiful daughter.
SEBÁSTIAN JOSE CASTILLO/PARAMEDIC 1/ Cop 1 - (age 34) ARMANDO’s estranged son from a former marriage.
DOCTOR JORGE RAMIRO MENDOZA/CASINO DEALER/COP – (Age 45-60) The Head of the Hospital.
DR. DIEGO MENDOZA/PARAMEDIC 2/COP 2- (Age 30) His kind and handsome estranged son, also a doctor.
SISTER SONIA- (Age 45-60) A nurse who is a nun.
and HOPEFULLY a Musician on Stage

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Cincinatti Playhouse in the Park, Year 2020
  • Type Professional, Organization Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Year 2020
  • Type Professional, Organization The Guthrie Theater, Year 2020
  • Type Professional, Year 2018
  • Type Professional, Organization The Goodman Theater, Year 2017
  • Type Professional, Organization South Coast Repertory Theater, Year 2016
  • Type Professional, Organization Arena Stage, Year 2015