INTO THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH

by Karen Zacarías adapted from the novel by Luis Alberto Urrea
Directed by Ann Filmer and Miguel Nunez

April 13 - June 17, 2017

Inspired by the classic film The Magnificent Seven, Nayeli, a young woman living in a small Mexican town, and her companions venture across the border determined to bring back seven good men to protect their village from the invasion of narco-traficantes and the risk of extinction. Playwright Karen Zacarías (author of The Book Club Play) has crafted Luis Alberto Urrea’s bestselling novel into a fast-paced comical tale full of colorful characters that surprise and delight. A funny and heartwarming look at the dreams shared on both sides of the border.

A National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere with Milagro (Portland, OR), Central Works (Berkeley, CA) and San Diego Rep.

Artists

CAST

Ilse Zacharias

Esteban Andres Cruz

Laura Crotte

Allyce Torres

Brandon Rivera

Andres Enriquez

Juan Munoz

DESIGNERS

Barry Bennett
Sound

Joanna Iwanicka
Scenic

Jessica Mondres
Properties

Rachel Sypniewski
Costumes

Cat Wilson
Lights

Wendye Clarendon
Stage Manager

Press and Awards

Highly Recommended “Nuñez and Filmer manage to capture both the vast scope of the story and the singular details that make it unique. Their eight-person ensemble throws its collective heart into the staging, delivering a drama that feels like it features a cast of hundreds. Filmer and Nunez did well in luring former Chicagoan Esteban Andres Cruz back from L.A. for the production. As Tacho, Cruz serves up a mix of vulnerability and don’t-mess-with-me strength… Laura Crotte as (the) unabashedly sensuous and uncompromisingly imperious Irma (delivers) a powerhouse performance that may well leave you wishing Tia Irma were real, and considering a run for office Stateside.” — Catey Sullivan, Chicago Sun-Times

3 and a half Stars in Chicago Tribune! “Part feminist picaresque ‘buddy comedy,’ part pop culture homage and part political commentary, it’s receiving a warmhearted and sometimes exhilarating production at Berwyn’s 16th Street Theater under the co-direction of Ann Filmer and Miguel Nuñez…a love letter to resilience and pride in one’s own culture even when that culture is being town down… 16th Street’s production honors both the ridiculous and sublime elements in this highly entertaining and thought-provoking tale” — Kerry Reid Chicago Tribune

“Highly Recommended… Into the Beautiful North is about the surprises to be found in people. It’s hilarious, and gripping and wonderfully odd but by the end you can feel your heart truly warmed.” — Ben Kemper, Chicago Theatre Review

“…Directed by Ann Filmer and cast member Miguel Nuñez, Into the Beautiful North rides the peaks of absurdity and valleys of real life horror like a roller coaster. Though we may be chuckling at Nayeli’s silhouetted Jack Sparrow-fantasy-lover one minute and cringing at an all-too-real incident of homophobia or xenophobia the next, the play is very much a coherent whole. Partly that’s because of a brilliant design by Joanna Iwanicka (set), Cat Wilson (lighting), Rachel Sypniewski (costumes) and Barry Bennett (sound/music), which capture the look of a Technicolor Western. We’re half-in the land of myth, where good and evil, love, and coming of age journeys are all outsized, so, of course, anything can happen.” — Jacob Davis Buzznews.net

“16th Street Theater brings Into the Beautiful North beautifully to life.
Karen Zacarías’s stage adaptation of the beloved novel by Chicago writer Luis Alberto Urrea is sly and sharp—and faithful in its fashion.” — Tony Adler, Chicago Reader

“Yet again the brilliant National New Play Network brings an imaginative new play to Chicago as part of a rolling world premiere.” — Amy Munice, Picture this Post

Playwright Karen Zacarias named one of top 20 most produced American playwrights! — American Theatre