Fulton Family Theatre Has a BIG MOUTH

This March, the Fulton Family Theatre Series presents the award-winning play ?Bocon! by one of America's leading Latina playwrights and Pulitzer Prize nominee Lisa Loomer. Filled with humor, enchantment, and song, ?Bocon! weaves together myth, music and great story-telling encountered on one courageous refugee boy's journey to the United States.

One of the most highly honored plays in the canon of dramatic literature for young audiences, !Bocon! is a bilingual piece that tells the story of Miguel (Andy Kindig), a natural-born storyteller and irrepressible "bocon," the Spanish term for "big mouth." On his way north to the City of Angels (Los Angeles), he meets up with an unusual traveling companion, La Llorona (Yolanda London), the legendary "Weeping Woman" of Central American and Mexican mythology.

Through this unlikely friendship, Miguel finds his voice and the courage to cross the border to a new life. Miguel's story is timely as the country debates the issue of immigration. But more importantly, its message speaks to children of all backgrounds as they tackle the most difficult challenge everyone has to face: finding our own voice.

?Bocon! is directed by the Fulton's own Barry Kornhauser, one of the leading voices in theatre for young audiences in America.

"We chose !Bocon! not only because it is powerful, deeply moving, and funny," says Kornhauser, "but because it addresses issues important to all children, especially those of Latino heritage, while celebrating the human spirit."

The acting company features Andy Kindig (Grease, Macbeth: blood in – blood out) as Miguel; Yolanda London (Macbeth: blood in-blood out, Power Play, Fulton's Youtheatre) as La Llorona and Aunt Cecilia; Charlie DelMarcelle (Macbeth: blood in-blood out, Noodle Doodle Box) as Luis, Voice Keeper, Duende, Voice of Judge; StephanieJo Wise (Oliver!, Into the Woods, Amadeus) as Ana, Voice Picker, Viejita, Guard Dog; and Brian Martin (Into the Woods, The Mousetrap, West Side Story) as Kiki el Loco, Viejita, Guard Dog, Calavera, Voice of Border Guard.

The design team for !Bocon! is Robert Klingelhoefer, Set Designer; Beth Dunkelberger and Anthony Lascoskie Jr., Costume Designers; Andy Hartley, Sound Designer; Nathan Gray, Lighting Designer; and Julie Bunnell, Stage Manager. Original music used in !Bocon! is composed by Ron Barnett and Julie Bunnell.

Bocon will be performed by the Fulton's resident Family Theatre Ensemble at the Fulton in the 4th Floor Studio Theatre on Friday, March 28th at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 29th at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 each for general admission seating. -- www.thefulton.org