Student Writers Have a Dramatic Turn of Events

The event: The seventh annual production of “La Posada Magica” at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. The audience for Sunday’s opening of the popular Latino holiday play included fourth- and fifth-grade students from Washington Elementary in Santa Ana and their teachers.

The children, guests of SCR, were finalists in a schoolwide writing contest on family Christmas traditions. Booklets with copies of their poetry and essays were tucked into the programs. After the show, the merriment continued when cast members joined the audience for a post-performance party in the lobby.

Universal theme: Colorful painted benches, luminarias and a purple backdrop emblazoned with stars set the scene for a mystical holiday adventure in SCR’s Second Stage theater. There, a trio of musicians--led by musical director Marcos Loya (composer of the show’s original songs)--warmed up the audience with a medley of holiday carols.

Drawing on the Latin American custom of the posada, a neighborhood pilgrimage that reenacts Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging, the play tells the story of a young girl who is grieving over the death of her baby brother and the Christmas Eve journey that rekindles her spirit.

“Everyone can relate to the simplicity of the story and its theme of loss,” Loya said. “It reaches in and takes your heart.”

Theater review: After the show, members of the audience grazed at a buffet that included homemade tamales and talked about the production. “I don’t think you can gain an appreciation for the theater if you don’t actually see it,” said fourth-grade teacher Kimberly Hoss, watching as some of the students approached cast members to have their programs signed. “It’s great for the students to be exposed to this; it broadens their horizons.”

This is the third year that contest winners from the Santa Ana Unified School District have been invited to attend “La Posada Magica.” The works of 20 students were chosen from more than 300 entries. SCR Trustee Cathey Kazanjy said the opportunity motivates the students. “It’s very special for the children to be honored as student writers,” she said. “Who knows? They could be our future playwrights.”

Quote: Brian Finnegan and his wife, Sadie, have been honorary producers and the show’s underwriters for the past two years. They have been enriched by the experience. “Every time I see the show, it takes on a little more depth,” Brian said. “The show truly has a magic about it; it leaves you with a warm Christmas feeling.”

Show Times: “La Posada Magica” performances are Tuesday through Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 3 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 to $32, with $8 off children’s tickets Sunday through Thursday. The play runs through Dec. 24. (714) 708-5555.