Tomás and the Library Lady kicks off theater season

University Productions kicks off its theater season with its performance of “Tomás and the Library Lady” on Friday and continues with additional performances Sunday. 

Based on a book of the same name by author Pat Mora and adapted by José Cruz González, “Tomás and the Library Lady” follows the inspirational story of a young Chicano boy who finds help in unexpected places from his local librarian, who opens up a new world for him. 

Asked about the most exciting part about the upcoming show, Richard Edmonson,  Theatre lecturer and director of “Tomás and the Library Lady,” said, “I’m excited to open up the theater again, and it’s a really heartwarming story. It’s a story that people need to hear right now and speaks to everybody.”

Alessandra Almanza, a theatre education senior and the actress who plays the Library Lady, said the play is important for people to hear, especially at this time in the world. 

“I think it’s important for people to see this togetherness that this show really exudes and show that we can make connections anywhere and with anyone, especially after this past year and a half, where everyone feels so distant and disconnected with each other,” Almanza said.  

On Saturday, there will be a sensory-friendly performance at 2 p.m. and one at 7:30 p.m. with an ASL interpreter.

“The Saturday matinee is a sensory-friendly performance,” Edmonson said. “The lights will be lowered, the sound will be lowered, and people can come and go as they need to throughout the performance. 

“Then, on Saturday night, we will have an ASL interpreter, so that’s another element we’re going to add for the Saturday performances.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic, precautions have been taken throughout the theater for these upcoming shows. 

“We’ve taken all the precautions that we’ve needed to,” Edmonson said. “The actors have rehearsed with masks the whole time and they stay in masks until the very last minute they’re going to perform. We’ve been sanitizing our hands and all of the props we use every night, as well.” 

Almanza said that there is a bigger message to take away from the show.

“[Through the show], we can learn to not judge a book by its cover,” she said. “We can learn that there’s intelligence in every area and aspect of wherever you look.

“We can also learn that if you keep challenging a student and keep pushing them to learn more, they will absorb everything like a sponge. The story proves that no matter your roots, you can grow up to be something amazing.” 

To view the full schedule for “Tomás and the Library Lady,” visit the Theatre Department website.