La Pastorela de Sacramento is a modern bilingual musical of Mexico’s traditional Christmas pageant. Satirical, poignant, moralistic, sly and romantic, with contemporary and timeless subject matter. La Pastorela draws directly from current affairs in the best tradition of magical realism. The Latino Center of Art and Culture offers Sacramento a musical perfect for the spirit of the season.

The play opens with an omnipotent voice. The voice sets the stage advising the audience of the transformation they are about to witness -- contemporary recognizable figures into four shepherds. Armando, a young developer about to score a major contract in Oak Park; Carmela, a Sacramento-born former Hollywood starlet who lost everything when she refused to sleep with her producer; Juan, an Afghanistan war vet with PTSD, and Gila, a college student and climate change activist face their moral dilemmas. They have to work together to help a homeless family (Mary and Joseph characters) and save the world from “fire, famine and pestilence." The finale, with its dramatic battle of good vs. evil has audiences erupting into boos, cheers and song.

Newly updated by original writers Marie Acosta (LCAC Executive Director/San Francisco Mime Troupe alum), and Tomas Benitez (Plaza del La Raza/Teatro Café), the lively play brings together professional actors and community players.

Original songs amplify the visual power of the show, which uses low-tech magic to great effect. Director/Music Director Carlos Mario Kandia, is a young dynamic singer, actor and dancer from Bogotá, Columbia, now living in Sacramento.