With a storyline that focuses on the culture, traditions, beliefs and history of El Paso for the past 100 years, Viva El Paso! continues to be one of the longest-running shows presented to the El Paso community during the summer. It was established in 1978, and this year marks its 35th anniversary.

For former UTEP student, Eurydice Saucedo, Viva El Paso! has become a cultural staple, contributing to the artistic reflection of the city’s history.

“It creatively expresses who we are, all the cultures and narratives that have grazed this region,” Saucedo said.

Viva El Paso! is presented every year at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater in a natural setting surrounded by the Franklin Mountains.

“It’s a great feeling performing in an outdoor theatre, I like the atmosphere of it all,” said Cynthia Garcia, junior dance major and a Viva El Paso! performer.

The performance begins with a grandmother handing a traditional necklace, passed down through generations, to her granddaughter on her wedding day. Her reluctant granddaughter refused to follow this old tradition and explained how she wanted to make new ones. The importance and the value of cherishing their ancestors’ tradition is a theme of the show.

The play goes through different periods of time and events that were crucial to the Southwest region. It covers for example, the introduction of American Indians, the arrival of the Spaniards and the settling of the Old West; all this through a series of cultural dances, well-known songs and a descriptive narrative.

“I have always loved the show, I think that the cast does a great job every year,” said Tessy Torres, senior theater major. “I personally appreciated the costumes, there is always one piece or a different color that distinguishes the love interests from the others, which takes a lot of thought.”
Jaime Barba, costume designer for the UTEP Dinner Theatre, is in his ninth year as artistic director for Viva El Paso! He said he comes back every year to see the final product with all the elements put in place.

“I love seeing the end result, thanks to all the talented people that help and contribute on this project,” Barba said. “As well as looking at all the actors and dancers who started not knowing anything, but leaving with experience and becoming better performers.”
Technical staff and cast members undergo a tight and demanding schedule of long hours of practices and weekend performances; which is why only performers 18 or older were able to audition in April.

“It’s a lot of responsibility, all cast members were required to attend daily practices from six to 10,” Garcia said. “Once it gets closer to opening week practices end later, I would say we approximately practice more than 30 hours per week.”
In her fourth year at Viva El Paso!, Garcia was more than happy to play the role of an Indian woman who falls in love with a Spaniard; a role that she had her eye on since her first season at Viva El Paso!
“I always tell the performers that if this is something they want to do, they should take advantage of their time off to take vocal lessons, folklorico, flamenco and acting classes,” Barba said. “Cynthia is one of those performers that does work on her craft on her time off, I have enjoyed watching her grow as a person and becoming better each year.”
Approximately, more than half of the cast have previously performed. Current cast members such as Monica Carroll, Martha Castillo, Julio Guzman, Ismael Hernandez and Allen Thompson have performed for more than five years; while Rudy Melendez II and Henry Del Toro have participated in Viva El Paso! since 2001, making this their 11th season.

“We do it to make sure this original, locally produced production continues to shine on this beautiful stage for more years to come,” Barba said.

Performances will continue through Aug. 12, every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater. General admission tickets are $19.

Andrea Acosta may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.