More Theater Monday: Somewhere Over the Border

We were given complimentary tickets to Somewhere Over the Border for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: Somewhere Over the Border 

Where: People's Light 

             39 Conestoga Rd. 

             Malvern, PA

Who: Recommended for Ages 10 and Up

When: Through August 11, 2024

Somewhere Over the Border is a timely and unique spin on The Wizard of Oz. It is the story of a young girl named, Reina, who leaves her child behind to illegally immigrate to America hoping to ultimately make a better life for herself and her son. She is joined on her journey by a Banana farmer, an innkeeper, and a nun who serve as the scarecrow,  the tinman, and the lion respectively. The characters have enough similarities to the originals to make them recognizable but are different enough to make them original and interesting. Plenty of other fun nods to the original source material are also sprinkled through the whole show including numerous snippets of dialogue.

The central role of Reina is played by Isabella Campo, who imbues her character with courage, determination, and fire. She is joined by an able supporting cast who take on the previously mentioned additional characters and more. Gloria Vivica Benavides does a particularly good in the dual roles of  Antonia, the zesty neighbor who sets Reina off on her journey and Leona, the would-be rockstar nun. The cast is completed by Arusi Santi, who is not only the story's narrator but effortlessly and engagingly slips into and out of many other roles throughout the show. 

At its heart, the music of the show is Mariachi-based. However, there is also a nice blend of pop, rock, hip-hop, and more thrown into the mix as well. The music is catchy and earworm-worthy, especially the songs In the USA and Ride Up the Road with the latter being the show's version of Follow the Yellow Brick Road. In the USA is reminiscent of West Side Story's America

The show's tone is mostly lighthearted, but it is no fairytale. It doesn't completely shy away from the real dangers of the journey and even more so from the harsh reality of what awaits. Although it doesn't delve into these things too deeply particularly the former, it is enough to make the show unsuitable for young children.  For the most part, however.  the show is a fun and thoughtful update of a classic tale that is just right for where we are now.

And that's our view. For more about Somewhere Over the Border or to purchase tickets, visit peopleslight.org/whats-on/20232024-season/somewhere-over-the-border

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All Somewhere Over the Border production photos by Mark Garvin

Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image,  contact us here, and we will look into the matter.