A Todos Santos-Style Twist

 laurie pearce bauer 

Luna Azul Theatre Opening Gives the “Wizard of Oz” 

a Todos Santos-Style Twist

Lions and burros and cows, oh my!

By  Mike Brozda

In Isabel Smyth’s 2011 adaptation of the classic “Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy is 60 years old and a bit crustier around the edges than she used to be. Evil bankers have foreclosed on her home, so she loads her last few belongings into a travel trailer and heads for the Mexican border. Along the way she passes through a haunted cactus forest. She meets some strange dudes, such as the surfer scarecrow.  This is the Wizard story we all know and love, but it’s got a definite Todos Santos twist.

Friday,  February 4 is an important day in the history of live theatre in Baja Californa, and Todos Santos, in particular.  That’s when the new Luna Azul Theatre opens with its first production: “The Wizard of Oz with a Todos Twist.”  Yes, you heard correctly.  Theatre.  As in beautifully designed real bricks-and-mortar, under-the-stars building with a stage that’s 50 feet wide, and 28 feet deep. Perfectly formed classical side arches soar more than 15 feet high, framing the stage and orchestra. There’s a green room where actors prepare, scenery storage, a makeup room, and a projection wall.  And “The Wizard of Oz with a Todos Santos Twist” is a big production: 20 actors, and an equal number of costumers, lighting experts, audio engineers and stage crew.

DEDICATING THEIR LIVES TO LIVE THEATRE

Luna Azul is the theatrical life masterpiece of Isabel Smyth and Raul Cavazos of Todos Santos. Smyth, 55, was born in Toronto and majored in theatre arts; she later moved to British Columbia. There she honed her skills by doing many theatrical productions with Native American tribes.

Sixty year old Raul Cavazos originally came from Houston, Texas. After a stint building homes for the rich and famous in the Los Angeles area, this craftsman and fine-arts potter arrived in Todos Santos in 1993. The couple met in 1999 in a classic Todos Santos setting: a drumming circle on the beach.

More than 10 years in the design and building, (with more expansion to come), the 100-seat Luna Azul is a magnum opus outdoor stage. Theatre-goers cluster around nightclub-style tables, which contribute to the upscale atmosphere.

“The Wizard of Oz with a Todos Twist” is the eighth play the couple has produced since their debut of the “Vagina Monologues” in 2002.

TAPPING TODOS SANTOS TALENT

This production began in June of 2010 when Isabel began brainstorming script ideas with Sharon Morris (who plays the Cowardly Lion), Roxanne Rosenblatt (Dorothy), and Anita Harris (Good Witch). Vic Kirby finds his heart as the Tin Man. Roxanne Sparks put the crew in stitches with her beautifully crafted costumes.

Building theatres is nothing new for Smyth, a high-energy, blue-eyed blonde. She built two stages in British Columbia, one in Cabo San Lucas and one in Los Barriles. But the Todos Santos stage is by far the largest and most ambitious undertaking the couple has attempted. “I learned how to build stages from Isabel,” Raul says. 

“I learned about theatre design, lighting, acoustics, the works.”

“We make about 100 new bricks every morning,” Raul says with a smile.

Palm fronds from Washingtonias on the property are woven into palapa roofs.

When they’re not involved with live theatre, Isabel and Raul perform with their band, Curvas Peligrosas. Isabel plays keyboard, guitar and sings. Raul keeps the beat on congas and percussion.

TICKETS AND PERFORMANCE DATES

“The Wizard of Oz with a Todos Twist” runs for five performances on February 4, 5, 11, 12 and 18.

Tickets are US $15 in advance, $20 at the door. They’re available at Tecolote Bookstore and the new Todos Santos Bodega wine shop in downtown Todos Santos.

DRESS WARM, BRING A BLANKET

Mid-February evenings tend to be chilly. The folding seats have insulation, but plan to dress warm and bring a blanket. Doors open at 6:30 PM on performance evenings. Shows start at 7:30 and are over by 9:30 PM. 

Mike Brozda is a former theatre critic for the Los Angeles Reader Magazine. 

For more coverage of Baja, visit his blog at www.ExperienceBaja.com