The new season of The Classic Theatre is in full swing and it is off to a good start with ‘The House on Mango Street.’  It opened last Friday to a nearly full house and it is generating positive feedback.  Based on Sandra Cisneros’ book and adapted by Amy Ludwig it tells the story of Esperanza Cordero.  She is a Latina growing up in a rough neighborhood in Chicago and the play follows a year in her life told in flashbacks.  The young Esperanza (Bella Villarreal) and the adult version of herself (Gypsy Pantoja) narrate the story.

It opens as the Cordero family is excitedly moving into their new home. They are filled with expectations but find reality much harsher than they thought.  The house is small and run down and the door has to be pushed in order for it to open.  As she privately aches for a real house she introduces the different people in the neighborhood that make her life both interesting and heartbreaking.  This includes Lucy and Rachel, sisters from Texas, and Sally, who uses boys as an escape from her abusive father.  For every dark storyline there are joyous ones filled with child-like delight.  For example, when Esperanza and her friends go on a joyride on a bicycle they just bought and when she and her friends are learning how to walk on heels.

‘The House on Mango Street’ is a splendid combination of heart and humor and is proof that quality live theater is alive and well in San Antonio. The talented cast portrays several characters and effortlessly switches between them.  Gypsy Pantoja and Bella Villarreal are strong leads but Bella should be commended for a job well done even though on opening night she relied on her script cleverly disguised in a book.  The dramatic role is demanding but she delivers a strong performance.  It runs until Sunday September 25 at The Classic Theatre with show times on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $10 for students.  They may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450.