Mo’olelo Performing Arts Company

«Milvotchkee, Visconsin» — I had to type it. My moment of triumph last night was when I was told I pronounced it correctly. I’m a native of the American Southwest so the northern mid-​west accent does not come naturally to me, don’t you know.
I enjoy Mo’olelo because the company fosters productions on subjects requiring thought and introspection. «Milvotchkee, Visconsin» brings the audience into the mind of a woman, Molly, who is sinking deeper and deeper into Alzheimer-​related dementia. The play takes place in Wisconsin’s Concrete Park, a landscape of concrete sculptures created by Fred Smith — a fanciful setting that lends itself brilliantly to the twists and turns of Molly’s thoughts. Molly shows us what she experiences. For example, the discussion between the doctor and her family in which she stops being able to understand what they are saying. All she hears is «words, words, words, words, words,» which she cannot comprehend. The forgetting is frightening and at first she tries hard to grab memory by writing things down in a book so she won’t forget. Eventually, «the hole in her head» simply envelops her.
This is a very deep play. It has light moments that make you laugh, but I left the theater in tears. The play is a moving tribute to those who confront a disease that is a slogging, confusing, progressive disintegration of a life.

Just saw a preview of Milvotchkee Visconsin yesterday 6÷1÷14, and as always, Mo‘olelo has done it again… delighting us with this timely, superbly well written piece, performed by a stellar cast, under the helm of a brilliant director, with a minimal but perfect set and beautiful sound design that transports you into Molly’s mind throughout the 95 minutes we have the privilege of knowing her and her experience with various levels of dementia.
Everyone that is nearing an age where dementia may be a possibility for themselves or a relative or friend, or maybe they already are dealing with it with someone they know who suffers from it, should see this exquisite piece.
It is a comedy about a tragedy as it is described, but it is more about a reality that we all should embrace — this piece helps you do that.
Kudos M’olelo, Linda Libby (performer extraordinaire!) and everyone involved in the production of Milvotchkee Visconsin.

Today, I saw «The Amish Project.» It’s a one woman play inspired by the 2006 Amish schoolhouse shooting. It’s a great emotional play, and the actress, Iliana Carter is amazing and portrays seven different characters. It’s emotional & powerful. Must see! Showing until October 20^th.

The Amish Project, what a spectacular job Iliana did in this «one man» performance.
The characters came alive, moment to moment.
Bravo!
Our second performance attended at this venue. Won’t hesitate to see another.

I recently experienced Extraordinary Chambers, my second play with Mo’olelo, and it was amazing. The cast, story line, and props were very good. I can’t wait to see another play with them in the future. Thanks Mo“olelo!

We just saw Extraordinary Chambers (6÷30÷2013) and it was phenomenal. One of the best Mo’olelo plays ever. The actors, the direction, the set superb. But the story and the play writing made it all soooo powerful. Just excellent!

We happily drive downtown from North County on a Friday night, with the traffic an issue, to see plays at 10^th Ave. Theater put on by Mo’olelo. Every play we have seen is extrely engaging, well written, gutsy, and thought provoking. «Extraordinary Chambers» had me on the edge of my seat. The playwrite is brilliant, the directing and acting seamless and professional. I now know about Cambodia’s tragic recent history as I never have before viewing this play. The characters and story swept me in. The symbolism, andhard hitting themes will give me food for thought for a long time. This is what I crave in theater. We are lucky in San Diego to have such an excellent theater company!

I only went there for one show: «HOW I GOT THAT STORY», and it was really AWESOME! The only problem for me was the difficulty in parking my car.

Since I teach drama, I have reconnected with Mo’olelo. Our first play that my students and I went to see was Kita Y Fernanda. We sat with a group of High Tech High students from North County and I felt so sorry for them. The play was about half in Spanish and while my group of students laughed during those parts, on the other side of the theater… crickets…LOL! I understood some, not all, because they spoke pretty fast. Luckily one of my students would nudge me to join in, which I guess is cheating. This performance was at the 10^th Ave Theater, which I like very much as far as seating and AC.
The play was wonderful and something most of my students could relate too. Which is why I really love this theater group. The plays are culturally relevant and what I look out for, for my students. Recently, we watched an adaptation of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye.
I had to read this novel four times while at SDSU. Each time, I found something new in the novel and when I heard that Mo’olelo and Moxie Theater were collaborating on it, I definitely needed to see it. I first saw a read through and then we attended a matinée, again with HTH… LOL! The set was amazing! All the actors were great! And to see the characters come to life was truly a literati treat! I enjoyed it so much, I went to see it again with friends.
Every performance was sold out. i do recommend buying tickets online and then arriving about 5 – 10 minutes before show time. It’s open seating, but they ask people to move in, so we were able to sit at the ends of the aisles. My only complaint was the couple that was sitting next to me. Did they not understand black humor? Or were they afraid to laugh because the story addressed race and social class. I just couldn’t understand why they didn’t laugh at the very funny scenes.
Other than that odd white couple (LOL), it was great to watch. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for their season next year!

I am so excited I discovered this TREASURE of a theater in San Diego!
I saw Kita Y Fernanda this afternoon and was BLOWN AWAY by the acting and production of this very challenging, very funny and thought-​provoking play.
BRAVO!!! to ONE AND ALL! !!!
SEE IT!!!

Kita y Fernanda is a must see for every San Diegan. Last night was the first time I’ve attended a Mo’oelo production but it won’t be my last. Wow! Powerful piece that packs an emotional wallop. The actors do an amazing job of shifting back and forth between their characters as children and young adults, and one actor plays three completely different characters so well, that I wasn’t aware that it was the same person until after the performance. Go see this!

The acting is astounding. The story is enlightening. The entertainment is absorbing.
KITA Y FERNANDA provides insight into the lives of young Mexicans who live in the US, but were not born here.
It’s a MUST see!

This play is unique in casting the plight of a young, poor unwed mom in 30s rural Memphis is a positive light! Her character, and that of her older, wiser neighbor, show us how two women are able to rise above their bleak circumstances and abusive relationships to follow an inspiring path of personal triumph. Their talents, intellect and inspiring fortitude allow them to rise above their squalid surroundings and persevere.
As a former professional performer, I can appreciate the excellent performances of the entire cast. With an off-​beat and engaging script, the audience is transported to the time and place, which makes for a memorable evening (or afternoon) in the theatre!
I have already recommended this play to many friends and look forward to seeing more the next time I’m in San Diego (or will you tour to HI?).

Wow. Affordable, amazing, awesome entertainment is now in San Diego!!!
Just saw Hoodoo Love at Mo‘olelo Performing Arts Company located in Downtown San Diego. The venue was cool. I felt like I was in New York or something enjoying an off Broadway show. I can’t explain it. The show was thought provoking and wow, just amazing. I highly recommend checking this play out. There was true passion and talent here, you can just feel it. Its official, San Diego now has talent. I am excited at knowing I can enjoy my own awesome city instead of traveling away. Wishing Mo‘olelo Performing Arts Company all the best!!! Keep them coming!!!

An experience!
So much more than a play.
I feel blessed to live in a city that loves live theater!!!
I asked if I could take some photos for my Unilocal review, and the creative director was so kind as to email me some, right on the spot. Now that is excellent patron care!
The current performance is superbly acted, with the role of «historical events» really stealing the show. The actor glides into his different roles seamlessly, with physical affectations to boot.
I will come back for certain.
(Of course, I cant find the spot to upload the pictures, but trust me, for minimalist prop and set design it is superlative)

HOW I GOT THAT STORY is an AMAZING show!
I came in not knowing what to expect and what I witnessed was just pure talent. The actors in the show do an awesome job and pull off something that not a lot of ppl would be able to. The bf and I couldn’t stop talking about it! Great for a date night or even solo.
OPENING NIGHT is tonight 3÷2÷2012, so definitely go watch it!

**Note, this review is of the venue**
Because I have only attended one show here, I am basing my review on the venue itself.
I attended the STICK FLY dress rehearsal, and I highly recommend it. The venue is what you expect from a downtown building, but I was pleasantly surprised to see it was very well taken care of. Parking, as you come to expect from downtown is not easy. The staff definitely make this place standout, they make you feel extremely welcomed and are commited to the talent that they showcase. Would definitely recommend a visit!

I saw «Yellow Face» at the Taper years before, and this production at Mo’olelo blew it out of the water! I can honestly say that this has been one of the best theatre experiences of my life.
The transformation between sets and characters (with the sharply executed talents of the artistic and technical direction) were seamless, and the performances were outstanding. I left the theatre moved, overwhelmed and inspired. This truly is a MUST SEE production.
As an actor, having been in a dozen productions myself, this is what I believe theater aspires to be. It truly was an amazing experience, and all the elements came together to create magic. Memorable magic.
(The physical theater space was both comfortable and intimate — a rare combo — and the staff was «good people.» Thank you Mo’olelo!!)

I just went to the preview night of the play «Yellow Face» by David Henry Hwang. It was my first Mo‘olelo performance and I regret that it took me this long to check them out!
The play itself was wonderfully executed — great acting, hilarious timing, and creative use of props and set. Check it out… I believe it runs until the end of this month.
Regarding Mo‘olelo, I really admire people that have found their great passion and find a way to make it their life/​career. The staff was all very nice and welcoming; I love how they incorporate their inherent values into so many little aspects of running their company — down to their green discount on tickets for attendees that use eco friendly means of traveling to the show, commitment to producing socially conscious performances, etc. The theater is charming and the street parking on the east village side of downtown was plentiful on a Thursday night.
I can’t wait until the next show!

Looks, it’s a grass-​roots venue and yeah, everyone is real nice and all, and there is genuine talent, but it’s so raw. Don’t go here expecting too much.
I saw Self (the remix) here last night and although the energy was high, the staff friendly and the crowd young but mild, I just didn’t walk away feeling like I had truly experienced anything memorable.
It’s my fault that I was expecting a troup, but it was only a DJ and a single actor. It honestly felt like amateur hour at Mo’olelo (actually, 80 minutes) and my expectations were just too high. I guess this is an event you go to when you want to support local talent (so they say). I wanted to be entertained and was mildly let down.
I give ‘em credit — just not my cup of tea.