Embarking on a Musical Journey and Honoring Hugo Medrano

Last week, I experienced something truly magical. I traveled to Colombia with the purpose of researching and writing book and lyrics for a musical. While I've written before, this project feels different, more profound, more complex once for the first time something I am writing actually needs the books and the lyrics.. Collaborating with my friend Daniel Gutierrez has been an incredible experience, one that has opened new creative avenues for me.

In the past, shows I wrote were predominantly physical, relying on dance to convey the story. I would write a script that would either organize events that I would then direct with out having to fall into deep scene work or scripts that I would fully develop in Physical or dance work. However, this time, Daniel and I are delving into the true form of musical theater, weaving together words and music to create something truly special. The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Currently, our focus is on the structure of act two. While I delve into character development and storyline, Daniel is working on music composition. It's amazing how our individual efforts seamlessly come together, resulting in something greater than the sum of its parts.

As I immersed myself in this creative process, my thoughts often drifted to Hugo Medrano. Hugo, a prominent figure in the theater world, left an indelible mark with his contributions to Hispanic theater in Washington D.C. His dedication to promoting Latino culture through the arts is something I deeply admire and respect.

Writing a musical is a meticulous process, requiring careful attention to both storytelling and musicality. Each word, each note, must serve the overarching narrative and evoke emotion in the audience. It's a delicate balance, but one that Daniel and I are excited to explore together.

I'm thrilled to announce that we've been commissioned by GALA Hispanic Theatre, a place that feels like home to me. GALA's support and recognition of our work mean the world to us, and I can't wait to share this journey with them and with all of you.

As I continue to pour my heart and soul into this project, I find solace in the act of creation. Today, I found myself moved to tears as I reflected on Hugo's legacy. In his honor, I wrote a song, a small gesture to celebrate his life and contributions to the theater community.

What is the show about, you ask? Well, you'll just have to wait for my next blog post to find out. Until then, thank you for joining me on this incredible journey.