If you haven’t checked it out, today is the last opportunity to see The Laredo Theater Guild International’s (LTGI) production of Jason Robert Brown’s Award-winning musical, “The Last Five Years.” You can purchase tickets on their website.
The production is at the Laredo College Shoebox Theater at 3 p.m. It is directed by Chayo Moreno and produced by Susie Laurel. It features the local talent of Lisa Martinez, who plays Catherine Hiatt, and Roland Vela, who plays Jamie Wellerstein.
The Laredo Guild’s website accredits “The Last Five Years” as being named one of TIME Magazine’s 10 Best Shows in 2001. Since the musical was translated into several languages, it has captivated audiences around the world.
“It is an emotionally powerful and deeply intimate musical about two New Yorkers (in their twenties) who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show’s inventive structure unfolds from two perspectives: Cathy tells her story in reverse, beginning at the end of the relationship, while Jamie’s journey moves forward in time. Their paths intersect only once…at their wedding, the midpoint of the show,” Time Magazine writes.
If you haven’t checked it out, today is the last opportunity to see The Laredo Theater Guild International’s (LTGI) production of Jason Robert Brown’s Award-winning musical, “The Last Five Years.” You can purchase tickets on their website.
The production is at the Laredo College Shoebox Theater at 3 p.m. It is directed by Chayo Moreno and produced by Susie Laurel. It features the local talent of Lisa Martinez, who plays Catherine Hiatt, and Roland Vela, who plays Jamie Wellerstein.
The Laredo Guild’s website accredits “The Last Five Years” as being named one of TIME Magazine’s 10 Best Shows in 2001. Since the musical was translated into several languages, it has captivated audiences around the world.
“It is an emotionally powerful and deeply intimate musical about two New Yorkers (in their twenties) who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show’s inventive structure unfolds from two perspectives: Cathy tells her story in reverse, beginning at the end of the relationship, while Jamie’s journey moves forward in time. Their paths intersect only once…at their wedding, the midpoint of the show,” Time Magazine writes.
Lisa Martinez, who plays Cathy Hiatt, has been a proud member of the LTGI community on and off since 2009, finding joy both onstage and behind the scenes. This marks her third production with the company. She spent several years in Austin performing and teaching locally, including work at the University of Texas and the city’s regional theater, ZACH Theater.
Her most recent credits include Mrs. Dashwood/Anne Steel in “Sense and Sensibility”; Patty DiMarco in “School of Rock”; Constance Blackwood in “Ride the Cyclone” at Laredo College; Mrs. Wormwood in “Matilda the Musical”; and Elizabeth Lavenza in “Frankenstein.” She is deeply grateful to her family and friends for their constant love and support as she continues to pursue her creative passions.
Rolando Vela plays Jamie Wellerstein in this production. He was credited as the choreographer in the LTGI’s production of “The Little Mermaid.” He is a proud Laredo native, based in Austin. He graduated with a bachelor of arts in multidisciplinary studies (theater, dance and communication) from Texas A&M International University and is very excited to return to his community and work with LTGI once again. Though he’s worn many hats on stage, this production will mark his first time choreographing a full stage musical. His previous work includes: “After Juliet” (Valentine/ choreographer); “Beauty and the Beast” (ensemble), “High School Musical” (Jack Scott); “Mary Poppins” (Valentine/ensemble), “Speech & Debate” (director); and “Austin Latinx New Play Festival: Diving Board” (director). He thanks LTGI for this opportunity as well as his family and partner for their continued support.
Laredo Theater Guild International is listed with the IRS as a 501(C)3 nonprofit group. It is a community-based theater organization presenting a season of quality theatrical productions at Texas A&M International University and Laredo College, within their fine performance venues at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts and at the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation Center, respectively. Their productions include classical and contemporary dramas, comedies, musicals, and single performer shows, selected from among known Broadway, Off-Broadway and Regional Theater works. The primary goal of this endeavor is to provide relevant theatrical entertainment of the highest caliber, while growing and developing the local performer, production, audience, and patron communities.
Lisa Martinez, who plays Cathy Hiatt, has been a proud member of the LTGI community on and off since 2009, finding joy both onstage and behind the scenes. This marks her third production with the company. She spent several years in Austin performing and teaching locally, including work at the University of Texas and the city’s regional theater, ZACH Theater.
Her most recent credits include Mrs. Dashwood/Anne Steel in “Sense and Sensibility”; Patty DiMarco in “School of Rock”; Constance Blackwood in “Ride the Cyclone” at Laredo College; Mrs. Wormwood in “Matilda the Musical”; and Elizabeth Lavenza in “Frankenstein.” She is deeply grateful to her family and friends for their constant love and support as she continues to pursue her creative passions.
Rolando Vela plays Jamie Wellerstein in this production. He was credited as the choreographer in the LTGI’s production of “The Little Mermaid.” He is a proud Laredo native, based in Austin. He graduated with a bachelor of arts in multidisciplinary studies (theater, dance and communication) from Texas A&M International University and is very excited to return to his community and work with LTGI once again. Though he’s worn many hats on stage, this production will mark his first time choreographing a full stage musical. His previous work includes: “After Juliet” (Valentine/ choreographer); “Beauty and the Beast” (ensemble), “High School Musical” (Jack Scott); “Mary Poppins” (Valentine/ensemble), “Speech & Debate” (director); and “Austin Latinx New Play Festival: Diving Board” (director). He thanks LTGI for this opportunity as well as his family and partner for their continued support.
Laredo Theater Guild International partners with local institutions to present productions for the public. These institutions allow our organization to utilize their production venues to provide the best possible shows for our audiences. Their venue locations in Laredo have included: Texas A&M International University Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theater and TAMIU Sam Johnson Experimental Theater (both are located at 5201 University Blvd.); Laredo College’s The Shoebox Theater. Building T-30 on Hudson Street; Laredo College’s Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center Theater, located at West End Washington Street; and Laredo Center for the Arts, located at 500 San Agustin Ave.
I encourage you to visit their website at www.laredotheaterguild.org. They have some clips from a few of their productions and a five-minute video titled “Behind the Scenes: A Decade of LTGI.” I was amazed at some of the productions they have put on and the list of some of the people involved: John Maxstadt; John Kilburn; Linda L. Howland; Allie Howland; Suzanne H. Alford; Christina Greco; Henry Mejia, Chris Morgan,; Karol Batey; Mara Lopez; and Ysela Arechiga. Ysela told me she loves helping out in any way she can. She loves working with the energetic and creative group. I even saw my cousin, Dr. Celina T. Oliveria listed in the production of Fool for Love by Sam Shepard.
Congratulations to the LTGI’s officers, board of directors, cast members and volunteers for the amazing work they have done over the years. They really have put on some amazing productions: “The Good Doctor” by Neil Simon; “Sense and Sensibility” by Kate Hamill; “School of Rock the Musical,” based on the Paramount movie by Mike White; “Picasso” by Steve Martin; “Fool for Love” by Sam Shepard; “Zoot Suit” by Luise Valdez; “Hand to God” by Robert Askins; “Matilda the Musical” by Roald Dahl; “Frankenstein,” based on the novel by Mary Shelley; Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”; “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”; “Into the Woods” by Stephen Sondheim; “The Sound of Music”; “West Side Story,” and so much more. The list goes on and on. Great job!
For more information on how you can get involved and support the arts call 956-319-8610 or send an email to laredotheaterguild@gmail.com.
SOUTH TEXAS FOOD BANK: JARS OF LOVE WITH LMC
Join us in supporting the South Texas Food Bank by donating jars of peanut butter. You can drop off your jars at LMC through Tuesday, March 24. For more information email info@southtexasfoodbank.org.
LAREDO PHILHARMONIC CHORALE: THE 7 WORDS OF CHRIST
Come experience this evocative and spiritual masterpiece brought to life by the voices of the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale. The event will be on Sunday, March 29, at 3pm at the TAMIU Fine and Performing Arts Center. Admission cost is $30 & Students with ID can enter for free. For tickets, call 956-763-9960.
LAREDO VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA)
Just a friendly reminder, April 15 is right around the corner. Free tax help is here! The Laredo VITA program has IRS Certified Preparers ready to help you. Don’t stress about your taxes — let a qualified volunteer handle it for you. Call 956-307-8138 or visit www.vitalaredo.org
CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER: 26TH ANNUAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION & AWARENESS CONFERENCE SAVE THE DATE
The event will be held Thursday, April 2, at the TAMIU Student Center. For more information, call 956-712-1840.
AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER(AHEC): BOWLING TOURNAMENT
The AHEC Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Jett Bowl North. For more information, contact AHEC at 956-712-0037.
IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: AEP LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Join us for the AEP Free Family Night on Friday, April10, from 6-9 p.m. at the Imaginarium located the main campus of Laredo College (West End Washington Street) Building P-149. For more information, please call 956-728-0404.
LAREDO PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP: UNDERSTANDING PARKINSON’S
Everyone is invited to come learn more about Parkinson’s. The workshop will be held on Saturday, April11, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the TAMIU Western Hemispheric Trade Center, Room 111. The event will feature three keynote speakers: Kristen Martulis, DNP, APRN, AGNC-C, Department Of NeurologyUT Health Science Center in San Antonio will present “A New Frontier vs. Deep Brain Stimulation”; Leila Saadatpour, M.D. and assistant professor of neurology UT Health Science Center in San Antonio will present “Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s”; and Pablo Coss, M.D. and assistant professor of neurologyUT Health Science Center in San Antonio will present “Parkinson’s Therapies” and an update on Laredo Clinics. For more information or to register for the event call 956-942-5511.
SMILES FROM HEAVEN: YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME GALA
Save the date. This event is scheduled for Friday, April 17, at The Barn located at 4653 Casa Blanca Lake Rd. For more information, call 956-441-0218.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE COUNCIL FOR BORDER REGION: ALL WE NEED IS LOVE & A DASH OF STYLE 34TH ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW
The event will be held on Wednesday, April 22, at the Laredo Country Club; $100 per seat or $1,000 a table. For more information, contact Claudia Arredondo at 956-612-4664 or Juanita Zepeda at 956-235-3599.
IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: HEB Free Family Fun Night
Join us for the HEB Free Family Fun Night on Friday, April 24, from 6-9 p.m. at the Imaginarium located the main campus of Laredo College (West End Washington Street) Building P-149. For more information, please call 956-728-0404.
UNITED WAY OF LAREDO; THAT’S HOW WE ROLL:BOWLING TOURNAMENT
Saturday, April 25th at Jett Bowl North from 12p.m.-3p.m.
If you have a upcoming community event or information on a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization you would like to share, please email at 956cuidandolaredo@gmail.com.
Laredo Theater Guild International is listed with the IRS as a 501(C)3 nonprofit group. It is a community-based theater organization presenting a season of quality theatrical productions at Texas A&M International University and Laredo College, within their fine performance venues at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts and at the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation Center, respectively. Their productions include classical and contemporary dramas, comedies, musicals, and single performer shows, selected from among known Broadway, Off-Broadway and Regional Theater works. The primary goal of this endeavor is to provide relevant theatrical entertainment of the highest caliber, while growing and developing the local performer, production, audience, and patron communities.
Laredo Theater Guild International partners with local institutions to present productions for the public. These institutions allow our organization to utilize their production venues to provide the best possible shows for our audiences. Their venue locations in Laredo have included: Texas A&M International University Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Theater and TAMIU Sam Johnson Experimental Theater (both are located at 5201 University Blvd.); Laredo College’s The Shoebox Theater. Building T-30 on Hudson Street; Laredo College’s Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center Theater, located at West End Washington Street; and Laredo Center for the Arts, located at 500 San Agustin Ave.
I encourage you to visit their website at www.laredotheaterguild.org. They have some clips from a few of their productions and a five-minute video titled “Behind the Scenes: A Decade of LTGI.” I was amazed at some of the productions they have put on and the list of some of the people involved: John Maxstadt; John Kilburn; Linda L. Howland; Allie Howland; Suzanne H. Alford; Christina Greco; Henry Mejia, Chris Morgan,; Karol Batey; Mara Lopez; and Ysela Arechiga. Ysela told me she loves helping out in any way she can. She loves working with the energetic and creative group. I even saw my cousin, Dr. Celina T. Oliveria listed in the production of Fool for Love by Sam Shepard.
Congratulations to the LTGI’s officers, board of directors, cast members and volunteers for the amazing work they have done over the years. They really have put on some amazing productions: “The Good Doctor” by Neil Simon; “Sense and Sensibility” by Kate Hamill; “School of Rock the Musical,” based on the Paramount movie by Mike White; “Picasso” by Steve Martin; “Fool for Love” by Sam Shepard; “Zoot Suit” by Luise Valdez; “Hand to God” by Robert Askins; “Matilda the Musical” by Roald Dahl; “Frankenstein,” based on the novel by Mary Shelley; Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”; “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”; “Into the Woods” by Stephen Sondheim; “The Sound of Music”; “West Side Story,” and so much more. The list goes on and on. Great job!
For more information on how you can get involved and support the arts call 956-319-8610 or send an email to laredotheaterguild@gmail.com.
SOUTH TEXAS FOOD BANK: JARS OF LOVE WITH LMC
Join us in supporting the South Texas Food Bank by donating jars of peanut butter. You can drop off your jars at LMC through Tuesday, March 24. For more information email info@southtexasfoodbank.org.
LAREDO PHILHARMONIC CHORALE: THE 7 WORDS OF CHRIST
Come experience this evocative and spiritual masterpiece brought to life by the voices of the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale. The event will be on Sunday, March 29, at 3pm at the TAMIU Fine and Performing Arts Center. Admission cost is $30 & Students with ID can enter for free. For tickets, call 956-763-9960.
LAREDO VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA)
Just a friendly reminder, April 15 is right around the corner. Free tax help is here! The Laredo VITA program has IRS Certified Preparers ready to help you. Don’t stress about your taxes — let a qualified volunteer handle it for you. Call 956-307-8138 or visit www.vitalaredo.org
CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER: 26TH ANNUAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION & AWARENESS CONFERENCE SAVE THE DATE
The event will be held Thursday, April 2, at the TAMIU Student Center. For more information, call 956-712-1840.
AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER(AHEC): BOWLING TOURNAMENT
The AHEC Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Jett Bowl North. For more information, contact AHEC at 956-712-0037.
IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: AEP LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Join us for the AEP Free Family Night on Friday, April10, from 6-9 p.m. at the Imaginarium located the main campus of Laredo College (West End Washington Street) Building P-149. For more information, please call 956-728-0404.
LAREDO PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP: UNDERSTANDING PARKINSON’S
Everyone is invited to come learn more about Parkinson’s. The workshop will be held on Saturday, April11, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the TAMIU Western Hemispheric Trade Center, Room 111. The event will feature three keynote speakers: Kristen Martulis, DNP, APRN, AGNC-C, Department Of NeurologyUT Health Science Center in San Antonio will present “A New Frontier vs. Deep Brain Stimulation”; Leila Saadatpour, M.D. and assistant professor of neurology UT Health Science Center in San Antonio will present “Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s”; and Pablo Coss, M.D. and assistant professor of neurologyUT Health Science Center in San Antonio will present “Parkinson’s Therapies” and an update on Laredo Clinics. For more information or to register for the event call 956-942-5511.
SMILES FROM HEAVEN: YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME GALA
Save the date. This event is scheduled for Friday, April 17, at The Barn located at 4653 Casa Blanca Lake Rd. For more information, call 956-441-0218.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE COUNCIL FOR BORDER REGION: ALL WE NEED IS LOVE & A DASH OF STYLE 34TH ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW
The event will be held on Wednesday, April 22, at the Laredo Country Club; $100 per seat or $1,000 a table. For more information, contact Claudia Arredondo at 956-612-4664 or Juanita Zepeda at 956-235-3599.
IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: HEB Free Family Fun Night
Join us for the HEB Free Family Fun Night on Friday, April 24, from 6-9 p.m. at the Imaginarium located the main campus of Laredo College (West End Washington Street) Building P-149. For more information, please call 956-728-0404.
UNITED WAY OF LAREDO; THAT’S HOW WE ROLL:BOWLING TOURNAMENT
Saturday, April 25th at Jett Bowl North from 12p.m.-3p.m.
If you have a upcoming community event or information on a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization you would like to share, please email at 956cuidandolaredo@gmail.com.
Peggy M. Duncan, United Way of Laredo
Be a Pacesetter: Lead with Innovation. Make an Impact. Join us in achieving our goals and creating positive change in our community. Help pave the way and set the pace for lasting impact.
Make a Difference: Support our fundraising efforts! Every contribution counts, big or small. Together, we can reach new heights and create positive change in our community. Join us by donating today and filling the meter with hope and compassion.
Empowerment through Strategic Giving: Our Allocations Program ensures effective resource distribution, addressing community needs in education, healthcare, and more. Join us to build a stronger community with your support.
