Honor Theater program features "Let The Eagle Fly"

This year’s 5th Annual VAPA Honor Theatre production featured “Let the Eagle Fly: The Story of Cesar Chavez," John Reeger, music, and Julie Shannon, lyrics. This epic production was directed by William Virchis, director of the Teatro Mascara Magica.

More than 30 students participated as actors, singers, lighting and sound techs, and production staff including students from Lincoln High School’s theatre department under the direction of Maria Christodoulou. Patrick Garcia, VAPA resource theatre teacher, collaborated closely with Lincoln High School, Southwestern College, equity actors from Teatro Mascara Magica, professional musicians, Cygnet Theatre, San Diego Stage and Lighting, SDSU, the Latino Chicano Coalition, Jose’s Restaurante Mexicano, San Diego Unified's Department of Race, Human, Relations and Advocacy, and many generous donors and partners.

Participating schools in this year’s production included: Lincoln, Clairemont, La Jolla and Morse high schools; the San Diego School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), and the Creative Performing and Media Arts Middle School.

This powerful new musical told the inspiring story of how an unassuming ex-farmworker with an eighth grade education challenged and overcame one of California’s most powerful industries.

"It was a life-changing experience for all who participated in the production," said Dr. Karen Childress-Evans, Director of the district's Visual and Performing Arts Program (VAPA). "A special thank you to the SDUSD Board of Education for keeping a vital Central Office VAPA Department so that we can continue to offer these exceptional experiences to our students."

For more information or to donate to next year’s production, please contact Patrick Garcia at pgarcia2@sandi.net.