The Tears of La Llorona

Join us for The Tears of La Llorona coming soon to Plaza de la Raza’s Margo Albert Theatre. A gothic musical ghost story, based on the old Mexican myth La Llorona - The Weeping Woman, re-envisioned through the lens of personal family history.


The Tears of La Llorona ~ Las Lágrimas de la Llorona

Book, Music, & Lyrics by Celeste Moreno 

Arrangements by Bethany Brinton

Directed by Crystal Manich

Translation by Barbie Insua

Set 100 years ago along the US/Mexico border, The Tears of La Llorona retells the Mexican myth of the Weeping Woman. Llorona has become infamous for stealing children in the night, but the Calaveras — a band of mariachi women — guide us through a reimagining of her origin story. Resurrected from the dead, she seeks vengeance on her murderer. But fate creates uncertainty within Llorona after chance encounters with her husband, a girl she finds kinship with, her lover, a white boy exploring Mexico for the first time, and an old Abuelo who is her connection between the living and spirit worlds.

Reserve your seat in advance!


Performances:

• Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 7pm ($30)

• Sunday, November 2, 2025, matinee 2pm (pay what you can)



CELESTE MORENO

BOOK / LYRICS / MUSIC

Celeste Moreno designs characters for animated television The Tears of La Llorona is her first play.

BETHANY BRINTON

ARRANGER

Bethany Brinton is a Los Angeles-based composer whose music can be heard in award-winning projects.

CRYSTAL MANICH

DIRECTOR

Puerto Rican director Crystal Manich has directed over eighty-five productions in opera, plays, musical theatre, circus, and film across the United States, Europe, Argentina, and Australia.


Content Notice:

Content Notice: this musical includes insinuations of violence, including rape, incest, and murder. Show Synopsis: Set 100 years ago along the US/Mexico border, "The Tears of La Llorona" retells the Mexican myth of the Weeping Woman. Llorona has become infamous for stealing children in the night, but the Calaveras -- a band of mariachi women – guide us through a reimagining of her origin story. Resurrected from the dead, she seeks vengeance on her murderer. But fate creates uncertainty within Llorona after chance encounters with her husband, a girl she finds kinship with, her lover, a white boy exploring Mexico for the first time, and an old Abuelo who is her connection between the living and spirit worlds.

Julia Chavez