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Theater review: PCPA finds ‘Heart’s Desire’

By Brad Memberto/Staff Writer

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Juan Monsalvez and Vanessa Ballam and play the roles of newlyweds John and Rachel Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts’ “The Heart’s Desire.” / Luis Escobar/Contributed

It’s a story that has happened too often in United States history. Brave men of minority status go off to fight for their country and freedom, only to return and face the same roadblocks and lack of acceptance they had before they left.

In the PCPA Theaterfest world premiere production of “The Heart’s Desire” by playwright Jose Cruz Gonzalez, a Mexican-American G.I. confronts those issues when he returns home with aspirations to succeed on his own.

The soldier, John, not only returns with big goals, but he also returns with a brand-new wife who speaks only French. At home, John reunites with his simple-minded Uncle Mimo, and his cantankerous grandmother, Valentina, who has refused to learn English.

The story starts quietly and continues at a leisurely pace, but what keeps it from dragging are the constant moments of genuine humor that makes the characters real.

Leo Cortez as Uncle Mimo steals every scene he is in. His innocence reminds one of the character Lenny from “Of Mice And Men,” although not in a dangerous way. In his portrayal as a person who’s mind is not all there, Cortez actually makes Mimo the most real person on the stage.

Actress Catalina Maynard is outstanding in her portrayal of Valentina, the grizzled old grandmother who refuses over the years to learn the language and live according to the ways of her new country.

In the story, John must also deal with his old friend Chicote and ex-fiance, Rosie. Everybody is afraid of how Rosie will react when she finds out that John did not return to marry her.

Because of the reactions of the characters, the audience anticipates an enraged Rosie before she even shows up. Leticia Velaz makes a grand entrance as the vengeful Rosie, and in a hysterical scene lets out her emotions.

Actor Richard Gallegos brings a smug self-awareness to Chicote, who tries to hide his conflict between fitting into the dominant white population while trying to keep his Hispanic pride.

As the newlywed couple trying to begin a new life, Juan Monsalvez as John and Vanessa Ballam as his new wife, Rachel, have very good chemistry. Both characters come from entirely different backgrounds, but have two similar shattered pasts.

Monsalvez is solid and strong in his character, and the always luminous Ballam brings a genuine innocence and bewilderment to a soul who is even more out of place than the family she has joined.

Some of the more absorbing scenes in the play are when Valentina and Rachel try to communicate. One speaking Spanish, the other French, they struggle to understand each other.

Scenic Designer Andrew Layton has laid out a sparse yet comfortable set, that fits right into the mood Director Patricia M. Troxel has set.

There is adult language in the dialogue, that could easily have been left out, but it is not a major distraction.

The subject matter is treated in a respectful and realistic presentation; but by treating it with humor and a light touch, “The Heart’s Desire” is a satisfying night of thoughtful entertainment.

INFORMATION:

IN SANTA MARIA: PCPA presents “The Heart’s Desire” by Jose Cruz Gonzalez, at 7 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays; and 2 p.m. weekends and Wednesdays through June 28 in the Marian Theatre, on the Hancock College campus in Santa Maria.

Cost: $16.25 to $26, students and children $10.25 to $17.75.

IN SOLVANG: The play will run at the Festival Theater in Solvang, July 3 through July 26, concurrently with “Godspell.” Show times are at 8 p.m. For information on specific dates, call 922-8313 or visit www.pcpa.org.

Cost: $19.75 to $28, students $15.25 to $19.25.

INFORMATION:

Call 922-8313 or visit www.pcpa.org. For groups of 12 or more, call (800) 727-2123.

Brad Memberto can be reached by phone at 737-1055.