Señor Plummer’s Final Fiesta

Reviewed by Dana Martin
Rogue Artists Ensemble and The City of West Hollywood Arts Division
Through November 18

RECOMMENDED

There’s magic in the making at Plummer Park. Rogue Artists Ensemble, in collaboration with The City West Hollywood’s Arts Division, present Señor Plummer’s Final Fiesta, a site-specific immersive theater experience. Written by Diana Burbano, Tom Jacobson, and Chelsea Sutton with Rogue Artists Ensemble, the production is essentially folklore derived from notable Angeleno Eugene Plummer’s biography “Señor Plummer: The Life and Laughter of an Old-Californian.” It is executed in endlessly creative ways.

The performance is set in 1940’s Los Angeles at Eugene Plummer’s book launch. Plummer, a Latino land owner and one of Hollywood’s first inhabitants, is a lover of adventure and a good tall tale. Soon the ghosts of Eugene’s Plummer’s past interrupt the book launch, beckoning you back in time. You must choose a guide and are soon whisked to the Plummer Ranchero, circa 1877. From there your adventure through Señor Plummer’s past is your own.

The ensemble, a merry band of ghosts, include Ricky Abilez, Kawika Aguilar, Magally Castellanos, McCristol Harris III, Amir Levi, Carene Rose Mekertichyan, Robert O’Hare, Sarah Kay Peters, Marta Portillo, Sheila Korsi, Tighe Skehan, Cary Thompson, Jacob Barnes, John Wuchte, Cinthia Nava-Palmer, Zach Taylor, and Marco Ruiz. The three incarnations of Eugene are enthusiastically portrayed by Richard Azurdia, Tyler Bremer, and Mariux Ibarra, each actor brimming with infectious warmth and optimism. The ensemble creates a vibrant, exciting sense of community through the use of puppetry, music, dance, and good old-fashioned storytelling.

Rogue’s artistic director Sean T. Cawelti directs the piece with pride and panache, curating a thoroughly imaginative experience. Matthew Hill’s set design is a marvel, a variety of gorgeous, unique playing spaces including a cave with shadow puppets, a lively saloon, the Plummer house, a church, a horse-drawn carriage, and even the sea! Elena Flores’ costume design is vibrant and playful. Sound designer Steve Swift creates an often-cinematic tone. Lighting designer Wesley Chew nails the atmosphere in each of the production’s numerous locations. Blanca Soto’s joyous choreography weaves through the piece, and often includes the audience. The puppets and masks are designed by Jack Pullman, Morgan Rebane, Mark Royston, and Brian White, who create magic with their outstanding work.

Ultimately Señor Plummer’s Final Fiesta is a celebration of family and community, and it’s entertaining as hell. Marvels, magic, and moments brilliance abound. The Rogue Artists Ensemble have created something truly special, a certain source of pride for the whole city. And that’s no tall tale.

The Great Hall at Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood; Thurs.-Sun., 7:30 p.m.; through Nov. 18. www.RogueArtists.org. Running time: 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission.