Original play celebrates life, accomplishments of former Arizona Gov. Raul H. Castro

FLAGSTAFF, AZ - Coconino County's annual Celebraciones de la Gente includes a special production dedicated to Arizona's former Governor Raul H. Castro.

The original full-length play, American Dreamer: The Life and Times of Raul H. Castro, was inspired by Gov. Castro's accomplishments in celebration of Hispanic heritage.

“Because Gov. Castro’s life story is inherently dramatic, touching and funny, this play practically wrote itself,” said James E. Garcia, Phoenix-based producing artistic director of New Carpa Theatre and the play’s author, in a press release.

Garcia noted that Castro was a boxer, teacher, hobo, lawyer, prosecuting attorney, judge, U.S. Ambassador to three countries and Arizona’s only ever Hispanic governor.

“Those are all major accomplishments worth writing about, but it’s really the power of his personality that makes this such a compelling play. His natural charisma aside, this is a man who always found away to overcome virtually any obstacle that came his way. As such, he’s a great inspiration,” Garcia said.

The play is said to cover over 60 years of Castro's life by eight actors playing more than 55 different roles.

American Dreamer was reportedly written in 2008, but was updated and reworked to commemorate Arizona's centennial celebration as well.

The play will be staged in Flagstaff's Coconino High School on Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Gov. Castro, who is now 96 years old and living in Nogales, is expected to be attending the 2 p.m. performance.

Performances of the play are also scheduled for Phoenix at Playhouse on the Park from Oct. 26-28 and in Nogales at Nogales High School on Nov. 4, according to a press release.

Flagstaff ticket prices are $5 at the door and online .

For more information, call 623-252-2772 or email info@newcarpa.org.