The Stories of Cesar Chavez

This is not a biography of Cesar Chavez, but rather Chavez is the catalyst in this meditation of how human beings can touch the lives of other human beings in profound and ever-lasting ways. Fred Blanco gives a tour de force performance, sinking his body and soul into each character he portrays: Chavez, a zoot-suit Vato, a redneck Sherrif, and a grandmother with a bad back who speaks just as much Spanish as English. These are just a few of the characters that appear during the 60 minute show. A wonderful production.... full review

Drop whatever else you are doing and see this play.The effective storytelling with perfectly-crafted props, one (or two) jaw-dropping sequences, and I could continue raving. I am so happy that Fred Blanco moved this piece out of his garage and into the Fringe. He did not inhabit his many characters, he simply breathed into them. He chose exactly the right way to connect with each one of them, and I felt I had been moved to an inspirational place just like our protagonist. It left me crying over how much I have in life.... full review

I have to admit, that I have not yet personally seen this performance, but everyone universally gave it rave reviews, and did not post here, so I feel I am doing my duty by reporting great things here. ... full review

The actor is wonderful and I loved learning real history. My favorite character was the man who was being dragged away while attempting to feed Chavez tacos. I wish it would have started with that character and that I would see him throughout. It's with that characters passion that this tale was written. ... full review

Don't walk into this thinking you're going to see a documentary. This is a living piece, an absolutely lovely blending of fiction rooted in fact that glides and stomps through Chavez' life with deft surety. The story uses the fast as launch, with Chavez pleading with the Virgin for help during a period of personal strife in both his life and cause. Blanco's use of a range of reality-influenced fictional characters talking about Chavez or enacting their encounters with him is *particularly* effective. Zoot suiters, matrons, radicalized students all show up, and together they build a vision of Chavez as person and movement that absolutely breathes. His keen use of some of Chavez' actual speeches is smartly executed. And the part with Ch... full review

Fred Blanco's piece The Stories of César Chavéz is a fascinating one-person show built around Chavéz's first hunger strike in 1968. During his fast, he prays and has a series of visions, which include meeting his wife, the beginning of the union, the grape boycott, and his time in the fields. These visions and multiple characters are all portrayed expertly and with depth. The six years spent in development and research is evident in Blanco's performance and monologues. The set and lighting that Blanco chooses is effective and works well for distinguishing the characters from one another. Although some scenes feel a smidge too long, the overall play is intense and interesting. Based on the historical events surrounding this fast in Califor... full review