ALVARO SAAR RIOS
Playwright. Educator. Texican.
(2 f, 2 m) cast can be expanded
When Carmela wakes up on her birthday, her wish has already come true–she’s finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands. Together, they travel through their neighborhood, past the crowded bus stop, the fenced-off repair shop, and the panadería, until they arrive at the Laundromat, where Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing in the pavement. But before she can blow its white fluff away, her brother tells her she has to make a wish. If only she can think of just the right wish to make . . .
Adapted from CARMELA FULL OF WISHES by Matt de la Peña & Illustrated by Christian Robinson.
Commissioned by Chicago Children’s Theatre & The Rose Theater
Running time: 60 minutes
PRODUCTIONS
South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Greenville, SC. Oct 25-Nov 10, 2024
University of Texas—RGV, Edinburg, TX. Apr 25-27, 2025
The Magik Theatre, San Antonio, TX. Texas Tour.
The Magik Theatre, San Antonio, TX.
The Growing Stage. Netcong, NJ.
Main Street Theater, Houston, TX.
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Blinn College, Bryan, TX
Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle, WA
First Stage, Milwaukee, WI
Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis, MN
Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago, IL (Co-World Premiere)
The Rose Theater. Omaha, NE (Co-World Premiere)
AWARDS + HONORS
Distinguished Play Award, American Alliance for Theatre and Education
PRESS
"...a charming tale about the importance of imagination." Times Square Chronicles
“…this heartwarming tale of an exuberant Latina girl celebrates family, community and hope…” Chicago Tribune
“Carmela Full of Wishes is filled with dreams and heart.” Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
“…a gentle, moving story...” Shepherd Express (Milwaukee)
SCRIPT & LICENSING
To purchase a script or license the play, contact TRW Plays
Due to contractual agreements, the license for this play expires in 8 years.
***A full Spanish version of the script is available to read. Please contact me if you are interested in reading the full Spanish script.
Magik Theatre. San Antonio, TX. 2023