(7-9 performers) cast can be expanded
Two young storytellers, with the help of an ensemble of actors, share the tale of Esperanza — a wealthy Mexican girl whose privileged existence is shattered when tragedy strikes, and she and her mother flee to California.
With original recorded music composed by Dinorah Márquez Abadiano.
Adapted from ESPERANZA RISING by Pam Muñoz Ryan.
Commissioned by First Stage, Milwaukee, WI.
Running time: 70-75 minutes
PRODUCTIONS
Teatro Audaz, San Antonio, TX. Fall 2026
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Charlotte, SC
First Stage, Milwaukee, WI. World Premiere
SCRIPT
To read the script, CLICK HERE.
MUSIC
Click here to listen to a recording of “Esperanza’s Song.”
LICENSING
If you wish to produce the play, email Pat McLaughlin beaconagency@hotmail.com
If you do not receive a response within 5 days, please email me alvaro.saar.rios@gmail.com
PRESS
“Esperanza Rising offers realistic, strong female role models…”
”…this hopeful story…couldn’t be more timely…”
”…evocative original music…”
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“It left me touched by her plight, rooting for her eventual rise after a precipitous fall…”
—The Charlotte Ledger
First Stage, Milwaukee, WI. 2025
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. NC. 2026