ALVARO SAAR RIOS

"Playwright Alvaro Saar Rios has built an impressively complicated adaptation…that engages both adult and child…”
“…touching…”
”…deeply engaging…”
—Shepherd Express

(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

First Stage, Milwaukee, WI. May 2-18, 2025. World Premiere.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Charlotte, SC. Feb 28-Mar 15, 2026.

SCRIPT

To read a current draft of the script, click on the image on the right.

MUSIC

Click here to listen to a recording of “Esperanza’s Song.”

PRESS

“Esperanza Rising offers realistic, strong female role models…”
”…this hopeful story…couldn’t be more timely…”
”…evocative original music…”
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel