Arena: A House Music-al
A story about a time and place where LOVE was the drug, friends became FAMILIA and the music gave you LIFE!
“May soon be considered the greatest new musical in years” - The Hollywood Times
Creative Team
Concept and book by Abel Alvarado, lyrics by Gabrielle Maldonado, and music by Benjamin Emory Larson. Additional songs by Daniel Sugimoto and Caroline Benzon.
Synopsis
ARENA is a coming of age story set during the 90s LA Club + Party scene. Lucio Torrez is on a journey to find himself as a gay man growing up in a devout Apostolic family. It is a story about staying true to who you are and finding your chosen familia. We follow Lucio and his group of friends during a turbulent decade when HIV/AIDS disproportionately affected LGBTQ+ BIPOC.
ARENA is a love letter to our LGBTQ+ ancestors, the House music of the era and the iconic Arena Night Club: A place where our community was able to shine and thrive in their true authenticity.
Video
Songs from Arena - A House Music-al - A series of excerpts from the songs I contributed to Arena - A House Music-al. Arena received a staged workshop in December 2021, as well as a world premiere full production in summer 2022 at Casa 0101 in Los Angeles
“Running Toward Me” - 4xLatiné @ Teatro LATEA - An excerpt from Arena - A House Music-al at the 4xLatiné showcase @ Teatro LATEA, produced by Latiné Musical Theatre Lab in New York, NY
“No Se Como” - A duet from the Los Angeles workshop production of Arena - A House Music-al, featuring Sebastian Gonzalez and Milton David
Photo Gallery
Below are photos from the Los Angeles production of ARENA.
Production History
2021 - workshop production by Casa 0101 in Los Angeles
2022 - Featured in Latiné Musical Theatre Lab’s 4xLatiné showcase at Teatro Latea in New York
2022 - Premiere production by Casa 0101 in Los Angeles, June 17 - July 17 (extended to July 31)