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Poet Laureate Raquel Valle Sentiers, from Laredo, Texas, wrote the full-length play Marigold Way in 2005.
“I chose Marilyn Monroe as one of my characters because she was someone I admired ever since I was a teenager. I also admired Frida Kahlo and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, who also appear in the story, for different reasons, of course, but the rest is history.”
Farr’s Dahlia Boucher will direct the play, set in Laredo, Texas, on the eve of the Day of the Dead in the 1980s.





“The story is about resilience and self-discovery, and it’s about Ariana and her best friend Consuelo. Ariana enlists the help of her heroes to make a life-changing decision, including three incredible ghosts who each represent a particular aspect of her life. That’s what I’m trying to bring to the stage.”
The two-act play revolves around two adult women who have been friends since elementary school. They meet for dinner at Ariana’s house, decorated with an altar and marigolds in memory of the deceased. That night, Ariana summons the spirits of Marilyn Monroe, Frida Kahlo and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. They laugh and debate, share stories of strong and failed relationships, cultures and hidden secrets.
The cast is made up of five RGV women who auditioned for the roles in early August and have been in rehearsals ever since. Veteran actress Daisy San Juan plays the role of Ariana.
“Ariana is a woman who, since the end of her high school years, has followed her heart instead of her passion. As she grows older, she realizes that something is not right – especially in her most important relationship. That’s when she refocuses on her passion for interior design. In preparation for this challenging role, I have been working to discover and express the range of emotions Ariana experiences, and I am enjoying the process.”


Other cast members include Tracey Flores as Consuelo, Liz Muñoz as Sor Juan Inés de la Cruz, Silvia Escobar as Frida Kahlo, and Erika Garza as Marilyn Monroe.
“Marilyn was completely different to what I thought she would be. I didn’t know much about her until I read the script. I realized she was completely different to the character she played in the film. To prepare, I had to watch several documentaries and films to understand the character and get to know how she moved, spoke and laughed.”
Liz Muñoz, who has performed in nearly a dozen productions at PCT, plays the role of 17th-century nun Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. In addition to method acting, her preparation for the role also includes technical elements.
“I always read the script in front of a mirror, which I find suits me. I’ve also got into the habit of reading my scene from beginning to end and then reading it backwards to memorise my lines. This helps me to really concentrate on my performance, rather than just waiting for my turn. It helps me relax and get into the role without overthinking it.”
“PCT prides itself on being a training ground for actors and technicians,” says longtime theater director and producer Pedro Garcia.
“When I work with actors, whether they’re beginners or advanced, I want to see how they intuitively approach the role, what they bring to the table, and how they perceive it initially. Often this works, and then I offer adjustments, guidance, direction, and training as needed. I tell my actors, the tools you learn in PCT will also be useful when developing other roles you play in the future.”
Damien Wight is the production stage manager and assistant director, Sergio Luna is graphic designer, Maria Flores Gándara is understudy and costume design assistant, Robert Flores is set designer, Santos Reyna is lighting designer and Cecilio Muñoz is production assistant.
Showtimes and tickets:
Path of Marigolds will have seven performances. The first five performances will be at Pharr Community Theatre, 213 W Newcombe Ave. Pharr, seating 55 max. Show times there are 7:30pm Wednesday-Saturday and 3pm Sunday, October 2-6. The show will then travel to South Pharr’s DRC Centre, 850 W Dicker Rd., seating 160 max, on Thursday, October 10, at 7:30pm. The final performance will be at Pharr One Centre, 1121 E Nolana Loop, Pharr, seating 160 max, on Friday, October 18, at 7:30pm.
Advance tickets are recommended and can be purchased for $8 at www.pharrcommunitytheater.com. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the performance if available. Path of Marigolds is told in English and is rated PG-13.
For more information, check out Pharr Community Theatre’s FB page, Instagram, website or text them at 956-532-3383 or 956-655-9308.


