Actor/Comedian Paul Rodriguez’s new theatre production, The Pitch, is sure to shake things up in Hollywood. Leave it to funnyman Rodriguez to aim the spotlight on the challenges that Latinos go through when pitching a TV show to network executives. The Pitch, while entertaining, manages to tackle some of the major issues facing Latinos in Hollywood: casting, cultural gaps, and the network’s desire to stereotype Latinos in most roles.
The Pitch, written by and starring Paul Rodriguez (Blood Work, D.C. Cab, Born in East L.A., The Original Latin Kings of Comedy), also stars veteran actor Mike Gomez (The Big Lebowski, Star Trek: The Next Generation) and is directed by William Virchis and produced by veteran Hollywood producer, Jerry Velasco.
“We’re floating on some lost planet in the universe called oblivion,” said director, William Virchis. “The Pitch is a comedic roller-coaster ride, as Paul takes us on a personal journey of the ups and lots of downs in pitching a series – it is pure teatro!”
Rodriguez’s, The Pitch, uses humor to shed light on the reality about why Latinos are invisible on TV—the most powerful medium in the world. The two-act dramedy recounts his personal experiences pitching a TV series to executives who hold the power to green-light a show.
“It was an opportunity to turn a twisted situation into a twisted comedy,” said Rodriguez.
“Father of Chicano Music” Lalo Guerrero’s music helps frame the productions opening and ending. Guerrero’s music is a perfect fit for The Pitch as his corridos told stories about the struggles and triumphs of Mexican-American hero’s from Cesar Chavez to Ruben Salazar. He often said, “I only wrote about what I saw.” Opening night will also honor Guerrero’s son, Dan Guerrero as he is inducted into Teatro Máscara Mágica’s, The Artistas de Honor Hall of Fame.
The Pitch has a lot of heart and is hugely entertaining. And, while it is based on Rodriguez’s own personal experience, it reflects a trending issue in Hollywood that many can relate to.
The Pitch, opens on Thursday, c at 7PM, at the Los Angeles Theater Center, 614 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Matinees: Sept. 9th & 10th, 2PM. General Admission: $25; Students: $15; Group Rates: $10 (groups over 10). For tickets, call LATC at (866) 811-4111 or visit their website here: http://www.thelatc.org.
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