'The Little King of Norwalk'

Did the City of Norwalk declare war on the poor when it banned homeless shelters, laundromats, car washes and discount stores? Commissioned by Latino Theater Company and developed in its Circle of Imaginistas playwriting group, the world premiere of The Little King of Norwalk by Israel López Reyes (who grew up in Norwalk and is still a proud resident) opens the company’s fall season. Geoffrey Rivas directs a five-week run, October 4 through November 2, at The Los Angeles Theatre Center in downtown Los Angeles. Six low-priced previews take place September 25 through October 3.

A tribute to Chicano identity in its various forms, The Little King of Norwalk features a touch of magical realism and a nod to Gogol’s The Inspector General. It’s a modern barrio fable about power, politics and the price of survival, set against a real-life scandal that unfolded last year when Norwalk imposed a ban on shelters, supportive housing, and businesses that traditionally serve the poor.

Charged with a DUI, Juan Perez must attend an AA meeting. Wandering into the wrong room, he’s mistaken for someone powerful and influential who might be able to help Mayor Alvarado and his ambitious inner circle—city manager Nancy Juarez, chief of police Ricky Ortiz, and school superintendent Alex Ayala—win favor with Governor Newsom, who is threatening to sue over the homeless ban. Juan feels no need to set the record straight, taking full advantage of his newfound power… even if it means betraying his twin sister, Wendy, a grass roots activist. How long can Juan play this game without getting caught? Can he find redemption by confessing the truth?

“Israel has written a highly theatrical moral fable about doing what’s right for the greater good, instead of being selfish,” says Rivas.

“It’s a story about the tough choices every generation of Chicana/os are forced to make, and the promises we keep to our family and community,” Reyes explains.

The Little King of Norwalk opens on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 8 p.m., with performances thereafter on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. through November 2. Six preview performances take place September 25 through October 3 on the same schedule. Tickets range from $10–$48, except opening night which is $75 and includes a post-performance reception.

The Los Angeles Theatre Center is located at 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. Parking is available for $8 with box office validation at Los Angeles Garage Associate Parking structure, 545 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 (between 5th and 6th Streets, just behind the theater).

For more information and to purchase tickets, call (213) 489-0994 or go to latinotheaterco.org.