The Return Of Zorro”Sell Out Proving California Audiences Are In Search Of A Real Hero

Sometimes, the people just need a hero. Maverick Theater's The Return of Zorro is bringing back this southern California legend to a LIVE theater audience.

Dazzling swordfights, two breathtaking love stories, incredibly choreographed stunt sequences, and an unexpected plot twist all encased in a San Juan Capistrano mission setting have made this production an absolute audience favorite and a must see!

“There is comfort in having a real hero,” smiles Andrew Piñon, the creator and writer of The Return of Zorro ,who is an awarded screenwriter and filmmaker. “I wanted to write a story that would be entertaining, inspiring and give the audience someone to root for. I’ve always loved the character of Zorro for his honor, humor and heart. He was one of the first superheroes to wear a mask and have a dual identity. He’s also a native of Orange County. I have lived in Southern California my whole life and have always loved the history and culture of our state.”

Piñon’s work and passion in education gave him the drive and added credibility to write this original production as he and his wife work with California Weekly Explorer doing presentations at elementary schools all over Southern California. “They’ve been around for decades and teach the history of California, the Revolutionary War and ancient world,” he said. “My wife, Melanie, adapted and wrote a script that the presenters use today. I incorporate much of the history into ‘The Return of Zorro’s’ storyline, especially the mission era and Gold Rush.”

El Modena High School Principal Bob King (53), was impressed with the authenticity of the San Juan Capistrano mission stage setting and overall direction. "With its adventurous storyline and authentic representation of the San Juan Capistrano Mission, this production is a truly a thrill ride. The play moves through several distinct gears, each filled with adventure and well-developed, skillfully performed scenes that engage the audience throughout.”

Though there’s plenty of Californian history involved, at the heart of this production is an action adventure which is where Maverick Theater founder and The Return of Zorro director, Brian Newell, knew he wanted to help Pinon bring this legendary story to life. “I’m a big fan of action-adventure films, so I’m always conceptualizing which films I can pull off onstage. So I took a deep dive into the history of Zorro. That’s when I discovered Zorro wasn’t a Hollywood creation. Novelist Johnston McCulley created him for a 1919 novella he wrote called, ‘The Curse of Capistrano.’ The Capistrano in the title was actually the Mission San Juan Capistrano in Orange County.”

Many locals and audience members never realized this famous, masked, mythical hero was from Southern California and were inspired by the show’s message.. “This production is such a needed escape from so much that is going on in the news and world. This play made me and my family feel like goodness can and eventually will win when you least expect it,” shared 21-year-old Samantha Bell of Huntington Beach, CA. “I also wasn’t expecting all the sword fighting and incredible stunts. There is an amazing fight between Yessika, Two Hawks and Felina that just blew me away. I really loved that the women in the production were their own heroes, too!”

Ninety-two-yearold, Agueda Bernal had VIP seating in her wheelchair during the performance and was a ball of energy once the show ended. “My goodness! I have never seen a production that nailed the details and authenticity of Mexican-American characters. The women who play the love interests of the two male leads captured the nuances of Mexican-American women to the tee!! And they were not servants but strong, intelligent Mexicanas who owned their own property!! That’s how we truly were in the 1850s.! I am just blown away and feel fortunate that I got to see such a true and honest depiction of our history.”

Ernest Alvarado (70), Deputy Director of Cultural and Natural Resources at the Chicago Park District, came to see the show in hopes of bringing it to Chicago. “I am so impressed with the message of this play. The two Zorros and Padre Felipe really touched my heart and I couldn’t help but think how amazing this show would be for the families and people of Chicago. I am hoping to help the cast and crew bring this play to the Midwest if they let me!”

“The Return of Zorro,” opened May 1 and runs through June 7. SYNOPSIS: Diego Vega returns to California after a decade-long absence. As civil unrest, political corruption, and persecution of the indigenous population manifests in his beloved hometown, Diego must once again assume the identity of his alter ego: Zorro. As the threats to his long lost love increase, Diego brings a young thief under his wing to train him as the next Zorro.

The Maverick Theater is located at 110 E. Walnut Ave., Fullerton. Tickets for “The Return of Zorro,” which runs through June 7, range from $20-$38. For more information visit mavericktheater.com.