California Story by Roger Q. Mason
May 10 • 7:30 pm - June 3 • 7:30 pm
$17 – $27
Outside In Theatre, in partnership with LACC Theatre Academy, presents
California Story
Written by Roger Q. Mason
Directed by Michael Alvarez
Click here for tickets!
This genre-defying historical drama explores the complex journey of California’s last Mexican governor, Pío Pico, whose pursuit of the American Dream forces him to sacrifice his family, identity, and integrity. The play takes audiences on a journey between California’s past and a dystopian water-world future, confronting the costs of ambition, race, and privilege in America.
At its heart, the play follows Pío Pico, whose sacrifices reflect the cost of clinging to the American dream during California’s transition into statehood in the 1800s. Featuring: Morgan Danielle Day, Gracie Cartier, Aphrodite Armstrong, Camila Arteche, Sawyer Shine, Peter Mendoza, and Davi Santos.
TALKBACKS
On Monday, May 12th, Sunday, May 18th, and Sunday, May 25th, audiences are invited to join in-depth discussions with community leaders, educators, and artists. The themes for the dialogues are as follows:
May 12: Passing of the Baton – (Before the Show) A discussion with emerging BIPOC playwrights about the future of theater.
May 18: BIPOC Day (After the Show) – A conversation about the experiences of BIPOC communities in California, focusing on representation, heritage, and how the arts contribute to shaping visibility and cultural identity.
May 25: Queer Day (1:30 ) – A conversation about bringing visibility to queer narratives within the arts.
With Scenic & Video Design by Salmah Beydoun, Lighting Design by Martha Carter, Sound Design by Levi Manners, Musical Composition by David Gonzalez, Costume Design by Karen Boyer, Casting by Candido Cornejo, Choreography by Joey Navarrete-Medina, Intimacy & Fight Direction by Celina Lee Surniak, Dialect Coaching by Noelle Rodriguez, and Stage Management by Christa Troester.
The play was a finalist for the 2024 Ojai Playwrights Conference.
WARNING: This performance contains strobing lights, nudity, gun shots, blood and sexual content with strong language.
California Story is Part One of Roger Q. Mason’s Califas Trilogy, a trio of genre-obliterating plays about the beauty and the underbelly of ambition in America’s West.
Opening May 2025
