Viva El Paso worthwhile
by Lubella on 8/8/16McKelligon Canyon Theatre - El PasoInteresting dramatization of El Paso's history. A couple characters were difficult to understand though.
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Interesting dramatization of El Paso's history. A couple characters were difficult to understand though.
I have been a supporter for Viva since the 80's taking very large groups to this event..From church groups to business groups always very impressed with the music, singing, acting and costumes ..... and this time I was completely disappointed with the long, long dialogue, the singing and the songs selected were very disappointing, I know many of us come from Mexico but the accents used were so strong, I didnt understand some of the dialogue ( and I speak spanish!)...the story line was completely changed very chaotic....very depressing....I missed the many beautiful dances ...Deer dance, Spanish dances, folklorico dances ....this time it was just a few of minutes of dancing and super long, long , long dialogue....please bring back the pageantry , Color, dances, talent that we once enjoyed and were proud to show off , we love our mountains and the backdrop that MCkelligon canyon ampitheatre provides.....please please bring back the Indian that would shoot the arrow into the mountaing and light up VIVA!!!
I saw the original Viva El Paso and it was wonderful....this was a very poorly done, worse then a highschool production. The script was awful, the birthing scene terrible. I can't tell you about the second half, we left after the first act. Don't bother seeing and after spending $60.00 I would love to get my money back.
I remember going to this event as a child with my family on several occasions. I remember the dancing, it was amazing and seemed to be about 3/4's of the show, and 1/4 dialogue and singing. My husband and I went 3 years ago and the dancing was still good, but seemed to be cut short. We took our kids last Saturday and, besides the dancing and funny gun fights, we were bored. I could go to a theater production and see the same thing. I'm very disappointed. The dialogue was too much and dragged on.
I rarely go to theater. It is a more sophisticated form of entertainment. People forget that and expect a Hollywood production. I was enthralled with the setting, story, and actors. The problem will always lie with the audience which in plays is very important. Without the proper reactions or if the audience lacks that suspension of disbelief, since it is live and the actors will also respond to the audience, a bad audience will hurt the show. Go and experience an El Paso tradition and help this and other possible productions to continue the elevation of culture in this amazing city.
Somethings are better left unchanged. Viva El Paso used to be a great show. Full of energy and a great depiction of El Paso's great history. Now it is a bore with too many fictional characters and events that do not tell the true story of El Paso. In an effort to change the show they lost the substance of the history of El Paso and has too many unnecessary and fictional events, that leaves the audience confused and simply bored. Go back to the previous script please.
I have been living in El Paso now for three years. I had an opportunity to see Viva El Paso for the first time this past June. There have been a lot of statements thrown around about how "its not like it used to be". I have nothing to compare it to because I wasn't here to see how different it has become. This is what change is all about, we are scared of change. What I saw on that stage aside from the historical aspect were students, sons and daughters, young kids who were in fact born and raised in El Paso, pouring their hearts out, giving it all they have, rehearsing in 100 degree weather and above, and all people care about is how "its not what used to be". I couldn't be more proud of both my students and the director. I learned a lot that night both about the city and culture of El Paso and am proud to live in it, and it is because of what I saw that night I would see it again and would recommend it to others. So before you see it and judge it because it is in fact not the same as before please "Be wise as thou art cruel" S 140
We attended Viva El Paso years ago and the venue and show were fabulous. We recently took out-of-town guests to the show and the setting is still beautiful, but we were embarrassed that we subjected our friends to the terrible production! The dancing, singing and acting were amateurish and the story was hard to follow. It was also difficult to understand what the actors were saying. We noticed the low attendance and that others left the show early. So different from the Viva El Paso we saw and enjoyed years ago. What an embarrassment to the City of El Paso!
Wife and I went to the new production of Viva El Paso, this past weekend and it was amazing! I had seen the show before with Hector and Barba, but this show has been by far the best, it represents El Paso the Way it should of been. The History the songs written just for this show WOW! Actors, singers, dancers wow! I had been reading the comments prior to going, and I was reluctant on going but you don't know unless you go see it for yourself. Keith Townsend the new director of Viva El Paso you are doing an amazing job. Im most happy that you decided to add the scene of the company E soldiers from El Paso, THANK YOU! You have no idea how much I appreciated that. I lost a lot of my friends in the military and you continue to recognize and honor our friends and families with your show. A huge Thank you to all staff and crew of this show! Now you can really say VIVA EL PASO!
My wife and other family members had seen the show in the past, and had always told me how excellent it was. I had never seen the show, so I was able to go into it without any preconceptions. Unfortunately, as much as I tried to find something I liked within it, this was an extremely, extremely bad show. I don't know if it was due to low production values, but a great deal of the show was extremely cheap, The acting was terrible, and the songs were even worse . Parent Lee, a large part of the show has been completely changed, and more of this is placed onto the other parts that the public doesn't seem to like either . I don't really blame the actors at all, since I think they're just working with what they have. Hopefully if someone else takes over ( artistic director ), there may be hope for the show in the future. But for now, I highly recommend avoiding this so as not to encourage this type of production again
The older version of Viva El Paso had a very fluid storyline, this new version lacked that.. There were many times when I couldn't figure out what was going on. The Bowie Bears letterman jacket to the Don Haskins interview was neat but did not mesh well. Structure was a major weakness. Most of the actors did not captivate my attention. The dancers did not seem to know where they belonged at times. The mariachis were talking to each other during the play. It just wasn't as strong or solid as it could be. I think with practice and revision of the storyline it could deliver a much more compelling show.
I have seen Viva! El Paso three times now!!! I loved it!!! This show is original, true to El Paso's history and overall FANTASTIC!!! The costumes are so authentic... The Spirit of Fire costume is by far my favorite! The actors/actresses are all so well prepped. The singing was on point and overall a great show!!! Thank you EPCC/Keith Townsend for this fine show.
I've seen Viva through the years, and this year by far has to be my favorite!! The actors, to the dancers, to the singers, are just outstanding! I would definitely recommend watching it at least once.
Viva comes back to El Paso revived and better than ever before! My family and i have been living in the sun city of el paso for more than 10 years and Viva El Paso has always been an event we all enjoy to experience. Truthfully, i had no idea what to expect due to last years disappointment, However, i was blown away by how beautiful the scenery was executed along with bright costumes, excellent choreography and touching story. El Paso should be proud of what these young actors have brought to the city. VIVA EL PASO!
Congratulations to this year's VIVA! EL PASO! on a great show! Our family sees it annually and this past Saturday's performance was the best we've seen in years. With a new script by Mr. Martin that is creative, intelligent and well thought out, a wonderful variety of music and dance, as well as performances that were right at perfect (Acosta & Canales), this year's VIVA is one not to miss!!! While the production has been updated, Mr. Martin was very careful to stick to the tried and true theme of the original VIVA, created by Hector Serrano. This year's cast performance reminded me of the high energy and spirited VIVA of past, but also one that is new and fresh. BRAVO to the cast and crew on a GREAT SHOW!!!! Looking forward to seeing the show in July when I bring my out of town family to the show!!! VIVA! EL PASO!
This past weekend i went to see Viva! with my family and we all absolutely loved it! The show's cast has so much talent and really brings the story to life. The new sets look amazing this year and really added to the atmosphere of the performance. I loved hearing the singing throughout the show. It was second to none! The actors were very believable and were so nice to stop and take pictures with us after the show. The dancing was very fun to watch. It looked like the entire cast was having fun on stage and that made the audience feel it too! I will DEFINITELY be going back to see it. I cant get enough of this year's Viva! El Paso!!
We had one evening in El Paso, and chose to attend this event, as we were looking for some local color. The location is in a beautiful canyon, up in the mountains. When we got there, before the main event, a mariachi band was entertaining guests, and some food vendors were available. The show itself was about the level of what you'd get at a local college. The performers were very earnest, but not overly talented. The story was rather long, with two acts, totaling 2 hours. We stayed for the first act only, as we were tired from the long trip to El Paso and the two hour time change. The weather was threatening as well, with very high winds creating problems. If your expectations aren't too high, it's a nice night out. If you're looking for a professional presentation, this won't be for you.
A few years ago Viva was a guaranteed fun evening for the whole family. You could take the kids, out of town visitors, the whole family. Sadly that's not the case anymore. I saw the "new" Viva on June 25th, and I have to say I was thoroughly disappointed. Everything that was fun and entertaining about the show has been taken away. They used to have cool lighting and special effects, exciting fun music. It used to have a story to tie everything together, even that is gone. Now it's just a bunch of random scenes from history, that by Act 2 don't even follow a chronological order any more. my kids used to be so excited to see the show, they would always love the folklorico dancers in their bright and colorful costumes and exciting dance steps, but this year the kids were begging to leave at intermission. Unless your kids love history lecturers I suggest you find something else to do with the family this summer.
El Paso's history really came to life and wanted more.
I have been in the area for 10 years and have desired to see Viva! El Paso as I had heard it was a sister show to Texas in Palo Duro Canyon. I finally had the opportunity during opening week and I was disappointed. In particular I had issues with the singing. There was one or two good singers, but many were flat and some screeched. I literally cringed at times as bad notes were hit. I think if the singing had been better, I would have been able to enjoy it better. I hope to return to McKelligon Canyon as it is a beautiful place, but I don't see myself returning to the show.