A new family show sensation has been catching fire across the nation, and it’s called “Sugar Skull.”
If you’ve been interested in Mexican culture at all, listen up because this show is a complete immersive experience for the entire family.
Sugar Skull is musical adventure that’s about the story of a first generation Mexican-American kid who learns the true meaning of Dia de los Muertos. Throughout the story, the main character discovers the importance of family traditions and comes to embrace her cultural identity.
Having taken audiences by storm in its initial debut, the team behind this musical decided to take the project to Kickstarter to help bring Sugar Skull nationwide across 30 cities.
Featuring Culturally Authentic Storytelling
This musical is a different take on a traditional Mexican holiday. It combines fun, storytelling, and education into one memorable experience for the entire family.
Not only are children entertained throughout the program, but they also gain valuable insight into a new culture through the lens of Vita Flores, the main character.
“Now more than ever it is important to share stories that celebrate our diversity and the beauty of other cultures rather than perpetuate negative stereotypes that divide us,” says Peter Bogdanos, the project founder and head of Mexico Beyond Mariachi.
Vita Flores is a Mexican-American kid from Queens, NY who fails to understand the significance of Día de los Muertos. She doesn’t see why it’s important to celebrate the dead.
However, when a candy skeleton on her abuelita’s cemetery ofrenda suddenly springs to life, Vita finds herself on a magical, musical journey to unravel the true meaning of the holiday.
Throughout the story, Vita brings you through a heartfelt adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You’ll follow along as Vita experiences a journey of self-discovery, as well as wrestle with difficult emotions like childhood grief and loss.
“Sugar Skull educates as much as it entertains, creating conversations about what we all have in common,” says Bogdanos. “When audiences walk away from the theatre, they will know more about the holiday and the people living in their community”
Now, the team has taken the project to Kickstarter to further expand the scope of their production. The campaign will help to improve the existing costumes and bring the musical to 30 cities (and counting).
Bringing Sugar Skull Nationwide
Sugar Skull has already been met with critical acclaim with its first inaugural two week 9 city tour in the fall of 2018.
After a successful opening run in 2018, the team is now working for an even bigger tour this upcoming Fall of 2019. With such unprecedented and quick growth of the musical, there needs to be a revamp of sets, costumes, contracts, etc.
You can learn a bit more about that here.
The Kickstarter campaign will be used to improve the entire production so that it’s a truly magical experience for the entire family.
It will also go towards the costs needed to properly rehearse the production, ensuring a completely professional delivery each time.
By supporting this project on Kickstarter, backers will be bringing authentic and entertaining storytelling to life.
In exchanging for pledging to this project, Backers can get access to a variety of rewards including a Mexico Beyond Mariachi T-shirt, Limited Edition Sugar Skull Hoodie, as well as get the opportunity to preview the show during the rehearsal process.
Backers on Kickstarter can also get the opportunity to join in on a Mexican Fandango party with music, food, dance. Members of the cast will teach you basic dance steps, songs, and how to participate!
Music, Dance, and Celebration
Sugar Skull is aimed at bringing music, dance, and celebration to your city. The live music and dance originates from a blend of indigenous, African, and European traditions that, like a Diego Rivera mural, weave the story of the Mexican experience.
Each stop on Sugar Skull and Vita’s journey take them deeper into an authentic experience that leaves everyone’s perception of the holiday and the culture forever changed.
By joining this project, you’ll be helping to spread awareness of Mexican culture as well as expose kids to a positive and empowering story that will help them understand important values like family, tradition, and friendship.
Mexico Beyond Mariachi has a 15 year history as one of the leading arts-in-education providers of regional Mexican music and dance in the NYC tri-state area, providing in school performances, residencies, workshops and more to approximately 50,000 school children each year.
Through live music, dance, and storytelling, they immerse audiences in the magical realism that is ever present in Mexican culture, igniting their imagination, leaving them with an enhanced awareness of our global community.
To get started, you can click this link to become a backer or learn more about Sugar Skull and Mexico Beyond Mariachi. There are only 30 days left to get in on the project, so make sure you claim your rewards fast.
