The Palo Alto College Theater Production Group will stage "The Good Person of Setzuan" by Bertolt Brecht and adapted by Tony Kushner on November 11, 12 and 13. This will be the first theater production in the new 46,243-square foot Performing Arts Center, which opened in the fall of 2009.

In this story, the gods are on a mission looking for one good person to save the world. Instead, they find nothing but evil, greed, dishonesty and selfishness in people. They come across a woman and ask her for shelter for the night. Being a good person, she does not turn the gods away.

For this kindness, the gods reward her with gifts. She is so willing to help everyone that the town abuses her hospitality and she eventually finds herself in quite a predicament. This play questions whether a person can be good when the world is so complicated.

This season’s cast and crew is made of 20 members, two of whom are returning members of the theater group. Jessica Green was a part of the PACfest 2010 Theater Production and Drama Major Matt Mora.

Open auditions were held in September. Approximately 30 students and members of the community auditioned for this season’s production. Mask-like makeup and facial hair are used in this production, so multiple roles are taken by some members of the cast. The play will be accompanied by an original composition written by Music Major Jose Marquez.

Director Charles "Chuck" Squier has been a part of the Palo Alto College family for 20 years. He has directed more than 25 plays here, and he is Assistant Professor of Speech and Drama.

"Interest, willingness to try new things and availability are the main requirements for the theater group," said Squier.

Mauro Garza, a local business owner, has been cast as the carpenter in "The Good Person of Setzuan." Being new to the acting scene, Garza took a chance and auditioned with little prior experience.

"I had always looked at [acting] as something I could not do. I’ve always admired people on stage," he said. "I never really thought I could do it. [Being cast] it’s kind of neat. Everyone I know is excited because I am excited."

Putting on a production of any size takes a lot of work. Freshman Theater Major Joseph "Joey" Uriegas knows this first-hand. Uriegas has accepted the role of Stage Manager and Assistant to Professor Squier. Uriegas has been active in theater since his freshman year at South San West Campus High School. His first goal was to join the Army, but after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, his dreams changed. Now, after three years of being in remission, he thanks theater for giving him a broader outlook on life.

"[Being Stage Manager] takes a lot of patience. You have to be driven and want what is best for the play. You’re like an advocate for the actors and director," said Uriegas. "This play is complicated but amazing. Once you’re into it, it’s just ‘Wow!’"

Actors have a heavy workload when it comes to performing. Sophomore Music Major Crystal Hernandez had to overcome some major obstacles with this season’s play. In the middle of a hectic rehearsal schedule, Hernandez spent two weeks in the hospital after coming down with pneumonia. She is now back and better than ever.

"I’ve always wanted to be in entertainment. I’ve wanted to sing; I’ve wanted to act; I’ve wanted to dance; I’ve wanted to do everything," said Hernandez. "Everyone [in the production] is real nice and real cool."

Behind-the-scenes work is where everything really comes together. Sophomore Mexican-American Studies Major Patrick "Pat" Bruno and Freshman Jessica Bustos have been working hard on set designs.

Bruno is part of the Conjunto group at Palo Alto College. When a work-study position opened up, he was grateful to have an opportunity to learn more about stage work.

"Because I am in music, setting up your sound for your performances, light rigging are going to help me in the long run if I decide to pursue a career in music or as a musician," said Bruno.

Bustos has been working closely with Bruno on the sets.

"I wanted to try something new, and I thought maybe if I tried this [working with theater], I could find out my major," said Bustos.

"The Good Person of Setzuan" opens November 11, 2010, with a matinee showing at 2:30 p.m. Evening performances will be Friday, November 12, 2010, and Saturday, November 13, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

If you are interested in theater, please contact Squier by email at csquier@alamo.edu or by phone at (210) 486-3218.